Feingold in real electoral trouble in Wisconsin?
posted at 10:12 am on January 28, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
If Republicans have taken to calling Scott Brown ’41′ as a nickname after his victory in Massachusetts, perhaps Democrats can start calling Russ Feingold ’43.’ No, that’s not to say that Feingold will switch parties and bring a friend along for company. That’s the percentage of likely voters in Wisconsin that would support Feingold over potential challenger and former Governor Tommy Thompson in a head-to-head match this fall:
One more Democratic senator who has long been regarded as a safe prospect for reelection may be facing a challenging year in 2010.
A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in Wisconsin finds Republican Tommy Thompson edging incumbent Russ Feingold 47% to 43% in a hypothetical U.S. Senate match-up. Five percent (5%) like some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.
Any incumbent who attracts less than 50% support at this point in a campaign is considered potentially vulnerable.
Thompson, who served as governor of the state from 1987 to 2001 and as secretary of Health and Human Services in President George W. Bush’s first term, is being urged by Republicans to enter the race. However, it remains unclear if he will enter the race. Feingold is seeking a fourth six-year term in the Senate this November.
Until just recently, people calculating risk for Democratic incumbents have mostly focused on the obvious problems in otherwise red states. Arkansas (Lincoln) and Indiana (Bayh) have gotten a lot of attention, as has Nevada, which is more independent than red but where Majority Leader Harry Reid is drowning in voter anger over the Obama-Pelosi agenda. Massachusetts made it clear that no state was entirely safe for Democrats, but in Massachusetts, Democrats didn’t have a longtime incumbent running in the race, either.
Wisconsin could be a big surprise, too. It has sent reliable liberals like Feingold and Herb Kohl to the Senate for several cycles (21 years for Kohl, 17 years for Feingold), but outside of the big college towns, the state is more conservo-populist, not unlike the Dakotas. Feingold has built a reputation for straight talk which has kept his constituents’ respect even when Feingold goes more to the left than they do.
Those days are apparently over. Not only does Feingold trail Thompson by four points, his job approval numbers have gone underwater, 47/48. The voting public has also turned more substantially away from Feingold on policy. Fifty-nine percent want to see tax cuts as a cure for a bad economy, against only 15% for more government spending. Almost two thirds (65%) reject the Democrats’ argument that the economy is improving (41% say worse, 24% says it’s the same), while only 28% believe it’s improving.
Can Barack Obama help Feingold in Wisconsin? Obama won by a much larger margin than John Kerry did in 2004, but he’s not winning any more. His job approval among likely Wisconsin voters has dropped underwater, with a majority disapproving (54%/46%, no one unsure). Furthermore, the Democratic Governor, Jim Doyle, has even worse approval numbers — 36/62. He won’t be any help to Feingold, and may well help stoke Republican and independent turnout in the fall.
Thompson has not yet committed to this race, but the seat may be his for the asking. It looks like 2010 will be at least as bad for Democrats in Wisconsin as anywhere else, and perhaps worse.
Update: Kevin at Lakeshore Laments says that Thompson needs to stop his “Hamlet-Brett Favre act” to be taken seriously.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
this story kinda reminds me of….*scratching chin…* ummm, yeah… Massachusetts….
Whatchu think about that Russ? Are you hearing us yet jack?
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Adios, Russ.
ndulik on January 28, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Deee-Licious! Week two just keeps getting sweeter.
OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 10:17 AM
Some times you just haved to move the cows out of the barn to clean up the cr@p. Bye Russ -unfortunately we can’t say, “we hardly knew ye.”
Don L on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Sure, just ask these newly elected officials….
Marla CoakleyCreigh Deeds
Jon Corzine
then again…
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
great news. now if the GOP doesn’t blow it by reaching across the aisle
unseen on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Just wait until after the Republican primary in Connecticutm, and that race starts to take shape. Another “surprise” is coming.
