The Scott Brown Surge

[Marcus Bryant]

http://spectator.org/archives/2010/01/12/the-scott-brown-surge

The Scott Brown Surge

http://spectator.org/assets/db/12632750092707.jpg

By W. James Antle, III on 1.12.10 @ 6:09AM
The American Spectator

Sometime last week, the breathless e-mails started. The urgent pleas to work the phone bank at Democratic National Committee headquarters. The desperate cries for donations. The stern warnings that any day now the sky just might fall.

Here's a representative missive from MoveOn.org: "In 11 days, we could lose progressive hero Ted Kennedy's Senate seat -- and with it, any hope for passing major progressive legislation this year." The subject line asked incredulously, "A Republican in Ted Kennedy's seat?"

The idea seems absurd even by Chicken Little standards of mass fundraising appeals. Massachusetts is one of the most Democratic states in the nation. Republicans hold about a tenth of the state legislative seats and represent only a slightly larger percentage of the commonwealth's registered voters. Barack Obama won Massachusetts -- the only state to vote for George McGovern in 1972 -- by 26 points.

Massachusetts has no GOP statewide elected officials and hasn't sent a Republican to the U.S. Senate since Edward Brooke was last re-elected in 1972. The late, sainted Ted Kennedy's Senate seat doesn't seem like an auspicious opportunity to reverse that trend.

National Democrats are nevertheless a little worried about the Jan. 19 special election to fill out the remainder of Kennedy's term. Democratic Attorney General Martha Coakley cruised to a primary win based on her high name recognition and hoped to run out the clock on the way to the general. But that frontrunner strategy seems to have backfired as Republican state Sen. Scott Brown has gained momentum among independents -- now a plurality of Bay State registered voters -- who are angry at the way the Democrats have been running both Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill.

With the Democratic base less than fully engaged, Republicans on fire, and independents unhappy with a mostly Democratic status quo, the race may have become surprisingly competitive. First, the evidence was anecdotal. Driving through the Greater Boston suburbs over Christmas, one could spot Brown signs among the glow-in-the-dark reindeer and snowmen dotting many a lawn. The closer to Brown's senate district you got, the more his signs began to predominate -- something you almost never saw with the the sacrificial lambs the GOP has run for Senate in recent cycles.

Then came two successive polling bombshells: Rasmussen released a poll that showed Brown within nine points of Coakley, trailing just 41 percent to 50 percent. Later, Public Policy Polling -- a Democratic firm -- showed the race a statistical dead heat, with Brown actually leading 48 percent to 47 percent. Soon, my inbox runneth over.

Even the Boston Globe survey -- which doesn't use the controversial automated polling methodology of the other two polls but does at least arguably oversample Democrats -- showing Coakley clinging to a 15-point lead over Brown found the two candidates tied among the people most enthusiastic about the race. Special elections figure to be low-turnout and are notoriously hard to poll because it is difficult to know what the electorate will look like.

Unlike the recent GOP recruits for Senate in Massachusetts, Brown has a track record of winning elections. He won his first as assessor in the little Republican-leaning town of Wrentham in 1992, going on to serve on the Wrentham board of selectmen before begin elected state representative in 1998. Brown won his state senate seat in a special election in March 2004, replacing liberal Democrat Cheryl Jacques, and managed to win a full term as state senator even as native son John Kerry was carrying the state in that November's presidential election.

In 2006, Brown further secured his hold on the seat by running for re-election unopposed -- a rarity among Republicans in Massachusetts. While Obama fever was sweeping the commonwealth in 2008, Brown managed another term with 59 percent of the vote. A good-looking (he once posed as a centerfold in Cosmopolitan magazine after winning its "America's Sexiest Man" contest) and articulate candidate, Brown is one of the Massachusetts GOP's few success stories in the past six years.

Even so, few observers gave Brown much of a chance to win Ted Kennedy's Senate seat when he announced he was going to run. By Massachusetts standards, he is a fairly conservative candidate. Although pro-choice, Brown opposes partial-birth abortion and favors other abortion restrictions. He has promised to be a 41st vote against the Democratic health care bill, considered a major part of Kennedy's legacy. Brown is against same-sex marriage, for Obama's decision to send additional troops to Afghanistan, and a supporter of the Iraq war -- the last two unpopular stances, but ones where Brown has some credibility as a 30-year veteran of the National Guard and lieutenant colonel in the Judge Advocate General's Corps.

Brown has once again proved to be a clever campaigner. Handling the Kennedy legacy issue gingerly, he has run ads touting John F. Kennedy's support for tax cuts. Brown has alternated between reaching out to Massachusetts' beleaguered conservatives by hammering away at Coakley's liberalism and also reassuring jittery moderates that he won't automatically be "a filibuster senator." Liberals aren't buying his promises of moderation, however: they are already talking about delaying Brown's certification should he win to keep him from blocking health care.

Contrasted with Coakley's pedestrian campaign, it's easy to see why Democrats and liberal activists are worried. But for a Republican to win in Massachusetts, even in a special election, everything has to break the right way. When Republicans won four consecutive gubernatorial races between Bill Weld's election in 1990 and Mitt Romney's victory in 2002, the GOP took nearly two-thirds of independents, 90 percent of Republicans, and a significant slice of Democrats. Only during Weld's 1994 re-election did that translate into anything better than the low 50s.

Republicans who have run strong in some polls only to come up short on election day are more common. Ray Shamie against John Kerry in 1984, Jim Rappaport against Kerry in 1990, Romney against Kennedy in 1994, Weld against Kerry in 1996, Dan Grabauskas against Tim Cahill in 2002, Jim Ogonowski against Niki Tsongas in 2007: these are all cases where the Massachusetts GOP was able to break 40 percent but not able to clinch the win. All but the last two were Senate races.

Now Brown is also missing the element of surprise. Democrats were always unlikely to look past a candidate of his caliber. Polls showing him possibly competitive make this doubly unlikely -- the statement accompanying the PPP survey was practically written as a wake-up call for Democratic get-out-the vote organizers.

Liberals are nevertheless right to feel nervous. If Brown won, it would actually be as damaging to their agenda as MoveOn.org's fundraisers fear. Even if he runs well but ultimately loses, the popularity of the Obama agenda -- already in question after the 2009 off-year elections -- will have been tested even in the bluest of states.

A strong showing could also set Scott Brown up for a future run for statewide office, following the Romney precedent. After all, Deval Patrick isn't looking too good and if Coakley wins the state will need a new attorney general.

