Posted by
KsReaganite on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 7:35:11 PM
There are demographic and structural realities in politics that only fools ignore. No matter how much we pooh pooh the mainstream media and lawyers, the fact is that both those elements carry considerable power. Hence, it makes sense to tactically outflank them or, at least, be less of a magnet for their full time attacks.
The recent struggle in neighboring Missouri between the GOP establishment (which is supporting Roy Blunt) and the grassroots (which is backing Sarah Steelman) is a case in point. Chances are pretty high that Democrats will nominate the pedigreed Ms. Carnahan, or perhaps Kansas City's Rev. Emmanuel Cleaver III, to run for that open Senate seat. Let me be direct: the last thing Republicans need to do in Missouri, or any other competitive state, is have a nominee who is a curmudgeonly old white male adulterous Washington insider. The Democrats wil eat Blunt alive, notwithstanding what Father John Danforth may think. The media will have a less salivating time going after former state treasurer Sarah Steelman who is blonde, attractive, competent, and fits the outsider role. Don't get me wrong, I don't particularly care for Treasurer Steelman's rabid populism. But she is a face that is less likely to be a target of heavy handed attacks than Roy Blunt. And that means, her resources can be spent on the attack rather than on defense.
Unfortunately or not, that logic goes across the country. All else being equal, Republicans should be nominating women for competitive seats where the opponent is likely to be a woman. It sounds crass and cynical..and it is. But it is also a refelction of reality.
Once more I draw your attention to the blogroll on the bottom half of the right hand panel where you will find a link to Susan B. Anthony PAC which specializes in helping patriotic pro-family women run for national office.