Wednesday, October 05, 2005

Keep up the Good Work Sen. Dole

At least Senator Elizabeth Dole is doing something good for our country. She isn't helping out our veterans, except to vote against their health benefits. She isn't securing the homeland, unless you have Vestiphobia. And, she isn't standing up against security leaks from this administration.

So, what is she doing for our country that is worthwhile? She is helping us reelect a Democratic Senate.


Republicans' 2006 Senate prospects sour
By Peter Savodnik

This is not how Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) hoped things would turn out. High-profile candidates she hoped could defeat incumbent Democrats are shying away from 2006, and some of her own Republican colleagues are looking vulnerable. On Monday, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) bowed out of a race next year against Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.). Late last week, Gov. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said he wouldn'’t challenge Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) next year.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), which Dole chairs, has failed to recruit candidates it considers top-tier in Michigan, Florida and Vermont; no one is challenging Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.); and Republicans are embroiled in primaries in Nebraska and Rhode Island.

Tennessee, which has twice backed President Bush, is giving some Republicans heartburn, with the GOP Senate contenders attacking their opponents'’ conservative credentials while Rep. Harold Ford (D-Tenn.) outfundraises his Republican rivals and aggressively canvasses the state.


"Nationally, overall, their recruiting has not been as strong as it was in 2002 and 2004," Republican pollster David Johnson said of the NRSC. "“They have missed a lot of chances in recruitment. But part of it also is with Senator Dole."
...
Democratic consultant Peter Fenn had a different take. "Republican recruitment this cycle has been nothing short of disastrous," he said. "They have been about as successful as General Custer calling in reinforcements. Democrats are in an excellent position to pick up a substantial number of seats and, possibly, take back control."


Now, I realize that last is hyperbole from our side, but how nice it is to hear some arrogance and confidence from Democrats instead of whining.