Sestak wipes out Specter at Netroots Nation straw poll
posted at 10:16 am on August 15, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
So much for switching parties to save one’s political hide. Arlen Specter might have pulled a Jumping Jim in order to avoid a primary fight with Pat Toomey, but he landed in another with Rep. Joe Sestak for the Democratic nomination for his Senate seat in 2010. Despite a surprisingly warm reception at Netroots Nation, the straw poll conducted of its attendees show that the activists in the Democratic Party overwhelmingly distrust Specter just as much as Republicans did:
Progressive online activists prefer Rep. Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) over Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) by a landslide margin, according to results of a Netroots Nation straw poll released Saturday. The poll also showed significant resistance to passing a health reform plan without a public option.
The online poll of 252 attendees, which took place Thursday and Friday at the annual gathering of progressive bloggers and activists, found that 48 percent supported Sestak for the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nomination, compared to just 10 percent who backed Specter.
Exactly one-third said they didn’t know which candidate they supported and seven percent said neither.
The results reflect Sestak’s popularity among bloggers and progressive online activists, and the same groups’ wariness toward Specter, a five-term incumbent who switched parties and became a Democrat in April.
I said in 2006 that the reason why Republicans lost control of Congress is that, when faced with a choice between a Democrat and a Republican trying to act like a Democrat, voters will choose the authentic item almost every time. That apparently applies within the Democratic bloc of voters as well.
Yesterday, I interviewed Dave Weigel, who is covering both NRN and Right Online for the Washington Independent, and I asked him about Specter’s reception among the netroots. Dave said that Specter got a surprisingly warm reception, and felt that Sestak had performed rather poorly in comparison. That may be true, but it also may be immaterial. The activist base of the Democratic Party doesn’t trust Specter, despite his flip-flops on Card Check and health care … or perhaps because of them.
And we know how they feel.
Pat Toomey told me yesterday that Specter said he switched because he didn’t want to justify his existence to the GOP party base. It looks like he’ll get roughly the same treatment from Democrats. I think we may need to start the Specter retirement pool in the near future.
Blowback
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Specter’s toast. The Democrats won’t vote for a DINO, they’ll want a hard core liberal socialist like Sestak.
Anders on August 15, 2009 at 12:09 PM
..NOW WAIT A MINUTE! ..WAIT A MINUTE! ..WAIT..WAIT A MINUTE! ..WAIT A MINUTE! ..NOW..O.K…..O.K…..O.K…..O.K..WE’VE JUST HAD A DEMONSTRATION OF DEMOCRACY..now will someone help me change my Depends?
VoyskaPVO on August 15, 2009 at 12:10 PM
“In war, each side may find a traitor on the other side very useful. But though they use him and pay him they regard him a human vermin.”
C.S. Lewis, “Mere Christianity”
Cody Baker on August 15, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Buh-bye Arlen….we
hateare glad to see you go.izoneguy on August 15, 2009 at 12:11 PM
LOL — hell no!!
izoneguy on August 15, 2009 at 12:11 PM
I just heard the toilet flush on Specter’s career.
Gotta luv it.
Now if we could get some conservatives in Maine……
Reagan’s message can still win. It is the MSM who want us to run RINOs, so they will lose every time in the pres election.
txdoc on August 15, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Exactly, that is why I will no longer donate to the RNC but to individual candidates with true conservative principles.
farright on August 15, 2009 at 12:16 PM
BigWyo on August 15, 2009 at 11:55AM
“We win, hands down”
Oh no you don’t! I’ll see you one Specter and one Franken and raise you one Sherrod Brown. He refuses to advertise Townhalls and meet with constituents. Voting for the Cap and Tax (we are already the third largest tax burdened state in the country) and will cost us 654.5 million. Is voting for Healthcare boondoggle which he also refuses to discuss with constituents. He is not business friendly at all.
elclynn on August 15, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Cody Baker on August 15, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Bingo! Specter got a warm reception because he stabbed their enemy in the back, but who likes a backstabber?
