[ScholarWarrior]

Wow. Look at the ratings of Goode, Hall and Lucas.

We need to cause more democrats to be elected like that.

[Stay the course]

I just noticed that they still have Goode listed as a Democrat. He switched from Democrat to Independent in 2000, and he became a Republican in 2002.

[AuH2ORepublican]

"Wow. Look at the ratings of Goode, Hall and Lucas. "

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Virgil Goode of Virginia switched to an independent in 2001 and ran for re-election as a Republican in 2002. Ralph Hall is a gazillion years old, represents a North Texas district where Bush got over 70% of the vote, and will most probably retire in 2004.

Ken Lucas is a really conservative Dem who flirted with switching to the GOP in January, but decided he was a man of his word and remained a Democrat. While I can respect that, I would respect him more if he similarly honored his pledge to serve no more than 3 terms (he's in his 3rd term right now). Alas, he already announced he's breaking his pledge and running for re-election. This is one of the GOP's best takeover opportunities of 2004, since he sits in a Kentucky district in which Bush got 62% in 2000 (which Bush should increase to 65% or more in 2004), and Lucas won by only 52-48% over the underfunded Geoff Davis in 2002. Davis has already expressed interest in running again, and with a little more money, big Bush coattails and Lucas breaking his pledge, I think he'll win this time. Lucas may be a conservative, but he's still a RAT, and voted twice for Gephardt as Speaker (he abstained from voting for Pelosi in 2003, not that it mattered). I'd gladly take him if he switches, but so long as he's got a D next to his name, I'll have to go with Geoff Davis.

[Cacophonous]

Virgil Goode is my rep, I am prouf to say. If you get the chance to hear him speak, do so. He is outstanding.