The American Spectator : The Running of the Bulls: Is Harry Reid the Next Scott Lucas?

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The Running of the Bulls: Is Harry Reid the Next Scott Lucas?

By Jeffrey Lord on 2.9.10 @ 6:09AM

The fourth Majority Leader to face the political sword reserved for Senate's Old Bulls?

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Here's but a small list of famous and powerful Old Bull United States Senators who suddenly realized that the political sword had just extinguished their senatorial careers.

• Senate Majority Leader Scott Lucas in 1950 -- An Illinois Democrat, a potential presidential candidate if President Harry Truman declined a third term in 1952, as 1950 dawned Lucas was presumed unbeatable. His opponent: a little-known Republican Congressman from downstate Pekin named Everett Dirksen. But something began going wrong for this Old Bull. By May, Lucas was struggling. The Truman White House was so alarmed they set up a three-day rally for national Democrats in Chicago, calling it the "National Democratic Conference and Jefferson Jubilee." The objective: to tout the Truman "Fair Deal" program and map out a strategy for Democrats in Congress. President Truman himself would attend to make his case -- and not so coincidentally, help focus the presidential spotlight on Illinois Senator Lucas, the Senate Majority Leader. The Old Bull was invited to a much-ballyhooed lunch in Truman's hotel suite. He was on the podium to speak. When Truman took the podium, the President -- a former Senate Old Bull himself -- went out of his way to spend time in his speech praising the "fine work" of Lucas as a great Senate leader who was "responsible for guiding our program through the Senate." A few days later, Lucas took to national radio to scorch Truman's critics as a thank-you to the President. By October, Lucas was changing his tune, defecting from Truman's call for -- wait for it -- national health insurance. It was too little, too late. Dirksen pulled an upset -- and the once invincible Scott Lucas was out for good, the political sword swiftly ending his Senate career and onetime presidential hopes.

• Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland in 1952 -- Senator McFarland of Arizona replaced Scott Lucas as the Democrats' Senate Majority Leader in a classic case of the new Old Bull is the same as the last Old Bull. He was popular in Arizona for using his considerable Old Bull power to get a $700 million Central Arizona Irrigation and Power Project through the Senate (if not the House). Like his predecessor, as the Senate leader he too was thought of as an invincible powerhouse, an Old Bull with lots of clout. McFarland's opponent was an unknown Phoenix city councilman dismissed in a sentence by the New York Times as "Barry Goldwater, a wealthy Phoenix department store owner and civic leader." The press assumed McFarland a winner. Why not? Forgetting Lucas's fate, they believed Old Bulls who are also Senate Majority Leader can't lose. They were wrong, making the Arizonan the second Senate Majority Leader in two years (Harry Reid, take note) to lose his re-election bid.

• Senate President Pro Tem Kenneth McKellar in 1952 -- A Tennessee Democrat first elected to the House in 1910, followed by election to his first Senate term in 1916, McKellar was by 1952 the ultimate Washington Old Bull. Not only was he a fixture on the political landscape, as Senate President Pro Tem he was officially third in line for the White House after the vice president and Speaker of the House. Yet his challenger in a Democratic primary (in 1952, there was no effective statewide GOP in Tennessee) persisted. In a huge upset the challenger won. His name: Congressman Albert Gore -- father of today's Al Gore.

• Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee J. William Fulbright in 1974 -- Fulbright, a 30-year Arkansas Senate veteran in 1974 (who had as an intern a young Bill Clinton), was internationally famous as the folksy yet caustic Old Bull critic of first Lyndon Johnson and then Richard Nixon's Vietnam policy. A signer with other Old Bulls of the so-called "Southern Manifesto" that sought to preserve segregation, a former president of the University of Arkansas and a Congressman, Fulbright (and wife Betty) epitomized the Old Bull Senator as liberal institution. Seeing an opening no one else saw, Governor Dale Bumpers, in office barely four years and a little-known lawyer until his surprise defeat of ex-Governor Orval Faubus in 1970, stunned liberals by challenging Fulbright -- and beating him in a primary. Fulbright and his supporters both in Arkansas and Washington, not to mention the media, never saw it coming, with Fulbright confessing election night that he was "shocked."

The list of Senate Old Bulls speared unexpectedly goes on…and on. Florida Democrat Senator Claude Pepper of Florida, famous as a champion of Social Security and ally of FDR, the "Red Pepper" as his enemies nicknamed him, was upended in a 1950 primary by George Smathers, who won the seat. (Truman, who couldn't stand Pepper, inserted himself on this one and successfully backed Smathers. Pepper lived to fight again, returning in the 1960s as a Congressman and becoming -- yes -- an Old Bull of the House.) Then there was Senate Labor Committee Chairman Elbert Thomas of Utah, a Democrat Old Bull who lost his seat to Republican Wallace Bennett, father of today's Senator Robert Bennett, in a 1950 upset that stunned both Thomas and his Old Bull allies in Washington -- organized labor.

