For some of us the perversity of politics is endlessly fascinating; the odd twists and turns which should spell doom, but more often entrench wily pollies.
On that score there could be few subjects more relevant than the machinations of Tom DeLay.
Following the “ass whoopin” as one of his apologists recently described DeLay’s defeat of three challengers for his Sugar Land stronghold, I for one was left perplexed.
I thank fellow blogger, mikevotes, for his helpful comments on Curious Doings in Sugar Land. He gave a useful insight into DeLays phenomenal 62% win.
But I have to admit, I am still perplexed by the DeLay phenomenon. Chris LaCivita, a former head of the Virginia Republican Party and author of the “ass whoopin” quote says: “Republican voters ultimately would vote for the candidate who represents their values.”
Now if I were a Republican voter I’d need to think long and hard about having the same values as a man indicted for corruption. Obviously some of his opponents in the recent primary feel the same way.
Even given that they were soundly badmouthed by DeLay after the primary result was announced, and branded ‘Liberal Democrats’, there is a ring of truth to comments like: “I cannot endorse any felon.” That was from Michael Fjetland, an attorney who knows the difference between a felon and someone simply indicted and as yet to face trial.
Delay still has big troubles on his plate, politically if not legally. He is tangled in the Abramoff net in a big way, both personally and through associates. His patron, George W is sinking fast in the polls as the half term election looms. Finally he will be up against a well financed and experienced campaigner in former Rep. Nick Lampson.
I guess what is so perplexing is just why DeLay saw fit to make his primary opponents potentially very real opponents in an election environment.
Perhaps there is no logical explanation. Could be old Tom really is feeling the pressure and is simply reacting, letting it all out. On the other hand, being a political bully doesn’t seem to have harmed him so far.
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2 comments:
Again, the people that turn out in Texas midterm primaries are a tiny fraction of the most politically active. Most people I ran into, didn't even know there was a vote that day.
This result was just a reflection of Delay money and the machine's ability to contact their sure voters and get them to the polls.
Teh polling I've seen is that in the district Delay is polling about 65% among Republicans in the district against the Democratic challenger.
If he gets to the election without being charged out of office, that's a far fairer judgement of the people of that district.
If they reelect him then, everyone in the world should tear into them. But at this point, it doesn't mean too much.
Mike
I hear you mikevotes. I guess what I find fascinating is not the electors so much as Tom and his party hacks.
Surely he knows the reality as you point it out, yet as one commentator points out - shoots the messenger – and it seems anyone else within range. Part of the political bag of tricks is being able to pretend you like people; and it is a distinct advantage to be able to woo, if not primaries opponents, at least their support base.
I’m sure most politicians who are inclined to attack politics do their attacking before the vote, not after. Of course in Tom’s case he was better off not raising the heat in the primary campaign by acknowledging other candidates. Surely that goes double after the event.
Personally I would counsel the good electors of Sugar Land to keep their babies well away from Tom and his quick draw hacks. It could get messy down there if the matinee is anything to go by. It certainly won’t be politics as usual.
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