Posted on 08/24/2006 10:28:08 AM PDT by winner3000
JANESVILLE, Pa.--Until recently, Bob Casey Jr.'s strategy for unseating Republican Sen. Rick Santorum had been working so well that Mr. Casey could behave like the incumbent. Taking advantage of a double-digit lead in the polls, this son of a popular former two-term governor was coasting toward November on the heralded family name. He could remain mum or studiously vague about his actual positions. He could refuse to debate. And he could hide behind handlers who carefully stage-managed his appearances (before friendly audiences) and even more carefully shielded him from media outlets (like this one). It was a smart strategy for Mr. Casey, who is an underwhelming campaigner. But its viability is now being tested. The latest polls show the race tightening. An independent Quinnipiac University survey released on Aug. 15 had Mr. Casey ahead 48% to 42% among likely voters. The same poll showed him with a 52% to 34% lead in late June. A further concern for the challenger is that his negatives among likely voters have risen as he's allowed the senator to define him. Which might explain why Mr. Casey has begun to emerge from his shell.
(Excerpt) Read more at opinionjournal.com ...
Rendell walked all over Casey in the debates.
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.