The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

Rove and the White House have to be wondering what kind of nightmare they are in. Just six months ago, it appeared the Republicans were on their way to seriously challenging for a takeover of the Senate, a hold in the House, and a sweep in statehouses in states like California and Texas. But across the country, moderate to liberal White House-handpicked Republicans are getting knocked around by more conservative candidates. Tennessee is but the latest in a potentially devastating trend.

"If Bryant beats Alexander, then it's a bit of a tougher race than Republicans wanted," says a well-known Republican pollster. "It's one more state to worry about. Instead of spending more and knocking off a really weak Democrat like Paul Wellstone in Minnesota, they're going to use some of that money just to hold Tennessee."

To be sure, such worries may be premature. When everything is said and done, Alexander is still expected to win the primary.

p> WING NUT br> Since Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Janet Reno can't get the president she worked and covered for to campaign for her, she's turned to someone who plays a president on TV. "West Wing" chief executive Martin Sheen has agreed to appear for Reno at several fundraisers and rallies in Florida over the next few weeks. Sheen has built a cottage industry out of playing president to Democratic and left-wing groups around the country. And unlike the former President Clinton, Sheen doesn't require that all of his expenses be paid for. But is the role he plays on TV merging into real life? /p>

"He [Sheen] really seems to think on some level he is a president," says a Reno staffer in Miami. "He won't step to the microphone with 'Hail to the Chief' playing in the background like we wanted to do, but he does seem to relish the moment."

Although Sheen, in press interviews, has criticized Republicans as zealously as any Democrat on Capitol Hill, he has also modestly dismissed the notion that he views himself as presidential timber. But then, how many actors are introduced to adoring crowds as "the people's president," as Sheen will be in Florida?

"It's sad that the relationship between Ms. Reno and Mr. Clinton has become so strained. We could really use his help, and Reno has always credited the president for bringing her to this point in her life," says the volunteer. "Perhaps when he sees what Sheen can do for us, he'll want to hop on our bandwagon."

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