At 87, Byrd facing re-election battle of his career if he runs

WFRV.COM ^ | 05/22/2005 | LAWRENCE MESSINA

[MeanFreePath]

I've already posed the question on another thread, but again: How many times must one, during his most recent term, use the n-word on national TV before it becomes an election liability? In my book, twice should do it.

[Dog]

Outside Priddy's Robert Byrd Memorial Hardware Store, 64-year-old Frances Meredith is even more emphatic.

[ProudVet77]

I live MA, which is a demo controlled state. If instead of wasting funds against a Kennedy, we and our fellow pubs in NY, and CA sent their money to WV we could make a difference.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"I've already posed the question on another thread, but again: How many times must one, during his most recent term, use the n-word on national TV before it becomes an election liability? In my book, twice should do it."

That depends. If you are a Democrat, you can say it as much as you want as long as you follow the party line. If you are a Republican, you don't have to say it, it is already assumed you are a racist. If you do say it, you're toast.

[AntiGuv]

A total waste of money. The RNC should keep the funds for tight, winnable contests.

[BobL]

Bush cleaned up in WV last year, even Mr. Byrd may have a tough time being re-elected. And any new Dem will have a really tough time.

This may get us a bit closer to the 60 seats that the Dems say we need to be a majority in the Senate - of course by then the bar will be raised to 67 seats, through some tactic.

[AntiGuv]

PS. Unless Byrd retires. Then this would be top-tier.

[isthisnickcool]

Anyone have any idea why all of Byrd's sweat glands are in his lips?

[xJones]

``I know exactly where the people of West Virginia are. ... When they get Robert C. Byrd, it's a product that they know.''

Sure he knows what his voters are; Byrd could shoot the Pope in downtown Wheeling in front of hundreds of photographers and his Democrats would still vote for the pork barrel king.

[byteback]

Good idea. I live in CA where Feinstein will easily win and will be looking to support other states.

[seacapn]

Byrd is more of a cartoon character than a real senator. Too bad WV hasn't been able to tell the difference yet...

[Paleo Conservative]

Though the 2006 general election is more than 18 months away, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has already started an Internet-based campaign to oust Byrd. Almost daily, it e-mails Byrd-related story ideas and relays articles, columns and even blogs critical of the senator.

``They said that same thing about me in 1982,'' Byrd told The Associated Press. ``I know exactly where the people of West Virginia are. ... When they get Robert C. Byrd, it's a product that they know.''

I'm sure Republicans didn't use an internet based campaign in 1982. Byrd must be getting senile.

[labette]

Want your blood pressure raised even higher?
Just think of the monuments and memorials ol' Sheets will receive after he croaks. Maybe they will be built with your tax dollars.

[quantim]

the main road into town was christened Robert C. Byrd Drive in 1991 after he helped secure the money to build it.

How pathetic.  Socialism at it's finest.

[xJones]

Anyone have any idea why all of Byrd's sweat glands are in his lips?

His lips are involved in where he's done his most work.

[ambrose]

Think Bill Roth or Jacob Javits.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

I'm thinking this way: No one has pushed him in a long time and he is increasingly fragile both physically and mentally. If presented with an aggressive and well funded republican - Bryd is very likely to self destruct, either by showing his befuddlement or in melting down, reverting to the N-word or its equivalent.