Steele: I’m open to supporting primary challengers for Collins, Snowe, and Specter
posted at 7:00 pm on February 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
Not as exciting as it sounds. All he’s doing, really, is punting the matter to the state GOPs. If they want to force a primary showdown by backing another candidate, he’ll follow their lead at the national level — or so he says. And why not? He has almost nothing to lose by saying it. They’re the three least popular politicians in America right now among the base, The One excepted, and the likelihood that he’ll ever have to act on it is low. The idea of Republicans in Maine, of all places, trying to unseat not one but two moderate incumbents only to have Democrats crush their handpicked hardline conservative replacements in the general election is comical. A Republican challenge to Specter is trickier since it’s more likely and Steele will be worried about the big picture in the Senate. Would he really oppose Benedict Arlen, an incumbent, if he’s the last thing standing between the Democrats and 60 votes? The only way, I think, is if the party’s positioned for gains in 2010, in which case he might do something bold to prove to his critics that he’s a “true” conservative after all. Short of that, no way.
Then again, punishing Republicans who don’t toe the party line is all the rage, suddenly. Look out, turncoats! Click the image to watch.
Update: The only one who’s up for re-election next time is Specter. Unless you think the stimulus vote will still be reverberating in 2012 or 2014, you can forget about this sinking Snowe or Collins.
Blowback
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BALLS.
Where are this party’s BALLS????
Midas on February 23, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Your premise is false. Benedict can be counted on to the be the 60th Democrat vote.
Marcus on February 23, 2009 at 7:04 PM
let the evisceration begin…
Kaptain Amerika on February 23, 2009 at 7:04 PM
+1
F15Mech on February 23, 2009 at 7:05 PM
The GOP would be much better served to focus on the House in 2010 for now. Baby.
BadgerHawk on February 23, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Would he really oppose Benedict Arlen, an incumbent, if he’s the last thing standing between the Democrats and 60 votes
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Specter WAS the last thing standing in the way of 60 votes and he decided to be Mr. Sixty and doom the nation to never-ending, economic ruin.
Bishop on February 23, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Well, Steele seems to understand Federalism, anyway.
trubble on February 23, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Yeah, they need to find some REPUBLICANS to run for those seats.
savvydude on February 23, 2009 at 7:07 PM
You keep talking about “moderates.” Please tell me what is moderate about Collins and Snowe? They are unabashed liberals in every respect. What difference would it make if the democrat won? You say, “Oh, what about the 60 votes in the Senate?” What about it? You think these two (or three, although I do think Specter is a real moderate) would go with the other Republicans? You’re dreaming homeboy!!!!
Joe Pyne on February 23, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Collins just got re-elected, and Snowe was re-elected in 2006.
So it’s really just about Arlen, who barely survived Pat Toomey’s challenge because of Santorum and Bush’s help. I would guess the PA GOP grapevine is already buzzing about possible challengers.
But if this makes Arlen a little nervous….great. Maybe we’ll get a few GOP votes out of him before the election (not that that would fool anybody).
Wethal on February 23, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Specter/Schwarzenegger ’12!
Then Palin/Jindal ’16!
Spirit of 1776 on February 23, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Just to be clear, is that the operating definition of anyone who votes against Obama’s economic plans?
Spirit of 1776 on February 23, 2009 at 7:11 PM
I’m open to kicking Collins, Snowe, and Specter out of the party.
GarandFan on February 23, 2009 at 7:11 PM
On a slightly OT note, Where were these “Tea Parties” and demonstrations when President Bush threw up more entitlements, or TARP. If McCain had won and was doing almost exactly the same thing, would you stand up or not. Honestly.
The Dean on February 23, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Vengeance, thy name is Michael Steele.
Thank you sir.
portlandon on February 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Kick Arlen out. Let’s get Toomey or Santorum to run against this fool!
The senate could also win some other seats against some despicable democrats.
jencab on February 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Would like to see Rick Santorum in specter’s seat.
OmahaConservative on February 23, 2009 at 7:13 PM
That’s the idea. It’s too soon for Steele to come down hard now.
