Chuck DeVore should drop out of the Senate race in California and endorse Carly Fiorina
posted at 7:27 pm on May 17, 2010 by CK MacLeod
Chuck DeVore is a solid conservative, very well-qualified to be senator or to hold other important offices or positions, but he doesn’t seem to have a prayer of both overtaking Carly Fiorina and defeating Tom Campbell in the June 8 Republican senate primary. He should drop out and, following Sarah Palin’s lead, endorse Fiorina for the good of the conservative movement, the state, and the nation.
I’m not going to attempt to compare Fiorina to DeVore: That would have been a more worthwhile undertaking if Campbell, supposedly at the behest of gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, hadn’t switched to the senate race at the beginning of the year. The real comparison should be between any-conservative and Campbell, who, in addition to being just the kind of bland establishment politician that Tea Party conservatives were invented to bring down, has an extremely dubious history of support for radical Islamist and anti-Israeli groups, ideologues, and activists that may give Barbara Boxer an opening she doesn’t deserve, and that in any event many conservatives will find difficult to forgive and forget.
California conservatives, who, to say the least, used to be a major positive factor in state and national politics, have a reputation gained since after Ronald Reagan’s time, and especially since the ’90s, of preferring ideological purity and self-defeating gestures over success and influence. Chuck DeVore has a chance to show that they’re now capable of mature calculation and team play. The chance of running against and defeating Barbara Boxer with a candidate pursuing an authentically conservative agenda is too important to sacrifice to anyone’s personal feelings or ambitions, or understandable desire to prove to himself and his dedicated supporters that he’s a fighter to the end.
Currently, Campbell appears to have a solid but not insurmountable plurality lead over Fiorina, with DeVore’s third-place vote more than making up the potential difference. That’s been the pattern in all or almost all polls since Cambell’s entry into the race. Often, the #3 candidacy in a struggle like this one collapses, as voters decide not to waste their votes. If that happens, there’s not a bad chance that DeVore and his ardent supporters will get the worst outcome: An embarrassing showing just strong enough to hand the race to the candidate with whom they have the least in common, while leaving division and recrimination behind among conservatives, reinforcing the perception that they’re too self-destructive to matter, at just the time that the state and the country need them.
Unless DeVore and his supporters can make a convincing case – based on real world numbers, including campaign cash on hand and credible polling – that he can win the primary, he should drop out, the sooner the better, offering an unqualified endorsement of Carly Fiorina, and looking forward to a bright future in state and national politics as a respected and significant player in a grown-up conservative movement – coming back, on the rise, unified, and ready to make a real difference in the Golden State and beyond.
cross-posted at Zombie Contentions
This post was promoted from GreenRoom to HotAir.com.
To see the comments on the original post, look here.
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 »
yep, do the right thing homey.
ted c on May 17, 2010 at 7:27 PM
If I were a Californian, I’d just vote for Devore.
Notorious GOP on May 17, 2010 at 7:29 PM
I’d hope so, but I’m afraid the DeVore team will follow the Steve Schmidt model of exiting gracefully.
Drowning people will tank anyone they can grab onto down with them.
portlandon on May 17, 2010 at 7:29 PM
Get behind Fiorina and then hold her feet to the fire once she is elected.
Inanemergencydial on May 17, 2010 at 7:30 PM
No.
Freddy on May 17, 2010 at 7:31 PM
What? Self-sacrifice? From a politician? Worth a try!
Maquis on May 17, 2010 at 7:33 PM
No way. It’s the primary.
Rocks on May 17, 2010 at 7:34 PM
Reposting from the Green Room comments because I am lazy:
I agree that the conservative base will be split between Fiorina and DeVore, likely giving us the CAIR buddy Campbell. Winning Boxer’s seat has always been a long shot.
But we haven’t seen a candidate with so much experience and such strong command of history and every issue I’ve heard discussed by DeVore in years.
Reagan didn’t run on pastel platforms, he baited his hook with his heart and caught a lunker (a great Savage saying there) and I believe that’s what conservatives in California will have to do until we either take the leadership back or the state goes Greece on us.