SouthernGent on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
No wonder Wisconsin is such a wasteland; can we sell the state to Canada?
Bishop on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Elections have consequences.
a capella on January 28, 2010 at 10:18 AM
No one is safe.
Red Cloud on January 28, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Heh.
AubieJon on January 28, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Re-elect Sen Judas Nelson 2012.
OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 10:19 AM
That’s pretty embarrassing- falling behind a guy that hasn’t even committed, as well as falling behind a guy who’s as bland and boring as Tommy Thompson!
I guess it’s official. Everyone hates the Dems.
anniekc on January 28, 2010 at 10:20 AM
*Great News*
Russ Feingold’s family overjoyed at new surplus of time spent with them the next few years. Looks like you’re own your own up there with your election buddy. Maybe Harry Rei…er.. Dick Durb..umm, Evan…well, good luck anyhoo.
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:20 AM
He’s still up double digits over anyone who’s currently running against him.
I actually like Feingold, mainly because he’s honest. He’s the only politician I’ve written to complaining about something who’s actually written back and answered honestly, with no political talking point garbage.
Unfortunately, his political philosophy is driving the country off a cliff, so it’s time to go.
BadgerHawk on January 28, 2010 at 10:21 AM
FAIL
rockmom on January 28, 2010 at 10:21 AM
The upper midwest is going red in twenty-ten. Look for IL, WI, and MI to have GOP GOvs. IN is already there. Sorry MN (that’s why the Vikings lost too…karma)!
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Send in the Cornhusker Kickback recipient.
OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
–Thompson’s been out of the spotlight for a while. If he gets into this race, his behavior will quickly remind people why they voted him out of office.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
Send in the
Cornhusker Kickback recipientCLOWN.OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 10:22 AM
But I thought the GOP was just a Southern party.
/sarc
Doughboy on January 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
–I don’t think you’ll get GOP Governors in IL or MI. 9 months is a long time–I doubt the GOP will get both WI and IN either, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I’m from Wisconsin. This is great news. Outside of Milwaukee and The People’s Republic of Madison are a bunch of conservative, peaceful, sensible folks. Thompson needs to get in this race and win it.
jamie gumm on January 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
We are not the Dakotas Ed. N & S divisions!
That’s old style speak.
I am not responsible for Daschle.
Unfortunately I guess I am partly responsible for Dorgan & Conrad.
But we’ll change that & bring in Hoeven.
Badger40 on January 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Marty Seifert-Governor.
Bishop on January 28, 2010 at 10:25 AM
When was he voted out of office? Did he not go from GOv to Sec of HHS?
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Republicans in WI don’t like Thompson, and certainly don’t want him back. Not to say Feingold won’t get beat, but the GOP leaders in WI aren’t smart enough to notice that conservatives don’t want Dem-lite, so I doubt they see the light and find someone else to get behind other than Thompson.
Adamski on January 28, 2010 at 10:25 AM
Wait a minute. I screwed up, MN has Pawlenty right now.
So the karma is a result of Franken.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I don’t care where you live, the time is now to get rid of every freaking Democrat up for re-election this year. Empty your wallet, empty your bank account, take to the streets.
It MUST be done. There must not be a single Democrat left in office anywhere. If you don’t have a viable candidate, get yourself on the ballot. Save America.
jay12 on January 28, 2010 at 10:27 AM
“My fellow cheeseheads, Ben Nelson and I stand here together to show you that we, together, can get all kinds of goodies for our states and shove the bill down everyone elses’s throats in the other 48 or 55 states depending on who’s counting. Moreover, we must continue the legacy of sending reliable liberals to DC to sit in this Senate seat just like Massachusetts has done for Teddy Kennedy’s seat…er…wait…maybe, well, just like Nebraska will do for SEN Nelson’s seat…er…no, or Blanche Lincoln, damn—!”
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:27 AM
I know you’re in Texas now so you may be a bit out of the loop, but it would be difficult to screw this state up more than Doyle has in his two terms.
