John Cornyn Must Go

And remind me again... (0.00 / 0)

what percentage RadLib gained in the '06 election? LOL

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 13:57:33 PM UTC

Look at the Polling (0.00 / 0)

KBH has a 59% approval and 32% disapproval.

Junior has a 42% disapproval with only a 44% approval.

That is a -15% approval and a +10% disapproval.

Like I said, the devil is in the details.

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 14:02:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Speaking of which... (0.00 / 0)

http://elections.sos...

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 15:52:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

polls (0.00 / 0)

Let's remember polls take into account people who don't actually vote. So that would explain why KB had a much higher percentage of the vote than her approval numbers.

That said Cornyn is vunerable but its going to take a good candidate and a big GOTV effort to get rid of him.

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by: John McClelland @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 19:07:50 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

When do we make the troll go away? (3.00 / 2)

I'm throwing a little dog poopie on his tombstone as soon as the official announcement is made.

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by: PDiddie @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 14:27:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I disagree (0.00 / 0)

Let him stay. I say that even though I seem to draw some of his most extreme, yet least reasonable diatribes.

Even when they're as preposterous as this one usually is (not always, but often), trolls serve the purpose of making us tighten up our arguments.

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by: davew @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 15:57:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks (?), davew (0.00 / 0)

I have a grandpa that's a die-hard union retiree Democrat. We get into debates all the time, and the day ends up with us hugging each other. And besides, after 5 p.m. do you think Tip O'Neill and Reagan really told each other where to stick a piece of legislation?

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:27:39 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Don't get carried away, (4.00 / 2)

I usually find you to be ill-informed, wrong-headed, and bombastic to the point of absurdity. Almost always, in fact. But like I said, not always. But how I feel about your opinions is beside the point.

I simply feel that as long as a person refrains from outright personal attacks and character assassination and sticks to the issues at hand, that person should be allowed to post.

I'm not pro-wingnut, I'm pro-freedom of expression.

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by: davew @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 19:17:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Tell me again how you're not a Republican. (0.00 / 0)

But a libertarian.

It's a classic laugh.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

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by: boadicea @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 14:52:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm a libertarian with a "little" l (3.00 / 2)

not the small l...as for my party affiliation, I've been a member of both parties at one time or another...and as of a few years ago, my response to the two major parties is given with the well-deserved "one-finger" salute....

And besides...who can take a "bi-partisan" abortion ban or "bi-partisan" pork laden spending bill seriously? Seriously, ask yourself.

As for my outspokenness, I look at conservatives with the same disdain I do with liberals. Conservatives live in a 1950s "Leave It to Beaver" state of mind when it comes to cultural issues, and the liberals are stuck in the 60s. Both out of touch with reality.

While I say that I'm a libertarian, if I could start my own political party, it would include the name "Cynic."

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 15:06:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Keep it up (0.00 / 0)

The burnt orange libs are every bit as arrogrant as the right-wingers ... all assume that everyone who disagrees must be mentally deficient, or uneducated, or simply evil.  They need to be challenged at every front.

They call me a Repub, too, when all I am is a disaffected Dem trying to be an Independent, but who keeps saying "we" when referring to reforms needed in the Democratic Party.

They just assume that if you do not agree on everything they say, you are a troll, Republican, or in need of further education.  I say they are in need of a life.

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by: Wanderer @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:30:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Just imagine ... (0.00 / 0)

what they'd say about Lieberman, who's still a member of the Democratic Caucus, but doesn't toe the Kennedy/Durbin/Schumer line...

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:53:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

to wanderer and sfagrad02 (0.00 / 0)

You know that I have left you alone on BOR for a long time. Please remember that is only because you have at least shown some degree of respect for the community half the time. People are free to moderate your more out of line comments, though.

Please try to remember where you are and don't make me have to ban you. It's not my desire if you can at least be respectful and not through our ranting commentary and namecalling. Dems can do that here against Republicans because this is a Democratic site. I don't have to tolerate it in reverse though as there is nothing that requires me to pay for you to degrade Democrats. :)

Please read the Community Guidelines and How to Rate Comments.