Frankly, I’m pretty nihilistic about my beautiful state. It almost already seems too far gone. If Campbell wins the primary I might just sit out and let Boxer preside over the Late Great Golden State along with Moonbeam Brown. At this point it seems it will all have to go down before we can rebuild anything that resembles the state that once had the 7th largest GDP in the world.
Sincerely, Eeyore.
NTWR on May 17, 2010 at 5:50 PM
NTWR on May 17, 2010 at 7:36 PM
The Left Coast Ameri-Greco Land of Fruits and Nuts. Frankly, they aren’t worthy of a man like Devore.
Fletch54 on May 17, 2010 at 7:37 PM
That’s Col. DeVore to you CK MacLeod
borg on May 17, 2010 at 7:38 PM
I don’t really buy into the “good of the party” line. If a person truly believes that they are the best for the job, then they should fight like hell for it. Reagan did it, and even though he fell a little shy, it all worked out later.
Southernblogger on May 17, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Yeah, just like Ahnahld. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Fletch54 on May 17, 2010 at 7:39 PM
No way, dude. I’m voting for Devore. I’ll back the Republican in November, but for now I’m voting for Chuckie.
JohnInCA on May 17, 2010 at 7:39 PM
I love how people who do absolutely nothing but run their yaps (or in this case let their fingers do the talking) have all these opinions on who needs to “dropout” of elections, so that so-and-so can do something half-assed better.
Califemme on May 17, 2010 at 7:40 PM
This is exactly my sentiment. I can stomach CK MacLeod’s logic of capitulation for a general election; we shouldn’t split the conservative vote and let the ultra liberal Democrat win, of course. But that’s where that logic stops. If we let that line of reasoning poison even the primary process, then we have no line in the sand to defend.
And let me remind you that so far, it’s the so-called “moderates” who are trying to split the conservative vote in the general elections (Specter and Crist so far). Why should we give up even the primaries?
novakyu on May 17, 2010 at 7:42 PM
Pragmatism and principle have to be balanced, people. In states like Utah, principle can outweigh pragmatism. In states like California, you need pragmatism to be a major part of your strategy.
Red Cloud on May 17, 2010 at 7:43 PM
The last poll I saw, DeVore polled best of the 3 against Boxer???? There is something terribly wrong with the Republican party when they ignore who does best against the actual opposition. Then again, I think if the truth be known, DeVore IS the opposition for them and Carly is more fitting for their idea of good candidate… you know… kind of like the just loved McCain.
I live in SW Florida and I was quite surprised to learn the other day that a local gun show being put on by a local Republican psuedo big shot that H-A-T-E-S 912/Tea Party people. The enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend if he looks just like my enemy. Stalin? Mao?
CC
CapedConservative on May 17, 2010 at 7:47 PM
IMHO, more of this stuff should be sorted at in the party caucus system.
It doesn’t do the party all that much good to beat each other up in the primary, leaving the sitting opponent a free ride to the general, where they’ve been hand fed way too much crap thru the GOP primary winner. Let them organize a sustained grass roots caucus support, where many of the issues can be fought outside the public eye.
drfredc on May 17, 2010 at 7:48 PM
You may end up having to back Campbell, or stay home.
That is a realistic possibility, if there is no unity now.
If it was just DeVore vs. Fiorina, then may the best candidate win, and fight it out till the end. In this situation, Campbell complicates things to such a degree everyone may end up screwed.
CK has a valid point, but it is up to you guys in the Golden State.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 7:48 PM
Am I to assume from this post that Cali is a winner-take-all as opposed to 50+1 primary state?
mizzoujgrad on May 17, 2010 at 7:49 PM
Devore is weak. Fiorina can take down Boxer.
therightwinger on May 17, 2010 at 7:49 PM
BTW this sort of thing is exactly what is wrong with politics in America and why the parties’ reputations are worthless. Now you aren’t even supposed to get a shot to vote for who you want in a primary, never mind the general election.
