"The Delaware primary is an example of the fight going on inside the GOP..."

Washington Examiner ^ | September 5, 2010 | true believer forever

[true believer forever]

Byron York has written: "The Delaware primary is an example of the fight going on inside the GOP..."

"There's an older, established… squishy candidate running against a younger upstart who has flaws the opposition can exploit."

According to Byron: "O'Donnell's weak spot appears to be a checkered financial history. She attended Fairleigh-Dickinson University but was not allowed to graduate in 1993 because of unpaid tuition. (She actually went to the ceremony in cap and gown, she recalls, and "I was handed a leather portfolio, and inside, instead of a diploma, there was a bursar's bill.") It took her 10 years to pay it off."

"Last year O'Donnell was audited by the Internal Revenue Service. In March of this year, the feds filed a lien for $11,744 in unpaid taxes. O'Donnell, a free-lance marketing consultant, says it was a mistake. "The IRS admitted it was wrong," she says. "They've zeroed out the balance and acknowledged that it was a computer error."

"And then there's her house. There have been reports it was in foreclosure when she sold it during her 2008 run against Biden. That's a "flat-out lie," she says, although she did fall behind on payments."

"Now, at 40, O'Donnell says she is in the clear. "I paid off all my personal debt," she says. "I paid off all my student loans, and I'm even moving to pay off my campaign debt."

Now it's my turn: So this is the problem: she took 10 years to pay off all her personal debt. According to the DC-DE boys, that is a "weak spot." She kept at it – years and years – paid off her personal debt and now moving to pay off her campaign debt.

Actually, she might consider dropping out of the primary, get to DC and advise the minions there whose continued destructive financial policy apace is set to eviscerate this and future generations of Americans. She did what few in Washington seemed to be interested in… paid off her debt – didn't walk away from a mortgage - and is moving on to pay off more debt.

Unless it is now considered a "weak spot" to encounter poverty in life - soldier through and pay it – and then move on to tackle the next batch of debt outstanding… it seems to me Christine O'Donnell did - is doing - the right thing...not looking for handouts – not forgetting past obligations – committed to paying back what she owes.

The rino republicans/media complaint seems to be it took 10 years - she didn't get it done quickly enough; they are probably right, most people would have given up after the first few years.

The woman was 40 years old when she finished paying off debt that included college loans – she didn't gripe, she didn't whine… she kept at it. She did it. It took 10 years but she did it.

The DC boys – Castle in particular - whose top contributors are major banking institutions - have now told the small people what they consider "weakness"… it isn't reckless financial policy – ridiculous earmarks – full-plate bloat and luxury at the taxpayer's expense… it is getting into debt and paying it off – even if it takes 10 years.

Guys, Mikey in particular, WE GOT THE MESSAGE… a long time before this DE primary, in fact.

"... a younger upstart who has flaws the opposition can exploit."

The latest O"Donnell flaw that rendered the beltway-DE boys apoplectic happened Friday after reports of her early morning appearance on a radio show; a disc jockey unknown outside DE – pummeled her verbally - and she fought back without much finesse or grace – never landing a blow, giving opponents lots of ammunition.

I listened to the interview… I noticed this: he said good morning/she said good morning – then – out the gate – bang - the first contentious question - then another another - which seemed to catch her off guard; none of the generic pleasantries – how's the campaign trail – how are you feeling about your chances – small talk - the kind even the greatest jerks dispense to guests on their shows.

She was a guest on the man's program… I am not sure what his agenda was – it certainly wasn't good manners, civil discourse or serving up his questions with any amount of respect.

She tried to punk it out – that is always difficult for a female, and she did it poorly. She lashed back. I don't know who talked more over the other – but she didn't back down - it wasn't attractive but she didn't back down. Neil Cavuto – I didn't see it – but apparently he did the same type dj thing on his program…

If there is a Repub Journolist - I don't know the members - but it seems they were out in force...

The voters of DE can't have it both ways… they can return someone to DC fatally polished - practiced in political art – who starts every sentence with the word "frankly"- never takes a hard stand - weasels around - hides their tracks – who - like one insider noted Friday – re the Repubs there now – only care about getting their chairmanships back…

Or they can have an upstart – unpolished, careless sometimes with facts, given to exaggeration when cornered – prone to gaffes – many times shaky, unsure – but someone who knows what they believe.