BadgerHawk on January 28, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Feingold doesn’t do pork. Like I said upthread, he’s a generally good guy, but his political philosophy is killing the country.
BadgerHawk on January 28, 2010 at 10:30 AM
AMEN!
Kiel, WI
melachiro on January 28, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I think people are missing the point this is not going to be an anti-dem election its going to be an anti-incumbant election. My Senator, richard burr(NC) is up for reelection. If a conservative would run against him burr would lose in a landslide. burr is hated in NC for his playing aorund on amnesty among other things. the only reason burr will win is because electing a dem has proven to be even worse.
unseen on January 28, 2010 at 10:32 AM
looks like being a generally good guy ain’t cutting it these days. However, he’ll be getting no support from upstream, and he may have to rely on fellow threatened liberals, who happen to be porkers, to help him out.
What a bench to go to, huh?
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:32 AM
I wish Kohl was up for reelection this year. I don’t think it would be a problem voting that man out. He is absolutely worthless. While Feingold does have an honest reputation like Ed notes Kohl does not and he would be easily tossed to the curb if anyone decent ran against him. I have been looking at this guy, Terrence Wall. Many on here might call him a Rino but he is a successful business man in Madison and I think he might have a chance.
sammypants on January 28, 2010 at 10:32 AM
This surprises me. Feingold is a decent man and not a knee-jerk. He is not a Boxer, Dodd, etc. Even I respect him. If even he is in trouble, then that confirms the Democrats are in DEEP trouble.
WannabeAnglican on January 28, 2010 at 10:33 AM
The Dems Gov canadidates are doing a great job of muddying each other up before the Feb 2 primary, the dems have run IL since 2002 and have a HUGE fiscal mess they created, and non-liberals are motivated to vote. As you say, though, we will see in Nov.
In other news Alex Giannoulias, the likely senate nominee for the Dems, has more banking issues. Obama’s senate seat is going red!!
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:34 AM
Fein-gold? Nope. Fein-a-job, Mr. Former Senator.
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on January 28, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Very timely, considering Obama;s double down on his agenda last night. More of the same is a sure winner, Barry.
a capella on January 28, 2010 at 10:37 AM
true, agreed that Feingold is “good guy” and Thompson is “not that great.” In context, if Feingold is in trouble to this fella, then this is proof positive that no one is safe, anywhere. If you are a person of good character, a conservative and can string together three logical phrases of logic and truth. Get out there and get in the mix.
ted c on January 28, 2010 at 10:38 AM
–You guys may be right. I sorta remember that Thompson took the Secretary position because he thought he either wouldn’t or couldn’t be re-elected. That’s different from saying that he was voted out. But my memory fades that long ago.
Sorry to hear about the problems in WI. I don’t remember hearing about many of them when I was up in MI, but, then again, MI’s problems are probably the biggest (in some ways) in the nation and so got a lot of focus by the local news.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 10:42 AM
–Now that’s a name I remember from my IL days. Don’t legal and financial problems run in the Giannoulias family?
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Tommy Thompson was governor for 14 years and left on his own accord to become HHS Secretary. He was elected to four straight terms. Sounds to me like the people were pretty happy with him – which is verified, to an extent, by this poll.
Gulchie on January 28, 2010 at 10:44 AM
It is clearly a mandate against Obama.
TN Mom on January 28, 2010 at 10:45 AM
OMG! If I’m dreaming, please do not wake me up! The very thought of being able to dump both McCain AND Feingold in the very same election would be sweet justice.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 10:45 AM
He left for HHS in his fourth term as Gov. Getting elected to a fifth term would be\should be near impossible for anyone. NO ONE should serve that long in the executive position of government. Two terms max…follow the example Gen. Washington.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Nope, just more of the same anger that fueled his victory last year and why the GOP is doing so well this year. LOL.