INC on February 23, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Since Specter is the only one of the three up for elction in 2010, there is absolutely no reason he should ever be in public office after that. If he is, the GOP has no influence on the national scene. Of course, Murtha is scum that proves the voters in Pennsylvania do love their fecal matter.
volsense on February 23, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Bummer.
Aronne on February 23, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Funny, last time I wrote to Steele I asked that he start looking for good Republican challengers to Snowe, Collins and Specter. At least someone is paying attention to the toiling masses!
NTWR on February 23, 2009 at 7:17 PM
How is a guy that lost 60/40 4 years ago supposed to win a senate seat in a blue state? Santorum is as big-government as anyone else, he just wants to expand government funding for “faith-based” welfare programs instead of secular programs.
The Dean on February 23, 2009 at 7:17 PM
Boycott Maine and lobster from there. You can get great lobster from New Brunswick. Hit them where it hurts. Enough with Snowe and that mouth full of oatmeal speaking Collins. Geez, are all Maine people ugly and annoying?
suzyk on February 23, 2009 at 7:20 PM
With all due respect, sir, Snowe and Collins will be irrelevant by the time the elections of 2012 and 2014 come around.
Joe Pyne on February 23, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I don’t think Snowe or Collins can be beaten by a candidate from their right. Specter however could be. I bet Santorum has a great shot against him, although my hope is Specter face a primary challenge from Lynn Swann.
DarkKnight3565 on February 23, 2009 at 7:22 PM
The GOP should consider running on this platform in 2010 (and 2012). And consider that no one who won’t sign on will get GOP funds.
Wethal on February 23, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I say go for it. Can’t be any worse than it already is. Even if the rep. candidate loses to a dem. Same darn difference as far as this last debacle went.
Gulfcoastconservative on February 23, 2009 at 7:23 PM
What’s up Allah, no credit for my Ca GOP tip?! That’s it I’m not following you on Twitter anymore!
Ehh.. Forget it, life would be way too boring without my phone going off constantly from Allah tweets.
SoxNation on February 23, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Is this one of Michael Steele’s “hip-hop” positions?
What a dweeb.
MrScribbler on February 23, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Face it – Snowe and Collins are the best we can expect in Maine and even though in so may ways they suck – we still need GOP (even if they are RINOs) Senators from the Northeast. As for Spector, I would love to see either Santorum or Lynn Swann in his seat.
Hilts on February 23, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Against McCain? You can bet on that one. People around here weren’t exactly fans of his to begin with.
amerpundit on February 23, 2009 at 7:32 PM
No, only the ones we elect to office.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 7:33 PM
I know you laughed when you wrote that.
doubleplusundead on February 23, 2009 at 7:35 PM
AP, the effects of the stimulus will be even more pronouced in 2012. Oh yes it will sink them!
katy on February 23, 2009 at 7:35 PM
No, it won’t. There is no Republican in Maine who could beat either of them in a primary right now.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 7:36 PM
Bingo.
PrincipledPilgrim on February 23, 2009 at 7:37 PM
Right on. I’m a Texan and I contributed to Swann in his last gubernatorial bid and I’ll do it again if he runs for the senate.
rplat on February 23, 2009 at 7:39 PM
I didn’t realize he was standing between Democrats and 60 votes now. Though, we can always count on him for amnesty…no, or judges…no, or spending…no, or pro-life issues…no, or marriage…no, or critical national security issues…no, or minimum wage…no, or tax cuts…no, or free trade…no.
amerpundit on February 23, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Spector is getting tons of heat from citizens when he has a town hall. People in Pa are pissed and I really dont see him winning re-election.
As for Murtha…its the people in his district that re-elect him…not the people of Pa.
becki51758 on February 23, 2009 at 7:40 PM
He is doing the right thing. The NRC backed Chafee in his primary against a very popluar State Republican. The rest is history. Chafee won the primary thanks to RNC money and got a ass whoppin in the election by the Democrat.