Here’s a thought for you CK. The Republican party better hope and pray Devore doesn’t drop out. If he does many who would have voted for him, and maybe switched to Carly at the last minutes as you suggest, are not going to be very hyped about going out and voting Republican come November.
If you want to win with these people you better be willing to lose with them too. Because you are surly going to lose without them.
Rocks on May 17, 2010 at 7:50 PM
CK has a valid point, but is suggesting the wrong man step down.
Beat it, Campbell.
NTWR on May 17, 2010 at 7:52 PM
Could you please elaborate?
NTWR on May 17, 2010 at 7:53 PM
Pragmatism = Go along to get along, kick the can down the road of liberal republicanism- NOT conservatism. If that’s what California republicans want by backing Fiorina, then they deserve all the additional hell coming their way.
Fletch54 on May 17, 2010 at 7:56 PM
In the last Rasmussen poll, Fiorina did the worst, seven points down to, DeVore’s 6 and Campbell is only one behind. Campbell is by far the most electable. In the end, I think Campbell would win and the other two lose by 4-8. Obama has over a sixty percent approval rating in CA. You have to make compromises to win in a state like that.
TimTebowSavesAmerica on May 17, 2010 at 7:58 PM
He should endorse her only if she beats him and Campbell in the primary. That’s why ya have primaries.
SouthernGent on May 17, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Conservatives will make a compromise, by voting for Campbell in the general. But not if they aren’t even given a shot to vote for who they want now.
Rocks on May 17, 2010 at 8:00 PM
No.
I want to vote for DeVore. If he doesn’t win, I’ll vote for the winner rather than Boxer. You can’t convince me Campbell would be better than her, so you can’t get me all worked up thinking he’s the important target, here.
MayBee on May 17, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Well, this would be the ideal outcome, but why should he step down when he is 1st out of 3 in the polling? He can let the other two rip each other to shreds until election day and walk away with the nomination and all conservatives are screwed whether he beats Boxer or not.
The reality is that DeVore is a consistent third, so the ball is in his court. It sucks that a loser like Campbell is in this position, but it is reality.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 8:01 PM
You’re smoking crack CK.
Why don’t you tell Campbell to step down….?
We want Devore.
NeoKong on May 17, 2010 at 8:07 PM
Campbell is the worst option, but yet he is in first place.
Such is the insanity of California.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 8:10 PM
If we want good men like Chuck DeVore to run for office, then we need to support them by helping their campaigns to be successful!
Asking Chuck DeVore to spend a year an a half running his heart out on his campaign and then quit 22 days before the primary election (after voting has already begun) is pure lunacy!
I look forward to voting for Chuck DeVore with pride on June 8!
Onward toward VICTORY Chuck!
wren on May 17, 2010 at 8:13 PM
If it were just Fiorina versus DeVore, I’d pick DeVore.
But that’s not what’s happening.
Campbell is just that bad and a split b/w Fiorina and DeVore would help him win. Therefore, I agree with this analysis.
powerpro on May 17, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Who’s we, you got a turd in your pocket?
Red Cloud on May 17, 2010 at 8:18 PM
You have it exactly backward, CK.
SP made a huge mistake supporting a RINO and has lost a LOT of her luster and magic for doing so. And, as you can see, there are quite a few folks here who disagree with your opinion.
I totally agree with Fletch54 on May 17, 2010 at 7:56 PM.
GoldenEagle4444 on May 17, 2010 at 8:19 PM
Carly Fiorina’s Friends, Jesse Jackson, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Etc.
KentAllard on May 17, 2010 at 8:21 PM
Fortunately, I think we’re seeing an end to that kind of thinking already.
You know why I like Chris Christie and Jan Brewer? It’s precisely because they are pissing off all the right people!
gryphon202 on May 17, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Carly Fiorina, Chuck DeVore, Israel, Islam and Jesse Jackson
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Christians also can compose poetry
So can a Jew
Lawrence Talbot on May 17, 2010 at 8:26 PM
If all of you DeVore supporters are right, then his polling should dramatically improve really soon.
