Santorum Facing the Music?
23 September 2006Conservative Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum is looking more and more like a lame duck these days. The latest Gallop pole has Democrat Bob Casey leading by 18 points. Real Clear Politics points out the disappointing state polling in the last election but even if they are off by 10 points, that still leaves Santorum with an eight point deficit.
Santorum had been the darling of the conservative base of the Republican party but he has fallen from grace. You’ll recall that Santorum endorsed RINO Arlen (Snarlin Arlen) Specter in his close race two years ago and conservatives have not forgotten. Still, Santorum is staunchly pro-life and conservatives typically stand with candidates like him.
With six weeks to go in the election season it is early to call this race but it is increasingly looking like the seat may go in the D column. The biggest challenge Republicans face this cycle is conservative disappointment with the Republican Congress, particularly the Senate. Rampant spending in the House can’t be discounted either. Will conservatives come out to prevent a Dem take over come November? Time will tell but I’m not holding my breath on this race.
In truth I have a difficult time feeling sorry for Santorum. He made a critical mistake abandoning his base on Specter and part of me wants to see him punished for doing it. That might send a message to other conservatives who might be tempted to make deals. Santorum’s deal was support Specter or face little party support in his re-election. He caved and this is where it got him.
In the end I’d hate to see the Senate to the Dems but it might not be so bad for two years. They could block judicial nominations to be sure, but two years of concerted obstructionism would only help Republicans. That, to me, is preferable to a Dem takeover of the House where impeachment proceeding would be sure to follow, along with quick tax increases. If one house has to go I’d prefer it be the Senate.
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September 23rd, 2006 at 11:52 am
I wish to thank you for blogmarking my site, and I checked yours out, and I like the way you think. I blogmarked yours too so I can go back to it….and I will check in with you often.
Keep up the good work.
-Robert-
September 24th, 2006 at 4:45 am
Too many good candidates have been pushed aside by the RNC in recent elections for “established” names and moderate Republicans. It’s a foolish policy for the RNC. They did it with Katherine Harris (though she won). It’ll come back to haunt them. Santorum was being a “good” Republican. This is his payment, I think.
The Casey name has been popular since his father was Governor.
September 25th, 2006 at 8:22 am
Yes, I posted about Katherine Harris a few weeks ago. The name of the game for the RNC is maintain the majority. I understand their thinking but really, what’s the point if you can’t implement conservative policies? It only perpetuates the notion that there’s no real difference between the parties. And in the end it doesn’t even work because conservative voters get fed up and stay home come election day!