29Victor on August 15, 2009 at 12:22 PM
I like how these Netroots folk are called ‘progressive.’
They represent progress, all right . . . progress toward the demise of these United States.
jazz_piano on August 15, 2009 at 12:28 PM
I’m sure Leaky Leahy, i.e, Senator Depends, can help.
TXUS on August 15, 2009 at 12:34 PM
Give him credit. Specter was a practiced liar long before that — like when he was a scumbag Pa. lawyer and he represented that sleazy hippie douchebag “activist” Ira Einhorn who murdered his girlfriend, stuffed her body in a trunk in his apartment closet, walled it over, then claimed the CIA murdered her when the body was discovered. Specter helped get Einhorn’s bail lowered, which allowed Einhorn to leave the country and spend many years living a comfy new life (with a new wife) in Europe.
AZCoyote on August 15, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Poor Arlen. Crosses the street to avoid walking under scaffolding only to have a piano fall on him.
Howard Portnoy on August 15, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Why are so many former military officers liberals?
Kjeil on August 15, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Sestek says we have to do something now on health care. He was just on Fox. Don’t trust him! He wants to do something now, not wait. Can’t we take it slow and everyone know what is in it before they vote for it?
Bambi on August 15, 2009 at 12:37 PM
I feel your pain, but there aren’t any photos of Sherrod Brown wearing a diaper and bunny ears like there are of Franken. At least none that we know of yet.
myrenovations on August 15, 2009 at 12:37 PM
Most are not. Those who are and work in politics are more salient, giving the impression that they’re the rule, not the exception.
jazz_piano on August 15, 2009 at 12:38 PM
I have found a good mix, true liberals are certainly in the minority, but as among any educated class you will get a mix of political feelings.
Squid Shark on August 15, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Specter might be in the mood to do any favors, considering he was promised his accrued seniority by Harry Reid, and then didn’t get it when the other Dems wouldn’t step aside for Arlan. Specter is now senior to….Al Franken.
Wethal on August 15, 2009 at 12:58 PM
It is a crazy district because Murtha has turned the area into a company town: Murtha, Inc. So many people are dependent on federal payroll jobs from Murtha pork, and the economy in that area is poor otherwise. Come election time, Murtha reminds them all where their paycheck really comes from.
Of course now, given Murtha’s lobbyist investigation problems, some people may see the writing on the wall and figure the pork is drying up, so why not boot the old crook out.
Wethal on August 15, 2009 at 1:04 PM
Sestak became a Dem for pretty much the same reason Specter did. Remember, the military basically forced him to retire… in the Bush administration.
either orr on August 15, 2009 at 1:13 PM
the dust bin of history, he belongs ~ Yoda
Locrian on August 15, 2009 at 1:15 PM
How about laying off Specter and concentrating on the nutroots poster boy Sestak? At least Specter, at one time, voted for our side, even if he didn’t believe in it. Sestak will mention his military experience in every speech and the Murtha voting conservative Dems will eat it up.
Speedwagon82 on August 15, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Rope, tree, traitor…some assembly required.
I like the way Sphincter brought his own rope.
jukin on August 15, 2009 at 1:20 PM
As my granny used to say “bad cess.”
Ignorant Mensan on August 15, 2009 at 1:29 PM
I also keep reading Sestak as Sleestak
Beaglemom on August 15, 2009 at 1:31 PM
Specter receives end of political life counseling. And not too soon.
atheling on August 15, 2009 at 1:54 PM
“A DEMONSTRATION OF DEMOCRACY..”
This from the guy who had ACORN and SEIU protester bussed in on YELLOW SCHOOL buses!
Those are
Government vehicles, paid for by taxpayers,
the fuel for them is paid for by taxpayers,
the insurance for them is paid for by taxpayers,
and the drivers are paid for by taxpayers!
DSchoen on August 15, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Poo Arlen will have to wiggle back under the rock from whence he came.