By the way, should DeVore pull out a miracle win, I can guarantee you that Sarah Palin will happily and forcefully endorse him against Boxer in the general election. There will be none of this bitter recrimination from her.
She has looked at the situation and it doesn’t look like he can pull it out, and she has also decided that Campbell is unacceptable. This is not an unreasonable conclusion.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Is it true what I have read that DeVore has used public funds to finance campaign activities, and there is an investigation pending?
If this is true, Palin’s choice makes even more sense.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 8:29 PM
This is ridiculous. Fiorina isn’t much different than Campbell. Where on earth did people get the idea she is conservative?
THINK people. Do the background research instead of believing the election cycle reinventions. Elections have consequences.
mistythestripper on May 17, 2010 at 8:34 PM
Don’t listen Devore…go Crist on them and become independent, you have about the same chance…naw, just kidding, drop out and let the big dogs fight it out.
right2bright on May 17, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Devore should drop out, because the worst possible outcome of the California Senate election is Campbell winning. Campbell is even worse than Boxer on our Security. He is a jihadi sympathizer, far worse than Barack Obama or Eric Holder. In Old English there was a word “traitor”. Sadly, it’s an archaic word and no word had replaced it. Google Tom Campbell and University of South Florida Sami al-Arian.
By the way, Campbell is pro-gay marriage and pro-choice, as I am, but I suspect that the people wanting Devore to stay would be more comfortable with Fiorina representing them than Campbell.
thuja on May 17, 2010 at 8:37 PM
The laws are so complex most all of them overstep the campaign contribution laws, then the other side jump up and down…wait for the real investigation, if any.
right2bright on May 17, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Colonel Chuck DeVore knows the conservative score
Carly Fiorina will be a just another Arlen Specter Hyena
Roses are red
Violets are blue
If you elect Carly Fiorina
The joke will be on you
MB4 on May 17, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Having been a professor at Stanford and dean at UC Berkeley does lend a certain cachet in this image-conscious state.
year_of_the_dingo on May 17, 2010 at 8:39 PM
The point is that Campbell is worse for America. You cannot convince me that Campbell, with his history and record, would be an acceptable outcome.
You also cannot convince me that Fiorina would be worse than him, or Boxer. DeVore isn’t winning so far, and that is a shame. But it is.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Wow, two days, two “surrender your conservative values” articles. Nice HotAir.
WordsMatter on May 17, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Debbie hates all strong women…too much competition. She also thinks Sarah is worthless.
Debbie has become just a cheap shot artist, she has lost her 15 minutes of fame, and she is trying to get back into the limelight. So she throws out foolish innuendos.
Too bad, she was once a good looking chick…now she is just a bitter weathered nobody.
right2bright on May 17, 2010 at 8:43 PM
This is ridiculous. Fiorina isn’t much different than Campbell. Where on earth did people get the idea she is conservative?
That was my impression. Carly is “McCain in a bra”, so how much worse can Campbell be?
In any case, the R party in CA is totally fubar. Campbell? Really? Ok then.
On the plus side, at least CK kept it under 5,000 words today……
rightwingyahooo on May 17, 2010 at 8:43 PM
thuja on May 17, 2010 at 8:37 PM
Yet he leads. I guess insanity does not stop at the party’s edge….
rightwingyahooo on May 17, 2010 at 8:45 PM
CK MacLeod should drop out of writing articles.
WordsMatter on May 17, 2010 at 8:51 PM
SouthernGent, 99.9% of the time I agree with what you say. This time, respectfully, you are wrong. The soul purpose here is to send Boxer packing. Fiorina is the best possible candidate under these parameters to defeat Boxer. In California’s environment, (predominantly liberal), a chance like this comes around once in 20 year election cycle and under perfect conditions. This “purity-pride” will only give us another 6 years of the wench.
Devore will not win this primary, but he could load his powderhorn with tons of good will from conservatives that would not forget the gesture. Or the fact that he played a part in ending one of our worst nightmares in California.
Please consider this.