At some point, Obama is going have to realize that, yes, he is the cause of these Dem losses. Maybe not in a state like Arkansas but if the Dems lose Senate seats in reliably blue places like PA, WI, and CA then even an arrogant narcissist like Obama will have to conclude that he bears some responsiblity.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Yes they do, but the people in IL elected this guy to Teasurer. This latest news is not enough to derail him in the primary, but it will be used in the run-up to the general. Kirk, while I am not a huge fan, will beat Alex and Obama’s seat, like Kennedy’s, will go red.
Now if the GOP gets Reid and Biden’s seat in 2010. Don’t tell me that is not a PR nightmare for Dems.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:48 AM
Better yet- the Virginia model of two non-consecutive terms.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 10:49 AM
Yep. Giannoulias’ family is connected to a bunch of shady banks. Alex has a bad reputation AFAIK but was allowed by the party to run for state treasurer in Illinois because he’s close with Obama.
teke184 on January 28, 2010 at 10:49 AM
D = 59
- Reid (NV) = 58
- Dorgan (ND) = 57
- Lincoln (AR) = 56
- Specter (PA) = 55
Is there a way to count this down to 50, or even 49?
Several appointed Senators are in trouble in DE (Biden’s old seat), CO (Salazar’s old seat), and maybe IL (Obama’s old seat, although that would be tough to win).
If Hostettler could beat Bayh (IN) and Thompson could beat Feingold (WI) without any Dem pickups (MO, NH are a bit vulnerable), a 50-50 Senate becomes an outside possibility. Vice President Biden could still break ties, but Senate committees would be evenly split, as they were in 2001 after Jim Jeffords (VT) switched parties.
Are there any possibilities for counting down to 49? Pataki vs. Gillibrand in NY? Or maybe Dino Rossi vs. Patty Murray in WA? This could get really interesting…
Steve Z on January 28, 2010 at 10:51 AM
Yeah, but the incumbents that stand to lose the most are the Dems. After all, they’re the ones in charge as well as the ones that continue to pursue policies that most of Americans don’t want. So, while the overall theme may be anti-incumbent going forward, the Dems stand to lose many more seats than the Reps. because they’re the ones in power right now. Not to mention that Obama has thus far scared the crap out of many voters with his policies and “full steam ahead” approach to unpopular legislation.
volnation on January 28, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Michigan is where America will be in five years if the Dems are left in control. It really is that simple. Nobody can look at the state and conclude otherwise. Incompent Dem governor who has sqandered the last eight years on schemes to keep a manufacturing base (for the UAW) alive and pandering to an out-of-control teacher’s union (MEA). All that the expense of attracting new business and a new economy based on something other than whatever Detroit wants to build. Michigan has all the resources to be a thriving economy but it will not happen so long as Democrats are around to tax and regulate opportunity out of the picture.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I never got the impression that Feingold was a “good guy”. I found him affable but annoying and, certainly, dangerous in his position of power.
neurosculptor on January 28, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I am luke warm on that one. If I was Gov and wanted to make a huge change to something, I would want to ensure I have time to shepard it through the early years so my vision could be successfull (e.g., making all schools private and provding scholarships to familiy’s to pick there school). If I only had four years, the next gov, who may not support my initiative, could sabotoge it and, thus, discredit it.
IN has a could constitutional clause. Max two consecutive terms, but no limit on terms throughout one’s life.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 10:54 AM
I think Illinois could have a Republican governor. Quinn is as unpopular Blogo because he IS Blago in all respects.
The only problem is, that the Republican candidates have formed a circular firing squad, and by election time, the only one left will be so poisoned by the primary process, he won’t be distinguishable from the DemocRAT.
Watching Illinois politics can leave you feeling dirty.
donh525 on January 28, 2010 at 10:54 AM
This is what is currently happening to Doyle. He raised about a 5 million dollar war chest then announced he didn’t believe in 3rd terms (?!). The whole announcement was pretty surreal.
At the Tea Party protest last April there was as much anger at the state government as there was at the federal level. You know a state is broke when they start cutting their benefits programs to service members.
BadgerHawk on January 28, 2010 at 10:56 AM
I don’t think Obama will ever take responsibility for his inactions/actions.
TN Mom on January 28, 2010 at 10:56 AM
See ya later traitor!
daesleeper on January 28, 2010 at 10:57 AM
How many senate and HOR jobs is Obama going save or create?
No matter what, it would have been worse without his policies.
jukin on January 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM
http://healthcarehorserace.com/tag/tommy-thompson/
Too bad for Tommy. Even though he did not (as the donks claimed) endorse the Durbin version of Obamacare, that’s quite close enough for me, thank you.
While if a choice between Tommy (More! More! More!) and Feingold would be easy, I’d hold my nose while voting against the Lib.
Wall and Westlake are hardly credible, sorry guys. Tommy might be the guy (in lieu of anything better).
roscopico on January 28, 2010 at 10:59 AM
Once again, Jimbo is horribly wrong. Thompson resigned to serve in the Bush 43 WH, and would have won a fifth term if he had not done so. Unfortunately, Scott McCallum filled in for Thompson, and was a mediocre non-entity. But then again, if McCallum ran against “Diamond Jim” Doyle right now, the split would probably be 60-40 (the 40% being college students and the East Willy St.-type filth in Madison and homeless bums voting multiple times in Milwaukee and Racine) in favor of McCallum. This will be a GOP pick-up in 2010–hopefully Scott Walker can correct 8 years of dhimmi corruption and stagnation (oh, the GOP will probably win back control of both houses as well).
PimFortuynsGhost on January 28, 2010 at 11:03 AM
You really shouldn’t make predictions about things that you know nothing about.
The only thing preventing a Walker win is the “live boy/dead girl” scenario. Which Media Matters and ACORN are probably working on right now.
PimFortuynsGhost on January 28, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Come on NOVEMBER!
GarandFan on January 28, 2010 at 11:06 AM
I’ll vote for Thompson over Feingold in a heart beat, but I’m not sure Thompson is the best GOP candidate. I’d like to see Tim Michels run again.
Wendy on January 28, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Feingold is one of the few liberals I respect. He’s very smart and he is honest. Glad to see him lose though.
Ted Torgerson on January 28, 2010 at 11:13 AM
yes it will hurt the dems more but it will also hurt the rino george bush wing of the GOP which in my mind is a win-win
unseen on January 28, 2010 at 11:13 AM
–I don’t think you’ll get GOP Governors in IL or MI. 9 months is a long time–I doubt the GOP will get both WI and IN either, but we’ll have to wait and see.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 10:24 AM
I think Illinois could have a Republican governor. Quinn is as unpopular Blogo because he IS Blago in all respects.
–And didn’t the last IL GOP governor, Ryan, get convicted of crimes after leaving office? I would think IL voters would remember that as well.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 11:13 AM
With each bit of news like this the socialist panic in DC and in state capitals will grow. The socialist’s in congress are on their way out.
That GOP tidal wave’s looking bigger and bigger every day!
dogsoldier on January 28, 2010 at 11:14 AM
Don’t forget that other Wisconsin gem, Herb Kohl:
1. Has voted for every possible anti-gun mearsure in a state that by two-thirds majority voted to amend the state constitution to add a ‘right to keep and bear arms’ amendment.
2. Doesn’t actually live here when not Washington; lives in Wyoming, on his horse ranch.
3. Is a closeted homosexual who in the ‘party of tolerance’ does nothing for gay rights nor is aassailed for his apparent shame or inaction. Hm, curious.
Doorgunner on January 28, 2010 at 11:16 AM
The donks are not finding anyone notable to run for governor. Peter Hoekstra is stepping down from a long time seat in the House to run for the Republicans. There are a lot of R’s in the primary, but I think Hoekstra will win on name recognition. I haven’t seen polls but he is pretty popular on the west side of the state. So Michigan might get an R governor.
