Dick Cheney: 2010 GOP Campaign Secret Weapon

I read the silly things the Republican leadership say and wonder if they get their talking points from The Onion. How else can you explain National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn supporting Dick Cheney campaigning for GOP Senate candidates. Cornyn's job (besides getting into arguments with John McCain) is to get Republicans elected to the Senate. He has been doing that task poorly. Unless Cornyn is a secret mole trying to make the Democrats filibuster proof.

Asked if Cheney would be a good surrogate for Senate Republican candidates, Cornyn said: "It think it depends on the circumstance on the race."

But Cornyn said, "I’d be proud to appear with the vice president anywhere, anytime."

That is easy to say for a Texas Republican. Charlie Crist dodged a 2006 George W. Bush campaign rally. Katherine Harris was the only Republican running a state-wide race that appeared at the rally. The purpose of the Bush rally was to help Florida Republicans get elected. Unfortunately for Bush, Republicans didn't want his help. Harris went down in flames against Bill Nelson.

Cheney is notorious for hating to campaign. Republican pollsters and voters know Cheney is highly unpopular. I don't expect Cornyn to diss Cheney. The problem is Cornyn talks to people as if they are stupid and destroys his own credibility. Cheney was not invited to the Republican National Convention because he is a liability. (The official reason was Hurricane Gustav.)

I doubt Cornyn is serious but I would love nothing more than Cheney campaigning across the country for Republican candidates. I can imagine Cheney doing photo-ops with politicians whom see their careers flashing before their eyes. Cheney would give speeches utterly devoid of charisma. Droning on and on about how torture and the Iraq war kept of safer. Nevermind torture produced crap intelligence and Saddam Hussein was not a threat to U.S. national security. The NRSC wants to campaign like it's 2004.

Alex Sink Will Not Run For Senate

I received this email. Alex Sink announces she will not run for Mel Martinez's seat.

“Over the past several weeks, I have given serious and careful thought to my own future and, more importantly, to the future of our state. And I am extremely grateful for the support and advice so many friends and fellow Floridians have shared. I believe my skills and abilities are of greatest use here in Florida, where I am honored to serve as Chief Financial Officer. And I will run for re-election as Chief Financial Officer to continue being a fiscal watchdog on behalf of the people of Florida."

That is good news for Kendrick Meek. Expect other Democrats to soon jump into the race.

Update: Dan Gelber will soon make an announcement.

"I spoke this morning with Alex about her decision to seek reelection rather than to run for the seat being vacated by Senator Martinez. I have been delaying my own decision to give her time to reach her judgment, both out of my deep respect for her as a public servant and my personal friendship with both her and her husband.

"Given this morning's news, I fully expect to officially enter the race in the coming weeks. The task of preparing for such a race is complex, thus I will be making a more formal announcement soon.

All the excitement seems to be on Democratic side. The only Republican generating any buzz is Marco Rubio. Bill McCollum and Connie Mack don't seem to capture people's imagination. Jeb Bush is out. It is easy to see why John Cornyn of the National Republican Senatorial Committee is trying to get Charlie Crist to run.

If Crist was smart, he would run for Martinez's seat. Crist is not the GOP version of Bill Clinton on economical matters. Crist isn't going to turn Florida's economy or budget deficit around. Crist lacks the political courage and economic intellect. Crist can not run for President after running a state into debt. I think Crist would be an equally horrible Senator. If I was his political advisor, I would tell him to run.

Update: Congressman Allen Boyd issued a press release.

"Alex Sink would have been a tremendous candidate for the U.S. Senate. Florida is fortunate that she'll be staying on as CFO. I've always said that the decision to run for the U.S. Senate is a personal one for me and does not hinge on what anyone else decides to do. I love serving the people of North Florida in the House of Representatives, but I'm considering a Senate run because of the very serious challenges facing my fellow Floridians. I'm not going to drag this out. I'm very close to a decision and will make my decision public."

Democratic Debates On Fox News A Bad Idea

Jim Johnson blasts the netroots for urging Democratic candidates to boycott the Fox News presidential debate.

The netroots celebrated. Self-congraulations. Pats on the back all around.

Looking back, it is possible to say this was a big mistake.

Consider this: a large portion - maybe even a majority - of the people who watch Fox news are Republicans. Yes, part of the reason is because Fox panders to them. Part of the reason is because Republicans feel more comfortable watching Fox than other “liberal media” outlets.

I can go further. Fox News is the official network for the National Republican Senatorial Committee.



It's easy to imagine Fox News throwing Sean Hannity in, at the last minute, to moderate the debate. Fox News isn't afraid to promote fear to the advantage of Republicans. The network was pumping Hamas before the midterm elections. THey continued after the results were in. THe memo shows Fox News leading their viewers to believe that terrorists support Democrats.



Johnson misses the point. It's not reaching out to Republicans that the netroots is worried about. (Although, that isn't the goal.) It's that Fox News is the RNC PR machine. It is not in the network's interest to have a "fair and balanced" debate.

Jin Johnson responds.