Rovin on May 17, 2010 at 8:57 PM
I must say that is not a very good defense of Fiorina. As a matter of fact it is no defense of her at all. In fact there is a name for attacking the messenger rather than arguing the merits of the message.
“Argumentum Ad Hominem, literally, ‘argument toward the man’. Also called “Poisoning the Well”): Attacking or praising the people who make an argument, rather than discussing the argument itself. This practice is fallacious because the personal character of an individual is logically irrelevant to the truth or falseness of the argument itself. The statement “2+2=4″ is true regardless if is stated by criminals, congressmen, or pastors.”
KentAllard on May 17, 2010 at 8:58 PM
Sometimes the messenger is quite deserving of an attack.
That is the case with Deb. She has jumped the shark long ago, and is worthless now. Even Michelle Malkin isn’t good enough for that psycho. I give her opinions no credence at all anymore.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:02 PM
MB4 on May 17, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Somebody better check the ventilation.
“Argumentum Ad Hominem, literally, ‘argument toward the man’. Also called “Poisoning the Well”): Attacking or praising the people who make an argument, rather than discussing the argument itself. This practice is fallacious because the personal character of an individual is logically irrelevant to the truth or falseness of the argument itself. The statement “2+2=4″ is true regardless if is stated by criminals, congressmen, or pastors.”
KentAllard on May 17, 2010 at 9:05 PM
+1
The Ugly American on May 17, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Chuck DeVore has stood by the taxpayers of California through thick and thing, the 2009 budget, 1A and even stood up against the Republican Party. If Palin really understood California she would back the candidate with an actual track record, not the wealthy wildcard.
WHY CARLY IS NOT CONSERVATIVE:
She supported the Wall Street bailouts.
* She supported Cap and Trade.
* She supported the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayer.
* She has criticized the new Arizona immigration law.
* Before she was fired as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard, she allowed the company to sell technology to Iran.
* And last year when liberal Democrats and moderate Republicans were trying to push through a massive tax increase in a California referendum, Carly Fiorina had “no comment.”
Chuck Devore resigned as Minority Whip, in protest of three traitorous colleagues in the CA Assembly, who voted with the Democrats to approve the largest state tax increase in American history. Fiorina should step down, if she truly loved California and respected it citizens, and support Devore.
The state GOP elite leadership has tried to ram Fiorina down our throats for months, in a very ham-handed fashion. A detestable smear against Devore came from the IP address of a Fiorina operative.GOP operatives lied and distorted the words of Red State’s Erik Erikson.
Devore has earned, through real grassroots efforts, each and every vote in the Primary. Fiorina did badly in a debate with Devore and Campbell, as can be reviewed HERE. He is the LAST person of this trio who should be asked to step down.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:10 PM
“Argumentum ad Populum (Literally “Argument to the People”): Using an appeal to popular assent, often by arousing the feelings and enthusiasm of the multitude rather than building an argument. It is a favorite device with the propagandist, the demagogue, and the advertiser.”
KentAllard on May 17, 2010 at 9:11 PM
It’s a PRIMARY for godsakes!
GarandFan on May 17, 2010 at 9:13 PM
Waiting for Allahpundit to call CK MacLeod a RINO as he did Sarah Palin when she committed the same ‘offense’…s’pose I’d better not hold my breath.
Knott Buyinit on May 17, 2010 at 9:14 PM
CKM=concern troll
rightwingyahooo on May 17, 2010 at 9:19 PM
If you are in California as I am and are a true conservative then act like one and vote for DeVore in the primary regardless of what anyone says. If we all did this he would win.
Reality Checker on May 17, 2010 at 9:19 PM
Maybe FioRINO should drop out and support CHUCK!!!
abobo on May 17, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Why is Carly running anyway? Why has McCain installed associates in Ca and Co, when a conservative was already running?
Hmm?
rightwingyahooo on May 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM
Then why is he consistently 3rd out of 3?
Why?
If what you say is true, he should at least be tied for 1st, don’t you think?