GeneSmith on August 15, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Specter could have retired and gone out with some dignity. I guess you can’t fight the forces of Karma….he’s going out as a drooling fool and nothing can save him now.
joe btfsplk on August 15, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Buh-bye Arlen….we hate to see you go.
redslippers on August 15, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Buh-bye Arlen….we
hateare glad to see you go.izoneguy on August 15, 2009 at 12:11 PM
My words were supposed to be sweetly sarcastic with a slightly wicked smile. Guess I need to add a /sarc? Thanks for clarifying my intent.
redslippers on August 15, 2009 at 2:58 PM
I’ve missed the thread and don’t have time to catch up. Anyone have a clear sense of whom Toomey will do better against in the general election?
No surprise at all that Sestak plays better with the Nutroots – he’s a leftist. But who should conservatives prefer to face in the GE?
Jaibones on August 15, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Really? Prove it. Define “many”, so percentages, cite studies, otherwise stfu.
Fighton03 on August 15, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I just don’t understand how US Navy Vice Admiral (Sestak) can turn out to be such a leftist – Sestak co-sponsored Card Check, voted for cap and tax bill, supports current health care reform bill, etc.
TopLawyer on August 15, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Despite what everyone says, the nation is NOT polarized. Bush, Clinton and Bush (20 long years) all had to “triangulate” which is another word for “milquetoast”. What you are now seeing is the polarization of the U.S. voter. IT’S ABOUT TIME!
rock the casbah on August 15, 2009 at 4:01 PM
By “so many” you mean the overwhelming minority?
hawkdriver on August 15, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Arlen Specter – endangered feces.
And as for retired military officers who are liberals – consider how many made their exalted rank during the Clinton administration. That accounts for almost all of them.
Steven on August 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM
OT:
Found this, it is from an article in the NY Times, and I never go there, won’t give them the satisfaction of a click.
Their link is to nytimes.com/white_house_22nd_amend.html
Quote from the article: “Expect this to be a big fight.” Emanuel said, “But think of it. The President just turned 48. He is one of the youngest Presidents in history and could serve for decades if the American people decide that he is still right for the job. We should never deny the people their rights to elect whom they choose.”
Article dated August 14, 2009, author Jenny Crane. They have lost their minds – they have confirmed their guy is like Hugo Chavez. Not that we needed it, but…
I’m one of the new registrants. Is there a better way to bring up stuff? Sorry about going off-topic.
jodetoad on August 15, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Nobody is suggesting Republicans become anything.
Yeah, voters would rather have a sincere poltician than a lying weasel.I dunno what’s so silly about that–wait, do you support Romney?
I don’t. If they had that attitude about it, Sestak would have had doors slammed in his face by now.
Chris_Balsz on August 15, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Surely you jest. Surely.
Illinois:
Obama
Axelrod
Emanuel
Daley
Durbin
Burris-Blagojevich
Jesse, Jr.
Todd Stroker
Schakowski
Care to re-think it, BigWyo?
Jaibones on August 15, 2009 at 4:51 PM
“Progressive online activists prefer … ”
One thing that has always amazed me is this Orwellian label of “Progressive” that they give themselves. They would tax success in order to subsidize failure. They would use government to manage individual choice. They would place the people and states subordinate to the federal government. Explain to me how that is in any way “progressive”. It is oppressive, not progressive.
Totalitarianism is “progress” to them, it would appear.
Adopting “progressive” policies would create an entire nation of poor with the only chance of a person’s success being employment by the government because any private success would be taxed out of existence.
Idiots, each and every one.
crosspatch on August 15, 2009 at 4:51 PM
POTD !!
Red State State of Mind on August 15, 2009 at 4:52 PM
Quit calling him Shirley! And can i weigh in from the People’s Republic of Maryland?
Senators Mikulski and Carden.
Gov Martin O’Malley
Representtives Steny Hoyer and Chris van Hollen
We may be smaller than Illinois but we’re just as efficient at giving the nation nut bag politicians.
Red State State of Mind on August 15, 2009 at 4:55 PM
I think the question could have been phrased better: why are so many military officers who run for seats in Congress leftists? And the assumption would be that nearly all of our military personnel and officer corps finds their values reflected in conservative political philosophy, if not necessarily the GOP.