In WI, there is a guy with a last name of Duffy who is running against a long time House Dem who might be able to pull off a win. I have been sending him periodic small donations. I think that is a House seat that can turn in a blue state. Check him out.
karenhasfreedom on January 28, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Oxymoronic requirement?
Yoop on January 28, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Duffy is running against the representative for my district (I refuse to call him my congressman) Dave Obey. Obey is an eco-fascist of the worst kind with absolutely no redeeming qualities. Duffy has a shot.
PimFortuynsGhost on January 28, 2010 at 11:19 AM
Thompson and Edgar I think are the only govs not to go to jail the last 30 something years. Is the electorate going to base their decision on stuff previous to 2002? Or, 2002-2010? Usually it is, “what have you done to me lately.”
IL is ranked 49th out of 50 states as far as its financial status. That precipitous dropped happened the last eight years.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 11:20 AM
–MI has been in decline since the 70s. The metro Detroit area has been in decline since the 60s (it’s hard to believe now, but the Detroit area was, I think, the fifth largest metro area in the US in the early 60s). There have been GOP and Dem governors in MI during that time period. No one has been able to stop the decline of MI.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 11:20 AM
So long, Cheesehead!
pilamaye on January 28, 2010 at 11:22 AM
43% + 12% acorn/seius will find in the basement
angryed on January 28, 2010 at 11:23 AM
What party has been in control of Detroit since the early 60s?
(Jeopardy final question music playing…..)
Answer is: D-E-M-O-C-R-A-T-S
angryed on January 28, 2010 at 11:24 AM
–There’s been a west v. east side of Michigan thing going on for at least the last forty five years. Even though your area is growing, I’m not sure GR has enough clout to get a GOP governor elected. DeVos put alot of personal money into his campaign and lost.
–I was disappointed that Obama didn’t put some real high speed rail funding into Michigan, but instead put it on the Chicago-St. Louis line. The part of the state south of you has been hoping for a high speed line for at least twenty years. It would have opened up the area to distribution centers and other things. It could have even allowed Niles, MI/South Bend, IN to be a Chicago commuter town, which would have been good for them.
–Did you ever check out the Kalamazoo pizza place?
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 11:26 AM
–Only the city itself. Not many of the surrounding communities (particularly in Oakland County) and not the state.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 11:27 AM
FLUSH THE 60. Scott being 41 and Feingold 42 is a very good start.
volsense on January 28, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Detroit, MI, and federal government have all probably spent money to stem or reverse this decline over the last 40 or so years. These expenditures have obviously failed in their purpose. Maybe it is time to try to see what the unintended consequences of too much liberty would do for MI\Detroit since we have since what the unintended consequences of too little have wrought.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Oh-oh. Somebody didn’t get the memo. Truth and facts are not allowed. They tend to obscure the narrative. ;-)
Yoop on January 28, 2010 at 11:29 AM
J_Crater on January 28, 2010 at 11:32 AM
I see that as an advantage. Governors can’t come in with the idea that they have the ability to fundamentally change everything. They have to pick that thing(s) where they think they can make the most impact. It also means that they oftentimes have to work in a bipartisan way to get their agenda accomplished in just four years which cuts down on the bickering and games.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Oh-no Jimbo, you are High-Speed rail guy. :-(
We have two interstate highways that connect these cities. You can get less than $100 tickets to Stl from Chicago. What is the economic value of a Chc to Stl high speed rail? There obivously is not much since no private company is racing to build such a line.