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:23 PM
PS. The state’s GOP to foist Fiorina on us has been so blatant, that I also will be DELIGHTED if Campbell wins the Primary — and will look forward to pulling the lever for him in November.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:25 PM
Debbie is a repulsive attention whore. Whenever she is cited as a source, she becomes the topic rather than what was sourced. If you want to make a case in the future, don’t link that whacko. If the case is sound, someone else surely has made it too. It would be so much more believable from anyone but her. To cite her as credible reduces your own credibility.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:27 PM
I guess you sympathize with Islam and hate Israel as much as he does then, or your feelings are more important to you than national security. Go figure.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:29 PM
Another poll is a survey of approximately 10,000 Pleasanton Tea Party supporters, undertaken by that organization via e-mail. It should be noted that Carly Fiorina made an effort to court this influential Tea Party organization, having spoken at their Tax Day rally:
That poll is available here:
http://www.pleasantonteaparty.com/survey2010results.htm
The results:
Chuck DeVore 54%
Carly Fiorina 21%
Tom Campbell 12%
Devore is winning the votes of conservatives; as a California Democrat, I know dozens of others poised to vote for Devore in the General (and are not so keen on the other two). You can’t say squat about the “polls” 22 days prior to the election — and from what I see, conservative grassroots are breaking for Devore, and the results will be apparent in the next 2 weeks.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:31 PM
If that is true, then he will win this primary, and will have the united support of all Republicans in the general, unlike the case if Carly wins, where you will pout and stay home or even vote for that harpy Boxer out of spite.
Do I have that right?
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:33 PM
Nope. It’s called backlash. I just resent the hell out of the state GOP trying to manipulate the situation and force a good man out, after he has fairly won so much support through the state.
And I am not the only California citizen activist who feels this way, either. And name-calling will not make me alter my opinion, either. Just adds more fuel to the backlash.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Actually Campbell is the one who should resign. Campbell pulled out of the Governors race because he could not compete against Whitman. Campbell is far worse than a RINO, he’s just as much an Arlen Specter. Boxer will eat him alive if he wins the primary and you all can eat that crow for another six years.
Rovin on May 17, 2010 at 9:34 PM
Tom McClintock who has to be the truest of the true conservatives has endorsed Chuck Devore.
So, piss off all you carpetbaggers. This has happened before when people who know nothing about this state come in and spew nonsense about elections. I suggest you all pressure Fiorino into resigning and putting her support and your support behind Devore. If not – get the hell off my lawn!
Blake on May 17, 2010 at 9:34 PM
If I voted for Boxer once, I will vote for her again. If the GOP goons force Devore out, I will vote for Campbell if he takes the primary. If Fiorina takes the primary, I will probably either vote Boxer or decline to vote for Senate: My choice will be based on how atrocious people like you are and how the state GOP treats Devore in the next two weeks.
I warn you, I am not the only one of my vast citizen group who is also thinking along these lines. Boxer is bad — but the treatment being given to Devore and the attitudes of the Fiorina/Ca-GOP operatives in the past week have been far worse.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Or you could just vote for Chuck DeVore, the real conservative.
fudgypup on May 17, 2010 at 9:39 PM
By the way, that is not exactly a scientific poll, is it? It’s an e-mail questionnaire. It is only to Tea Party people, it is not among all likely Republican voters, is it?
10,000 is a large sample, but that is all the information available.
This is from Rasmussen Reports:
You can read the rest at the link, but those numbers are depressing for all the Republicans. The damn harpy may just beat any of the three of them anyway.
Fantastic.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:40 PM
Duncan Hunter – another California true conservative has endorsed Chuck Devore.
Game over! Pack your carpetbags and go home!
Blake on May 17, 2010 at 9:43 PM
Fine, throw an atrocious hissy fit and vote for Boxer again, or the Islamist sympathizer. It doesn’t really matter what the outcome is for the country, as long as your little personal grudge is satisfied.
California is possibly too far gone to save. Too many people are acting like the Greeks, burn the place down as long as I get my goodies. Boxer it will be.
