GOP likely to improve odds without Fitzgerald

The Washington Times ^ | 4/18/03 | James G. Lakely

[LdSentinal]

Poll numbers suggest that the decision this week by Sen. Peter G. Fitzgerald, Illinois Republican, against seeking another term in 2004 actually may improve the Republicans' chances of holding on to their razor-thin majority in the Senate.

A survey conducted April 8 through 11 by Hill Research Consultants, a Republican polling firm, determined that 45 percent of Illinois voters thought Mr. Fitzgerald deserved re-election, and 25 percent said he didn't deserve to return to the Senate.

[goldstategop]

The Bushies want to replace the RINO Fitzgerald with someone more reliable. It improves the odds Republicans can hold onto his seat next year with his just announced retirement.

[SMGFan]

But if Bush doesn't win in Illinois in 2004, I would doubt a Republican will win the Senate seat.

[goldstategop]

If a Republican can't win the seat, we can take the Carolinas and Georgia. A net gain of 3+ even counting a loss in Illinois.

[supercat]

The Bushies want to replace the RINO Fitzgerald with someone more reliable. It improves the odds Republicans can hold onto his seat next year with his just announced retirement.

I object to the characterization of Fitzgerald as a RINO. True, he is not a solid conservative, but he is most decidedly NOT a member of ex-King George's corrupt RINO party [indeed, he's the only Republican in statewide office who isn't].

[fieldmarshaldj]

I concur with supercat, it does Sen. Fitzgerald a great disservice to call him a RINO. He's the greatest Senator IL has had since Everett Dirksen. This guy OPPOSED the RINO establishment of Illinois, no easy task. His retirement is a GREAT loss for that state. Jim Edgar and Ray LaHood are the real RINOs.