Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Katherine Harris Loses Another Staffer
Another one bites the dust.
Yet another Katherine Harris staffer has left the campaign. This time it's the political director, whom Harris blamed for the tiny turnout at a recent rally.
Harris initially said the low turnout was because a tree fell on the airplane hangar they were planning to use, but that lie was exposed by airport officials who said no trees had fallen and that Harris was using the hangar she originally booked.
Not surprisingly, her campaign is going no where.
But she does look good on that horse, doesn't she?
Monday, August 21, 2006
Dems Add Western Caucus and Southern Primary
The Democratic National Committee is preserving the first-in-the-nation status of the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, but is adding a caucus in Nevada and a primary in South Carolina to broaden nationwide participation in the presidential nomination process.
The increased focus on Nevada and South Carolina will result in increased media coverage not only in those states but also in the surrounding state's media, providing opportunities for exposure in North Carolina, Georgia, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.
Broadening Democratic exposure beyond Iowa and New Hampshire is a good thing for the party in my view.
Any thoughts?
The increased focus on Nevada and South Carolina will result in increased media coverage not only in those states but also in the surrounding state's media, providing opportunities for exposure in North Carolina, Georgia, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and Oregon.
Broadening Democratic exposure beyond Iowa and New Hampshire is a good thing for the party in my view.
Any thoughts?
New CNN Poll: 54% Say Bush Is Not Honest
The latest CNN poll shows that 54% of Americans believe Bush is not honest.
How much more evidence does the other 46% need?
How much more evidence does the other 46% need?
Friday, August 18, 2006
Bush Doesn't Deserve to Sit on a Harley
Trying to shore up his sagging ratings, Bush went to what he thought would be a friendly place -- the Harley-Davidson factory in York, Pennsylvania.
But as you can see from the face of the roll test operator, not everyone was so happy to see him.
I ride a Harley. My Harley was made in that factory.
I resent Harley-Davidson being used as a photo op prop.
Bush doesn't deserve to sit on a Harley. It won't make him cool.
New Virginia Poll: Sen. Allen's Remarks "Inappropriate"
67% of participants in a Roanoke, Virginia TV station poll said the racist remarks by Republican Senator George Allen were "inappropriate."
61% of those participants think his racist remarks will hurt his bid for the Presidency.
Keep in mind these were Southwest Virginia residents in this poll. They normally vote solidly Republican in the Roanoke area.
61% of those participants think his racist remarks will hurt his bid for the Presidency.
Keep in mind these were Southwest Virginia residents in this poll. They normally vote solidly Republican in the Roanoke area.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Impact of Sen. Allen's Racist Remarks Growing
Virginia Republican Senator George Allen's racist roots are the talk of the town.
As everybody knows, Allen referred to a campaign worker from his opponent Jim Webb's staff as "Macaca" and singled him out for ridicule at a recent all-white campaign stop in rural southwest Virginia. The staffer, an American of Indian descent, was the only non-white face in the crowd.
Allen's campaign staff initially said he had nothing to apologize for, but now Allen is in full damage control mode.
Allen has a history of racial insensitivity, shall we say. He has had an affection for confederate flags, for example. Note the New Republic story and the followup.
The racist comments may actually help him in rural southwest Virginia. But his comments may have a negative impact in other parts of the state, particularly northern Virginia.
We'll have to wait and see what impact this will have on his Presidential ambitions.
As everybody knows, Allen referred to a campaign worker from his opponent Jim Webb's staff as "Macaca" and singled him out for ridicule at a recent all-white campaign stop in rural southwest Virginia. The staffer, an American of Indian descent, was the only non-white face in the crowd.
Allen's campaign staff initially said he had nothing to apologize for, but now Allen is in full damage control mode.
Allen has a history of racial insensitivity, shall we say. He has had an affection for confederate flags, for example. Note the New Republic story and the followup.
The racist comments may actually help him in rural southwest Virginia. But his comments may have a negative impact in other parts of the state, particularly northern Virginia.
We'll have to wait and see what impact this will have on his Presidential ambitions.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Is Bush Backing Lieberman Over the Republican Candidate?
White House press secretary Tony Snow refused to say today whether Bush is backing Joe Lieberman or the Republican candidate. TPMCafe has the details.
It was widely reported that Karl Rove called Joe Lieberman on Tuesday night following the primary. Obviously, Rove, Bush and Cheney would prefer to have Lieberman in office.
It was widely reported that Karl Rove called Joe Lieberman on Tuesday night following the primary. Obviously, Rove, Bush and Cheney would prefer to have Lieberman in office.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
CNN Poll: Control of Congress Could Change
Most Americans believe the GOP-controlled Congress has been a failure and say they plan to vote for Democrats in November, according to a poll released Wednesday.
America deserves better than the Republican-controlled government we have now. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities.
America deserves better than the Republican-controlled government we have now. Let's work to restore Democratic majorities.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Leading Democrats Lining Up with Lamont
Leading Democrats around the country are lining up with Connecticut Democratic nominee for Senate Ned Lamont following his victory in the primary over Sen. Joe Lieberman.
As I said earlier, if Joe goes quietly, he will retain his legacy and will be seen as a statesman.
But if he runs as an Independent -- telling the voters of Connecticut they were wrong to vote him down in the primary -- he will always be seen as a whiney sore loser.
- John Kerry issued a press statement in support of Lamont.
- Democratic Leader Harry Reid and DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer issued a statement in support of Lamont
- C&L reports that Hillary Clinton is following through on her promise.
As I said earlier, if Joe goes quietly, he will retain his legacy and will be seen as a statesman.
But if he runs as an Independent -- telling the voters of Connecticut they were wrong to vote him down in the primary -- he will always be seen as a whiney sore loser.
Lieberman Should Go Quitely
The people of Connecticut have spoken. Sen. Lieberman has lost.
But his ego won't let him accept that and move on.
Now, since he will not be the Democratic Party nominee in the November election, he is planning to run as an independent and try to get elected that way.
What a slap in the face to the people of Connecticut.
And what a slap in the face to the leading Democrats across the country -- Bill Clinton, for example -- who endorsed him and helped him raise money. He now will use that money against the Democratic Party and for his own ego.
I know it is tough to accept defeat. But Joe needs to do it and move forward.
If he bows out gracefully, he will retain his legacy as a statesman. But if he continues to be a sore loser, he may always be thought of that way.
But his ego won't let him accept that and move on.
Now, since he will not be the Democratic Party nominee in the November election, he is planning to run as an independent and try to get elected that way.
What a slap in the face to the people of Connecticut.
And what a slap in the face to the leading Democrats across the country -- Bill Clinton, for example -- who endorsed him and helped him raise money. He now will use that money against the Democratic Party and for his own ego.
I know it is tough to accept defeat. But Joe needs to do it and move forward.
If he bows out gracefully, he will retain his legacy as a statesman. But if he continues to be a sore loser, he may always be thought of that way.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Na, Na, Na, Na; Ney, Ney, Ney; Good Bye
Republican Rep. Bob Ney is dropping his bid for re-election.
Ney's bid has been in trouble ever since Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff reached a plea deal in which Abramoff admitted to bribing "Representative #1," who turned out to be Ney.
Ney promised to carry on, but after fellow Republican Rep. John Boehner, who took over as House Majority Leader when Tom DeLay quit Congress, told him that if he didn't quit and ended up losing, he would not be able to enjoy a lucrative career as a lobbyist. With kids in college, Ney took the bait and quit the re-election race.
I wonder which lobbying firm will hire "Representative #1."
And, as it turns out, Ney's hand-picked successor may not make it to the ballot because of a state law that prevents primary losers from running for other offices during the same election cycle.
Ney's bid has been in trouble ever since Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff reached a plea deal in which Abramoff admitted to bribing "Representative #1," who turned out to be Ney.
Ney promised to carry on, but after fellow Republican Rep. John Boehner, who took over as House Majority Leader when Tom DeLay quit Congress, told him that if he didn't quit and ended up losing, he would not be able to enjoy a lucrative career as a lobbyist. With kids in college, Ney took the bait and quit the re-election race.
I wonder which lobbying firm will hire "Representative #1."
And, as it turns out, Ney's hand-picked successor may not make it to the ballot because of a state law that prevents primary losers from running for other offices during the same election cycle.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Katherine Harris Hid Her Subpoena According to Aide
Republican Rep. Katherine Harris received a grand jury subpoena from federal investigators, but kept it secret from her campaign staff, according to her former campaign manager.
The US Department of Justice is investigating Harris in connection with her dealings with a defense contractor who has admitted to bribing Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham, who is now in jail.
She is fighting a losing battle to unseat Sen. Bill Nelson. Since she is no longer Florida's Secretary of State and cannot certify who wins an election, it will be impossible for her to win this one. She already is down substantially in all the polls, and news like hiding her subpoena from her staff keeps coming out.
The only question at this point is how big Sen. Nelson's winning percentage will be.
The US Department of Justice is investigating Harris in connection with her dealings with a defense contractor who has admitted to bribing Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham, who is now in jail.
She is fighting a losing battle to unseat Sen. Bill Nelson. Since she is no longer Florida's Secretary of State and cannot certify who wins an election, it will be impossible for her to win this one. She already is down substantially in all the polls, and news like hiding her subpoena from her staff keeps coming out.
The only question at this point is how big Sen. Nelson's winning percentage will be.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Katherine Harris Keeps Fighting Losing Battle for Senate
Her own Florida Republican Party begged her not to run and said they would not support her.
Her good buddy Jeb Bush said she couldn't win.
She is down by double digits in all the polls.
Questions are being asked about her taking illegal campaign contributions from a defense contractor who pleaded guilty to bribing another Member of Congress, Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham.
But Katherine Harris still insists she is going to be elected Senator in November. She's not in charge of the vote count this time, so getting elected will be quite a challenge.
