2008

Van Hollen in town for Seals

ArchPundit February 22, 2008 No Comments

Daily Herald

Buoyed by a rout of his primary challenger, Seals can expect some big-time help in his second try to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, who is seeking a fifth term.

“They called me,” an energized Seals explained Thursday after an event with Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland congressman, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

“That’s the reason I’m here — to make it clear we fully support Dan,” Van Hollen said after the event.

With veterans sharing the stage at the United Auto Workers hall in Lincolnshire, Seals and Van Hollen stumped for a change in course in Iraq.

But it was the national chairman’s presence that showed Democrats are intent on unseating Kirk.

“This is one (congressional race) where we’re involved very early on,” Van Hollen said. “It’s not one of those ‘we’re wondering if it will emerge.’ It has emerged as a priority race in the country.”

Let me explain to some of the short bus members of the conservative blogosphere.  This is going to be a targeted race. If you think not, you are a delusional fool.  The DCCC has over 6 times the cash on hand and no major accounting scandals not to mention only one competitive open seat defense compared to at least 10 for Democrats. Mark Kirk has a big ole bulleyes on his back and Seals’ performance last time with no help has the DCCC especially excited in an Presidential election year in a Democratic majority district, with GOP numbers tanking on both the war and the economy.

You keep believing Kirk isn’t a targeted race.

Of Course, Alan Keyes is Available

ArchPundit February 22, 2008 No Comments

Perhaps they could bring him in for IL-11.  He doesn’t raise money either, but then again, he’s never lacking for attention.

Obviously, It’s Good News for Rudy Giuliani

ArchPundit February 22, 2008 No Comments

Somehow the Politico comes up with this:

In Illinois, however, Baldermann’s withdrawal from the race could possibly play to the GOP’s advantage. Since the primary has already taken place, the county GOP committees in the district appear like they will be able to appoint a replacement to take Baldermann’s spot on the November general election ballot.

It is true that Illinois’ early primary means the Republicans have plenty of time to recruit someone.  At the same time, losing your nominee who had the best name recognition and a solid base of support is not good for anyone.

IL-GOP: The Gang That Cannot Shoot Straight

ArchPundit February 22, 2008 No Comments

It’s not just that they attack each other over everything, they just have candidates who seem to be oblivious:

New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, whose campaign was dogged by fundraising woes, didn’t gain much momentum in his campaign to succeed Weller in the GOP-leaning exurban Chicago district.

Leading Republicans in House leadership gave money to Baldermann’s campaign, but he never was able to garner much financial support from individual contributors.

Baldermann told his local newspaper last month that he had “done very little fundraising,” raising concerns among the party establishment.

“I have done very little fundraising. It makes me sick to my stomach. My campaign people gave me a list of people who gave money to [Weller]. I told them, ‘If you think I’m going to call somebody who’s never heard of me and ask for $2,300, that’s insane.’ I fight with them every single day over it,” Baldermann told the Southtown Star newspaper in January.

‘If you think I’m going to call somebody who’s never heard of me and ask for $2,300, that’s insane’

I think it’s insane to run for Congress and not think you are going to do that.  Apparently the turnip truck dumped him at Jerry Weller’s door?

You could see this coming:

* This is not good news for Republicans hoping to hold onto retiring Congressman Jerry Weller’s seat…

“I have done very little fundraising,” [GOP candidate Tim Baldermann] said. “It makes me sick to my stomach. My campaign people gave me a list of people who gave money to (Weller). I told them, ‘If you think I’m going to call somebody who’s never heard of me and ask for $2,300, that’s insane.’ I fight with them every single day over it.

“They wanted my Christmas card list. I’m not doing that stuff. I refuse to do it. The Republican Party wanted me to run; the Republican Party should help fund my campaign.”

So, he’s only gonna raise money from people he knows, except he won’t even do that? Yeah, that’ll work out well.

Campaigning is not a pretty business, but there are things that just have to be done unless you’re wealthy. Cold calls, putting the arm on friends and family are all necessary if you want to compete in a game where contributions are capped and the competition is stiff.

Debbie Halvorson and the Democrats must’ve smiled broadly when they read that passage. [See update below.]

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*** UPDATE *** A representative from Tim Baldermann’s campaign just called. I was assured that while Baldermann doesn’t love fundraising he is diligently making calls and doing what it takes.

Just thought I’d let you know.

No one enjoys fundraising, but most people kind of understand it goes with the process.

To add to the fun, The Hill has this:

One source said Baldermann was disappointed with the amount of fundraising support he was getting from the party.

The Party?  You mean the Party that has a broke House Campaign Committee?

Currently the net Cash on Hand minus Debts for the NRCC is around $4 million and the DCCC has about $30 million.  Let’s make this clear to the GOP candidates for the House–you are on your own.  Just suck it up and deal.  On top of this the number of Republican retirements is huge leaving a ton of Districts with open seats such as Illinois 11.