Wade on February 23, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Some voters in all states like their ‘fecal matter’ but not all voters in Pennsylvania like Murtha or Specter or Rendell. As a resident of PA, I would prefer that Michael Steele not handpick our primary contender for Specter’s seat. I think we here in PA are capable of making our own choice in the primary. Steele’s support of the GOP senate candidate in the fall of 2010 would be appreciated, however.
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Let’s get Santorum to run in Pennsylvania!
Gotcha on February 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM
I don’t know much about Maine, but it would seem to me it would be hard for an actual conservative to win their under any circumstances, even if the Democrat party ran Zombie Hitler or Zombie Stalin as their candidate.
PA is another story altogether though, conservatives have won there before, and considering that’s the one seat where Steele’s proclamation is likely to have an impact, I say go for it. It’s almost a no-lose proposition for him, as the base will support Steele’s gamble that we can get an actual conservative in that seat even if the candidate loses in the general.
Plus, given the way things are shaking out for the 2010 midterms, if ever there was a time to go for it, it’s now.
thirteen28 on February 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM
As an observer from next-door New Hampshire, as well as a former Maine resident, I’m convinced that Snowe and Collins have “tenure”. The mental giants in that state like them just fine, and they’re not going anywhere.
Del Dolemonte on February 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM
What is we ran a candidate famous for photoshops? “Slu Dominates The Youth Vote” headlines whatever paper might still exist then.
Spirit of 1776 on February 23, 2009 at 7:42 PM
He had some problems with voters in his last state-wide election.
dedalus on February 23, 2009 at 7:43 PM
ha ha ha ha ha
Wade on February 23, 2009 at 7:43 PM
When did Steele “handpick our primary contender for Specter’s seat.”? If anything the GOP Norhteastern Rockefeller Establishment stands 100% behind all pseuudo Republicans (such as Lincoln Chafee).
Hilts on February 23, 2009 at 7:43 PM
I say replace them if possible. Until the party learns that turncoats will not be tolerated, they will assume we will forgive and forget.
But if they find themselves, at least , in margin thin elections and possibly losing , they might think twice before they turn on conservative principles again. As far Steele is concerned, I think he is just feeding the right what they want to hear, and feeding us red meat to chew on .
Actions speak louder than words!
jerseyjoe99982002 on February 23, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Maybe not now… but the point is if the people of Maine are hurting in 2012, they’ll elect the local dog catcher over these two.
katy on February 23, 2009 at 7:44 PM
Please, Michael. Drop the “baby”
DrStock on February 23, 2009 at 7:45 PM
I’m all or throwing Specter overboard. Even if it’s a Dem. to be elected to that seat at least it wouldn’t belong to a fake Repub. I might as well say the same thing can go for the ladies as well.
Specter is in some kind of bubble all his own. It needs to be popped, I wish Steele would have done it. I’m still not sure about him yet. He says some nice things and then he talks from both sides of his mouth on this. I’m still troubled about this party…
roopster217 on February 23, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Hilts on February 23, 2009 at 7:46 PM
No, they won’t. Trust me. Those two are in office as long as they want to be.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Specter – putting aside his RINOism – is actually a terrible Senator and sounds as if he is getting a bit senile. There is a photo of him being a supplicant in Damascus to the court of Bashir Assad. Disgusting.
Hilts on February 23, 2009 at 7:48 PM
And the ones who move to New Brunswick to procreate with their cousins.
Wade on February 23, 2009 at 7:48 PM
If Michael Steele means what he says, it looks like the PA Republican Party better be pressured to do the right thing. I think the message is, stop calling/emailing the RNC. Put pressure on the state party instead.
DrStock on February 23, 2009 at 7:49 PM
Santorum is rumored to be considering running for governor. So is my Rep, Gerlach (who survived the slaughter of 2006, and should stay in the House to hold the seat, I think). Toomey might consider a run for the governorhip, too.
Not sure who might be open to opposing Arlen, but I would guess conservatives in teh GOP herer are busy looking, as the fundraising has to start.
