Posted on 04/07/2012 10:29:58 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Indianapolis (AP) -- Sen. Richard Lugar sounded wistful in his gratitude when he thanked supporters packed in the skybox of the Indiana Pacers' home court, as though he could see the approaching end of a political career that has spanned nearly half a century.
"I thank all of you, the 50 or 60 of you who are co-sponsors of the rally. We appreciate very much your willingness to put your own names on the line and be helpful in bringing together this assembly," said the 80-year-old Indiana Republican who was first elected to the Senate in 1976.
That characteristically understated demeanor has endeared Lugar to generations of Hoosier voters. It belies the fierce battle in Republican circles over whether to retire him now or give him six more years in Washington.
Lugar and Utah's Orrin Hatch, 78 and sent to Capitol Hill in the same year as Lugar, are tea partyers' top Senate Republican targets for defeat this year, portrayed as old bulls out of touch with today's conservatives. They are the GOP's two most senior members in the Senate.
Both have come out swinging, a lesson learned when Hatch's fellow Utah senator, Robert Bennett, had his re-election bid derailed two years ago by the fledgling tea party movement in the state GOP's nominating convention.
Hatch has shored up his support, furiously courting delegates to this year's convention on April 21. He has emphasized his seniority and covered his flank with more conservative stances and votes.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Donate Early Donate Often !!
SERIOUSLY!! HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN IN OFFICE???
THEY HELPED TO CREATE THIS MESS
REMOVE ALL THE OLD TIMERS
I used to think Lugar and Hatch were pretty good guys, back in the old days. I suppose they gave in to a little bit of corruption and compromise, and it just kept on growing, until that seems to be all they care about.
Don’t they have enough money to retire gracefully? I should think so.
They both need to go and take Lisa Murkowski with them.
It’s not about money per se imo, it’s more about power and respect .. the power they acquire and the respect they command as old lions on the political plain.
There’s a new herd on the scene, bets to put the covers on the furniture, they won’t leave gracefully.
Hatch sold his soul to Ted Kennedy instead of Lucifer(although, maybe one in the same).
Those two old geezers let hussein install two far left radicals on the Supreme Court without any kind of fight whatsoever. Do we really need any more proof than that in order for them to be booted?
The danger in possibly reelecting one or both of them, is that since it would definitely be the last term for both of them, they would have absolutley no accountability to the voters..if you think they are RINOS now..just wait and see what they’d do then
“Don’t they have enough money to retire gracefully? I should think so.”
With these two, it isn’t about money. They think of themselves as royalty and that they “are owed” re-election. I am just sorry that Jason Chafetz was co-opted into not running against Hatch. Oh well, at least Hatch has a home in Utah, Lugar hasn’t had one in Indiana for years.
THIRTY years.
Firebrand and Tea Party ally Mark Levin supports Hatch’s reelection because of the good work he’s done over the years on judges. He endorsed him late last year.
“the power they acquire and the respect they command as old lions on the political plain.”
I think this safari is necessary so the Tea Party can hang a few trophies on the wall. This will hopefully teach the young lions what can happen if you forget that you’re supposed to work for the pride and not yourself.
Lugar has told Hoosiers his job is NOT to represent his constituents, but to represent all Americans. No thanks, Dick! That’s one reason we support Mourdock.
So, Levin’s endorsement is payback for past “good work” on judges? No firebrand Tea-Party ally would possibly back Hatch over Hatch’s younger opponent, Dan Liljenquist, who is an outstanding lawyer and could do as good or better “work” on judges as 78 year old Hatch.
As Dan Liljenquist himself put it so well:
“Is seniority so important that we feel forced to make the same decisions for the same people that got us into this mess? For me, leadership trumps seniority every time. There is a time for new leadership, and that time is now,” Liljenquist said.
Levin is hiding his real reasons for backing Hatch, whatever they are.
“We need new blood .. and guts .. and spine ..... Donate Early Donate Often !!
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We most definitely need new, and TRUE, CONSERVATIVE blood in the Senate. I’ve donated several times (with the modest amounts I can currently afford) and plan to again on Monday. I encourage other FReepers to donate to Mourdock’s campaign.
For the Hoosiers among us, be sure to vote for Mourdock and get your friends to vote for Mourdock. You can go to the campaign website and see how you can help out (yard signs, apply for an absentee ballot, etc.) and/or donate.
http://www.richardmourdock.com/
Hatch maybe did some fine work on judges 60-70 years ago but I don’t recall any big fight being waged when the two hussein lesbos waltzed onto the Supreme Court.
Well stated. Now, to action!
No, we don’t; but, the masses are easily fooled by these professional pols. And, too, some just vote for the incumbent because they’re too lazy to consider the issues/voting records.
80 and 78.
These people don’t live like most Americans. They are treated like royalty in D.C., especially igf they are RINOS.
They eat Prime fillet and Maine lobster, take first class junkets, and go to the finest parties. They have Rolls Royce healthcare, huge perks, and numerous other entitlements. Is it any wonder that despite all of the atrocities Obama has committed, nary a peep out of the House or Senate? These people are so far removed from reality, that it is laughable.
They would be nothing without their seats in the senate, just like most people their age, even those who enjoyed great success in their lives. Too bad that the Federal Governmenht doe snot have the same rule that the Catholic Church has for its bishops: At age 75, you offer your resignation. Fact is that few men at that age are what they used to be.
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