These are Christine O'Donnell's 5 legislative priorities if the GOP smarm butt out and give her a fighting chance:

1) Lower personal income taxes, capital gains taxes and corporate income taxes so that we can restore economic growth, create jobs and stability for our small businesses and working families.

2) Defund and repeal Obamacare.

3) Enact a 2-year capital gains tax holiday to spur economic growth and new investment, inject capital into the consumer market and free up capital for lending to small businesses.

4) Secure the border.

5) Restrict the federal government from using taxpayer funds for abortion.

It is difficult to know what Mike Castle's legislative priorities are. He consistently refuses to debate O'Donnell; however, it was reported that he told David Broder in the Washington Post:

"I don't go there with any notion of just building up seniority, but I think I can make a contribution there in the fields I've worked in. I don't plan to be part of the [Republican] opposition. I think I can do more than oppose." (emphasis added)

"His reason for running, Castle explained to voters at a house party here, is that "I'm in the minority in a Republican minority of 435 people, and the rules and procedures make it difficult to express my independence. In the Senate, I hope I will have more impact." (emphasis added)

However self- enveloped his priorities looking forward – these are just a few of his past votes:

· Voted FOR Cap and Trade.

· Voted AGAINST the surge: Had Castle gotten his way, we would have surrendered to Al Qaeda, granting them victory in our most clearly defined battlefield.

· Voted AGAINST strenghtening missile defense in 2009.

· Voted AGAINST a 2007 amendment to reinstate funds for missile defense.

· Voted FOR Pelosi's "light-bulb ban".

· Voted FOR Barney Frank's Housing Trust Fund of 2007.

· Voted AGAINST speeding up construction on the border fence.

· Voted FOR bailing out the auto industry. · Voted AGAINST 2007 Earmark Reform...

This could be a debacle – and everything points to O'Donnell being defeated if she is the nominee. Delaware is not thoroughly conservative, she has been painted extreme by her opponents which include members of the GOP.

How did this happen… I am not impressed with Christine O'Donnell as a candidate – she lacks solid professional academic credentials, while most Tea Party candidates have been successes in their fields before running for office. She can seem amateurish, skittish, and the paranoid mutterings not good at all…

She needs what every newbie needs – mentoring - someone alongside her every step – teaching guiding – pointing out mistakes – tutored to recover – someone from the inside – the big boys (they can be good for something) – and she doesn't seem to have that… her campaign staff – what little I have read – are losers big time.

The Tea Party seems to have abandoned too early the search for a more charismatic, abled candidate; they seem to have focused on what they do best – getting out the vote. Christine was there and now she is floundering.

From what I have read, it seems that guy Coons will probably win – but you know what is in the air – you know it is never too late.

Whether the Tea Party will take some of that money they have designated for outreach and put it towards new campaign staff, a candidate mentor embed – or find someone who will do it for principle; and whether Christine will be humble enough to listen, take advice and adapt – quickly – the clock is ticking... I guess no one knows.

There have been – it seems – lots of mistakes all around. Still, like Mark Levin says – what are we supposed to do? Abandon her now - 2 weeks before the election when there will be more and more heat? The flare this Friday was major - it seemed to come from out of nowhere.

If this doesn't work out – it will still be a good run-through – a good dress rehearsal – getting people practiced and in place, starting solidifying networks. It will not be a total waste…

I prefer yet how I initially felt about all this stuff - unless the RINO is a real stinker – go with the one who appears likely to win for repubs; though I am just starting to get a handle on this - there can be a real case made for going with a conservative in the primary - a Hail Mary if he wins; then using the off-years to vector out the field if the dem wins... not real clear on that yet.

The only problem – Mike Castle is a real stinker – a McConnell friend - and it would bring me real refreshment if Christine were to deprive McConnell another of his closebys…

This is our battle space – the above are current vectors… we don't discuss philosophy – morality – who is right or wrong… we study the vectors – probabilities – square the possibles - find the best route – then surprise and overwhelm… get to it, please.

And while we do that, maybe someone strong, politically able will take Christine under wing, clean house a little – and it will all come together in just a bit… You know me, I think this is supremely doable… what can I say… stay at it, please.