Perhaps the most famous upset of 1952 was of a Republican Old Bull, the still youthful Henry Cabot Lodge. Like his famous namesake Old Bull grandfather who had similarly served as Senator from Massachusetts and defeated Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations, the younger Lodge was a considerable Senate powerhouse. A prime mover in the drive to nominate and elect Dwight Eisenhower over fellow GOP Old Bull Senator Robert Taft, Lodge was blindsided by a young Democrat who was the grandson of the elder Lodge's defeated 1916 opponent. The congressman grandson of Boston Mayor John "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald came from nowhere to put the sword to Lodge's Senate career, introducing John F. Kennedy to the U.S. Senate -- in the seat now held by Scott Brown.

The relevance of this? History is always relevant. And in this case, it teaches that there is no one out there in the United States Senate who is "unbeatable." In fact, Old Bulls -- the Senate powerhouses thought to be politically invulnerable in their home state political bullrings -- are all too frequently the most vulnerable of all. In 1980 one longtime Senate Old Bull after another fell by the wayside in the Reagan landslide. Washington pillars Birch Bayh of Indiana gave way to challenger Dan Quayle, Idaho's Frank Church (chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee) was upset by young GOP Congressman Steve Symms, Georgia's real Old Bull Herman Talmadge lost to an unknown Mack Mattingly. Liberal icon and 1972 presidential nominee Senator George McGovern was upset by Congressman Jim Abdnor. Washington State's Warren Magnuson, the powerful Old Bull chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, went under in an upset by state attorney general Slade Gorton.

In one election year after another, whether its 1942 or 1950 or 1952 or 1966, Old Bulls kept getting the sword. In 1966 the legendary liberal Paul Douglas of Illinois was upset by a young Republican Charles Percy…who was in turn upset by underdog Democrat Congressman Paul Simon 18 years later in 1984 while -- yes -- serving as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (J. William Fulbright's and Frank Church's old job). Pick an election year -- almost any election year -- whether 1980 or the year Democrats seem to be fixated on -- 1994 -- and it will be seen that upsets of Senate Old Bulls are as regular as stampedes in Pamplona.

In 2010, the polls are already telegraphing this old story afresh.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the Scott Lucas and Ernest McFarland (and yet another defeated Democratic Senate Majority Leader, South Dakotan Tom Daschle) of 2010, is trailing all of his prospective GOP opponents in Nevada. Just as Lucas tried to recover by frantically pushing the Truman agenda, so too is Reid out front for President Obama. While Lucas backed off his support of Truman's health care reform at the end of his campaign -- too little too late -- Harry Reid seems determined to cling to ObamaCare even as the Nevada political sword glistens in the hands of opponents.

So too out there this year are the Old Bulls of today, the Norrises, McKellars, Fulbrights, Lodges, Douglases and Magnusons, in 2010 bearing names like Specter, Boxer, Lincoln, and Patty Murray. And yes -- the name of New York's Chuck Schumer.

The latest Franklin and Marshall poll in Pennsylvania has Specter trailing Republican Pat Toomey (the man South Carolina's Lindsey Graham once assured Fox viewers was a loser) by 14 points. Arkansas's Blanche Lincoln is trailing GOP Congressman John Boozman by 23 points. In California, Barbara Boxer is unexpectedly losing ground to Carly Fiorina, holding a statistically insignificant lead of a mere three points (46%-43%) according to the latest California Rasmussen poll, while slipping against the two other potential GOP contenders as well. In Washington State, a new poll has longtime Democratic incumbent Patty Murray trailing GOPer Dino Rossi 45% -43%. In tantalizing news to New York Republicans, Old Bull Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer finds himself slipping in the polls as he enters the New York bullring.

And so on.

Can powerful Senate Old Bulls like Harry Reid be beaten? A Specter, a Boxer, even a Schumer? Yes. House Old Bulls too. Can enough Democrats fall by the wayside to turn the Senate over to the GOP? Yes. In fact, what seems to be happening to the Old Bulls of 2010 happens all the time.

It's something that Old Bull Harry Reid may be pondering the next time he walks through the Capitol Hill landmark named for Senate Majority Leader Scott Lucas's unknown but ultimately successful 1950 opponent.

That would be the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Page: < 12

topics:
U.S. Senate Races 2010, Everett Dirksen, George Norris

About the Author

Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (34) | Leave a comment

brewpop| 2.9.10 @ 6:49AM

Great article! Time to turn 'em all out and take back our government.

rick| 2.10.10 @ 1:09AM

It's interesting that here in Arizona, my family and I will not be voting for John McCain in the Republican primary. I am done with the RINO's as well.

