Posted on 01/14/2006 11:27:23 AM PST by Fenris6
"Former representative Don Bailey (D-Pa.) has apparently broken ranks and attacked the war record of fellow Democrat John Murtha"
"...The story was picked up by CNS, a conservative web site. In their report they also cited excerpts from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2002, and several quotes from political opponents in the 1990s that raised questions regarding Murtha's record."
"...But the quote used above comes from a Washington Post article that confirms many of the accusations in the CNS story. But before Murtha's political opponents begin jumping for joy, they had best take a close look at how the Post is spinning the story of blue on blue warfare:..."
"Beware of Greeks bearing gifts, they say. The Post dutifully notes the actual source of the accusations (Bailey) a few paragraphs into the piece, but leaves no doubt where this story is headed: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said, "The Swift Boat-like attacks on an American hero, Congressman Jack Murtha, are despicable and have no place in politics."
"Let me be clear: attacks on Murtha's Vietnam record are pointless. Murtha's latest statements against the success of US troops in Iraq speak for themselves; his current behavior renders his past insignificant. Democrats, grown tired of waiting for an attack on Murtha's war record from the Right, have created their own. He's painted as a victim now - of "right wing chickenhawk" contempt for real war heroes. But those serious about standing up to the current John Murtha would be well advised to let his fellow Democrats and the mainstream media keep this war "unilateral".
A trap for us?
I tend to agree with you. Anyway, we're on a roll just letting the Dims be themselves.
Even though a Democrat initiated this I'm having a bad feeling.
"A trap for us?"
Yes. I know independents who are angry with us for "questioning" Max Cleland's patriotism, even though thats not what really happened. The MSM is dying for Republicans to take a swing at this one too, so they can spin it the same way to the public.
To what end? Bailey has nothing to gain.
Very suspicious indeed. Smart Republicans will steer clear of this nonsense. Murtha has no credibility, so nothing to lose. We all know Murtha's stunts have been staged and planned by his puppet-master Pelosi.
Remember dims got away with hitting Dukakis with Willie Horton and then blaming Republicans for being racists.
"Neither injury required evacuation."
Check my tagline ;)
I think this is the Left pre-empting the Swiftboat attacks against Kerry again in 08, and getting revenge for 04. They can't discredit the Swifties, but if we bite on this one and it blows up in our face, the Swifties will be marginalized in 08.
"To what end? Bailey has nothing to gain."
Perhaps Bailey is merely a patriot. There was a time when Dems were patriots.
Don Bailey's military service:
"After college he entered the US Army, serving with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in Vietnam. He was awarded Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, two with the Valor device, one for meritorious achievement, Army Commendation Medal, with "V" for Valor, Air Medal, and a second Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service."
Don Bailey's military service:
"After college he entered the US Army, serving with the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions in Vietnam. He was awarded Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, two with the Valor device, one for meritorious achievement, Army Commendation Medal, with "V" for Valor, Air Medal, and a second Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service."
Perhaps it would be telling to print the rest of the biographical information:
After a very contested primary and very close general election, Bailey was elected to the US House from PA-21 in 1978. He won an impressive reelection bid in 1980, despite the general Republican victory that year, garnering about 70% of the vote. Bailey served on the House "Ways and Means" Committee.
In 1982, after redistricting by the state legislature, Bailey's district was largely merged into the Twelfth Congressional District of Pennsylvania with fellow Democrat John Murtha, who had been serving since 1974. In a strongly fought primary, Bailey lost. Interestingly, when the Republican nominee for the seat withdrew the same year, Bailey was seriously considered as a replacement; he came in a very strong second at the Republican nominating convention held that year. This underscores that he was viewed as a conservative Democrat.
In 1984, Bailey, after yet another contested primary, became the Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania Auditor General that year; he handily won the General Election; he was the only Democratic nominee to win statewide that year. During his tenure as Auditor General, Bailey established the first work-site child daycare facility in Pennsylvania government, established minimum education standards for state auditors, and generally modernized auditing procedures.
Despite Bailey's electoral success in 1984, he lost a bitter primary battle with then Congressman Bob Edgar (D, PA-7) for the US Senate seat in 1986. In a close race in 1988, he lost his reelection bid for Auditor General to Barbara Hafer (her first statewide run).
Bailey ran for the Auditor General position again in 1992, and lost the Democratic primary. He also lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary to Ivan Itkin in 1998.
Hmmm.. lost an election to Murtha, was proposed as a Republican candidate.. Can we say "unbiased" without choking?
Was he a Dem or not?!
John would not be proud of you....he was in the Marine Corps
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.