Posted on 11/04/2008 12:20:00 AM PST by Onerom99
Just spoke to a source close to the William Russell campaign on the ground in Pennsylvania, and here's what he had to say about the status of the Murtha/Russell race:
* The Russell campaign's internal polls had them tied(!) at 46 percent Saturday night.
* Murtha has raised a fortune in the last days of the campaign now that he's in trouble — but it's largely for naught. All of the air time in the district in Western Pennsylvania is already bought up, so he can't spend the money on ads.
* Because they can't spend money on ads, they're hitting the robocalls against Russell pretty hard. Many of the calls are below the belt and untrue, though obviously they have no evidence the Murtha campaign is behind the more unsavory calls. The scurrilous calls are accusing Russell, a retired Army Lt. Col. and Iraq war veteran, of being forced into early retirement from the military because of some unspecified scandal.
* The Murtha campaign is hitting the carpetbagger theme pretty hard, though it's not quite fair. Russell moved to the district after he retired from the army, and during his 28 year career in the military his family had no real permanent home. He'd pretty much be a carpet bagger no matter where he went. Nonetheless, the Russell campaign thinks that if anything has hurt them it's this. In fact, when Murtha angrily denounced Russell as a "G-d damn carpetbagger" he may have looked like a crazy old man from the outside, it actually may have actually may have resonated somewhat as righteous indignation in the district.
* Bill Clinton was in the district for a Murtha rally Monday. They don't think it had much of an impact, Clinton only drew a crowd of 1,400. In contrast, Palin's rally in the district a few weeks ago drew over 5,000.
* My source says the Russell campaign can't keep signs, stickers t-shirts in stock and it "just feels like winning campaign." The bottom line is that if a 34 year incumbent can't break 50 percent 72 hours before election day, that's really bad news for him.
* Finally, he says that Russell is running ahead of McCain in the state. Murtha's district is the home of the country's largest coal reserves and the Russell campaign has been pushing the heck out of Obama's coal comments. If McCain somehow wins Pennsylvania by a narrow margin, Russell's impact in Western Pennsylvania might end up being a very significant contributing factor.
I seriously doubt robo-calls are in any way effective. Even when my own choice calls me, I hang up. That may just be me, but I think robos have just about been played out.
HILLBUZZ has a post that believe Murtha intentionally tanked his own campaign to cost (or attempt to cost) Obama PA. Hard to believe, but they made a good point, the only other explanation for saying such stupid things is senility. Then they sent in Big Bill to try and save his seat...hmmmmm....
It was a perfect reminder of “bitter clinging”.
I was just about to post this article, then saw you had ...
What can I say? If the people in Pennsylvania reelect John Murtha after he called them racists and rednecks and lied about the USMC, then they’re masochistic.
PA has very high potential for a +3 GOP pickup in the House.. A lone brightspot.
Why would he do that? He’s just out-of-touch.
46-46 for a 28 year incumbent? He’s screwed.
No doubt! I voted early, and a guy I voted for has robo-called me so much this weekend I wish I could take my vote back. I cannot understand how these calls could be well-recieved, or even listened to by anyone.
That’s okay, That One will make him Sec. of Defense if he wins.
Put a pitchfork in him he’s done.
however, his ego is the reason he's in this trouble.....after the Rats took over in 2006, guys like Murtha thought they were gods....could say or do anything....
I hope there is a big surprise for the fat man tomorrow night..
Keep in mind:....
“An 12 October, 2006 poll by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review showed Murtha with a commanding lead over Irey, 57%-30%. In the November election, Murtha won 61%-39%.”
Murtha’s district contains...646,249 people. Considering this poll and the fact these people might spill over into the McCain/Palin category....we have a mighty important Gaffe by Murtha.
PA does seem ripe for the picking. Hopefully it is.
Yes. That’s very bad news for any incumbent. It’s potentially good news for us though.
LOL Always that fair and balanced number.
robo calls I have received are murthas voice he is desperate! we have only had him as our congressman since 2000 when they did census and redistricting was done after
Murtha’s in trouble, lived here 22 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a murtha ad on tv or heard one on the radio, yet shortly after the racist and redneck comments attack ads for him started showing up on Pittsburgh TV. He’s definately in trouble..
DNC tried to use him to help Fauxbama here, told him, you’re safe, go out there and try to cause some white guilt to help Fauxbama win PA.. Well guess what? Trying to stir up white guilt may work with wishy washy urban liberals and moderates, but for us “rednecks” it just pisses us off.
Murtha jumped the shark, I am cautiously optimistic the people of his district have finally decided he is too much of an embarrassment to continue supporting.
If Murtha wins, it will be the DUMBEST constiuents EVER!! He called them Racists and Rednecks.....if they still vote for him, add STUPID.
See what a real Marine had to say about Murtha. ;^)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2123612/posts
bttt
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