WashJeff on January 28, 2010 at 11:33 AM
If the Dims can lose the Swimmer’s seat, every single seat up for election is at risk.
notagool on January 28, 2010 at 11:40 AM
True enough but over on the western side, where I lived, the decline these past few years has largely been due to Dems. Granholm and the Dems in Lansing view the GR area as nothing more than an ATM to bail out Detroit/Flint/etc on the other side of the state. Minimal state money ever gets over for legitimate projects that would generate new business and revenue (such as completing the RTE 31 upgrade). Granholm spent untold amounts of money and time trying to attract more business for the UAW and even you would have to admit that the MEA is out of control when it comes to their demands and influence on state politics.
There may have been a steady decline in Michigan’s fortunes but the Granholm administration and Dems killed the state by their short-sighted mismanagement. With a willing educated and underemployed workforce, a low cost of housing (compared to other areas), and all the natural beauty; new businesses should be flocking to Michigan. They aren’t because of the taxes and anti-business mentality of the Dems in charge. If it doesn’t belong to a union the going policy is to tax the hell out of it.
Here’s hoping that Pete Hoekstra can clean up Jenny Granholm’s mess but I suspect it is too late for some communities. Detroit, for example, might as well be bulldozed.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Sorry Jimbo3, but IL is going RED in 2010. In IL, there are not two parties, but one party which we locals call “The Combine”. It doesn’t matter if the governor has been a nominal REP or a DEM, both Ryan and Blago and now Quinn are part of the same Combine.
The voters’ disgust with Dem governors Blago and Quinn (wants to hike taxes in a recession) will turn the governor’s mansion over to the GOP. Voters are fed up with corruption and big spending even in blue Illinois.
Mark Kirk will probably capture the senate seat as well, and Alexi Giannoulis’ current problems with his family bank won’t help him keep the seat in the Dem column.
Old Fritz on January 28, 2010 at 11:50 AM
I wish I was there to campaign against Russ. But this year there will be an extra vote against him. Our son will be able to vote and he’s going to vote republican. So that’s 3 absentee ballots agains Russ. I hope they count them.
Brat4life on January 28, 2010 at 11:55 AM
DeVos lost because he was the wrong candidate. Not a whole lot of crossover appeal for a guy who has Amway, an outspoken spouse, and an incumbent Governor with the full financial backing of the UAW and MEA. Pete Hoekstra is different in that he’s established himself in the area of national security. I would much rather be in his shoes than being the Democrat who is going have to make excuses for all the bad things Granholm did.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 11:57 AM
I’m not thrilled with Kirk because on the social issue he’s no better than one of the Dem criminals that have held the seat. But, if that is one more seat denied to Obama and the radical left, then it’s the best alternative.
highhopes on January 28, 2010 at 11:59 AM
DON’T TEASE ME!
All the way up to the actual closing of the polls in Massachusetts, I never let myself really believe that a Republican could EVER take that seat.
Now this evil bastard could be in trouble? HOPE AND CHANGE BABY!
JeffinOrlando on January 28, 2010 at 12:07 PM
Maybe while they’re at it, they’ll remind you that he left voluntarily, and wasn’t voted out.
VelvetElvis on January 28, 2010 at 12:14 PM
Yeah, a couple of us have already pointed that out. He prefers to change the subject and deflect blame from the racist scum Coleman Young, the man who basically single-handedly destroyed Detroit.
PimFortuynsGhost on January 28, 2010 at 12:21 PM
–I’m not sure of the need between Chicago and St. Louis. I know in Michigan the idea was that a high speed rail line and some expanded roads near the Indiana border would have allowed southwest Michigan to have more distribution centers and manufacturers because it became quicker and cheaper to get goods in and out of the area. (There were several reports in the local paper of companies that said they took a pass on southwest MI because it was just too time consuming and expensive to get products to Chicago, IN and OH.) It also would have opened up the Michigan City, IN and Niles, MI to being bedroom communities for commuters to Chicago, which would have been good for those areas.
I’m not with what’s near the St. Louis-Chicago line and whether the areas along those lines can satisfy unmet needs.
Jimbo3 on January 28, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »