Posted on 03/08/2009 4:06:07 AM PDT by Impy
PENNSYLVANIA. According to the Allentown Morning Call, former Congressman Pat Toomey (R) -- president of the fiscal conservative Club for Growth PAC -- has decided to seek a rematch next year against centrist US Senator Arlen Specter in the GOP primary. The newspaper said several close Toomey political allies -- who were named and confirmed the story -- said Toomey has directly informed them of his plans. Specter defeated Toomey by a 51-49 vote in the 2004 primary. Toomey is expected to make his official announcement within the next two weeks. Toomey was reportedly angered by Specter's recent vote in support of the Obama stimulus package. Specter has faced serious cancer-related health problems since the 2004 contest.
LOUISIANA. Former Congressman John Cooksey (R) announced this week he will not challenge US Senator David Vitter (R) in next year's primary. Vitter is viewed as potentially vulnerable after he was named as a regular client two years ago in the "DC Madam" prostitution ring scandal. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins -- a former State Representative and '02 candidate -- told The Rothenberg Political Report he is still considering the race but is leaning against running. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne (R) is also a potential GOP primary challenger, but he also appears to be leaning against running. Dems looking at the race include former Governor Kathleen Blanco, Congressman Charlie Melancon, former Congressmen Don Cazayoux and Chris John, businessman Jim Bernhard, and Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu. A Research 2000 poll this week shows Vitter leading Dardenne by a 43-32 vote in a GOP primary matchup. In a general election contest, Vitter leads Melancon by a 48-41 vote. Vitter had a 49% approval rating versus a 42% disapproval rating.
I’d Like to donate too.
Specter can’t claim he’d have a better chance at keeping the seat in “Republican” hands this time. He’s ripe for defeat in the general election provided by then he’s not too sick to even campaign.
And it looks like Vitter will not have a major primary opponent. A poll shows he leads possible rat candidate Rep. Charlie Melancon by 48-41, not an imposing margin. I do hope Melancon runs though so the GOP can grab his house seat.
I think the only way Toomey loses this is if lots of Democrats change party registration and vote for Specter. PA does not have an open primary, so it does require some effort is you want to cross over. Change of registration must be completed 30 days before the primary/election.
AG Tom Corbett (R) may be in the mix as well and would be much preferable to Specter.
If Rendell runs on the Democrat side, he wins in a cake walk, IMO against either Toomey or Specter. But I think he has said he won’t run.
Anybody know who is running on the D side?
Rendell wants an Obama cabinet job.
>>Rendell wants an Obama cabinet job.<<
How much does he owe in unpaid taxes?
A lot, probably.
Barry won't touch Fast Eddie now....
Bill Richardson May Not Be Only Gov. in Possible Hot Water
And that's not the only scandal brewing.
Bah. Meanwhile, back in DC, the greatest theft in world history is occurring under the guise of Porkulus. Vitter's sexual peccadillos should be of no concern except to his missus.
Definitely time for Specter to be put out to pasture.
I’m convinced that once Specter sees the polling data against Toomey he’ll bail and switch parties. He realizes the greatest threat to him is in the Republican primary, not the general election.
Here in OH, it looks like John Kasich is set to run for gov. vs. Ted Strickland (a difficult task, but Strickland has been steadily struggling to look good-—hasn’t done anything horrible yet, though); Rob Portman is going to run for Voinovich’s senate seat (big improvement there); and we have a pretty strong candidate for SoS.
The more unpaid taxes the higher the Cabinit post. Witness one Timothy “Tiny Tim” Geithner.
I hope Scumland gets the zot.
Centrist?? Bull$hit!! Specter is about as centerist as the new york times. Surly, the voters will retire this senile, old RINO. Seat him right next to jimmy carter and walter mondale.
As to who might run on the Democrat ticket two names come to mind. Philly mayor Nutter, or Joe Hoffel, former congresman and current Montgomery County Commissioner. There will probably be a crowded field in the primary because the Dems see a Toomey win as an easy pickup for them in the general election.
Arlen Specter is in hot water and is looking to survive.
A party switch is possible.
Toomey deserved to win in 2004 but some big names helped Specter like then Senator Rick Santorum and then President Bush.
Bush’s automated calls for Specter the day before the primary probably clinched it. Toomey only lost by 12-thousand votes to Specter.
Isn’t William Jefferson,democrat,Louisiana,going to run again?I think Marion Berry(the bitch set me up) is his campaign manager.
Certain moralist voters may care and could be convinced to support a “family values” demorat who tells the right lies ie “I’m a conservative”.
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