The American Spectator

Washington Prowler

(Page 2 of 2)

br> One volunteer, perhaps a bit overzealous in her support for her candidate, thinks the unfolding tragedy in the Washington, D.C. suburbs will help, not hurt, her candidate's chances on November 5. /p>

While canvassing in Bethesda, a volunteer for Democratic House candidate Chris Van Hollen was overheard telling supporters that her man would win because Democrats in Montgomery County, Maryland, are more dedicated and focused on winning than the supporters of liberal Republican Rep. Connie Morella.

"She was saying that Democrats wouldn't be scared of a sniper, that they'd be out there campaigning no matter what. That turnout would help Van Hollen. It was disgusting. Her comments were made lightheartedly, but when you're campaigning for a guy who's big on gun control, how can you say you're banking on a crazed sniper to win?" said a Chevy Chase, Maryland resident.

The Morella-Van Hollen race is one of the tightest and most pivotal House races in the country. Van Hollen has already been slammed for using campaign materials that made it look as if he at one time had appeared on the cover of Time magazine. And quietly, supporters of fellow Democrat Mark Shriver, who lost to Van Hollen in the primary, have been pushing an anti-Van Hollen campaign. Polls indicate the race is too close to call.

p>A paid staffer for Van Hollen doubted the story. "I can't believe one of our people would utter such a thing. I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't a dirty trick by Morella or even Shriver's people. We'd never seek to take advantage of this nightmare. It's just offensive." br> /p>

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