Thursday’s political round-up

June 23, 2005

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:

* Randall Terry, who founded the militant anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, announced yesterday that he is running for the state Senate in Florida. He’s taking on incumbent State Sen. Jim King in a Republican primary because King disagreed with Terry’s efforts in the Terri Schiavo case.

* Speaking of the Sunshine State, new Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Karen Thurman acted quickly yesterday to arrange $100,000 in financial backing from the national party to settle an IRS levy. Thurman, a former Dem member of Congress, said Scott Maddox, her predecessor at the state party, had “absolutely, unequivocally the worst” internal controls while at the helm. Maddox is now running for governor.

* Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.) is under intense pressure to challenge Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) next year. Capito is apparently open to the idea, having met with Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.), chairwoman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, about the campaign.

* A new poll shows New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) leading Democratic front-runner Fernando Ferrer by 13 points in the city’s mayoral campaign. Bloomberg’s support is up to 50%, while Ferrer trailed with 37%.

* The already-crowded Democratic Senate primary in Maryland may get a little bigger soon, with millionaire real estate developer Joshua Rales poised to enter the race. What’s more, forensic psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren (Greta’s sister) is also seriously considering throwing her hat in the ring and is seeking counsel from a team of consultants that includes media strategist Tad Devine and pollster Diane Feldman. Rep. Benjamin Cardin (D) and former Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D) are still considered the top Dems in the field.

* In 2008 news, Wesley Clark continues to solidify his connections with Dems on Capitol Hill. At Sen. Byron Dorgan’s (D-N.D.) invitation, Clark will speak today at the Senators-only Democratic Policy Committee luncheon, laying out his thoughts on how Dems should approach the war. The Note added that Clark will also urge Dems to stick together and not play in to GOP hands by dividing on statements like those of Dean and Durbin of late. Moreover, Clark headlined a fundraiser on Tuesday night for Eric Massa’s congressional campaign in upstate New York, and last night he did the same for Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn).

I thought convicted felons like Terry were not allowed to run?

  • I agree with Clark about the need for Dems to stick together. So why do he and other “leading lights” continue trying to score cheap points by condemning the likes of Dean and Durbin? Screw the Republicans and anyone who coddles them. They get away with referring to us as anti-religous traitors (and Kerry Cleland as a cowards), we ought – at the every lest – to take every opportunity to speak the unvarnished TRUTH about them.

  • God, how I wish we could correct our typos here.

    (and Kerry Cleland as a cowards), we ought – at the every lest –

    should have been

    (and Kerry & Cleland as a cowards), we ought – at the very least –

  • For your information – Clark defended Dean recently – one of the few Democrats did.

    This is what he had to say quoted in a June 13 article:

    ….He stood behind Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean, who has been criticized by fellow party members for making comments that were perceived as inflammatory.

    “I’m proud of Howard Dean. I’m proud of our party,â€? Clark said. “I’m proud of the fact that we are Americans speaking out.â€?…
    http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showa.html?article=56196

    Here is a link to the comments of the Democratic candidate for VA governor, Tim Kaine:
    http://www.raisingkaine.com/blog/?p=373

  • It’s not like Clark needed much more estimation in my eyes, but he got it. I hope that he took Reid to the woodshed for letting Durbin even think he should apologize. As long as I’m fantasizing I’d also like to see somebody give Mayor Daley a life-threatening wedgie.

    We’ll have a hard time losing with Clark as Pres and Reid in the Senate (remember when Pelosi was the canniest, hardest-driving Democratic leader?).

  • Ed,

    So why do he and other “leading lights” continue trying to score cheap points by condemning the likes of Dean and Durbin?

    When did Clark try to score cheap points by condemning Dean or Durbin? I try to pay attention to this stuff, especially when it involves Clark. I think Clark is our best chance to win the white house in 2008 and possibly take back even more seats in Congress. So, if I missed it, please let me know.

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