[Winehole23]

At first glance I thought it said purge. Neat story.

[DarrinS]

One of the best lines ever. Way to slap down that liberal dimwit, David Gergen.

OJEEQHOnI2Q

[Marcus Bryant]

Seems to be offering "conservative" management of the warfare-welfare state. That's been the GOP's central tenet for the last however many decades, actually since the 30s - I think Landon was offering that back in 1936. And of course in many respects Hoover started the modern American welfare state before FDR.

He may poll well, but it's hard to see him winning the seat, especially under these circumstances. While the GOP has won statewide races, those have been at the state level.

[DarrinS]

He may poll well, but it's hard to see him winning the seat, especially under these circumstances. While the GOP has won statewide races, those have been at the state level.



It's hard to see him winning the seat, because the people of Mass. would vote for Teddy's rotting corpse if they could.

[DarrinS]

This probably didn't help Coakley:





If we went in because we decided the Taliban was giving harbor to terrorists, we supported that, I supported that. They're gone.




W28QyBeByco

[Marcus Bryant]

Ah, the specter of the Taliban will keep defense contractors happy for a long, long time.

[Winehole23]

It's hard to see him winning the seat, because the people of Mass. would vote for Teddy's rotting corpse if they could.It happened in Missouri (http://z.about.com/f/wiki/e/en/b/b2/Mel_Carnahan.jpg). Mel was elected, Jean took the seat.

[jack sommerset]

It's hard to see him winning the seat, because the people of Mass. would vote for Teddy's rotting corpse if they could.

Would be nice though. After the girl wins the dems will say "see, America wants healthcare" :lol

[Crookshanks]

Man, what a major upset if would be if Brown won Teddy's seat. It might even cause Teddy to rise from the dead!

But boy, would I love to see Scott Brown win.

[ChumpDumper]

This probably didn't help Coakley:



If we went in because we decided the Taliban was giving harbor to terrorists, we supported that, I supported that. They're gone.


W28QyBeBycoThe terrorists the Taliban harbored are gone, presumably to Pakistan.

[George Gervin's Afro]

Would be nice though. After the girl wins the dems will say "see, America wants healthcare" :lol

Jack I seem to remember you screaming that any election going forward would be a referendum on Obama.

[Nbadan]

Electing someone because they have a (R) next to their name is stupid...


A major drive behind Brown is psychological, the idea of "sticking it" to the Democrats in a deep blue liberal bastion like Massachusetts is so enticing that it is beginning to cloud judgment. However supporting an individual due to him being a Republican is as frustrating as Massachusetts citizens voting for anyone with a (D) next to their name. Another major drive is to stop Obama-Care with Brown depriving the crucial 60th vote, a reason so laughable as to hardly merit an explanation. Truth is, if the Democrats want to pass Obama-Care then they will do so whether Brown wins or not. Not only can Reid convince Snowe or Collins, but Pelosi can accept the current Senate version of the bill allowing Obama-Care to sail into Obama's office before Brown's jet lands in Washington DC. As the last remaining reason, regrettably persistent ignorance despite the mounting fiscal problems and cries of "throw the bums out". Most supporters outside this state have no clue about Brown's legislative record and it is imperative they discover the truth before it’s too late.

Of course there will always be a segment of the population falling for the song and dance, but the support being generated is coming from sources that claim to be experts on all things political!

Moreover...Who is Scott Brown?



A man who voted for a property tax hike in his town of Wrentham, purposely overriding proposition 2 ½ designed to keep property taxes limited.

A man who went on air to publicly speak out against ending the state income tax on the 2008 ballot and returning 12 billion dollars back into the pockets of Massachusetts citizens. Claiming that depriving 12 billion from the State coffers is reckless, despite knowing full well that the state spent almost 49 billion in 2008!

A man who proudly speaks of his involvement in RomneyCare, a plan widely endorsed by both Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton champions of universal single payer health systems. Yet virtually everyone from CATO to WSJ confirmed RomneyCare’s dismal failure.

In fact, Scott Brown in a debate just yesterday announced that he will go to Washington and bring RomneyCare with him.


RomneyCare forces individual mandates upon citizens of Massachusetts resulting in steep penalties for those refusing to pay.

RomneyCare has skyrocketed insurance premium costs doubling the national average while extending wait time for doctors by weeks and sometimes months!

This is what Scott Brown is proud of and this is what he is planning to bring to Washington DC. Ted Kennedy’s favorite claim was that health care coverage is a right, not a privilege. So does Scott Brown:

"I do believe everyone is entitled to health care coverage"

To make such an assertion in a country where no one is denied treatment is truly disturbing. A right to health insurance is as much of an abomination as an individual mandate, a direct and immediate move to collectivism. Patriots and activists are you listening?

Who is Scott Brown? A big government Republican and a sellout posing as a conservative while riding on a wave of populism spurred on by the Tea Party movement.

Right condition (http://www.rightcondition.com/2010/01/voting-for-scott-brown-and-big.html)

[DarkReign]

Bla bla bla...moral issue....bla bla bla...Ted Kennedy...bla bla bla....I'll block healthcare.

Wait...what?

Sure hope he wins based on that alone. I am not holding my breath.

[Yonivore]

"Volunteering" for Coakley...


S518s32jjic


...Voting for Brown.

[Supergirl]

http://www.dankennedy.net/2010/01/10/polling-the-senate-race/

It's all a mirage. Repuglicans are wetting themselves at the thought that they have chance. But really, they don't.

And Scott Brown is a douchebag who doesn't believe women have the right to be told about emergency contraception after they've been raped.

[Nbadan]

OH, oh....we have a problem...



Cosmopolitan dug through their archives to find a June 1982 issue featuring a very naked chap by the name of Scott Brown playing centerfold model. Flattering, in a certain light, but possibly problematic for Brown, who is running for Ted Kennedy’s United States Senate seat in Massachusetts. “Vote for Brown. He Has One Hell of a Stimulus Package,” the lady mag suggests as a slogan.

The appearance was part of that summer’s “America’s Sexiest Man” contest, which Brown won as “a 22-year-old law student at Boston College who was cramming for finals just days before stripping down for our photographer.” He’s a bit Tom Selleck, a bit Scott Baio, by our estimation.

<SNIP>

Cosmo (http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo)

More Republican values I guess.....who's vetting these guys?

[George Gervin's Afro]

OH, oh....we have a problem...



Cosmo (http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo)

More Republican values I guess.....who's vetting these guys?

What values?

