"attacking him would not help --- and might actually undercut --- their efforts to elect Democrats to state offices"
Imagine that, there are better ways to win than smear campaigns and insults.
Their motives are not that pure. Zell can walk on water for many Georgians. Even if you never liked his politics, he is a good man. An organized attack on him would be poison for most politicans.
(I still have to be fair--Max's refusal to trash him is sincere and not political--God help me, I am defending Cleland!!!)