Posted on 07/26/2010 11:51:20 AM PDT by ken5050
As we get closer to the November election, there is endless continual speculation/polling as to the odds of the GOP taking control of one of both houses of Congress. We can make two logical assumptions. The GOP WILL make substantial gains, and the GOP caucus in both the House and the Senate will be more conservative. However, there has been next to no discussion of the possibility that one or more House Dems might cross the aisle after the November vote.
Both caucuses are becoming more ideologically driven...the RINOs and the "blue dogs" are a declining breed. Within that context, it's interesting to speculate which Dems on Capitol Hill might be inclined to change sides.
The Dems are facing an increasing conservative groundswell in much of the country, and in the House, those that survive 2010 might not relish the thought of going into 2012 with Obama atop the ticket, and the nation mired in a severe economic downtown and continuing unemployment.
In the House, one member comes to mind, Oklahoma's David Boren. His comments on Obamacare, for example, could have been taken from the RCCC webpage. If the GOP wins the House, I think he's guaranteed to switch. But let's suppose the GOP comes up one or two seats short. We might see some significant interest by several Dems, especially if they just manage to eke out wins in their districts this fall. OTOH..they might decide to stay where they are, especially if they believe they would face a primary challenge from a conservative Republican in 2012. The recent example of Parker Griffith comes to mind..That could cause some to stay where they are.
I wonder if other Freepers have thoughts on possible Dem switchers.
In the Senate, there are no possibilities of a party change post 2010. Happily, though, several are looking at virtual lame duck status. I mean, how do you think Kent Conrad feels these days. He's going to follow Dorgan into retirement. I wonder if either will ever set foot in North Dakota again?
There is one interesting scenario to ponder..suppose the GOP comes up ONE seat short in the Senate...and we have a 50-50 split..would Lieberman throw it to the GOP? I suspect there's a chance he might, especially if the sitiation in the Mid-East is escalating. Also, the results in the CT senate race will have an impact. I don't think that McMahon can pull it out, but if it's a close race, that might help seal the deal for Joe to cross the aisle.
Anyone thinking that Ben Nelson might jump ship..well..no way..he'd be guaranteed to lose the GOP primary in 2012..I mean, one Arlen Spector is enough.. And of course, there's my home state of Florida. I think Rubio will pull it out, but if Crist does squeak by, then with Charlie, well, anything's possible. Rubio needs to focus on getting Crist to declare, publicy, as soon as possible, with whom he will caucus if he's elected. Of course, with Charlie, there's no shame. He appeared on Fox News in a debate with Rubio, and stated several tims that he's a "true conservative Republican." It's all about Charlie..nothing more, nothing less.
No, switching, if it occurs, will happen in the House... Hoping that other Freepers will opine on which, if any House Dems might cross over..your thoughts?
John McCain and Goober might switch to the GOP?
FYI...possibly your list might find this of interest, want to opine..
OK..rim shot now please???
Mitt Romney.
Mitt’s a guy who will do, be, and say anything to be elected. Were this nation to demand politicians dress in clown suits, he’d be up there dressed as bozo. ;)
Any right wing leaning Rat who survives has a fairly high probability of party change.
i.e.
Heath Shuler NC
Rick Boucher VA
We don’t need any more stinkning RINOs.
AFAIC, defecting demoncRATs are plants intended to pull their new party leftward.
Senator Dim Webb aka Sen. Larry Flynt.
I’d argue that some are not that way. Richard Shelby comes to mind.
WE DON’T NEED NO STINKING ‘RATS!
besides, it was the 'Big Tent' Trojan Horse that diluted the GOP since the late 80s/early 90s - the party has never fully recovered.
My first thought was John McCain would be a good answer :)
but you beat me to the punch LONG before I read the thread.
Who is Goober?
Is he still alive?
Personally I wish they would do the hard thing and stay where they are and work on fixing their own house.
Heath Shuler NC
Heath Shuler is a toadstool. Or more accurately a tool. He was also a complete loser as a QB.
Just don't make unrealistic expectations. Go for the best we can get. This is not heaven.
Yes and, in my case, they have been relegated to the irrelevant file. Conservatives DON'T need more RINOs, we need conservatives who are staunch conservatives with eh strong conservative history and record.
BTW, I have statred previously that Dems and 'Pubbies are interchangeable on any given day and your post is just more proof that I am correct.
I understand your comments, and your passion...but think..seriously, what it would mean if one or two House Dems crossing the aisle would give the GOP control...the Speaker, the legislative agenda..supboena powers, hearings...you can’t just ignore that..
A better question might be which RINO’s switch to the Democrat side???
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