[DarrinS]

Coakley's Saviors

The health-care industry rides to the Democratic rescue.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704586504574654704100186542.html?m od=rss_opinion_main





We've argued that the leading health industry CEOs will one day be exposed as the most short-sighted business leaders in history, but how to explain the gala fundraiser that their top lobbyists hosted for Martha Coakley last night?

Amid a Beltway panic, the health lobby is riding to the rescue of the Massachusetts liberal, whose defeat in the special Senate race next Tuesday could deny Democrats the 60th vote for ObamaCare and thus maybe spare the U.S. health system from the coming damage.

As first reported by Timothy Carney of the Washington Examiner, the host committee for the fundraiser at Pennsylvania Avenue's Sonoma Restaurant includes lobbyists for Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly, Novartis and sundry other drug companies that have been among the biggest of ObamaCare's corporate sponsors. Other hosts—who have raised at least $10,000 for Ms. Coakley—include representatives from UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana and other insurers. As far as we can tell, the insurance industry claims to oppose ObamaCare's current incarnation.

Naturally, lobbyists from America's Health Insurance Plans and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the major trade groups, were on hand too. Money follows power in Washington, obviously, though this example seems especially inexplicable given that Ms. Coakley's GOP opponent, state senator Scott Brown, may be the last chance to defuse the health-care doomsday machine. But maybe someone in the press corps will bother to mention this episode the next time President Obama takes aim at the "special interests" he claims are opposing his agenda.

Against overwhelming public opposition, the only things keeping ObamaCare alive at this point are power politics and the misguided corporate cease-fire that Democrats have either coerced or bought—or is homegrown at companies like Pfizer that are deeply invested in more government control of the economy. Ms. Coakley's election would make that outcome a certainty.

[DarrinS]

OH, oh....we have a problem...

Cosmo (http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo)

More Republican values I guess.....who's vetting these guys?



I'd hate to think some politician took his clothes off.

LMAO. Look at "Reason #2" on this magazine cover. :lmao


http://big.assets.huffingtonpost.com/wash_550x725.shkl.jpg

[doobs]

OH, oh....we have a problem...



Cosmo (http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/scott-brown-nude-in-cosmo)

More Republican values I guess.....who's vetting these guys?

This is the first you've heard of this?

LOL

[spursncowboys]

Ah, the specter of the Taliban will keep defense contractors happy for a long, long time.

The point is it was a stupid answer. If she is against the foreign policy decisions then say it. You cannot say you supported getting rid of a group that we never got rid of.

[Nbadan]

FAUX News actively shills for Scott Brown - fair and balanced be damned!

In Fox News appearances -- two in "the last 24 hours" -- Brown encouraged viewers to donate money


On Fox, Brown encouraged viewers to visit his campaign website to find out "how to help with donating and volunteering." As Media Matters for America has documented, in appearances on Fox News' America's Newsroom, On the Record, and Hannity, Brown pointed viewers to his campaign website, solicited funds for his campaign, and also cited RedInvadesBlue.com, where, he said, "we have a money bomb right now that's hitting ... and you can help me fight back against the machine."

Brown made two fund-soliciting appearances in the "last 24 hours" before Special Report. Two of Brown's Fox News appearances occurred in the 24 hours preceding the January 12 edition of Special Report -- on the January 11 edition of On The Record with Greta Van Susteren and on the January 12 edition of America's Newsroom. Brown solicited donations for his campaign in both appearances.

From the January 12 edition of Fox News' America's Newsroom:

BROWN: There's political chicanery. I'm used to it in Massachusetts. And people can go to BrownForUSSenate.com, they can learn more about that and how to help with donating and volunteering.

From the January 11 edition of Fox News' On The Record with Greta Van Susteren:

BROWN: Martha's a good person, but she's wrong on all the issues. And the people of Massachusetts are upset at the taxing, the spending, the backroom deals. Martha Coakley's position on terror -- it's outrageous. She said tonight that there are no terrorists in Afghanistan. That's the type of person who has a policy that is very scary, especially when we're trying to provide the tools and resources for our soldiers to keep them safe. And if people want to learn more, they can certainly go to BrownForUSSenate.com.

But we have a money bomb right now that's hitting, and you can go to RedInvadesBlue.com, and you can help me fight back against the machine, because the negative ads -- the second I walked off the stage, the negative ads have started. And you all around the country can make a big, big difference in this race.

Fox "political analyst" Morris used position to fundraise in support of Brown
"Please, please help" Brown, Morris urged viewers. During the January 11 edition of Fox News' Hannity, political analyst Dick Morris urged viewers to "go to DickMorris.com ... to help elect Brown," because if "we win this fight, then there will never be another victory for Obama." DickMorris.com includes a fundraising plea to help the group the League of American Voters -- for which Morris is chief strategist -- "raise $300,000 for a last minute media buy to push Brown and the Republicans to victory"; Fox News executives allowed Morris to solicit funds for Republican efforts despite reportedly telling colleague Mike Huckabee to cease conflict-of-interest promotions that help his political action committee.

Fox News has history of giving airtime to, shilling for Republican candidates
Conservative candidates stump on Fox during lead-up to elections. In the two weeks leading up to the November 3, 2009, elections, Conservative Party congressional candidate Doug Hoffman, New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie, and Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell appeared on Fox News and its personalities' radio shows at least 16 times for live interviews lasting a total of 114 minutes and 36 seconds. Further, numerous Fox News hosts and political analysts encouraged voters to donate to and volunteer and vote for GOP and conservative candidates, including Christie, McDonnell, and Hoffman.

Media Matters (http://mediamatters.org/research/201001120053)

[Nbadan]

It is curious how a politician with anti-gay and anti-abortion views manages to grab the Republican nomination and is seriously challenging Coakley despite the obvious hypocrisy in his stance and actions. Its must be Rove/Gingrich thing.


http://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/0bc98f1e07_Brown_09162009.jpg

In what will no doubt sew up the women’s vote, state Sen. Scott Brown’s 27-year-old nude Cosmopolitan maggie centerfold is again making the rounds on the Internet.

“Not this old story again,” groused Eric Fehrnstrom, campaign spokesman for Brown - who just announced that he is running for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat.

[SouthernFried]

Ahh..now I see why he's doing well in Mass. Those pictures are bringing in the Democrat vote.

[George Gervin's Afro]

FAUX News actively shills for Scott Brown - fair and balanced be damned!

