GOP Pulling Out Stops In Georgia Senate Runoff, Sending In McCain
The Republicans are bringing out some big guns to save incumbent GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss in the upcoming runoff in Georgia, which is expected to have a low turnout and will be all about mobilizing the base to turn out and vote. None other than John McCain, fresh off his national defeat (but having won in Georgia) will be coming into the state to campaign for Chambliss this Thursday.
McCain isn't the only one, either -- Mike Huckabee is coming in this weekend, as a personality who can help mobilize the Christian Right.
The national Dems and Obama staffers are also taking a big interest in the race, and for his part Martin has invited Barack Obama to come in and campaign for him, but the Obama team hasn't publicly responded.
Meanwhile, Democrats are pointing to this old quote from McCain himself, condemning Chambliss for the nasty attack ads he ran in 2002 against Dem Sen. Max Cleland: "I'd never seen anything like that ad. Putting pictures of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden next to the picture of a man who left three limbs on the battlefield -- it's worse than disgraceful. It's reprehensible."
McCain's opinion of Chambliss seems to have improved since then.
This one should be some fun. If Obama goes over there it's over though. You can't get much better than having the president-elect campaign for you.
November 11, 2008 1:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Before you get too confident, remember that McCain carried Georgia 52.2 to 47.0. Georgia's an uphill battle. I'm just glad we have a community organizer on our side.
November 11, 2008 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Feel the Power! (of mcShame)
November 11, 2008 1:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I think it's time for Zombie Reagan!!!
November 11, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was in the middle of writing a whole long comment saying just that, and decided it wasn't worth posting. When I refreshed, you'd said it much better and shorter. Thanks! :)
November 11, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't imagine that the Democrats will not be out in force to win this seat. Franken's chances in MN, despite vindictive Coleman, are looking better and better.
November 11, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sarah Palin wasn't available?
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
November 11, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
She's still pissed that the RNC is making her give back all her unmentionables.
November 11, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is not going to to campaign for Martin because Martin is going to lose and it will be treated as a blow to Obama by the MSM and a shot against his mandate.
The best Obama could do for Martin is to send his ground game and try to lull Chambliss supporters into a false sense of security and then roll out a huge GOTV campaign out of nowhere.
Chambliss has too much going for him - Chambliss in the incumbent in a red state, has the 60-seat boogieman card to play, is willing to play dirty as hell and has the GOP rallying to help him.
Martin will not rally the African Americans/independents/youth to the polls who voted for him because they were voting Obama.
Martin would have had a better chance if the Dems booted Lieberman because that would have taken some of the wind out of the filibuster-proof protection sails.
Martin should use Chambliss' campaign against Cleland against him. Paint Chambliss as "old politics" who was willing to say whatever it took to get elected.
November 11, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's this got to do with Joe Lieberman?
November 11, 2008 2:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Having followed (albeit sans enthusiasm) your cross-thread obsession with Lieberman - and TPM's quite legitimate reporting on the evolving story with him - might I suggest you consider going back on your meds? Your OCD is showing.
November 11, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lighten up.
November 11, 2008 2:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL. I like it when you are snarky Eric.
November 11, 2008 2:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
The vitality of a winner like McCain will surely light a fire under the faithful in Georgia! Cough-fuck'em-cough.
November 11, 2008 2:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is not just about the possibility of having 60 Senate seats. Saxby Chambliss represents all that is rotten in American politics. He ran the sleaziest possible campaign against Max Cleland in 1992. And he is the classic "chicken hawk": a super fit lifetime jock who dodged military service, first with four consecutive 2S deferments, then the sudden appearance of a "trick knee" to gain a medical deferment. He has been the most enthusiastic of cheerleaders for the Iraq War, but he has consistently voted against the troops and veterans: vehicle armor, a cost-of-living pay raise, GI Bill, funds to improve medical skills to combat head injuries...
Let's get this jerk out of government.
November 11, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Having Lieberman count toward the 60 seat figure to prevail on cloture votes is meaningless, because he can't be depended upon to vote with the majority, even if allowed to keep his chairmanship. It isn't like simple majority which gives that party majority status and control of the Senate agenda.
As for McCain campaigning for Chambliss, let them bring the nebbish in. I guess he did win the state which is something, but bringing him in after the drubbing he absorbed nationally does nothing for me. Also, I'm not sure I want Obama splurging some of his good will in a face to face against McCain so soon after his election. Send in the ground troops, throw in buckets of his campaign money, and stay above it all.
November 11, 2008 5:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let them send in Carabou Bimbo and really give it to the Dems. :snicker:
November 12, 2008 6:52 AM | Reply | Permalink