Posted on 03/10/2011 9:17:04 PM PST by Qbert
Republicans in Washington are trying to recruit Joe Scarborough to run against Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) next year.
Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), told The Hill on Thursday that he has talked to Scarborough a couple times about a Senate bid. And he indicated hes still working on persuading the MSNBC host to run for the upper chamber.
Id be delighted to talk to him a third time, Cornyn said. In 2005, Republican campaign operatives tried to get Scarborough to challenge Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) in the Senate GOP primary. Scarborough passed, and Nelson subsequently trounced Harris in the midterm elections.
Cornyn noted on Thursday that Scarboroughs name ID is higher now than it was back then. Scarborough has been with MSNBC for the past eight years, initially hosting Scarborough Country and now Morning Joe.
Scarborough is happy with what he is doing, Cornyn stressed. But Cornyn also made it clear that he thinks there is a chance Scarborough could run.
There has been speculation that Scarborough may launch a 2012 presidential bid or be a vice presidential candidate. Scarborough, a former House member, has not ruled out running for another political office. He will turn 48 next month.
Scarborough could not be reached for comment as of press time.
State Senate President Mike Haridopolos is already in the race for the Republican nomination, but the early days of his campaign have been dogged by an ethics controversy.
Other possible Republican candidates include former Sen. George LeMieux, Reps. Connie Mack and Vern Buchanan and former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner. Former Gov. Jeb Bush (R) has also been mentioned.
A recent poll by Mason-Dixon Polling Research shows that Nelson, who is serving his second term, is under the 50 percent mark against possible Republican challengers in five hypothetical match-ups. However, the only one who was ahead of Nelson is Bush, who is not expected to run. Scarborough was not included in that poll.
Scarborough would be viewed as a major recruiting victory for Cornyn. Democrats have a 53-47 majority over Republicans in the Senate, but they are defending 23 seats next year, while the GOP is defending only 10.
The Texas Republican has stressed this year that the NRSC will be far less involved in primaries than it was last cycle, when a few of its prized recruits were defeated.
In sharp contrast to other GOP figures, Scarborough has publicly ripped former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R). He has also sharply criticized conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh and former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who is expected to announce a bid for president this year.
Scarborough served with Gingrich, having been elected to the House in the historic class of 1994. He was easily reelected in 1996, 1998 and 2000. He resigned from the House in 2001.
As a Floridian and a former constituent of Scar’s, I can tell you he wouldn’t rank in the top three in a primary...and who the hell is Cornyn to be recruiting Senatorial candidates for those of us in Florida...we are quite capable of fielding our own candidates, thank you very much...the old days are over and the Washington crowd if finished!!!
“...and who the hell is Cornyn to be recruiting Senatorial candidates for those of us in Florida...we are quite capable of fielding our own candidates, thank you very much.”
That’s what he does- he’s a meddler.
I didn’t know the NRSC got to pick the Dem primary challengers ...
Cornyn is a real douchebag.
Joe Scarborough reminds me of an organ grinder’s monkey. He will dance for anyone who throws money in his hat. Kind of looks like one too.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Oh hell no...
Didn’t both the GOP moderate canidates lose in both big statewide races last time?
Eff that.
Joe is a retarded A-hole. If he does win he will be a mere boil on the body politik in need of a lancing.
The language I wanted to spew out on this post would get me banned. What is that idiot Cornyn thinking?
When RNC calls for donations; let them hear; and tell them there is NO check in the mail. Or better; don't wait for call; call them. . .They have lost their freaking minds an appear to be in grip of a death wish.
“When RNC calls for donations; let them hear; and tell them there is NO check in the mail. Or better; don’t wait for call; call them”
Tell them you’ll be happy to donate to Jim DeMint’s group.
More than happy. What a sad, pathetic RNC we have. . .and woe to us per the repercussions of their being, just that.
We can make donations to particular candidates online.
Florida T party will decide...the NRSC can take a nap.
They better ask Mika if its okay.
This is a joke right? I can see him running as a democrat however......
This is a joke right? I can see him running as a democrat however......
I would say recruit Allen West but that would mess up my dream ticket of Demint/West or West/Demint
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