Richard Baker| 2.9.10 @ 7:10AM

Let's be rid of the entire sorry group.

The Clintidote| 3.2.10 @ 11:58PM

I'd be content to be rid of that dumbass Patty Murray - considered by Capitol Hill aides to be one of the three dumbest fools on the Hill, along with Babs Boxer and Patches Kennedy.

She's a colossal, titanic idiot.

Melvin| 2.9.10 @ 7:53AM

Calling Harry Reid an, "Old Bull" is giving him way too much credit. It is more akin to, "Herding Cats."
What is Harry Reid have to worry about if he gets voted out of office?
He mad his money on real estate deals that he turned into a nice fat profit by making the land more valuable by passing legislation that used tax payer money to make the once worthless desert into prime top dollar real estate.
If anything the sly fox needs to be investigate by the ethics committee or here is a funny one, the US Attorney General.

Otis, my man!| 2.9.10 @ 7:57AM

Unfortunately, the thing that strikes me about this article is the people threw out a powerful Liberal 68 years ago and the situation has not improved since.

RAMIII| 2.9.10 @ 12:43PM

Hear! Hear!

MTB| 2.9.10 @ 8:55PM

Absolutely right, Otis. In my opinion it is because the libs are so very effective at lying and making promises they kn0w they aren't going to or can't keep. They have no conscience. They have no shame. And for some reason, many of our fellow citizens (or non-citizens?) believe them and vote them in (if/when the elections are honest).

The Bishop| 2.9.10 @ 9:02AM

A very good and thoughtful article. One correction though. Dale Bumpers defeated Republican Winthrop Rockefeller for the Arkansas governorship in 1970. I was a dish washer in college at the Holiday Inn in Searcy, Arkansas and had to clean up after a Dale Bumpers fund raiser that year. (That's where I learned to hate cigarettes stubbed out in catsup.) Orval Faubus was replaced by Rockefeller.

The Bishop| 2.9.10 @ 9:06AM

Correction to the correction: Bumpers defeated Faubus in the Democratic primary in 1970. My bad.

Michigander| 2.9.10 @ 9:29AM

My sister in Nevada tells me that Harry Reid is a non-starter in his next re-election bid, they're done with him and it's about time.

I replied that Michiganders are rapidly reaching the same decision with Carl Levin. His "follow Pelosi no matter what" has worn thin in the state with the highest unemployment and nearly the highest taxes. His latest faux pas, the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell", has no support with Michiganders, and is just another example of the prevailing "you don't know what's good for you" attitude . His "days in the china shop" are rapidly winding down, and we'll be better off without him.

WR Tolkas| 2.9.10 @ 10:49AM

Dear Michigander,

If only what you wrote comes true. Levin is a sorry piece of work. Stabenow should be next. I write both of them at least twice or thrice a month. I know this is a waste of ink; however they have been warned that the few working people left in Michigan are very, very angry.

Oh they'll get the union vote - buss loads of brain damaged union members zombie like following the single order from the union boss driver: "Pull that democrat lever and don't think about it. And here are your pack of smokes for a job well done."

Luckily the number of brain dead union members is dying off.

I'm living on the west side of the state.

By the way, the company I work for is going strong. And blessedly, there is no union.

Best regards,

WRTolkas

DG in GA| 2.9.10 @ 11:53AM

As a former Michigander I want to cry when I see what the Dems and the unions have done to that great state. I've lived in the Detroit area AND in Western Michigan. Y'all need to get Pete Hoekstra into the Governor's office, and get Levin and that idiot Stabenow OUT!

jd| 2.9.10 @ 7:59PM

Levin and StabeCOW will get re-elected because Michigan has turned into such a reliable liberal Democrat, union state. I would love for people in this once great state to wake up but what happens is they just leave the state. Eight years of GranMOLE as governor has put the nail in the coffin for this state.

MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:00PM

I'm not from Michigan, but I'll bet you're right jd. They are going to lie and make promises and persuade Michiganders to give them another chance because they "feel their pain," and will work hard to make things better for them. They will also remind Michiganders that their current situation is Bush's fault and that they just need more time to overturn his (Bush's) bad politics. And like lemmings, the majority (no offense Michigander) of them will believe them and put them right back in office, where they will claim a mandate for more social policies which will continue to bring America, including Michigan, perhaps even especially Michigan, down.

