FromPolitico this morning, comes the announcement that Sara Palin is backing three more GOP candidates – all women. The source - Palin’s Facebook profile - where Politico took Palin’s “Mama Grizzlies” tag-line to headline article and their political analysis the three candidates chances of winning an election.
The three women: Mary Fallon, an Oklahoma House Rep running for Governor, Star Parker, political analyst, running for the California 37th and Cathy McMorris, running for reelection to the Washington 5th, are found by Politico to be an “odd collection when it comes to winning”.
According to Politico, Star Parker’s candidacy is a “long-shot”.
Parker, who is seen by the local press as a rising GOP Star, may be a long-shot by Politico’s standards, but then again, so was Scott Brown (R-MA). Parker is challenging, incumbent Democrat, Laura Richardson, who is a solid progressive, second term congressional representative. Richardson’s “edge” over Parker is the districts “ethnic” makeup as well as the fact that Obama won the district by large margin (again refer to Massachusetts, Senator Scott Brown and the Eastern Massachusetts districts). The fact that incumbents, or Democrats in general, especially in districts where Obama won handily in 2008, have been having a bit of a problem in election bids, is lost on Politico (and the rest of those who consistently use “Obama” math to predict outcomes. Additionally, Richardson who voted for the massive Health Care legislation, also brings a slew of pork to the district, all of which can be found on her website here . The question now remains, can a conservative, African American GOP candidate, with name recognition, who would reign in government growth and spending, running against an apparently “run-amok, tax-and-spend liberal” who has only two terms under her belt, and has consistently voted with the Obama administration win? Yes, even in California.
Palin’s recent support of female candidates running in primaries has been spot on – apparently, regardless of how one feels about Sarah Palin, personally, she sure can pick them. It has less to do with the fact of Palin’s endorsement being a negative or positive for these particular candidates, but more to do with Palin’s handi-capping skills. Palin is, despite the detractors, politically savvy, and with the homey Alaskan” (or possibly Western) tag line of “Mama Grizzlies”, which drives those who cannot stand Palin “speak” crazy, is apparently resounding with the “regular folks”.
Local colloquialisms are defined as an informal phrases or expression on a local or regional basis. One may say “pop”, while the other prefers “soda”, apparently, with so many non-politico’s running for office across the country, one can anticipate a good deal of “colorful expressions” being denigrated outside of the region by those who sport an Ivy League pedigree, and have never stepped foot into a backyard barbecue. "You betcha".
The fact that the number of women running as Conservatives (i.e. Republicans), is in itself, heartening, and as one can imagine, the face and possibly the tone of Congress will be altered considerably, for the better, as these candidates would join the small contingent of Democrat Women, who are currently serving (and in some cases, (see Star Parker) replacing them). Will all women running under the GOP banner succeed? Not necessarily, as the anti-incumbent mood is as strong as the anti-establishment Tear Party movement. Dana Walsh, who was, in this blogs opinion, possibly in the best position to defeat incumbent Nancy Pelosi, in the California 8th Congressional district lost in the primary to John Dennis, a solid conservative candidate backed by the Tea Party.
Tea Party Candidates, however, cannot be counted out, especially in California and Nevada, where the movement has its roots. California Chapters can be found here. Although Dennis and the three women mentioned above may not be “Tea Party Candidates” per se, the additional backing of Tea Party chapters certainly helps more hurts, especially in states where Liberal has recently been replaced by “Liberty”. Of note, as the media’s misrepresentation of those “tea-party” activists as fringe –right –wing activities, continues, one should expect a journalist to leave the office and find out exactly where the party affiliation of those who join a “tea party”. Should they take the time, they would find: Democrats, Green Party, Libertarians, Republican’s and a slew of those who are either designated “unenrolled” or “independent”.
The change, therefore, in the political landscape of American Politics will be evidenced by the primaries yet to be held and the general election in November. As to Palin’s Picks, take a closer look at each candidate and their opposition – in the New York 23rd, Palin backed the Conservative Candidate who lost to the Democrat, in a three way race, which included the Republican who was more liberal than the Democrat who won, in fact, before dropping out of the race, the Republican candidate, whose name was still on the ballot, endorsed the Democrat over the Conservative Party candidate. There will be a rematch in November. In the Pennsylvania 12th, Palin endorsed Burns, the conservative over Critz, the Democrat who ran as a conservative and eventfully won that race. Again, there will be a rematch in November. Otherwise, Palin’s been spot on. I’d not count Parker out prematurely.
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2 comments:
Although I agree with your opinion about Dana Walsh being the best candidate to defeat Nancy Pelosi in the general election, I was very troubled at your categorization of John Dennis as a solid conservative “Tea Party” candidate. You have been misinformed and perhaps even duped. Let me elaborate.
John Dennis categorizes himself as a “Liberty Republican” and, more recently, as an “Urban Republican.” This is due to his anti-war and Libertarian inspired positions. His fringe beliefs and associations have effectively alienated him from many Tea-Party groups in Northern California. Amanda Morello, founder of the GOP Trumpeter and organizer of the tea parties held at the state capitol in Sacramento says he is far from the conservative choice and even calls him, “Pelosi light.” I encourage you to read more on why she, and many others, could not give their support to John Dennis because of his radical positions. You can read more here http://www.examiner.com/x-23734-Sacramento-Republican-Examiner~y2010m5d11-The-Race-to-Replace-Nancy-Pelosi
Furthermore, his associations and ties to controversial groups have pushed him to the left of Pelosi and can easily be classified as a fringe candidate. He has Cindy Sheehan supporters on his staff and his volunteer base is filled with 9/11 truthers who believe the government was behind the world trade center bombings, among several other conspiracy theories. This, apparently, is not a problem for John. And because of his knowledge of this, and lack of concern, one can only question his motives and integrity. More evidence of this and a closer look at his positions can be found at www.JohnDennisExposed.com
It is because of the reasons above that I do not it is fair to place John in the same group as the other republican women who are honorably upholding our conservative principles, seeking to represent us and replace the incumbents. I think they would object to being grouped with any politician that believes the things that John does. And that is because those women are proud conservatives. Not “Liberty” or “Urban” republicans. Unlike John, they don’t need to clarify what kind of republican they are. They proudly allow the “R” to stand firm after their name.
Understood that you feel Dennis may not be a Tea Party Candidates Dream, however, he is also NOT Nancy Pelosi, additionally, Republican's are constantly called upon to characterize their personal brand of Republicanism - Additionally, you should welcome those of different political affiliations who want to help a Conservative (Libertarian or no) gain election, rather than downgrade the candidate for his "association". Do you work for Pelosi?
I had to ask.
When Brown ran in Massachusetts, his campaign offices were full of Democrats, Green Party Members, Libertarian’s, who all had had enough and jumped ship. I find these sites that downgrade a candidate rather ridiculous, regardless of which party sets up the sites. It is less informative and more "negative advertising", which...as is most often the case, has teh reverse of hte intended effect. Additionally, check the links in reference to Tea Party - groups are fractional, this is true and one Tea Party may not support a candidate while another does. When push comes to shove you mean you would rather have Pelosi in office than Dennis?
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