The American Spectator

New Hampshire Democrats have wasted no time pouncing on outgoing Attorney General and all-but-certain U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Ayotte with a web ad attempting to link her resignation to Sarah Palin’s recent Fourth of July debacle, thrashing Ayotte for apparently going back on a promise to Democratic Governor John Lynch not to run for political office until her term was up. But, as the Union Leader’s John DiStaso notes, Ayotte has more company in that particular clubhouse than Palin:

Republicans pointed out that in June 2003, Lynch, who was then the chairman of the state university system board of trustees, told the Union Leader, “I decided that I’d like to continue my commitment to the university system and higher public education. When I think about how I want to invest my time in public service over the next few years, that is what I would like to do.” Lynch ran for governor in 2004 and was elected. Former Gov. Craig Benson said at the time that when he had re-appointed Lynch as a trustee, “He promised he wouldn’t run for political office.”

Republicans also noted that Obama, the day after being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, told the Chicago Sun-Times, “I was elected yesterday. I have never set foot in the U.S. Senate. I’ve never worked in Washington. And the notion that somehow I’m immediately going to start running for higher office just doesn’t make sense.” Obama continued, “So look, I can unequivocally say I will not be running for national office in four years, and my entire focus is making sure that I’m the best possible senator on behalf of the people of Illinois.”

See New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley lamely work to explain why what’s good for the Democratic goose is shameful for the Republican gander in the comments section of this Drew Cline post. 

I know, I know. Obama and Lynch were forced to change their minds to ensure the oceans stop rising, the celestial choruses can finally get NEA grants to sing, give sight to the blind, allow Hugo Chavez to rant about something other than the American devils on Alo Presidente and usher in the thousand year utopian reign, while Ayotte is clearly leaving her post to snuff out all remaining embers of goodness and hope Father Obama alone is keeping alight with his blessed breath. But It still seems a wee bit hypocritical.