[true believer forever]

I wrote this for the members of a group I mentor. They are in DE right now working their hearts out... they wanted something for their own understanding and something to give to others... their consensus seems to be people aren't really anti-O'DonnelL... there is just a lot of stuff flying around...and people are open. They wanted me to post here but I don't think this is really a FR type post... CHRISTINE O'DONNEL... IT'S NOT TOO LATE.

[barmag25]

“Now, at 40, O’Donnell says she is in the clear. “I paid off all my personal debt,” she says. “I paid off all my student loans, and I’m even moving to pay off my campaign debt.”

someone with experience in paying off debt. The credentials that voters are actually looking for.

[true believer forever]

these are 3 articles I cited in my post... and sites for christine...

http://removerinos.com/CastleM.html
http://bluehenconservative.blogspot.com/2010/07/mike-castle-makes-it-clear-he-wont-be.html
http://www.redstate.com/erick/2010/08/02/why-is-mike-castle-running-from-christine-odonnell/

Christine’s website http://www.christineodonnell2010.com/

on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/supportchristine

http://bootmikecastle.com/

[teg_76]

Yep and it is amazing how many freepers are lining up behind this liberal, leftist Castle.

[teg_76]

Thanks for posting this by the way....it’s disgusting how many freepers are falling for this establishment hatchet job that is being unleashed on Christine O’donnell.

[Tzimisce]

We’re about to find out just how stupid the people of Delaware are.

Hopefully they’re smarter than voters in Pa, Ca, Az.........

[Gondring]

Excellent piece.

[Gondring]

ping

[Gondring]

not looking for handouts

As I read, she hasn't held a steady job since her last loss (she "does odd jobs") and uses campaign donations to pay a chunk of her rent (and those old debts)...
...and that's not "looking for handouts"?

I don't want Coons or Castle, but she has a lot to overcome to convince people she has a clue.

[Piranha]

What’s the story with the youtube video that purports to show her people, looking like thugs, stopping people from filming at Glenn Beck’s rally? Is there more to the story than that?

I am not a Delaware resident so my opinion doesn’t matter much, but I was prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt until I saw that video. If there’s another side to it it might be beneficial to get that out in the public.

[true believer forever]

If you had read a little further, She is a “freelance” political consultant - I have actually seen her in that capacity on Fox News and not when she was running for office.. Odd jobs, I guess, could describe that.

Some of her staff live in 1/2 of her house - which she has set up as a campaign office... and which makes it a legitimate deductible expense... I know plenty of independent contractors, other types of freelancers who do the same thing... she surely has a few other campaign venues staffed around the state - and I am sure she pays the lease on those from her campaign funds...just like every other candidate...

She has said that she explicitly tells potential donors that unless they are against it - some of what they give will go to retire campaign debt... and if they object she follows their preference...

Please don’t do that, don’t manipulate language - “odd jobs” instead of freelance... there are many freelance everything out there now... many are having a hard hard time of it... and Obama hasn’t done anything to help them... they don’t belong to public unions... I don’t think most consultants - esp those who have hit hard times - would consider what they do as “odd jobs”

Please don’t muck up concepts - all campaign offices are paid for from contributions - and because one of hers is in her home - somehow it is less than legit...

We are so used to our candidates - both parties - being well-heeled financially - that when someone comes along who is still in the struggling to pay the bills portion of their life, we dog them...

Believe what you want - vote what you want - but have a little respect and clarity... and try to do sufficient research before you state things demonstrably untrue...

other than that, you seem like a nice person... we are all in this together...

[Luke21]

“...it’s disgusting how many freepers are falling for this establishment hatchet job that is being unleashed on Christine O’donnell.”

They fell for the same crap with Hayworth. The RNC is not our friend.

[longjack]

I find the article disingenuous WRT the radio interview if it refers to the radio interview that has sparked controversy. I think it avoids the details of the discussion and concentrates on the demeanor of the host.

If this concerns the controversial radio interview, from what I've read, the host questioned O'Donnell on her claim that she won 2 out of Delaware's 3 counties against Joe Biden in the 2008 senate race.

Although the results were close, the math shows she didn't win.

Again, from what I've read, O'Donnell didn't explain herself very well and ended up calling the host a Castle plant.

Perhaps he is a Castle plant and there is a logical explanation for her claim of winning two counties. Inside info and background would serve well if this is indeed the case.

OTOH, If she screwed up I would prefer that be acknowledged and have it be done with. A few warts shouldn't matter at this point.

Defeating Castle is more important at this point than worrying about how pristine his opponent is.

[Ronin]

Not this one. I didn’t know much about this race until just today, but Castle’s record says everything I need to know about the man. He is even more of a RINO than McCain, and that says a lot.

[truthfreedom]

Obligatory Christine pic.





New Christine TV / radio ads from Tea Party Express
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWUChWrwvdE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wEhToXaiDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEasUPaUPo8

Is Christine electable in November? Rasmussen had her up over Coons in July
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2553576/posts
Castle is being challenged in the state’s September 14 GOP primary by conservative activist Christine O’Donnell. Coons runs virtually even with O’Donnell who picks up 41% of the vote to the Democrat’s 39%.

DeMint endorsement coming?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2556853/posts
"...As O’Donnell criticizes Castle for supporting the bank bailouts, cap and trade and abortion rights, she appears to have caught DeMint’s attention. The two met recently and a spokesman for the senator’s political action committee said DeMint was “extremely impressed.”

“She’s a principled conservative who has been overlooked by the Washington establishment. The senator has not made an endorsement in this race but he's watching it closely to see if O'Donnell can get within striking distance,” Matt Hoskins said.

Tea Party Express: O'Donnell Trails By 2% Among Likeliest Voters
http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/09/tea_party_expre_2.php
Christine O'Donnell is trailing Rep. Mike Castle by only 2% among voters most likely to turnout in the Delaware Senate GOP primary, according to a Tea Party Express poll. The poll, obtained by Hotline On Call, found that among GOP voters who indicated they are most likely to vote -- or "10s" in polling lingo -- Castle leads O'Donnell 43% to 41%. The Tea Party Express released the top line of the poll on Thursday. That showed O'Donnell trailing Castle by nearly 6%, 43.7% to 38%. These new numbers suggest that Castle is significantly more vulnerable than originally believed.

[truthfreedom]

If the amount of freepers was 1 or more, it’d be amazing.

Almost all freepers here are supporting Christine.

What is surprising is that almost no one cared about this race 2 weeks ago, and now it’s huge. The action pretty much started right when the tea party express said it’s be spending a bunch of money on the DE race. Then Castle’s people sprang into action to counter that.

[Venturer]

The biggest truth I found in all of these Post’s is this one.:

The RNC is not your friend.

[DelaWhere]

>>>The RNC is not our friend.<<<

You sure got that right!

“The national party on Thursday demonstrated its willingness to pour money into the state’s Republican candidates campaigns, announcing that it would provide three staffers responsible for outreach efforts and voter turnout drives.”

---

“The new staffers will also work to ensure primary victories for Castle and Michele Rollins, Republicans endorsed by the party.”

---

“The national operation will include two field offices — one in Wilmington and another in Georgetown. Each office will have a full-time staffer who will recruit volunteers.

With three experienced political organizers dedicated full time to organizing and recruiting volunteers and disseminating messages, the party stands to gain a big push.”

Notice they will work for candidates ENDORSED BY THE PARTY... (Primary - where we the voters choose be damned) What is important is who Tom Ross chose and 350 hobnobbing delegates rubber stamped. Then the RNC comes along to try to discredit O’Donnell, Urquhart, Izzo - because they are not the ‘Party’ choice.

Are you feeling inconsequential to the whole process yet?

Above quotes are from:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100813/NEWS01/100813006/DELAWARE-POLITICS-GOP-sends-staffers-to-aid-Delaware-races

[DelaWhere]

Maybe they haven't compared the two candidates positions...

Why Christine?