Anthony| 2.9.10 @ 9:30AM

Careful Mr. Lord, you might get an email from Boxer demanding that you not refer to her as an "old bull" but rather SENATOR Boxer, as she worked so damn hard to earn the title.
This whole crop of professional political hacks are toast. It will be a pleasure to watch them fall in November, should have happened years ago.
Unfortunately, we voters wait way too long to do the right thing, thus allowing way too many old bulls to die in office, like Jack Murtha.What will happen now to that private airport he was building for himself with stimulus money?

bob alou| 2.9.10 @ 11:47AM

I would think that Boxer would rather be mis- labeled an "old bull" than the more appropriate "old cow" that she really is.

Louis Jenkins| 2.9.10 @ 9:47AM

So when do we fire up the grill? I know the meat will be tough, but does anyone care for a steak? It is due time that these Old Bulls and Cows be put to pasture, or on the table. In all seriousness, we won't be rid of all of them, but maybe just enough.

MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:01PM

I'll take mine medium rare, please.

Eric Cartman| 2.9.10 @ 9:55AM

By all means, lets get rid of Reid and all the Liberals in congress. And replace them with? Republicans who simply want to drive slowed off the cliff? There has to be a change in the way many Americans think - the basic premise of the welfare society and notions of government as benevolent Santa with magical cure dust. I am not holding my breath.

Eric Rasmusen| 2.9.10 @ 10:00AM

Great article. I like it when journalists actually give us some facts as well as analysis. That's Michael Barone's secret. Usually that means the analysis is a lot better too.
As a mere commentor, tho, I'll just add some analysis. Vulnerable, junior, senators are protected by their seniors from taking electorally risky stances. One of the obligations of the majority leader, tho, is to step out on limbs. More armor, more combat. Thus, the probability of re-election gets evened out.

Bill| 2.9.10 @ 10:03AM

Michigander..... don't for get Carl's counter part Deb. I do like to send her weekly e-mails to reminder who she works for but I think they fall on deaf staff ears. I do not think she has ever read a bill or even the pesky little documents called the United States Constitution or the Bill of Rights. I think these people need to past a qualification test.
Time for term limits, time for a limitation in spending based on a percent of GDP and time to get rid of ear marks attached to major legislation. So much to do and so many people in congress who are out of touch and have lost their way.

Margie| 2.9.10 @ 10:37AM

Harry Reid will be run out of town on a horn.

Dean| 2.9.10 @ 12:26PM

I was gratified to read the comments from fellow Michiganians of their disdain for Levin and Stabenow. Our two senators are not worth their weight in Spam---and in Stabenow's case, that is a hell of a lot of Spam!

JimP| 2.9.10 @ 12:55PM

Thanks, Jeff. This was great and funny and apparently propehtic.

Joe Baxley| 2.9.10 @ 1:22PM

Do you think David Gergen would like to take back that comment about Scott Brown running for "Ted Kenedy's" seat? Would you like to guess how much that comment helped elect Scott Brown?

Anthony| 2.9.10 @ 2:21PM

I agree, prissy David Rodham Gergen's comment did wonders for Mr. Brown. Thanks Mr. CNN. Hope this pompus fool makes a similar comment about the Murtha seat in PA.

Roger Ross| 2.9.10 @ 8:23PM

Another Old Bull, older than most, more powerful than most? David Obey, FINALLY, after almost throwing him out in 94, 2010 is going to be the year. I can't wait, 42 years too long. Can Russ not so Fein-gold be considered an Old Bull after just 18 years?

MTB| 2.9.10 @ 9:08PM

Is Harry Reid the next Scott Lucas? Let's hope so. Him and the others mentioned in this article, and I'd especially like to see Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, Charles Rangle (sp?), and Nancy Pelosi given the boot and never, ever heard from again. What a bunch of classless, do-nothing losers!

Bruce| 2.9.10 @ 10:28PM

I should also be noted here that there are a number of "Republican" Old Bulls who should also get the horns in the coming elections. There are a few who have yet to learn that We The People and the Tea Party supporters are SERIOUS when we talk about conservative principles of less government intrusion into our lives and responsible and sound fiscal policies. They deny it at their peril.

AMBRO| 2.9.10 @ 10:38PM

Let's face it, this opportunity is the Stoopid Party's to lose. The traditional Rockefeller wing of the Party and their allied interests have since the '30's felt far more comfortable managing the excesses of the Left's programs than in fighting to establish a more conservative agenda; witness the attempts to derail Goldwater, Bush I the originator of "voodoo economics, Bush II's contempt for those opposed to illegal immigration, etcetcetc.
Conservatives have placed themselves in the position of staving off attacks from the Left and being puzzled by more insidious assaults from within their own party.

Mark| 2.21.10 @ 5:19PM

Your blog ranks highly for the Running of the Bulls... we're raising money for economic development in Latin America with a fundraiser renting balconies in Pamplona. Would you consider a link-trade out? Appreciate your help in our fundraiser (100% of the proceeds go to a 501(c)3 organization).