Posted on 08/21/2006 10:52:52 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
PITTSBURGH -- When Sen. Rick Santorum was first elected to Congress 16 years ago, he was among the firebrand conservatives who mapped out the Republican Revolution to slash government spending and end political careerism in Washington.
Today, the Pennsylvanian is the third-ranking Republican in the Senate. But the Republican Revolution is over, and he faces one of the toughest re-election campaigns in the country.
Typical of his campaigning these days was a stop earlier this month at the Pittsburgh Zoo, where he boasted to local reporters about how he'd fetched $500,000 from federal taxpayers to build one of the most luxurious polar-bear exhibits outside Arctic climes.
"They're building underwater tunnels so you're actually under water," Mr. Santorum told his awe-struck children as they toured the construction site and approached a tunnel of 4-inchglass that will allow zoo visitors to view the bears from below.
In November, Mr. Santorum faces state Treasurer Bob Casey Jr., a conservative Democrat who says Mr. Santorum has lost touch with the voters who first elected him and accuses him of helping usher in a new and deeper era of fiscal irresponsibility.
The race is viewed by many -- including Mr. Santorum -- as one of the biggest challenges facing a Republican incumbent nationwide as Democrats seek six seats to gain control of the chamber. Mr. Santorum, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, says Democrats want revenge for Republicans' 2004 toppling of Minority Leader Tom Daschle in South Dakota.
After the zoo event, Mr. Santorum was asked whether funding for the polar-bear exhibit really was all that important, given the federal government's hemorrhaging debt, looming financial crisis in entitlement programs and expensive emergencies, such as the war in Iraq and rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
BS .. Rick is closing in on the poll numbers
Just wait till Casey, jr. has to debate him
Good god we're in trouble !
The Vote in PA will come down to a Labor Union Lackey against a Pro Life Republican that does not believe the Federal Government is the answer to all of our needs
Is Junior a sure thing to disappoint his backers?
500K here, 500K there, pretty soon it adds up. The government should provide for the national defense and deliver the mail. Anything beyond that.....
The Republicans have come a long way from the days of the Republican Revolution.
No sure what you mean ??
One of the things Casey is running on is his pro-life stance as a way to get voters away from Rick
Casey, jr. is nothing like his father and will vote in line with the likes of Chuckie, Hellary, Reid, Durbin , Kennedy and Kerry on EVERY issue
Plus he comes off as out of his league when his speaks about issues
Which is why he's avoiding Rick big time
The problem Rick is having this election are the "true" conservatives up state
But that may be changing since the poll numbers are much closer
You have answered my question, thanks.
I meant to say, will Rick cream him?
I have been hoping Junior is not ready for prime time and apparently, he isn't.
Burnt toast
Fine ... let'em vote for Casey, jr
It will give them something to really *itch about
Only because it's been abandoned to the assumption Americans want and need big spending governance, not because its assumptions were invalid. Indeed, the Republican Revolution continues to pay dividends in the economy and the culture of today, even if cowardice has caused many who brought it about to retreat from it.
It's August. I suspect that alot of the discontent will be put aside soon as the possible alternatives loom larger.
Michael Barone, THE nation's best political analyst said on Hannity today Santorum has a good shot of making a come back in this race. He's brought his approval numbers from 36% in the spring to 52% now through an aggressive retail campaign. This race has tightened from double digits to about 6 points, and it has to be said that despite looking grim at the outset the momentum now favors Santorum. Barone said Santorum has carried out a remarkably effective campaign even as Casey looks more and more like a light-weight who won't even debate Santorum on local PA. TV.
bttt
Is Rick toast?
In a word, YES!
They are both considered to be pro life and pro gun, though I am sure that Casey will not be able to vote that way once in office.
But you don't know Santorum if you think that he is a principled conservative.
He's flip flopped almost as much as Kerry. Did you read the article and his justification for spending $500 grand on a zoo exhibit?
He has no regard for the Constitution. He will spend your money to buy votes just like any other pandering self serving politician.
PING!
The poll numbers are 'closer' because Rick paid to get a Green Party candidate on the ballot (maybe). He is still 11 points behind Casey in a head to head matchup.
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