In Fox News appearances -- two in "the last 24 hours" -- Brown encouraged viewers to donate money



Media Matters (http://mediamatters.org/research/201001120053)

Come on now. Fox is fair and balanced so there should be a story that supports Coakley's positions plus include information on where to go to help her campaign.... that would be fair and balanced. I'll go find that story and post it........

[Marcus Bryant]

Will someone put the straw man up after they're done with it? Thx.

[doobs]

It is curious how a politician with anti-gay and anti-abortion views manages to grab the Republican nomination and is seriously challenging Coakley despite the obvious hypocrisy in his stance and actions. Its must be Rove/Gingrich thing.

What?

[101A]

Obama's just scheduled a campaign visit; they must be confident of a Dem. win (as well they should be). A Republican is NOT going to win that seat.

[Marcus Bryant]

What?

[jack sommerset]

If this cat pulls off this huge ass upset, he will be a candidate for prez in 2012.

EDIT: The leading repug.

[jack sommerset]

Brown is leading in a shitload of polls! This was Teds seat! Wow!

[Nbadan]

Obama's just scheduled a campaign visit; they must be confident of a Dem. win (as well they should be). A Republican is NOT going to win that seat.

I agree, but it's a lot closer than it should be...the GOP is looking for any signs of life in their lobbyist sponsored, corporate-bankrolled, patented 'populist' movement....they just aren't seeing it, yet, so you have Palin bad-mouthing tea-baggers...

[jack sommerset]

I agree, but it's a lot closer than it should be...the GOP is looking for any signs of life in their lobbyist sponsored, corporate-bankrolled, patented 'populist' movement....they just aren't seeing it, yet, so you have Palin bad-mouthing tea-baggers...

Any signs of life!!!!!!! :lmao

This is the last place the repugs should searching for life. It's TED FUCKING KENNEDYS stomping grounds. The dude's life goal was free healthcare for everyone.

Wake up dumbass!

[jack sommerset]

That gal running looks like a younger Pelosi.

[Nbadan]

Any signs of life!!!!!!! :lmao

This is the last place the repugs should searching for life. It's TED FUCKING KENNEDYS stomping grounds. The dude's life goal was free healthcare for everyone.

Wake up dumbass!

What does Ted Kennedy have to do with this election? This is anti-incumbent fever.....the people are expressing their distain for both parties for the wall street bail-out and the lack of real reform on Health-care....the GOP is just spinning this as some Republican revival and 'populist movement'...

[jack sommerset]

What does Ted Kennedy have to do with this election? This is anti-incumbent fever.....the people are expressing their distain for both parties for the wall street bail-out and the lack of real reform on Health-care....the GOP is just spinning this as some Republican revival and 'populist movement'...

Child, please.

[Spursmania]

Ahh..now I see why he's doing well in Mass. Those pictures are bringing in the Democrat vote.

:lmao

[jack sommerset]

Obama showing up in MASS only weakens the dems. He is the President of the USA.

[George Gervin's Afro]

What does Ted Kennedy have to do with this election? This is anti-incumbent fever.....the people are expressing their distain for both parties for the wall street bail-out and the lack of real reform on Health-care....the GOP is just spinning this as some Republican revival and 'populist movement'...

jack thinks in soundbites so good luck getting him to understand the nuances of this election.

[spursncowboys]

Right Jack. This is going against all political advice. Bush would show up, and everyone thought it was stupid of him because presidents don't normally do it. Not out of some kind of ethical conundrum but because if the candidate lost, it would look bad on the president. the president never had anything to gain by it. They never wanted to bring in national hot issues in local elections. Maybe this one is different because it is talked about nationally. The Dem candidate has done a horrible job (taking weeks off ) of running for election. She thought is was a gimme because the men in the smoke filled room picked her. With both candidates spending tons of money, it has nothing to do with what the people want. It is who is a better politician.

[EVAY]

Apparently this was Coakely's race to lose, and if she does, it is all on her. Now that is not how the Republican party or the media will play it, and if I were in their shoes, I'd make it about Obama and Health Care and incompetence, too.

If the Dems have any brains, they should really take this to heart, though, even if Coakely wins.

All of us independents are in play. THAT is the real message in Mass. And if either party over-interprets the results, they do so at their own peril regarding November.

Democrats are clearly going to lose seats in November, both in the House and Senate. NOT to lose seats in the off year after winning the Presidency would be the only newsworthy result in November.

Personally, I am hoping for a divided government. But if the Republicans don't come up with some ideas other than saying NO to everything, they will simply get thrown out in the next election. People are voting AGAINST things these days. Either party ignores that at their peril.

[Marcus Bryant]

All of us independents are in play. THAT is the real message in Mass.



Personally, I am hoping for a divided government.

That seems to be the sentiment, just like in 2006.

When the same party has controlled the WH & Congress over the last decade, the feds have gone off the rails. Either old ideological axes are brought to grind, or we end up with as much of an activist government as the system will allow. Or both and more.

Still, the Dems won in 2006 to be the party of 'No' to the White House, as the congressional GOP found that hard to do. Instead the Dems took that as a mandate to trot out every kooky domestic left-wing idea in cold storage. It would be hard to not see a message to the WH in a resounding "thumpin'" or whatever for congressional Dems in Nov 2010.

[Nbadan]

Still, the Dems won in 2006 to be the party of 'No' to the White House, as the congressional GOP found that hard to do. Instead the Dems took that as a mandate to trot out every kooky domestic left-wing idea in cold storage. It would be hard to not see a message to the WH in a resounding "thumpin'" or whatever for congressional Dems in Nov 2010.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'thumpin'....the Dems will continue to hold at least one house of Congress and the Presidency even under the worst case scenario...your reading too much by voter discontent...just because voters are unhappy with some Democratic proposal does not equate to unquestioned support for Republicans, more than likely voters will show discontent for both parties by staying home in 2010...leading to victory for Dems in democratic majority districts and Republicans in GOP majority districts

[da_suns_fan]

I agree, but it's a lot closer than it should be...the GOP is looking for any signs of life in their lobbyist sponsored, corporate-bankrolled, patented 'populist' movement....they just aren't seeing it, yet, so you have Palin bad-mouthing tea-baggers...

Go Fuck yourself. Unions are getting exempt from health care taxes. The state of Nebraska get extra funds for medicaid. Big Pharma was guaranteed no competition for ten years. Bank Executives are back to receiving huge bonuses.

Youre seriously fucking clueless.

[Marcus Bryant]

Yeah, some on the left need to disabuse themselves of the notion that those ills don't exist in large measure among left-wing politicians and are solely a right-wing phenomenon.