Side By Side Comparison of Christine O’Donnell & Mike Castle:
Jobs	Voted for Nancy Pelosi’s cap and tax energy scheme which would kill 6,117 Delaware jobs and also voted for the job-killing minimum wage hike.	Believes jobs are created when businesses are freed from endless taxes and bureaucratic red tape.
Security	Voted with liberals in Congress to handicap our intelligence and military agencies.	Believes terrorism is an act of war requiring the full force of our intelligence and military resources rather than granting terrorists precious Constitutional rights and outsourcing our foreign policy to the U.N.
Debt	Voted to increase the national debt & consistently supports Washington’s reckless spending.	Believes heaping trillions in debt on the backs of our grandchildren is immoral and that Congress is elected to make the hard choices to preserve our nation’s future prosperity.
Taxes	Voted to keep the death tax, to increase taxes by $3,100 on every American family, and to remove the protection of the middle class from dramatic tax increases originally intended to hit <200 of the richest Americans.	Will fight to remove the crushing tax burden faced by American families and businesses and dramatically simplify the tax code.
Life	Voted to subject children to out-of-state abortions without consent of parents, voted to use U.S. funds to support Planned Parenthood at home and abroad, supports human cloning, and sponsored the bill to destroy, exploit and experiment on unborn children as scientific lab-rats.	Strongly believes in protecting the sanctity of life at ALL stages.
Energy	Voted to ban exploration for American energy, keeping gas prices high, to prohibit drilling in America’s land and waters, and to ban building new oil refineries.	Supports a market-based approach to energy solutions that will keep competition high and energy prices low.
Values	Voted to allow liberal activist judges to strip “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance, against the Constitutional protection of marriage, and against educational choice for parents with children in failing schools.	Believes our country was founded on core values of faith, family and freedom and will fight to defend those values. Will always fight for maximum choice for parents about where to educate their kids, including private, parochial and charter schools or in the home.
Spending	Voted to spend billions on failed stimulus packages & bailouts.	Believes unrestrained government spending is eroding our freedom, destroying our economy and ceding our sovereignty to foreign debt- holders like China.
Accountability	Voted to protect 103 outrageous pork projects that would lead to corruption and waste.	Denounces corrupt pork-barrel politics, including earmarks, and will fight for increased transparency and performance information for every Federal program.
Healthcare	Remained undecided about Pelosi’s government takeover of healthcare until 4 days before vote.	Believes that the solution to the healthcare crisis is less government meddling in the doctor/patient relationship, more competition in the insurance market and more choice for families about their health plan.
Gun Control	Received an “F” rating from the NRA, indicating a strong anti-2nd Amendment position.	Christine’s strong support of 2nd Amendment rights has earned her an “A” rating from the NRA.

[DelaWhere]

Geeesh - just heard a Castle ad -
-------------------------------
There are some misconceptions about where the Administration and I are going in regards to financial programs.
-------------------------------

Any doubts about where he stands?

[Hartlyboy]

While there may be many Freepers lining up behind Castle for all their various reasons, it’s those of us here in Delaware that will count the most and I think many of us are done with the idea of holding our nose to support him because he has an “R” after his name. Christine may be a whack job, but since when has that been a disqualification for serving in Congress? At least she won’t vote for Cap and Trade.

[oldironsides]

I would not say electing Joe Biden senator several times was a stroke of genius. Living in a sales tax free state? Great for business and neighboring state shoppers.

[true believer forever]

this article is really upsetting... there is no mention of christine anywhere... and tom ross has already trashed her big time in the media..

Here is my question: 2 years ago, the republican party endorsed christine against biden... she got 35% of the vote, which, in a state like DE is nothing small for a repub... the big talk has been about how consistently dem DE is... and Joe Biden - whatever it says about DE residents - is something of an icon there... this little upstart got 35% against him... that seems to speak of a future in republican politics.. so what happened - either the repubs were backing a crazy unfit candidate in that election...

Or Castle showed up - a career politician - McConnell friend - and member in good standing THE CLUB...

All of a sudden Christine is crazy a whack-job not fit for office... again, 2 years ago she was just fine...

I feel like I need a shower after reading this article... what kind of reptiles have taken over the republican leadership...

Now, they are setting up 2 new offices on short notice... something tells me the GOP boys are afraid of the little ol’ tea party... This makes me fightin mad...

THE RNC IS NOT OUR FRIEND

[DelaWhere]

>>>I feel like I need a shower after reading this article... what kind of reptiles have taken over the republican leadership...<<<

Agreed!

Same sick slimy feeling you get with some of the most vile of SciFi movies you see.

Well, we will just have to work extra hard and get Christine and Glen elected and then with 2/3 of the States elected delegation as our base, we can wage a renewal of the State Party, then the National Party.

It may be an uphill battle, but together we are up to it.