I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there, so I certainly wouldn't imitate it.
Principled conservative, huh?
Give him the courtesy of explaining why he decided to do it. My guess is that it had something to do with, I don't know, handing over the Senate to liberal without so much as a squeak.
ZING!
Controversy gets one's name out there and Mr. Keyes is more than capable of defending his action. He was right then and he's right to do this now.
Look... you want him to turn it down for the sake of high minded principles and give Barack Obama the seat by default? I'd be the first to say carpet-baggers shouldn't run but what's goose for Hillary is gander for Alan. I'd like to see a Senate campaign based on the issues. We have a chance to keep Peter Fitzgerald's seat in GOP hands and I admit it doesn't look good. But if Alan doesn't run, the odds change to NONE. I'll take slim any day, thank you.
Keyes isn't imitating Hillary-he is running Illinois.
Hee Hee Hee! Wasn't Hillary born and raised in Ill.?
I think the difference is that Hillary invited herself. While Keyes was asked to come, if the Illinois GOP felt that he better represent them than any other available candidate they can call upon, then that's good enough for me.
POW! My thoughts exactly> The last thing we need to do is pull a Hillary!
He has the right to be wrong. He was wrong in his comment about Federalism. Now he can make it right. Were you hoping that undercover democrat BArthwell would get chosen?
The voters of Illinois decide in November if Keyes represents them or not. If you don't want him, vote for Obama.
In the meantime, I suggest we all pull together to do what we can to save this seat from the Democrats! It's a long shot, but worth a try! GO KEYES !
Carpetbagger!
But it's a great move. All he has to do to defend himself is list the defenses of hillary that were used by the press.
I think this is a huge liability for Keyes, i.e., the carpetbagger issue. Keyes, unlike Hillary! or RFK, doesn't have the advantage of being a spouse or brother of a president in surmounting that issue.
What's his argument that he's not a carpetbagger? I mean, was he at least raised in Illinois or something??
Thank you for that quote.
Alan Keys is a true patriot who stands for traditional family values.
Hillary went to NY of her own accord. That was a "courtesy draft." Alan was truly drafted. It's a huge difference here.
Yeah, that quote could be a real problem! However, if he deals with it directly, is candid and explains why he is running, he can get past it.
Of course he still has no chance of winning, and remains a carpetbagger, but there is much he can do to advance conservatism by running here. Any local person running(excluding some who already declined) also had no shot, but at least this will get some publicity for the GOP candidate, as some tune in to see "Why this nut decided to run in a state he doesn't even live in?" He can hold Obama's feet to the fire and help expose his true beliefs and weaknesses, help engender more left-right debate in IL that could potentially aid other races, and soften Obama up for 2010. Perhaps more importantly, as an official candidate from IL he may be able to raise quite a stink about any tomfoolery that takes place on election day, should the Rats try their usual in Cook County.
Plus, as someone with no future expectations or favors owed
in IL, he would be free to come out blazing with both barrels. With nothing to lose, he could really bloody the Democrats.
A very principled conservative . And smart too. Hillary changed the rules when she carpet bagged to NY. No need for the Republicans or Keys to hold back when the rules change. As has been said by other posters, Alan was invited to run in Ill, he did not impose himself on the Republican party. Win or lose, Alan Keys willl make the race exciting and maybe historic. When was the last time two black candidates for senate ran against each other? Just asking as I don't know.
"Alan Keyes in 2000:
I deeply resent the destruction of federalism represented by Hillary Clinton's willingness go into a state she doesn't even live in and pretend to represent people there, so I certainly wouldn't imitate it."
A valid point. But there is a distinction, however fine, between being drafted into an extraordinary situation of need, and arrogantly inserting yourself into a state which has no need of you to win the seat or represent your views.
So where's your source for the quote, for the second time?
Be careful words come out of your mouth....you may have to eat them...
aside from that, I LOVE Keyes.....