[Spursmania]

Just donated a few hundred bucks to Brown, just to make it a little more interesting for me to watch.:smokin

I think a divided government at this point would be best for the country. :hungry:

[Nbadan]

Yeah, some on the left need to disabuse themselves of the notion that those ills don't exist in large measure among left-wing politicians and are solely a right-wing phenomenon.


The only person in this forum I've ever heard say that is you...but keep beating up that strawman...

[Nbadan]

Just donated a few hundred bucks to Brown, just to make it a little more interesting for me to watch.:smokin

I think a divided government at this point would be best for the country. :hungry:

A fool and his money....Brown has no chance...

[Marcus Bryant]

Yawn. You invented that strawman.

[Spursmania]

A fool and his money....Brown has no chance...

Yeah, rich fools are so pathetic aren't they:smokin

[Nbadan]

pfff...nice pile of dong...

Hecen-81w0g

He may want to talk about his own parents...divorced when he was one, and each remarried three times, if he is going to judge other people's parents....

[spursncowboys]

pfff...nice pile of dong...

Hecen-81w0g

He may want to talk about his own parents...divorced when he was one, and each remarried three times, if he is going to judge other people's parents....

I love the notion that someone who does not hold any conviction is better off because he wouldn't be considered a hypocrite. Good job Dems turning this into just a standard ploy. Someone is a better candidate had they not held an opinion in anything.

[Supergirl]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0117/Obama-in-Boston-Was-it-enough-to-turn-Senate-race-for-Coakley

Christian Science Monitor seems to think Obama's appearance may have helped quite a bit. And you can't really accuse them of being "liberal." Well, I'm sure some douchebag can.

[boutons_deux]

The Brown supporter suggested that Coakley should be a victim of the same crime.

"Shove a curling iron up her butt," the supporter shouted at the rally in West Springfield.

Appearing to smile and nod at the suggestion, Brown replied, "We can do this."

http://rawstory.com/2010/01/brown-smiles-at-suggestion-coakley-be-raped/

[Crookshanks]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0117/Obama-in-Boston-Was-it-enough-to-turn-Senate-race-for-Coakley

Christian Science Monitor seems to think Obama's appearance may have helped quite a bit. And you can't really accuse them of being "liberal." Well, I'm sure some douchebag can.
Keep dreaming... the latest poll shows Brown ahead by 5 points. In fact, all the latest polls show Brown ahead by anywhere from 3 to 10 points. :toast

And I really don't think Obama making fun of Brown for driving a pickup is the way to win over the average voter. :nope

[EmptyMan]

Obama making fun of Brown for driving a pickupwtf, are you serious? :rollin


What a puss.

[Crookshanks]

wtf, are you serious? :rollin


What a puss.
Yeah, I'm serious. Obama made several cracks about the truck - which, it turns out, is a GM truck! You know, made by the company that Obama now owns. :lol

As a side note - Obama couldn't even fill up a 3,000 seat auditorium - the boy is losing his touch.

[TheProfessor]

Keep dreaming... the latest poll shows Brown ahead by 5 points. In fact, all the latest polls show Brown ahead by anywhere from 3 to 10 points. :toast
I think the point is that Obama's appearance could spur Democratic turnout in a state where registered Democratic voters enjoy a healthy advantage. With most of the polls within or near the margin of error, that's certainly possible. Or it could play right into Brown's hands as he tries to nationalize the race. Should be interesting.

[Crookshanks]

I think the point is that Obama's appearance could spur Democratic turnout in a state where registered Democratic voters enjoy a healthy advantage. With most of the polls within or near the margin of error, that's certainly possible. Or it could play right into Brown's hands as he tries to nationalize the race. Should be interesting.
See the last line of my post above - Obama couldn't even fill a 3,000 seat auditorium in one of the bluest states in the country. And a year later, he's still blaming Bush for just about everything - and people are tired of it.

[da_suns_fan]

Ahh...character assasinations. Scott Brown wouldnt be a good senator or hes a bad guy because he smiled at a rally when someone ELSE made a crude joke (I love that its being called a 'rape' joke now).

Grasping at the straws, libs.

[TheProfessor]

See the last line of my post above - Obama couldn't even fill a 3,000 seat auditorium in one of the bluest states in the country. And a year later, he's still blaming Bush for just about everything - and people are tired of it.
Kind of speculative to extend his ability to fill a stadium to how he'll get out voters. And as you say, this is still one of the bluest states in the nation. The turnaround in polling just strikes me as a bit reactionary, based on some of Coakley's leads even last week, and I wonder how accurate they all are (Hillary's "surprise" win in NH during the primaries has been mentioned as a possibly similar situation). Regardless, I expect a tight race, and that's a bad enough indicator for Dem's prospects at midterms.

[Marcus Bryant]

Someone shouted something at a political rally and a politician 'appeared to nod their head and smile.' Convincing.

[spursncowboys]

I think the point is that Obama's appearance could spur Democratic turnout in a state where registered Democratic voters enjoy a healthy advantage. With most of the polls within or near the margin of error, that's certainly possible. Or it could play right into Brown's hands as he tries to nationalize the race. Should be interesting.
It should play out into Brown's hands. The mere fact that Barry has to go there, in George Will's words, shows he's lost.

[boutons_deux]

"its being called a 'rape' joke now."

If she doesn't agree to have a curling iron jammed up her ass, it's rape.

[boutons_deux]

http://www.alternet.org/images/site/logo.gif
Red Cross Aid Scott Brown Voted to Kill Now Helping Relief Efforts in Haiti

By Lee Fang, Think Progress
Posted on January 18, 2010, Printed on January 18, 2010
http://www.alternet.org/bloggers/http://www.thinkprogress.org//145234/


State Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA), the Republican candidate for the special U.S. Senate election Tuesday, voted against (http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/16/justify-denying-911aid/) a bill to provide financial assistance to 9/11 rescue workers who had volunteered to rush to the site of the twin towers after the terrorist attack in 2001.

The measure, which was opposed by only two other legislators in addition to Brown, provided paid "leaves of absence (http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com/senate-republicans/scott-brown-voted-against-giving-help-to-911-recovery-workers/) for certain Red Cross employees participating in Red Cross emergencies."

Despite Brown's efforts to kill the legislation, it passed along overwhelmingly bipartisan lines and is now helping to compensate Massachusetts Red Cross employees currently deploying (http://www.bostonredcross.org/detalle_noticias.asp?id=4577&IdCapitulo=29RRV668X1) to Haiti to provide emergency assistance after the devastating earthquake.