Wethal on February 23, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I assume you’re from Maine…
katy on February 23, 2009 at 7:50 PM
I didn’t say Steele did handpick a candidate. I said I don’t want him to do so in our primary for 2010. We worked very hard for Pat Toomey who ran against Specter in the last senate primary and would likely have succeeded, but it was difficult to overcome the President of the USA coming to bat for Specter.
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 7:50 PM
If Specter gets primaried, say by rightwinger Toomey, the rapidly turning blue PA will elect a Democrat. Be careful what you wish for.
athensboy on February 23, 2009 at 7:50 PM
That is totally irrelevant now, thanks to the votes of the stimulus three. These three had leverage once when their votes were needed for majority party in the Senate. Now, they are just three more more or less guaranteed votes for the liberal Democrats.
If one, just one of them had voted with their GOP colleagues, they would have retained their influence. But as of now they have none. And their names are mud throughout the Republican base for good measure.
I hope they think it was worth it because I don’t they will ever be able to put that genie back in the bottle.
Marking Time on February 23, 2009 at 7:51 PM
It’s about dang time.
RobertInLexington on February 23, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Yes. This state has something of a tradition of incumbency, and a very weak GOP bench.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 7:52 PM
The GOP is thinking way too early. You should wait and see how the economy fairs by August/September.
If the economy is still terrible at that time then you can use the votes on the economic recovery packages as a backdrop for a new candidate.
ckoeber on February 23, 2009 at 7:54 PM
Any decent people left out there who want to run?…Anybody?… more crickets.
Gulfcoastconservative on February 23, 2009 at 7:55 PM
OK, so maybe you can tell me why Susan Collins sounds like she has a morning cocktail of exlax and quaaludes.
katy on February 23, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Right, we’ll just pick a ‘moderate’ to run against the ‘moderate’ Specter. I don’t wish for anything. I choose to make the effort to see that a candidate I agree with gets the support needed in a race against Specter. The outcome is never guaranteed, but I still believe it is right to try to oust Specter.
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Alaska
BPD on February 23, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Ha. If you can believe it, her voice is much better now than it was when she was first running for office.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 8:00 PM
How about a third party candidate to undercut Snowe and Collins? I think maybe the folks up there would like to see a true conservative from the Constitution party. Pu the money into that and you might have some good fortune getting rid of two tax and spend RINOs.
larvcom on February 23, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Third party candidate = Democrat win.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Alla, this is where you, as a MODERATE, don’t get it. Benedict Arlen and the other 2 traders can ALWAYS be counted on to vote with the Libs. Why???? Because like you, they are NOT CONSERVATIVE. We need to stop supporting these RINO,s and ONLY support TRUE CONSERVATIVE PATRIOTS locally and Federally.
RandyKowalski on February 23, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Steele would be making a mistake to depend on Specter’s reelection then. If we’ve learned nothing in the last two elections, we’ve learned that Republicans are more punitive than Democrats when it comes to abandoning core principles. They won’t give a crap about “the 60th vote” unless they’re sure that vote is going to be representative of their values. After all, if it walks like a Democrat, talks like a Democrat… it’s a Democrat. The “R” behind Specter’s name isn’t going to carry water.
Murf76 on February 23, 2009 at 8:05 PM
Election night 2010 is a long ways away. Stop fretting for the time being there is more then enough time to crush the dims.
Jdripper on February 23, 2009 at 8:13 PM
GOP: the party of moral absolutes. Differing opinions will NOT be tolerated.
dcwvu on February 23, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Is Lynn Swann viable for the senate?
Fuquay Steve on February 23, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Respectfully, Michael, allow me to suggest that you be more than “open”. Allow me to suggest that you enthusiastically embrace it!
petefrt on February 23, 2009 at 8:30 PM
I wonder if the current POTUS will do the same in 2010?
DrStock on February 23, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Update: The only one who’s up for re-election next time is Specter. Unless you think the stimulus vote will still be reverberating in 2012 or 2014, you can forget about this sinking Snowe or Collins.
