[churchillbuff]

The definitions below, from Merriem-Webster online dictionary, show that Keyes is no "carpetbagger." First, he's not going to Illinois for "private gain" -- he's answering a call for assistance from a party in peril. Second, he's not "meddling in [Illinois] politics," because to "meddle" means to "interfere without right or propriety"; Keyes is not "interfering" at all -- he's answering a summons for help.

Main Entry: car·pet·bag·ger

Pronunciation: -"ba-g&r

Function: noun

Etymology: from their carrying all their belongings in carpetbags

1 : a Northerner in the South after the American Civil War usually seeking private gain under the reconstruction governments

2 : OUTSIDER; especially : a nonresident or new resident who meddles in politics

Main Entry: med·dle

Pronunciation: 'me-d&l

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): med·dled; med·dling /'med-li[ng], 'me-d&l-i[ng]/

Etymology: Middle English medlen, from Middle French mesler, medler, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin misculare, from Latin miscEre to mix -- more at MIX

: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety

[BlackRazor]

You can parse definitions all you want, but this is a bad idea whether it's carpetbagging or not, and does nothing to negate Keyes' own strongly stated convictions about the "destruction of federalism". I agree with what Keyes said in March 2000 (See my post #32), and I'm not going to compromise my principles on the matter just because it may help my party in this one instance. I for one am disappointed in Keyes' decision.

Somehow I've got a sneaking suspicion you wouldn't be so gung-ho about this idea if it had been the Democratic Party in Georgia who had sent out a "summons for help" to some well-known non-resident to come in and run for Senate there.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

It's all just perfume on a pig.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

Your distinction is an interesting one, and correct.

However, no matter how you slice it, Keyes is still carpetbagging, which, though there exists far worse in politics, is not generally my cup of tea.

Most folks will not give the situation the thought required to make the distinction. The comments Keyes made upon Hillary's candidacy, which the press will exploit, will brand Keyes as a total hypocrite. He may be answering a call to duty (though I don't think he'll mind the exposure), but if he truly believes his own words, he is behaving hypocritically. Especially when we examine HIS STATEMENTS and rationale regarding Hillary's candidacy, not yours.

Thank you for the ping.

[discostu]

He answered a call for assistance that never should have been offered and he should have refused. By accepting he turned himself into carpetbagging scum and should feel ashamed of himself. He is interfering, if wanted to help he should have helped them find a resident candidate and campaigned for them, violating the clear intentions of the Founders is beneath him. All this has done is completely vindicated Hillary Clinton, not the actions of a true conservative by any stretch.

[TOUGH STOUGH]

P. S. That said there are actions politicians take I find far more disturbing than something like this.