Asked yesterday by ThinkProgress why he opposed the 2001 measure for rescue workers, Brown stated that he had his "own priorities first (http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/16/justify-denying-911aid/)" at the time. As ThinkProgress reported (http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/16/justify-denying-911aid/), during the same period that Brown opposed the financial aid to 9/11 rescue workers, he sponsored a bill to provide a tax-subsidized bond to build a golf course in his district, and voted for across the board corporate tax subsidies.

http://www.alternet.org/bloggers/http://www.thinkprogress.org//145234/

[spursncowboys]

It's good to know that McCain-Feingold will not allow political negative adds near the election. That way biased stories won't come out in hopes of swaying the electorate.

[DarrinS]

Meanwhile, at the Coakley phone bank


fnOFNrXZ0Pg

[Ignignokt]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0117/Obama-in-Boston-Was-it-enough-to-turn-Senate-race-for-Coakley

Christian Science Monitor seems to think Obama's appearance may have helped quite a bit. And you can't really accuse them of being "liberal." Well, I'm sure some douchebag can.

Don't stress girlfriend.

If Coaxley doesn't win, it was rigged anyway, or she wasn't a good candidate. Remember this election is not indicative of anything.

I mean losing to a naked dude in cosmo is not a sign of desperate times. Chill!

[Spursmania]

The Massachusetts Miracle. Bring it on, baby:smokin

Monetary support to Brown might be paying off afterall. Check out the trading line on who will win the election.



http://www.intrade.com/?request_operation=main&request_type=action&checkHomePage=true

[EmptyMan]

inb4 recount takes months to finish

inb4 dems stretch out swearing in Brown as long as possible

[Supergirl]

Yeah, I'm serious. Obama made several cracks about the truck - which, it turns out, is a GM truck! You know, made by the company that Obama now owns. :lol

As a side note - Obama couldn't even fill up a 3,000 seat auditorium - the boy is losing his touch.

Try again. I went to the rally, it was filled to capacity and had another 2 stadiums in spillover rooms all over Northeastern campus.

[Supergirl]

It's good to know that McCain-Feingold will not allow political negative adds near the election. That way biased stories won't come out in hopes of swaying the electorate.

There's been plenty of negative ads on both sides, right up until late tonight.

[Spursmania]

Try again. I went to the rally, it was filled to capacity and had another 2 stadiums in spillover rooms all over Northeastern campus.

Either way, only bleeding liberals still give a shit about Obama, his same old rhetoric and empty promise speeches. :rolleyes

This election should of been a landslide in an almost 3-1 democratic state. Rofl at liberals who keep on wearing their rose colored spectacles acting as if everything is okay, and this close election is not a referendum on Obama.:lol

[Nbadan]

This election should of been a landslide in an almost 3-1 democratic state.

:rolleyes

Find me a poll where the people polled are 3-1 democrat leaning and you'd have a point...

[Nbadan]

Either way, only bleeding liberals still give a shit about Obama, his same old rhetoric and empty promise speechesl

Apparently 60% of the country are bleeding heart liberals...too bad only 40% are wingnut conservatives...

[Marcus Bryant]

Which explains two terms for W. I know, voting machines, black helicopters, Zapruder, or something.

[TheProfessor]

:rolleyes

Find me a poll where the people polled are 3-1 democrat leaning and you'd have a point...
I think he's referring to Democrats holding a 3:1 advantage in registered voters overall in Massachusetts. Of course, many disaffected Independents have recently moved over from being Republicans, so that may be misleading.

[DarrinS]

Which explains two terms for W. I know, voting machines, black helicopters, Zapruder, or something.

:lmao

[EmptyMan]

I'm pretty jealous the citizens of Mass. have such a great opportunity to exercise their vote in such an important election. Each side, that's pretty cool.

brb in Texas where it's :sleep

[Kermit]

Yeah, I'm serious. Obama made several cracks about the truck - which, it turns out, is a GM truck! You know, made by the company that Obama now owns. :lol

As a side note - Obama couldn't even fill up a 3,000 seat auditorium - the boy is losing his touch.

/racistismist

[jack sommerset]

We our getting a nice little peak into the future.

[Spursmania]

http://www.intrade.com/

Getting better and better for Brown. Looks like this fool might win all the money I donated and then some. :smokin

If not, it was worth the entertainment. Especially, since the Spurs don't play tonight.:drunk

[TeyshaBlue]

Apparently 60% of the country are bleeding heart liberals...too bad only 40% are wingnut conservatives...

moveon.borg is not known for cogent analysis. Might try reading something else.:rollin

[Winehole23]

we are borg

[j.dizzle]

Sons, ppl are sick of hearing about this god damn health care when the economy is still garbage & ppl losing there jobs. I have some good friends that are liberal & even they say Obama got his priorities mixed up & is trying to do too much shit at once.

[j.dizzle]

My family is in commercial real estate so we see small businesses struggling everyday..None of them wanna expand or hire because they are terrified of taxes going up. The economy is not gonna get better until ppl gain some confidence & know whats gonna happen..The Dems are not doing anyone favors by keeping all this garbage a secret.

[Nbadan]

I think he's referring to Democrats holding a 3:1 advantage in registered voters overall in Massachusetts. Of course, many disaffected Independents have recently moved over from being Republicans, so that may be misleading.

More than that, Massachusette's is over-whelmingly Democratic, that's not gonna change with a Coakley loss, if the Obama campaign has failed, it has failed to inact the change they promised from the policies of the GOP and Bush adminstration, such as, ending the wars, illegal wire-tapping and prosecuting Bush officials for invading a sovereign country without cause...and real health-care refrom including single-payer...

[Nbadan]

Which explains two terms for W. I know, voting machines, black helicopters, Zapruder, or something.

:rolleyes

When did Massachusettes go for Bush?

[Crookshanks]

20% of the vote in and Brown is ahead by 7%...hope this trend continues.

[Yonivore]

I think he's referring to Democrats holding a 3:1 advantage in registered voters overall in Massachusetts. Of course, many disaffected Independents have recently moved over from being Republicans, so that may be misleading.
I read that 22% of Democrats are voting Brown.

[EmptyMan]

lol Chris Matthews making his case for "Public Enterprise"

[jack sommerset]

I read that 22% of Democrats are voting Brown.

I heard 30 percent of dems were voting against Obama

[EmptyMan]

Maddow blaming Joe Kennedy for taking votes away from seniors who would normally vote for Coakley :lol because his name sounds like Ted Kennedy.

