Posted on 11/19/2008 8:00:14 AM PST by SmithL
WASHINGTON – Tom McClintock and Charlie Brown are staying at the same Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, where they first bumped into each other Sunday night.
They've toured the Capitol together. They've dined together at the Library of Congress. And tonight the two men and their wives will attend a reception for incoming freshman Congress members at the U.S. Botanic Garden.
There's only one problem: Neither has been elected to Congress.
With thousands of ballots yet to be counted in California's 4th Congressional District, McClintock, the Republican, clung to a 562-vote lead – out of nearly 340,000 counted so far – over his Democratic opponent. But with the race so close, both men are taking part in a weeklong orientation for newcomers on Capitol Hill.
The rivals find themselves spending plenty of time together in very close quarters.
"Obviously, it's a little awkward, but I'm watching the numbers," said McClintock, who has told supporters his analysis of county totals shows it is likely he will win. "I think it's a lot easier on me than it is on him right now."
As they lobby their party leaders for committee assignments and attend a slew of sessions on the nuts and bolts of transitioning to a congressman, both men are busy projecting themselves as victors in the fight to replace Republican Rep. ...Doolittle.
When the newcomers arrived at the Capitol for their official class photograph, Brown was among the first to get off the bus and get in line. "I'm in my normal role, being one of the leaders," Brown said. "Tom, being a follower, was quite a ways back."
McClintock noted that the vast majority of uncounted ballots are coming from counties where he fared better than Brown.
When the final tally comes in, McClintock predicted that he will win...
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
fyi
Tom McClintock and Charlie Brown are staying at the same Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, where they first bumped into each other Sunday night.
How funny. I mean these two are in an election fight not anything personal. Why should this be surprising? I guess I don’t understand what the fuss is...one guy will win and the other will get another job. I only won one election and that was for Sixth Grade President...Made my head explode. lol. I thought my sh!t didn’t stink...caused lots of problems for teachers and parents. That was the end of my political career which is a good thing.
-------------------------------------------------------------
I've wondered about this: does someone who has not yet been declared a winner get to vote in House (or Senate) caucus elections? Anyone know?
EMAIL FROM TOM:
Wed 11/19/2008 12:11 AMDear E-Team:
The latest batch from Nevada County dropped us by 60 votes, partially offset by a 30-vote gain out of El Dorado County, leaving us with a lead of 592 today. Nevada County is rapidly running out of ballots - we estimate it has roughly 1,000 yet to count. Everything else - approximately 25,000 more ballots -- are from counties that we are carrying.
Butte and Placer counties comprise 23,000 of those ballots and are expected to release their numbers in a single batch when they complete their full counts later this week or early next. In short, the fat lady hasn't begun singing yet, but she's on stage and appears to be wearing a McClintock button.
We cannot relent and still need to maintain our legal team and observers, so if you can contribute to the effort or volunteer as an election observer, now's the time. Volunteers can call the Roseville headquarters at 916-783-4411 and contributions can be made on our website.
Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
Tom McClintock
McClintock Ping List.
Please freepmail me if you want on or off this list
They still haven't gotten to the two Wasp's mail votes dropped in the box in the firehouse at the last minute!!!
Giddy up, Tom boy!!! The Dems KNOW what's coming if you git elected!!!
You'd make a far greater Republican Leader than either baseless Bohner, or lousy Lungren!!!
“”I’ve wondered about this: does someone who has not yet been declared a winner get to vote in House (or Senate) caucus elections? Anyone know?””
The new Congress has to be sworn in so the new members aren’t taking part now - just not taking sides now.
I believe the new Congress gets sworn in after New Years - earlier than the inauguration.
BTTT
As a former resident of South Placer County, I gotta ask. What’s up with Nevada County that makes it go blue every election? Grass Valley? Truckee?
Nevada City?
Those are done. Just provisionals left.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.