Posted on 08/07/2006 4:37:43 PM PDT by Coop
When the Rightroots effort began, it sounded like a great way to counter the KosKids/Nutroots incursions into key congressional races. One of the weaknesses of the Nutroots seemed to be picking candidates with their emotions rather than with their brains {if any}. Many of those Kos selected had no practical chance to win, so not only was the money raised a waste, but with each new defeat the project took on the air of windmill-tilting.
Then, when The Florida Masochist gave Rightroots his "Knucklehead of the Day" award, I began to worry. Diane Irey, opposing anti-war, anti-Marine John Murtha, is not only on the RR list, but has garnered the lioness' share of donations. The Florida Masochist pointed out that Murtha has won his district easily in recent elections, and the race isn't even considered a "race to watch" by any serious compilation of competitive seats.
Were we falling into the Kos "ego trap," and choosing candidates we merely hoped would win? Maybe not, thanks to Rep. Murtha.
As Bob Novak reports at Townhall, Murtha just can't keep his big fat foot out of his mouth. First, he declared the Marines accused of killing innocent civilians at Haditha guilty of war crimes before the investigation was fully engaged. NOW, after squad leader Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich sued Murtha for defamation of character, Murtha did it again:
Rep. John Murtha, responding Wednesday to a defamation lawsuit filed by a Marine accused of killing Iraqi civilians in 2005, mistakenly said Staff Sgt. Frank Wuterich had been "charged in the incident at Haditha." In fact, no charges have been filed against anybody.
Murtha quickly issued a new press release Wednesday deleting "charged" and describing Wuterich as leader of "the squad accused of killing two dozen civilians."
With Murtha's continued help, Irey's chances can only improve. One suspects Murtha's easy reelections were in large part due to his military record. His open slandering of our men in harm's way can't help him, no matter how heavily Democratic his district may be.
The real "Knucklehead" is sitting in Congress - maybe not for long, if we all help.
"The Florida Masochist pointed out that Murtha has won his district easily in recent elections, and the race isn't even considered a "race to watch" by any serious compilation of competitive seats."
So what's the problem? ;) Yada, yada, yada, "She can't win". "Murtha's never lost." "It's hopeless." "The citizens of the 12th... (insert your own derogatory term of choice here, I've seen plenty over the past few months ;)" "Even Gleason doesn't think she can win." And on, and on, and... . Funny how no one ever mentions *why* Murtha has won so "easily" in the past. ;)
So I ask again? What's the big deal? If it's such a "sure thing", why bother to comment at all? No one ever did before. Seems to me an awful lot of "effort" is being expended to try to convince people that Irey doesn't have a chance. ;) Could it be that since April, *some* people are getting "nervous"?
Judging from Murtha's mouth, he isn't one of them. Keep it up Mr. Murtha. ;)
Oh, he's one of them. Counter rally for Boot Murtha. A hit piece on Irey on his own website. He's nervous. But I think he's just enjoying his celebrity status too much to shut his mouth.
Roth
You mean the guy who used to be with Van Halen?
sure
You've lost me. Here's what happened:
Shalom posited that voters tend to cycle out old politicians.
I posted the names of two amazingly geezer old pols who apparently the voters haven't gotten around to evicting yet.
You said, "Roth."
I'm leaving this thread now because my head hurts.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Roth
He lost his election in 2000 due to his age and falling while on the campaign trail.
That was better than Advil! Thanks!
"Oh, he's one of them."
Nah, not yet, although it's obvious that someone on his staff is pushing for "cyb just in case". After 30 years of no experience in ever having to run against a "credible" candidate and being entrenched in the "Johnstown mentality", I can assure you that he's convinced that he can't lose. ;) When and if "dawn" might break is anyone's guess. ;)
"Counter rally for Boot Murtha."
make that "hastily assembled" (admission per Trib), like the night before? And where was Murtha? For that matter, where was Rendell? They were in town the night before. ;) The only "name" that was there was Cleland.
"A hit piece on Irey on his own website." \
Yup, a "hit piece" that was soooooo rediculous that no one else would repeat it. ;)And don't forget the "private eye". Yeah, *that* one went over well. ;)
"He's nervous."
I'll have to respectfully disagree here. *Someone* in the Murtha campaign is twitching slightly, but it's very difficult to counter the "it's a lock" mentality. You've seen that attitude right here in this forum on several occasions. ;)
"But I think he's just enjoying his celebrity status too much to shut his mouth."
Thank goodness. ;) As with many in his generation, it's obvious that Congressman Murtha doesn't quite "get" that a growing number of the locals have computers, cable and/or satellite TV. ;)
Make no mistake, Murtha's local "campaign" hasn't started yet and every day he delays is to Irey's advantage.;) But I warn all now that *when* it does start, depending on just how much of a threat Irey is perceived to be, it may well take "dirty politics" to a new low. :( It's the "reality" I've been concerned about since Irey announced. Since I don't *know* her personally, I had to wonder if she truly understood what she was potentially letting herself in for?
I got my answer the other night on H&C, when Mr. Hannity asked her the same thing. It wasn't the answer, a very simple yes, but the tone of her voice and the look on her face that told me what I'd wanted to know. She *knows* what I'm talking about and is prepared. Yup, things are going to get *mighty* interesting over the next few months.:)
Okay, fine. Someone in his campaign is nervous. :-)
"Okay, fine. Someone in his campaign is nervous. :-)"
Well I just don't want you to get complacent. You ain't seen nothin' yet. ;)
MoveOn.org. They are quite nervous about Murtha.
Good news and Good news!
I got my answer the other night on H&C, when Mr. Hannity asked her the same thing. It wasn't the answer, a very simple yes, but the tone of her voice and the look on her face that told me what I'd wanted to know. She *knows* what I'm talking about and is prepared.
You are right.......she *knows*
.
BTTT
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.