[jack sommerset]

Chants are starting " Blame Obama, Blame Obama, Blame Obama"........Karma!

[Yonivore]

:lmao

[EmptyMan]

Maddow: Turnout low for Coakley because this is a special election and not a normal election. :lololololololol

[Crookshanks]

63% counted and Brown is still ahead by 7%. Looks like he's going to pull this off! And they did say the turnout was low in the urban areas and that the voters who did turn out were mainly white. Very low turnout for minority voters.

[symple19]

53% for Brown, 46% for Coakley, as of now

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2010/senate_race/

I'm shocked.

[EmptyMan]

Dean poking Obama a little bit.

[EmptyMan]

ahhhhhhh Dean: "George Bush's fault."


:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin

[jack sommerset]

I can't wait for Obama's response or lack of one!!!!!

[Spursmania]

:danceclub

:lmao:lmao:lmao

Let the excuses from the bleeding libs begin...:lol

[jack sommerset]

Man, I forget, who is a Scott Brown.....Doesn't matter, it's not Obama or his clan......HAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAA

Blame Obama, Blame Obama, Blame Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Crookshanks]

ahhhhhhh Dean: "George Bush's fault."


:rollin:rollin:rollin:rollin
How in the hell can he blame this on George W. Bush? This is a vote against the libs and their horrible policies.

[EmptyMan]

Haha, It's just Dean doing what Dean do.

[Pistons < Spurs]

Coakley concedes!!!!


Amen!

Now let's kill Obama's healthcare.

[symple19]

The meltdown on HuffPo right now is fun reading

[jack sommerset]

Coakley concedes!!!!


Amen!

Now let's kill Obama's healthcare.

Lets kill his policies!

[EmptyMan]

Roll in that grave big dawg.

[Spursmania]

The meltdown on HuffPo right now is fun reading

That would be fun to read:lol

This is called the "Massachusetts Miracle"

[jack sommerset]

Holy shit..... Obama has not even giving his first state of address!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Yonivore]

Holy shit..... Obama has not even giving his first state of address!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He can probably phone it in now...

D_Jf9s23uF0

[jack sommerset]

He can probably phone it in now...

D_Jf9s23uF0

:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Crookshanks]

This is a great night for Republicans - and it's sending a COLD chill down the spines of all democrats, especially those who barely won in conservative districts.

Bring on the mid-term elections! :toast

[jack sommerset]

This is a great night for Republicans :toast

This is a great night for AMERICANS!

[Spursmania]

Americans and Independents and Moderates too! And some Dems helped too.
They helped win this Election for Brown, and I am so proud of them right now. :toast

[Crookshanks]

Americans and Independents and Moderates too! And some Dems helped too.
They helped win this Election for Brown, and I am so proud of them right now. :toast
You are absolutely right. When I said it was a good night for Republicans, I meant it would give them confidence and momentum heading into the mid-term elections. In the big picture, this is a really good night for all Americans because it means the stupid libs won't be able to just ram thru all their destructive bills.

I wonder how many other democrats will now retire?

[Spursmania]

You are absolutely right. When I said it was a good night for Republicans, I meant it would give them confidence and momentum heading into the mid-term elections. In the big picture, this is a really good night for all Americans because it means the stupid libs won't be able to just ram thru all their destructive bills.

I wonder how many other democrats will now retire?

I hope a lot:lol

The writing is on the wall.

[j.dizzle]

LOL this shit is great..I think ima have to pop open a bottle of Moet cuz this shit is gonna save me a lot of money in the future hahaha cheers

[j.dizzle]

& dayummmm at scott browns daughter..Wonder if shes over 18 hahahaha

[Spursmania]

LOL this shit is great..I think ima have to pop open a bottle of Moet cuz this shit is gonna save me a lot of money in the future hahaha cheers

:toast

[Clandestino]

I think we found our next Presidential candidate!

[Spursmania]

I think we found our next Presidential candidate!

Seriously.:king

[Nbadan]

I think we found our next Presidential candidate!

:lol o' please...

[jack sommerset]

:lol o' please...

Really????? Fast forward dumbass to 2012. It will be a year that
Obama is a sitting duck, kind of like Bush. Whoever goes against Obama,,,,,wins!

[Nbadan]

Really????? Fast forward dumbass to 2012. It will be a year that
Obama is a sitting duck, kind of like Bush. Whoever goes against Obama,,,,,wins!

Then run Palin.....

:lmao

[jack sommerset]

Then run Palin.....

:lmao

:lmao Run anyone STUPID! The dems are dead 2012.

[Spursmania]

:lol o' please...

Why not? He seems charismatic. Obama only had 156 days experience in the Senate prior to running for office.

I don't see why he wouldn't want to aspire for more.:toast

[Clandestino]

I think we'll see pundits talking about it tomorrow.

[Clandestino]

We already have a brown in office, so next election we can have a Brown.

[Nbadan]

:lmao Run anyone STUPID! The dems are dead 2012.

Hey genuis.....Bush has a worse approval rating than Obama in 2004

[Crookshanks]

Really????? Fast forward dumbass to 2012. It will be a year that
Obama is a sitting duck, kind of like Bush. Whoever goes against Obama,,,,,wins!

I heard a recent poll showed a significant majority said they wouldn't vote Obama another term.

[Yonivore]

Hey genuis.....Bush has a worse approval rating than Obama in 2004
But, not in 2002.

Obama is enjoying the most precipitous fall in the polls of any first year, first term president.

[EmptyMan]

Obama dicking around with health care nobody wants while people lose jobs left and right.

It's so simple it's almost comical if only it weren't so serious.

[Crookshanks]

But, not in 2002.

Obama is enjoying the most precipitous fall in the polls of any first year, first term president.
It's unprecendented and historical... :lmao

[jack sommerset]

Hey genuis.....Bush has a worse approval rating than Obama in 2004

Hey dumbass! Obamas approval rating is worse than Bush after the first year or any president! Talk to me in 3 years stupid.

[Crookshanks]

I would love to be a fly on the wall in the White House tonight...or in Harry Reid's house, or Nancy Pelosi's. Probably lots of yelling and cursing and pointing the finger everywhere but at themselves.

[jack sommerset]

I'm a Red Soxs fan now!

[jack sommerset]

After people take Obamas first year in, I have a really hard time thinking they can ever trust him again.

[jack sommerset]

Seriously, Obama should quit. He is done.