Welcome back, Babs!
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Rasmussen Report 2, Brian:
Three points:
* Devore is not as well known as Fiorina or Boxer — and to know him is to admire him.
* Devore does 1 point better against Boxer than Fiorina.
* The more people come to know Chuck in the general, the better he will do.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:45 PM
Brian: The only person who has been insulting and thrown a “hissy” fit is you. I am merely explaining the situation on the ground, as a California citizen activist heavily engaged in the state primary on many levels.
The state’s GOP has acted very badly in the Senate Race, and it is apt to cost them in the General. That is not a “hissy fit”, those are the consequences of bad behavior.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 9:48 PM
Because I thought much of the criticism of her was on the sexist side and because I’m a big supporter of Israel, I defended Deb all the time…until the “Wienermobile Incident.”
Blake on May 17, 2010 at 9:50 PM
In order of preference:
Devore
Fiorina
A rescue dog from the local shelter
Campbell
Satan
Boxer.
cthulhu on May 17, 2010 at 9:53 PM
In my judgment, voting for Barbra Boxer is in itself a travesty, and you have said you have done that before and will do it again. So go ahead, do it. If she is more acceptable to you than Fiorina, then we don’t really have anything else to talk about. All the “Babs must go” talk I’ve been hearing is just that, a lot of talk that amounts to nothing. Back to business as usual.
You guys tear down Fiorina, and her people will tear your guy down, and Campbell will win the primary in a walk and Babs will end up winning re-election.
Fortunately for the rest of the country, odds are good that Republicans can neutralize her vote with some other new Senators from some other states. That is what this has come to, write off California as too deep blue once again and focus efforts where they will actually yield some tangible results.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 9:55 PM
Well, it’s a tough one. I generally have little sympathy with the “these-damned-conservative-conservatives-should-drop-out-because-they’re-taking-votes-away-from-the-moderate-conservatives” type arguments.
That’s in part because I don’t think the playing field is ever as boxed in as this argument assumes. The assumption of a zero-sum outcome may well have only passing validity, if any at all. It’s also because the GOP gets this egregiously wrong on a number of occasions. Its reflexive early backing of Crist in Florida — last year! — is a fine example, but there are others, like wading in with guns blazing to support…Arlen Specter over Pat Toomey. You know who you are, GOP hacks.
Ultimately, the field against Boxer isn’t very inspiring, and that’s the real problem. If any of the 3 were going to be a strong front-runner, he or she would be so already. I don’t think McCain-Palin lost in 2008 because Romney or Huckabee didn’t drop out sooner, and if it comes down to Fiorina or Campbell, I won’t attribute a loss in November to DeVore having hung in there too long.
Campbell would be hard to vote for, for sure. I’m not convinced that will be the inevitable choice for GOP voters if DeVore doesn’t drop out now. It’s still 3 weeks to the primary. The 8 May debate was underwhelming; anybody know if they’ll do another one before 8 June?
J.E. Dyer on May 17, 2010 at 9:59 PM
I thought the goal was to defeat Boxer, whatever it takes. I guess I was wrong, it is anybody but Carly, Boxer included.
I’m not particularly attached to Fiorina, I just want Boxer to lose. Looks like that ain’t happening.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 10:06 PM
“KentAllard on May 17, 2010 at 8:21 PM”
I didn’t think anyone took Debbie Schlussel seriously any more.
As one of the posters said, Debbie hates successful, happily married women. Anyone who uses a heavily-retouched 20 year old image has major insecurity problems.
bw222 on May 17, 2010 at 10:34 PM
It’s very doubtful that DeVore will get to the general. The GOP winner will probably need a minimum of 35% – 40% of the vote. After 18 months, the best he has done is 15% in the polls. Kalifornia ain’t Texas. Hell, Kalifornia ain’t even Michigan.
bw222 on May 17, 2010 at 10:40 PM
I agree. He’s now wasting people’s money.
AnninCA on May 17, 2010 at 10:41 PM
Voice of reason.
John the Libertarian on May 17, 2010 at 10:43 PM
I disagree. Campbell is far worse for this country than is Boxer. At least, no one takes Boxer seriously. Campbell could do some serious damage to our national interest, before people realize he loves Islam more than America. And I should emphasize that I’m not some kook hurling accusations here. I know that Campbell thinks of himself as a decent American trying to be fair and not the best friend of jihadis. But people often don’t understand themselves well.
thuja on May 17, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Thank you. I was told I’m throwing a “hissy fit” earlier, by someone who cannot explain why DeVore is still in third place out of three.
That someone would rather vote for Boxer than Fiorina if that ends up being the choice. Makes no sense to me at all.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 10:49 PM
There’s no reason for Chuck DeVore to quit on his supporters.
David Blue on May 17, 2010 at 10:51 PM
If he can’t win, but will split the vote and hand the nomination to an anti-Israel jihad sympathizing, pro-choice, anti-2nd amendment RINO loser who will get beaten by Babs Boxer this fall, I would call that a reason.
I will concede that it may be a little early for this drastic measure right now, but in another week or two he will be running out of time to make his comeback.
If he’s going to win, he must show some significant gains in the next two weeks, or even Erick Erickson @ RedState will switch to Fiorina, because he knows Campbell is a disaster and must be eliminated.
If Chuck can’t do it, Carly must do it.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 11:08 PM
Let me repeat my explanation, so you understand fully: The reason he is currently #3 is that he is not known well beyond the core conservative/Tea Party groups that he has spent much time among. His first radio ad came out today, and he has received the endorsement of Tom McClintock. Recent poll numbers indicate he has dramatically increased his numbers over the past week — and is set to surge over the next two. Furthermore, Fiorina has NOT agreed to a debate being held by AM640 in LA by Jon and Ken — and BOTH Campbell and Devore are set to go.
If Carly and her GOP operatives think they can strong-arm Chuck to clear the playing field, demonize Campbell (who is NOT the spawn of Satan, as some of you would have us believe), and dispirit Devore supporters to ease her way to a primary victory, think again.
If Carly doesn’t have the “testicular fortitude” to debate this two gentlemen, and sends out her internet goons and GOP elites to clear the field, then she is NO better than Boxer, who she hopes to replace.
If you Republicans want to do yourselves a favor, and unseat Boxer, then let this primary race play out fairly. CK MacLeod may be this awesomely awesome Hot Air promoted pundit, but I don’t see why his opinion should count more than mine — or any of the other Californians who have veen active and engaged in supporting Devore.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 11:22 PM
Brian: I am going to refute your damned lie completely. This is Erik Erison’s take-home message:
That is because recent polls show Devore’s recognition and support are surging: see here.
In all the groups that poll reviews, Fiorina loses significant numbers within all primary-election groups cetegories; Campbell is stagnant; and DeVore posts significant increases in each one. In these last 22 days,the sorting-out process is underway as conservatives decide between Fiorina and DeVore — with the winner almost certainly going on to beat Campbell. And, right now, the momentum is 100% toward Chuck DeVore.
The Fiorina backers cannot undo this trend by undermining Devore’s grassroots support with their tactics.
Mutnodjmet on May 17, 2010 at 11:31 PM
I think that CA voters need to decide if they want to return Boxer back to DC. If they do, just keep backing the candidate who does not have a chance to beat her. That is the bottom line.
Voter from WA State on May 17, 2010 at 11:35 PM
But you have voted for Boxer in the past, and would do so again. Some conservative. This makes me doubt everything. Why would that harpy ever be acceptable under any circumstances to someone who claims to support the platform of Mr. DeVore?
If he can win this thing, more power to him. If he can’t and you can’t bring yourself to support a GOP ticket with Fiorina on it against Boxer, then I am unclear just what kind of conservative you think you are.
You left out some of that quote from Erick @Redstate.com:
He has left open the option of supporting Fiorina if Chuck can’t close the deal because Campbell is a disaster.
Erick agrees with me, not you on that one.
Brian1972 on May 17, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »