The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza
calls it a "bad week for House Republicans" because two
Republicans from Democratic-leaning districts (Mark Kirk of
Illinois and Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania) have decided to run for
statewide office and a third (Mike Castle of Delaware) is thought
to be close to doing so. Throw in the Cao seat in Louisiana and
that's four obvious pickup opportunities for the Democrats in
2010.
Yes, obviously it would have been nice (from a purely partisan
perspective) if the incumbents could have held onto their House
seats and some wildly popular self-funding billionares could have
parachuted into those statewide races on the Republican ticket
instead. But considering that 49 House Democrats represent
districts carried by John McCain in 2008 and three of the four
Republicans leaving their Democratic districts are running for
higher office, and things still look pretty good for the GOP.
Especially since it hasn't fixed any of its structural problems.
Republicans are just riding the political and economic cycles.
By the way, I noted Friday that whether Kirk would run for Senate
would depend on the powers that be clearing the field for him.
And they cleared the field, without regard to Kirk's liberal cap
and trade vote.
No the Bad week for Republicans was a little earlier in the month
when 8 of their number voted in favor for cap and trade a bill it
was impossible for them to have read.
The 'powers that be' that cleared the way for Kirk are tone deaf
to say the least.
Their continued hearing difficulties portend many bad weeks to
come.
From Illinois| 7.15.09 @ 1:41PM
In case you missed it.....
Top donor to Mark Kirk ready to reap huge windfall from Cap &
Trade
hernit| 7.14.09 @ 5:34PM
No the Bad week for Republicans was a little earlier in the month when 8 of their number voted in favor for cap and trade a bill it was impossible for them to have read.
The 'powers that be' that cleared the way for Kirk are tone deaf to say the least.
Their continued hearing difficulties portend many bad weeks to come.
From Illinois| 7.15.09 @ 1:41PM
In case you missed it.....
Top donor to Mark Kirk ready to reap huge windfall from Cap & Trade
http://www.championnews.net/article.php?sid=1988