So how to explain people like Sestak and that worthless f*ck who plays army with the Nutroots, Jimmy Carter, or even sissy douches like Lindsay Graham?
Jaibones on August 15, 2009 at 4:57 PM
You have my sympathy, but not my concession. I defer to no man when it comes to whining about my mis-reprentation in government. No.Man.
Jaibones on August 15, 2009 at 5:00 PM
And try to take this as a lament and not an insult, F’03, but there are plenty of complete and total leftist assholes (who served and now serve that party that hates our military) to add to the list. I can’t think of all of them offhand, but consider:
John Effing Kerry
Charlie Rangel
Tom Harkin
John Conyers
John Murtha
Albert Gore, Jr.
Your point about percentages is well taken.
Jaibones on August 15, 2009 at 5:15 PM
*Breaking News* Arlen Specter (D-Pa.)Will hold a news conference shortly announcing he will change his party affiliation to
IndependentGreenLibertarianAmerican IndependentAmerican ReformCommunist PartyFREEDOM SOCIALIST RADICAL WOMEN PARTYBulldogger on August 15, 2009 at 5:18 PM
Agent Orange
Wade on August 15, 2009 at 5:36 PM
He just needs to run as a Black Panther. That’ll get him elected.
TopLawyer on August 15, 2009 at 6:01 PM
Arlen’s toast, that’s pretty obvious.
Here’s what I want to know.
Obama promised to work for Arlen in the fall.
Obama’s promises all come with expiration dates.
What calculus do the *other* Dems in Congress use, when evaluating whether Obama’s word is good?
Mew
acat on August 15, 2009 at 6:07 PM
I admit the ‘stfu’ was a bit over the top. But the empty assertion is a typical troll tactic. Your change to the question, however, about why are so many of the ones who go into politics liberal is a much better one (IMO). Personally I think it’s the personality type goes into the military to get their ticket punched. They’re leeches living off the reputation of the military being professional and competent leaders.
Fighton03 on August 15, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Not sure if anyone remembers, but in 1996 Specter ran for the GOP nomination briefly. My college roommate at the time had a Specter ’96 bumper sticker on his car. I had never heard of Specter until then but I knew to stay away since my roommate was a very liberal guy who for some reason was a registered Republican. Some things never change.
My roommate moved to Europe and married the hottest woman alive, a Czech. So maybe he wasn’t that crazy after all. OK I’m done.
angryed on August 15, 2009 at 9:48 PM
I hate to throw cold water on this, but Netroots Nation is kinda Lefty. I would expect them to go for Sestak.
Not that I mind seeing Specter suffer. . . .
WannabeAnglican on August 15, 2009 at 10:51 PM
CAUTION: Beware of any sales pitch (especially from a Congressman) that says, “But you must act now!”
We can wait. Besides, there IS NO MONEY LEFT. Avoid the panic that the government bureaucrats want to instill in us in order to get their way.
Pazman on August 15, 2009 at 11:16 PM
It looks like the super-duper precedent that is Arlen Specter’s electoral career is about to be overturned.
eeyore on August 16, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Citizen input can’t influence the scheme? This man has to go.
Chris_Balsz on August 16, 2009 at 7:49 PM
I couldn’t agree with you more. These scumbags steal the credibility that the other 99% have earned the hard way.
Jaibones on August 17, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Trust him? Heavens, I don’t think you need to worry about that.
Jaibones on August 17, 2009 at 12:57 AM
Speak for yourself. I’d much rather have to put up with Arlen than Sestak, thanks very much.
rightwingprof on August 17, 2009 at 7:09 AM
Believe it or not, most people up here in Maine consider Snowe & Collins conservitives. Thats how liberal it is up here.PS, my first attempt at blockquotes, did I do it right?
aceinstall on August 17, 2009 at 4:03 PM
BINGO, in my opinion. Carrier move all the way.
aceinstall on August 17, 2009 at 4:16 PM
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