[Crookshanks]

Seriously, Obama should quit. He is done.
I wonder how many times he'll blame George W. Bush when he gives his 1st State of The Union Address. And I wonder how he'll feel when he looks up and sees Scott Brown in the chamber. Great drama!

[jack sommerset]

Not to much drama anymore. No more holding our breath thinking he could get more money for anything. He is done.

[Nbadan]

But, not in 2002.

Obama is enjoying the most precipitous fall in the polls of any first year, first term president.

That was right after Sept 11...Dubya's fall came fast and quick after that...what was he by 2004, 30% - 40%

:lol

[Nbadan]

After people take Obamas first year in, I have a really hard time thinking they can ever trust him again.

Like if you every trusted him - he's brown!

:rolleyes

[Yonivore]

That was right after Sept 11...Dubya's fall came fast and quick after that...what was he by 2004, 30% - 40%

:lolWhatever gets you through the night.

[Nbadan]

I wonder how many times he'll blame George W. Bush when he gives his 1st State of The Union Address. And I wonder how he'll feel when he looks up and sees Scott Brown in the chamber. Great drama!

I wonder if Scott Brown can keep his clothes on long enough to reach Washington....but alas he can always fantasize about raping Washington call boys with curling irons or taking one for the team under the bathroom stall..

[jack sommerset]

Like if you every trusted him - he's brown!

:rolleyes

Please keep telling anyone you come into contact that.

[Yonivore]

Like if you every trusted him - he's brown!

:rolleyes
Racist.

[Crookshanks]

I wonder if Scott Brown can keep his clothes on long enough to reach Washington....but alas he can always fantasize about raping Washington call boys with curling irons or taking one for the team under the bathroom stall..
Hmmm - he was voted Cosmo's sexiest man waaaaaay back when he was in college, and I believe it was before he was married. So what's the big deal - it wasn't a Playgirl spread.

And where is this homosexual stuff coming from? Wishful thinking on your part?

Just admit it - it's sour grapes and you're royally pissed right now (as if that's any different from any other day). Go ahead - it will make you feel better.

[Nbadan]

On the record...


# Brown supported the 2006 Massachusetts health care reform, which requires all residents to purchase health insurance.
# Brown stated that he personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, but refers to the currently legalized same-sex marriage in Massachusetts as a settled issue.
# Brown supports legalized abortion and Roe v. Wade, calling it "the law of the land".
# Brown supports expanding solar power, wind power, nuclear power, and offshore drilling exploration as a means to reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil.

Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Brown)

Take the Scott Brown victory for what it really was... a poorly run campaign by an opponent who took a vacation in the middle of the campaign and who walked into needless corners of defense and portrayed a perception that a victory was inevitable and an entitlement.

Republicans need to be reminded that the winner of the Senate race is for same-sex marriage, is pro-choice, pro-cleantech/alternative energy and likes state government-run mandated health care.

[Nbadan]

Hmmm - he was voted Cosmo's sexiest man waaaaaay back when he was in college, and I believe it was before he was married. So what's the big deal - it wasn't a Playgirl spread.

GOP values.....only apply to democrats it seems...

[TeyshaBlue]

I wonder if Scott Brown can keep his clothes on long enough to reach Washington....but alas he can always fantasize about raping Washington call boys with curling irons or taking one for the team under the bathroom stall..

Holy fuck! That was a straw platoon! Congrats!:lobt2:

[jack sommerset]

On the record...



Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Brown)

Take the Scott Brown victory for what it really was... a poorly run campaign by an opponent who took a vacation in the middle of the campaign and who walked into needless corners of defense and portrayed a perception that a victory was inevitable and an entitlement.

Republicans need to be reminded that the winner of the Senate race is for same-sex marriage, is pro-choice, pro-cleantech/alternative energy and likes state government-run mandated health care.

You sound like him. Guess what, keep talking.
uLjAahyKfp0

[jack sommerset]

Olbermann is the voice of the Dems

[Nbadan]

Rush and Hannity is the voice of the GOP

[jack sommerset]

Rush and Hannity is the voice of the GOP

Looks like they won then.

[TeyshaBlue]

None of the above to nbdan and his opposite universe evil dan, jack sommerset.

[Winehole23]

running for the US Senate in New Hampshire?

http://time.com/25324/scott-brown-new-hampshire-senate-race/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+timeblogs%2Fswampland+%28TIME %3A+Swampland%29

[TeyshaBlue]

running for the US Senate in New Hampshire?

http://time.com/25324/scott-brown-new-hampshire-senate-race/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+timeblogs%2Fswampland+%28TIME %3A+Swampland%29

The quotes in the link suggest movent away from center. Not a great strategy for NH imo.

[boutons_deux]

Scott Brown gets an awkward lesson about Obamacare (http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/03/20/1286156/-Scott-Brown-gets-an-awkward-lesson-about-nbsp-Obamacare)

Scott Brown is as hapless a Senate candidate in New Hampshire as he was in Massachusetts. Even in a crowd of friendly fellow Republicans, he can't seem to keep his foot out of his mouth (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/19/scott-brown-obamacare_n_4995671.html?utm_hp_ref=politics), particularly when it comes to Obamacare.


Brown found that out on Saturday, when he stopped by the home of Herb Richardson, a Republican state representative. Sitting in Richardson's home, Brown called Obamacare a "monstrosity" that members of Congress didn't even bother to read before they passed. At that point, according to the Coos County Democrat, Richardson chimed in to explain that the law had been a "financial lifesaver" for him and his wife. From the piece (http://www.newhampshirelakesandmountains.com/pdf/LAN.2014.03.19.pdf) (page 14 [pdf]):


Richardson was injured on the job and was forced to live on his workers' comp payments for an extended period of time, which ultimately cost the couple their house on Williams Street. The couple had to pay $1,100 a month if they wanted to maintain their health insurance coverage under the federal COBRA law.Richardson said he only received some $2,000 a month in workers' comp. payments, however, leaving little for them to live on.

"Thank God for Obamacare!" his wife exclaimed. :lol

Now, thanks to the subsidy for which they qualify, the Richardsons only pay $136 a month for health insurance that covers them both.



Who knew Obamacare helped Republicans, too? Certainly not Scott Brown. The reporter told Huffington Post that Brown didn't respond to this revelation that Obamacare might not actually be a monstrosity, even for a Republican, and the conversation moved on.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/03/20/1286156/-Scott-Brown-gets-an-awkward-lesson-about-nbsp-Obamacare?detail=email