Landrieu's Fate: Do the Democrats even care about the last 2002 Senate campaign?

National Review Online ^ | November 7, 2002 | Rod Dreher

[GraniteStateConservative]

No, because Terrell, Bush and others will make it every day.

People understand that those in power are more powerful than those who aren't, and that you get more benefit by being represented by someone in power. Mary couldn't be in power and Suzi could be in power. Voters vote in their own best interest.

For example, Sen. Lincoln in Arkansas will have Huckabee spending every day saying how that Arkansas needs a Republican in D. C. to get the full benefits of having the GOP be in the majority.

[ABG(anybody but Gore)]

In 1996, Brown Roots needed massive voter fraud, and Bill Clinton's coattails, just to steal Woody Jenkins' seat. Considering the fact that there is no other race, least of all a Presidential or gubernatorial race to motivate an already discouraged RAT base, she is in very deep trouble. Her voters won't turn out, but the GOP will. Woody Jenkins hasn't been forgotten.

[Nathan Jr.]

I sure hope you're right.

[A2J]

This may be why Landrieu is suddenly running away from the "accomodationist" party leadership, which (the theory goes) led the Democrats to Tuesday's debacle, and seems to be preparing to do a 180-degree turn as a Bush-bashing old-style Democrat. Given Louisiana's conservative political culture, and the election feat of historical magnitude President Bush has just pulled off, this strategy has to qualify as a "Hail Mary."

And one that will fail.

Landrieu would do well to stay away from such a tactic and instead just hammer Terrell on her inexperience. I wouldn't have any Democrat to be seen with, with the exception of Breaux, who himself may not want to become too close to a frail candidate.

Also, considering the population loss in New Orleans (mostly from murder) and population gains elsewhere in the state, carrying New Orleans may well not be enough to carry the state.

[colorado tanker]

"This made it clear she will try to paint Terrell, who, alone among Republican hopefuls, received $500,000 during the primary from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, as a pawn of Washington Republicans."

Tom Strickland made the same argument against Wayne Allard, that he votes 98% of the time with the Republicans. Know what message Colorado voters took from that? If I vote for Allard, I'm supporting President Bush.

Go ahead Mary, drink the Kool-Aid, it's good for you.

[A2J]

What is this woman's married name? Isn't Landrieu her maiden name?

You are correct, although I can't remember her husband's name.

Landrieu is a name once revered in New Orleans (her father, "Moon," was a long-time mayor) but also one that has long since lost its shine.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Mary Snellings.

[GraniteStateConservative]

She's one of the most beautiful senators. It's a shame she's going to lose. I'd take her as a Republican if she'd become pro-life and switch parties.

We'll call the whole thing off, Mary. Go ahead and save your career. Terrell wants to be governor more anyhow.

[A2J]

My campaign strategy for Terrell:

1. Don't debate Landrieu. Let her be seen chasing you for a debate.

2. Call in the big boys (and girls) of the GOP and be seen lots of time on TV with them.

3. Have President Bush and Gov. Mike Foster openly campaign for you.

4. Change the "do" a little.

[DETAILER]

Some more about Mary Landrieu...

http://somethingaboutmary.net/

http://www.geocities.com/marylandrieu/

Somebody can stick a fork in her, she's done.....

[A2J]

She's one of the most beautiful senators. It's a shame she's going to lose. I'd take her as a Republican if she'd become pro-life and switch parties.

Personally, I don't see it.

Anyway, Mary can't help but be liberal, it's in her pedigree, being the daughter of a once-powerful mayor who catered to the minority vote in New Orleans.

[MattinNJ]

IMHO, it is absolutely essential we win this race and the Thune race. We are only one Chaffee and one dead Republican Senator from a state with a Democrat governor found in Fort Marcy away from being back where we started. Anyone who thinks Hillary is going to stand by and be irrelevant is gravely mistaken. We need Terrell and Thune to get to 53.

Moreover, since more Democrat Senators are up for election in 2004 than Republicans, we would be that much closer to a filibuster proof 60 (if I remember my 6th grade American Government course correctly).

[Tuxedo]

And, if Breaux and Miller switch, that's 55.

[commish]

"Landrieu's a micromanager who doesn't listen much to advice, and she and her team — her father, mother, brother, and chief of staff — have decided she's going to handle the runoff their way," the Washington Democrat tells NRO. "The DSCC [Democratic Senate Campaign Committee] is going to send 150 people to Louisiana, but Landrieu and her people are preparing to go to war with the DSCC to do it the 'Louisiana way.'"

Translation - this is going to get ugly really really fast. "The Luisiana Way" means Landrieu is going to go negative in a way that a lot of us can;t even imagine.

Huey Long is going to look like a piller of integrity compared to Mary by the time this is over - Mark my words.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Howdy, pumpkin. Yousa cutiepie, aincha, Mare ? Oh, and you better git outta de way, 'cuz we's comin' for Woody Jenkins seat. Dat voodoo magic you work in '96 is gonna comeaback and bite ya in de buggaboo, Maryloo.

[GraniteStateConservative]

Terrell isn't all that inexperienced. She's got a law degree and did some graduate work at Tulane, whereas Mary only got a BA from LSU.

Both Mary and Suzie have won statewide office before runs at the U. S. Senate (Landrieu as State Treasurer and Terrell as Elections Commissioner). Both served in minor offices (Landrieu as a state rep and Terrell as a New Orleans city councilwoman).

Terrell was also a law clerk at the Louisiana Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. She also has owned and operated a small retail business, is a licensed real estate agent and investor, and is on the Adjunct Faculty of Tulane University College. Landrieu has been in public office (with hardly any break) since she was 23 (a period of 24 years)!

[Coop]

The Democrats are in mourning and don't have the heart for this fight.

Let's not overlook resources here, either. The GOP is presumably still in much better shape financially than the Dems, before the inevitable Prez and VP fundraising swings. Do the Dems want to spend untold millions to maybe hang onto one more seat in the minority? I dunno.

[Tennessean4Bush]

Landrieu is an illegitimate Senator. She won by cheating in 1996. She will be waxed and no one will deserve it any more than her.

[MattinNJ]

Good point. I've heard rumblings about Breaux but apparently Miller has a real axe to grind with the Georgia GOP. Maybe with a new Guv they can make nice and at least get him to become an independent that votes for the Republican majority.

[hchutch]

I'd add John Thune to the list.

A little reminder about `96 might be worth it... ;)