Really? Like they are not going to screw up again between now and when they come up for reelection? When the voting in the Senate is so lopsided? I think they are going to provide their rivals a lot of ammo. These two are clueless, this isn’t George Bush running the show anymore, and they may like the attention but they can’t take the political heat that comes with it. I say give them all a enough rope, and see what happens.
Dr Evil on February 23, 2009 at 8:42 PM
I’m sure my opinion differs from yours about yourself: you are a moron, an invertebrate and a sycophant.
Fuquay Steve on February 23, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Wow, someone got a new dictionary for Christmas. My self perception has now been dramatically changed because some dude attempted to call me clever names online. Thank you for the enlightenment, Fu Steve.
dcwvu on February 23, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Although I think it is the responsibility of the Party to recruit viable candidates, I think that responsibility lies with the State parties. In response to the numerous calls I have been getting from the NRCC and NRSC, I consistently ask them to pass the message to the National Party to stay out of the primaries where there is competition for the Republican candidate. If the NRSC had done that in 2004, Pat Toomey might have won the nomination in PA. If the NRSC had stayed out of the Rhode Island primary, we probably wouldn’t have been saddled with that turn coat Lincoln Chaffee. Trust the people closest to the contest!!
Conquistadora on February 23, 2009 at 8:52 PM
Quite a move for a former back bencher but i bet there is an expiration date on this. I’ll nick name him ‘balls of’ for now.
0321_GUY on February 23, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Rapidly turning? Already turned. However, Specter is a democrat for all intents and purposes. The (R) is merely window dressing.
SouthernGent on February 23, 2009 at 8:53 PM
Love it, baby.
Rae on February 23, 2009 at 9:00 PM
One RINO at a time. It is far, Far, FAR better to have a Demo sitting in Congress thax a RINO. RINOs confuse the people, bring shame on the party and keep the party going Demo-lite. RINOs need to become extinct.
Dandapani on February 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM
A strange wind blows. I imagine it could happen.
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I don’t care if want to run as Republicans or not. WE KNOW WHAT THEY ARE and they should not be given any more money or support. They should sink or swim on their own.
The RNC and ALL other PACs should no longer support RINOs. Sorry. Not a single one. I know I won’t.
Sporty1946 on February 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM
You Betcha!
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Obama’s first thirty days have confirmed what many suspected in the campaign about him: he’s unqualified for this job, embraces a Socialist ideology, and intends to shift our country in that direction. Thankfully there is a pushback on what he’s trying to implement. That said, I am grateful McCain didn’t win (although I voted for him and Palin (!), phone banked, donated, and traveled to a rally). He would be awful as POTUS and frustrate many like he usually does. If McCain had been elected, I was not looking forward to wrestling with him-as an R!-on so many issues and position he proposed. Frankly, I was somewhat relieved he didn’t win. If the country is going to tank, let it be by the hands of Democrats.
So yes, I would be protesting against McCain if he was doing this, as would many others here. Also, many were incredulous when Bush started pushing this legislation forward and we raised our voices then. The campaign overshadowed this opposition and confusion ensued. No excuses, just that it diverted attention from stopping it.
conservative pilgrim on February 23, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Really? Look up Tom Allen on gun rights and national security versus Susan Collins on the same subjects.
Slublog on February 23, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Say what we want about Dems, but they manage to keep party unity much better. They did this very thing to Lieberman (unfairly), but they did it. No uproar then, except among Republicans.
I think Steele’s comments says more keeping Republicans accountable to basic Republican principles, to the bare minimum. Just like Schwarzenegger in Cali, why don’t the Senators from Maine run as Democrats when they vote that way? I don’t get it.
conservative pilgrim on February 23, 2009 at 9:21 PM
Yes, and google: Arlen Specter and gun rights.
In a hunting state like Pa, it is not impossible to find democrats that are acceptable on the second amendment, but I am not suggesting we pick a democrat. I am suggesting we choose a good non-rino Republican candidate and fight the good fight!
Constance on February 23, 2009 at 9:29 PM
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