I know, I know--I made a little gesture about this yesterday, but more as a way of insulting President Obama's inexperience than as a way of advocating for Scott Brown. Seems I'm not the only one who raised this, as Jonah Goldberg and Rich Lowery at NRO are tossing it back and forth.
The only problem with the talk is that Republicans just aren't wired that way. Democrats fall in love--sometimes it works, sometimes you get Mike Dukakis. We nominate the guy whose turn it is--solid, tested, a record of accomplishment in SOME executive capacity/elected office. Sometimes that works and sometimes we get Bob Dole. I've often thought about the possibility of someone stealing a march on the field in Republican politics--and then dismiss it.
We do integrate proven successes from other fields (military, generally) into the process. But political novices just don't cut it.
CW, an argument the consultants would give you for an Allen or Barry for Pres and for Webb for VP was partially their short tenures in the Senate. The longer you're there, the more you trade votes and come up on different sides of issues on specific bills, often for reasons having nothing to do with the core issue in the bill, for example poison pill amendments, etc. When you've been around a while, those votes get hung around your neck...ask McCain, Kerry, and Dole. I'm not suggesting Brown's the man for 2012, just that there are advantages to having served in the US Senate, and for as short a period as possible.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, rumor has it Goode may run again for his old seat in VA's 5th District. Hard to make a comeback once voted out, but I believe the last election was an anomaly and Periello is vulnerable for a host of reasons. I hope he does run. Virgil's a good man. It'd be healthy to have his rural point of view back in the House. Right now there are at least 6 people angling for the GOP nomination, and if Virgil announces it would unite the party and save a bunch of unnecessary primary spending. When McDonnell and Bolling settled the ticket early without a nomination battle, the headstart they gained helped propel McDonnell into the Governor's seat. Hope the 5th takes the lesson.
Update from WCAV TV in Charlottesville: Goode has announced he will not seek the GOP nomination for the 5th District, but has left the door open for an independent run....and....eerily my word verification is "mudgmer"
ReplyDeleteWe may have 5th District Republican candidate Michael McPadden on the radio show Wednesday night!
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