Torricelli's Re-election Chances Downgraded on Aug. 4th

The Political Oddsmaker ^ | 8/4/02 | N/A

[Coop]

Sen. Bob Torricelli (D) favored over Douglas Forrester (R), 9 to 8
(52.9% chance; Torricelli's chances downgraded 8/4/02 from 55.6%)

Though this is a Democratic leaning state, and Torricelli is a tough pol who is well positioned geographically, Forrester has proven to be a capable candidate with loads of personal bucks at his disposal. The GOP thinks it has an outside shot because of Torricelli's personal negatives which were aggravated during recent investigations and Senate action. Polls show Torricelli's vote in the mid-to-high-30s, which is very low, even in a state that usually posts high undecideds in most competitive races. Recent indications show that Torricelli remains highly vulnerable and is still very much in re-election danger.

[Coop]

Back in Feb or Mar of this year, after Mary Jo White took a pass on indicting this crook, Torricelli's chances were just over 57%. He hasn't had a very good year. :-)

[Oldeconomybuyer]

It amazes me that a US Senator can squeak past a criminal prosecution, get horse-slapped by a friendly ethics committee, and still find support among a majority of voters. You'd think there would be a chorus of bi-partisan voices demanding Torricelli's resignation.

Our political process is beyond repair.

[Coop]

Who says he has support among a majority of voters? He's getting in the 30s and 40s in polling, and the last poll showed him trailing the unknown Forrester.

Sure, the guy should be in jail, but I'm hoping the voters of NJ show this bum the door.

[ken5050]

As you probably know, the NY Times has been sharpening the knives for the Torch..they can't stand him. The funniest thing to come, this fall, will be to see the Times contort itself, as it endorse Torricelli because otherwise the Senate might go to the GOP.....

[Coop]

BTTT

[eureka!]

Cool. I hope the newspapers get the "letter" oh, around, late October. Just a friendly reminder for the undecideds...

[FatherFig1o155]

Simple. The Demos would rather have a crook representing them than a Republican. Not too surprising here in Jersey.

Now, if this brewhaha had happened in time for a primary, I think we would have seen something else altogether.

[Coop]

If it's so simple, then why was he trailing in the most recent poll?

[BikerNYC]

The Demos would rather have a crook representing them than a Republican. Not too surprising here in Jersey.

Unfortunately, it happens both ways. Remember McCain and his own difficulties with the Ethics Committee over the savings and loan debacle? What are you going to say? "The Republicans would rather have a crook representing them than a Democrat. Not too surprising in Arizona."

[sandydipper]

Just suppose Toricelli doesn't get re-elected - what then? He still gets full senate pay for the rest of his life. Anddd it comes out of the general fund - that is off the top of the annual budget - before they pay the light bill they pay themselves.

[1Old Pro]

It amazes me that a US Senator can squeak past a criminal prosecution, get horse-slapped by a friendly ethics committee, and still find support among a majority of voters. You'd think there would be a chorus of bi-partisan voices demanding Torricelli's resignation.

Didn't Marion Barry get re-elected in D.C. after a cocaine conviction? How about Hillary after her numerous illegal transgressions such as White Water and cattle futurs? The sheeple by and large are idiots.

[Coop]

Well, you're right then. Let's just let him stay in office. That would be best, huh?

[Redleg Duke]

I guess the New Jersey sheeple figure, "He may be a crook, but he's OUR crook!" Besides, he is a democRAT.

[88keys]

"He still gets full senate pay for the rest of his life...

All things considered (including MJ White's "retirement"), would it be too hopelessly optimistic to think there may yet be new charges/evidence brought?!

The "full senate pay" really gripes me, too!!

[Coop]

Not very likely. The Senate "Ethics" Committee already passed on some damning evidence, IMHO. But the voters of NJ can still send a strong message by booting this crook.

[Exit148]

"Just suppose Toricelli doesn't get re-elected - what then?"

What then??? He'll be out of office, (yea!!!!) the Senate balance will change, (which effects the whole country) and we will have an honest person as Senator. And just maybe it would quiet all the NJ critics out there.

Just even thinking of seeing Torricelli stepping down or losing, makes me happy. I can't imagine how it will be if it really happens.

[Free the USA]

Index Bump

[Coop]

Just even thinking of seeing Torricelli stepping down or losing, makes me happy. I can't imagine how it will be if it really happens.

I have no doubt you'll be working toward that end, too. Best wishes

[LisaFab]

The funniest thing to come, this fall, will be to see the Times contort itself, as it endorse Torricelli because otherwise the Senate might go to the GOP.....

I just love it when the 'old gray lady' has to hold her nose and endorse some of these crooks. But just knowing they'll do it is amusing.

BTW, is it time for our annual post-season baseball bet ken? I believe you're a frosty beverage to the good?

[Brookhaven]

This reminds me of Herman Talmadge's (GA senator) problems. He got caught red handed taking bribes. The senate reprimanded him. The papers and pols still twisted like pretzels to find a reason to endose him. He was ahead in the polls on election day. He lost.

GA at that time (and still is in many areas) was a one party state. Democrats had won every statewide election (governor, secretary of state, senator, etc...) since the Civil War. Many people voted Republican for the first time in their lives because Talmadge's stench was too strong.

I think you'll see the same thing in NJ. There will be a lot of ABT (anybody but Torrecelli) votes cast. This probably won't show up in the polling because it will be people that, when they get in the voting booth, will decide at the last minute they just can't stand the Torrecelli stench and vote for whoever is running against him.