Thursday’s political round-up

January 18, 2007

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* After a campaign cycle in which the DNC and DCCC didn’t get along well at all, new DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) has pledged a new era of cooperation. He and Howard Dean had a “jovial” meeting yesterday and “pledged to work together during the 2008 election cycle.” Funny how victory can put everyone in a good mood.

* Retired football player John Elway quickly put to rest any rumors that he might be a Senate candidate in Colorado in 2008. The former Denver Broncos quarterback told Denver’s KOA radio that he’s not going to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.). Elway added, however, that he would possibly consider public office at some point in the future.

* Al Franken continues to move towards a Senate campaign in Minnesota, reaching out to Democratic senators for advice and suggestions. The AP noted Franked has contacted “campaign veterans, pollsters and others to get their advice,” some of whom have warned him about the pitfalls of a comedian running for statewide office. “It’s unknown how people will respond to a comedian running for the Senate,” Franken said. “I need to figure out a way to let people know I’m extremely serious about Minnesotans and their lives.”

* In southern Illinois, one gun-rights advocate is recommending Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) to his hunting friends and talking about forming a group with the working title “Sportsmen for Obama.” “I don’t agree with everything he says about guns, but he gets the sportsman’s point of view on it,” said state Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City), who served with Obama in the state legislature. “He would never do anything to hurt hunters, because he has bothered to get to know us and listen to us.”

* Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), perhaps best known now for his criticism of the war in Iraq, acknowledged yesterday that he’ll have to decide on whether to launch a presidential campaign soon. “I’ll let you know, Wolf — I’ve got to make a decision soon,” Hagel told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. “I will make that decision.”

As a Clevelander, it’s my civic duty to hate John Elway, especially on the 20th anniversary of “The Drive”. So I’m glad he’s not running for office.

http://origin.denverpost.com/broncosheadlines/ci_4989944

  • A tidbit of note not in your round-up is Arnold’s announcement that he wants redeployment and escalation concurrently. What is the center to do? -Kevo

  • Elway added, however, that he would possible consider public office at some point in the future.

    That future date would be after the creation of the office of King of Colorado.

  • “Elway takes the snap and runs it in for a touchdown! Thanks to Elway’s Patanent last second magic the final score of Super Bowl XXX is Denver 7, San Francisco 56”

    Another favorite Simpsons quote

  • Who knows, perhaps Elway would play in Colorado like Lynn Swann did in PA. If that’s the case, then I encourage a run.

    Regarding Hagel’s soon to be announcement. I was talking to a colleague yesterday who was saying that he wouldn’t mind seeing Hagel get the nomination just because no matter who won in the general, at least there would be a brief return to sanity in the executive branch. From Hagel’s war stance, I tend to agree, but other than that I don’t know anything about him. Is he a viable candidate? Does he have what it takes to challenge McCain and/or Guliani? To me, it seems he might be a palatable moderate for many repubbies (more so than Guliani at least).

  • NMDem–
    Here’s how he’s voted on some issues:

    http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Chuck_Hagel.htm

    Let’s just say his criticism of Bush is one of the very few things he’s broken ranks on — the rest is straight-line GOP, including allowing ANWR drilling, anti-gay marriage, not that big a fan of a woman’s right to choose, and just generally a “same ‘ol, same ‘ol GOP tool” on damn near every issue.

    Although, I will have to admit that his stance on immigration is inline with my own (allowing guest worker/path to citizenship … which is the only thing I’ve agreed with Bush on as well). But that’s probably because Nebraska is a such a farm-heavy state and relies on the cheap labor.

  • I don’t know about the strength of the Elway brand in Colorado anymore. All the car dealerships that used to bear his name have been renamed. He is sooo last decade. Plus the guy has had marital problems recently which won’t play to the family values crowd.

    If Pelosi-Harmann is a catfight, McCain and Hagel on the campaign trail will be a serious dogfight. We’ll see whose bite is bigger than their bark. My money’s on Hagel bitch slapping McCain back into obscurity.

  • “It’s unknown how people will respond to a comedian running for the Senate,” Franken said.

    A comedian might do for the Senate. It’s when you want to run for President, that you need to be a more serious actor (vide Ronald Reagan)

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