Ripe for the Picking (Vulnerable Democrat in South Carolina)

The Palmetto Scoop ^ | December 21st, 2009 | Adam Fogle

[Palmetto Patriot]

14-TERM CONGRESSMAN ENDS SPECULATION OVER RETIREMENT

Congressman John Spratt has ended months of speculation over whether he will resign or run to retain his seat next year.

On Monday, the 14-term Democrat officially filed for re-election with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

The FEC filing showed Spratt, 67, with nearly $600,000 cash-on-hand. He is currently South Carolina’s longest-serving Congressman.

A number of media outlets had been probing Spratt’s intentions of late, which likely pressured him into making a decisive move before he lost the support of his 5th district base.

“Washington is sort of like an echo chamber,” Spratt told the Rock Hill Herald on Monday. “Somebody says something and somebody else picks up on it. The next thing you know, a half dozen people are picking up on something they heard.”

Spratt, who chairs the House Budget Committee, faces opposition from Republican State Sen. Mick Mulvaney (R-Lancaster) in a fairly rural, conservative district. But Spratt has been able to easily dismiss Republican opposition in the past.

However, Spratt’s support for a public option in the Democrats health care bill and the perception that he has become a lap dog for President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could prove quite problematic this go around.

Should be an interesting race, either way. Especially if former 5th district Republican nominee Ralph Norman throws his hat in the race.

[Palmetto Patriot]

One of two Dems in the South Carolina Delegation. Charlie Cook rates this race as "Lean Dem", with a Partisan Voter Index of R+7. This guy could go down this cycle, and sending home a 28 year fixture in the House would be huge. No polling that I know of, but people in SC are motivated (see Joe Wilson). Please follow this race, and consider contributing to his opponent.

[neal1960]

Mulvaney seems to be a true Conservative. I just joined his team.

http://www.mulvaneyforcongress.com/

[Dem Guard]

See Ya!

[smokingfrog]

We need to keep a running list of all the congressional seats that are vulnerable and the best conservative candidates to replace them.

[hinckley buzzard]

This guy seems like just the kind who ought to be whipped next year. If we can't replace an Obama lapdog like this then we really are screwed indeed.

[Palmetto Patriot]

“However, Spratt’s support for a public option in the Democrats health care bill and the perception that he has become a lap dog for President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could prove quite problematic this go around.”

This perception is not going over well in the District (to say the least).

[Maelstorm]

Take em all down!

[Palmetto Patriot]

Spot on. The Restoration starts here.

[Palmetto Patriot]

All it takes is commitment.

[Palmetto Patriot]

Do your research. Root them out of their hidey holes. There's plenty of anger over Obama's agenda.

We need to let the people know their names.

[YankeeReb]

I look at it like this. Every 0bama/Pelosi/Reid lapdog that gets thrown out in 2010 is one less nail in the nation’s coffin. The founders put in 2 year house terms for a reason.

[Clintonfatigued]

Ping

[Palmetto Patriot]

Making a lapdog list:

Rep. John Spratt (D) SC-5
Rep. Dina Titus (D) Nev.-3
Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D) FL-24 (Weasel who voted no on HC, but weasel nontheless)
Rep. Alan Grayson (D) FL-08
Rep. Jim Marshall (D) GA-08 (Weasel who voted no on HC, but weasel nontheless)
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) ND
Sen. Chris Dodd (D) CT

All can be had.

Feel free to add your favorite lapdog.

[upchuck]

South Carolina
Ping
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[MitchellC]

Ping

[Taxman]

Dingy Harry Reid (D-NV)!!!!!!!!

[Scotsman will be Free]

Sen. Patty Murray(D)Wa