Could Joe Liebernam keep the House for the GOP?
By The Blogging Caesar Comments (8) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
In this highly-fluid, neck-and-neck election season, the balance of power can turn on the smallest of factors. Ironically, Joe Lieberman's defeat in the Democratic primary in Connecticut might turn out to have a deciding impact on who controls the House of Representatives in 2007. What??? Hear me out.
Ned Lamont's victory fired up the anti-war Democratic crowd, to be sure, but it also might have had an unintended consequence - firing up Connecticut's GOP base. Not for the GOP candidate mind you, but for Senator Lieberman. In three-way polls before the primary, Republican Alan Schlesinger grabbed somewhere around 10-15%. Now, he barely reaches 5%. The obvious explanation is that many Connecticut Republicans are throwing their support behind the slighted incumbent.
So how does this effect the House? Well, there just happens to be three very close congressional races in Connecticut, a state with only 5 seats in its entire House delegation. All three are currently held by the GOP. Lieberman's revenge will bring out Republicans here more, perhaps significantly more, than Schlesinger's meaningless campaign alone would have.
And while they're in the voting booth, they might as well pull the level for their Republican congressperson. It might seem like a stretch, but energized GOP support for Lieberman may be the difference in one or more of these House races. If the GOP maintains control of the House by only one or two seats, we might have one Ned Lamont to thank.
The idea just rings of poetic justice, doesn't it?
Cross-posted at http://www.electionprojection.com
that's what's so convoluted about the whole thing. People ask me if Leiberman will caucus with the GOP. Are you kidding?? He makes Linc Chaffee look conservative - except for that darn war thing. That's the tunnel vision DEMs have these days.
The other issue that I don't think the pollster pundits have considered enough in their analyses is the issue of blanket amnesty and US citizenship. The House GOP held out strong on this issue. I think this resonates well with many US voters.
You’re a persistent cuss, pilgrim.
John Wayne to Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
I think your theory is plausible. I believe that whichever party wins thge House in November, they will have a razor thin majority (this is pretty much guaranteed in the Senate as well). So it would certainly be deliciously ironic if Lieberman was the difference maker for Republicans.
And if the Republicans activate their GOTV machine of Lieberman's behalf, Johnson, Shays, and the others could win with little problem.
I agree that it is incredible to observe what the lunatic fringe is doing to the Democratic Party. We have Republicans in Connecticut ready to vote for the lefty who stood next to Al Gore six years ago merely because the alternative that fringe has put in place on the D ticket would be a disaster.
"Always be honest with yourself even if you are honest with no one else...
...It helps you keep track of your lies..."
--Myself
I'd feel better about my current situation, at least!
Disclaimer: Works for Alan Schlesinger (R-CT). Volunteer, no pay.
They threw him off the cliff so he is indirectly helping throw them off the cliff.
Lieberman is a liberal except that he is also supports the US military to wage war against our enemies. This position that Lieberman has will fire up the GOP to show up at the polls and vote to keep the GOP in control of the House.
You’re a persistent cuss, pilgrim.
John Wayne to Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance