Posted on 11/07/2012 7:31:47 PM PST by SmithL
Weve posted my story for tomorrows print editions on how Rep. Pete Starks defeat marks both the end of an era and, probably, the start of another Democrat-on-Democrat race for the 15th Congressional District in 2014. Heres a few final thoughts for which there wasnt room in that story, but which seem noteworthy nonetheless.
This was a contest for which our editors wanted election-night photographs, but Starks campaign refused to tell us Monday and Tuesday where he would be Tuesday night; I still dont know where he watched the returns.
I take this as a sign that his campaign staff knew there was a pretty good chance he would lose. Id bet their final internal polling showed a tight race, perhaps with Stark holding a small lead, but with many last-minute undecided voters likely to break against the incumbent. Apparently they did.
San Jose State University political scientist Larry Gerston said Starks quirky political behavior and a dramatically changed district fueled his downfall at least as much as the top-two primary system. That is, Starks loss necessarily doesnt mark a sea change in how future campaigns will be run, and other Bay Area House Democrats need not look over their shoulders.
This was the exception to the rule I dont know any other elected official in Congress who had the reputation Stark had, Gerston said. Its a shame. Hes a man who at one time had an impeccable reputation, a liberal icon. This is more a story of his time had come.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibabuzz.com ...
He is an EVIL VILE little man....good riddance.
Freaking embarrassing....especially DWS and that AWFUL, AWFUL UGLY Alan Grayson!!
Pray that he doesn’t become a Federal Judge...
One of the reasons I will never vacation in Florida. There are too many snakes, too many aligators and too many insane people.
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