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by: Karl-Thomas Musselman @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 18:46:22 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I completely understand, Karl.... (0.00 / 0)

and I admit I do tend to get out of hand at times. Just as PDiddie proclaims himself as an agitator, I have a tendency to agitate...at the expense of ruffling the wrong feathers...

And I appreciate you letting me further participate in the discussions, even when I've crossed some lines. And I will say that you've shown a sense of inclusivness that few others would show. After all, House Minority Leader Boehner has been known to smoke his cigarettes at the National Democratic Club and mingle with Democratic congressman because his party's national club doesn't permit smoking. Next thing you know, expect Pelosi to ask some Republicans to start toting around her grandkids to sporting events...LOL

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:29:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Lieberman (0.00 / 0)

Isn't a Democrat....so said the Democratic Primary voters of CT.  And I would agree with them. 

The Republicans can have him instead of he holding us hostage with vail threats of leaving the Party.  He left us long ago. 

Bye Joe!  And good riddance.

TMH

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 18:52:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No one who is currently active in elected office... (0.00 / 0)

is calling for Joe to come or stay on their side. He's like a hot potato that intends to stay around to make everyone on both sides of the aisle keep scratching their heads. Kinda like how in Buddhism, there are levels of hell, and one of those levels is repitition. If I were a Buddhist, I would think Lieberman would almost represent the repitition level.

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:25:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Umm... (0.00 / 0)

If Lieberman were to caucus with the Republicans then we'd lose control of the Senate... I'm more apt to say "let's let bygones be bygones."

Plus, you all know my philosophy, if you'll vote our leadership team, I'm happy to have you.  Big tent and all that jazz.  If you don't vote my leadership team (CRADDICK DEMOCRATS IN CASE ANYONE HAS FORGOTTEN THE GREATEST BETRAYAL IN THE HISTORY OF THE TEXAS DEMOCRATIC PARTY... and yes I know I'm yelling! :) ) then I don't care what you do, you're dead to me and hopefully will sitting on a bridge somewhere begging for money... or at least out of elected office.

Just a reminder to the BOR community... Remember the promise made to eliminate these people.  Power ONLY exists when any threats are not just credible... they're certain.  Think anyone else nationally is going to risk alienating Kos like Lieberman did?  Prolly not! :)

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by: David O. @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 05:27:43 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Actually, I'm all for honest engagement. (0.00 / 0)

But when someone who calls themselves a "libertarian" consistently carries water for the Republicans, I think that's worth noting.

Same thing for a Democrat who does the same thing.

Mostly, I think you and sfa are basically contrarians.  As such, you have your uses-as long as the argument is rendered honestly.

Before you win, you have to fight. Come fight along with us at TexasKaos.

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by: boadicea @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 18:45:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Who isn't a contrarian these days? (0.00 / 0)

Rick Perry calls efforts to put legal restraints on children of illegal immigrants "divisive."

Dick Cheney carried a highly conservative voting record throughout his years in Congress, yet he has been known to recently favor civil unions while joining John Kerry in letting the states decide the abortion issue.

Bill Clinton thrice vetoed welfare reform throughout his presidency, then signed it when the 96 elections came around.

Rep. David Obey sponsored an amendment to the Iraq appropriations bill, and when confronted by a liberal grassroots interest group about it, he made a reference to "idiot liberals," and accused liberals of "screwing things up."

We all have our contradictions. Not all conservatives are always conservative, not all liberals are always liberal, and even libertarians are not always libertarians.

It all comes down to philosophical perspectives vs. personal perspectives. And I can only think of one person who lives out what he advocates in public. He's far to the left, but I still respect him immensely for living out what he advocates- Dennis Kucinich.

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:23:15 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yes (0.00 / 0)

You may be a contrarian.  I think you write very interesting posts unrelated to the topic at hand. Not to be too harsh, but you are a thread hijacker. That's you.

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by: Elsbeth @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 22:27:10 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I guess that makes me part of a large group.... (0.00 / 0)

and a bipartisan one at that...take a look at threads across the internet and you'll see that I'm a dot on the map of what you call "thread hijackers..."

But then again, it depends on what you call "being on subject"

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 23:07:50 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Honest engagement is good (0.00 / 0)

But not everyone here wants that -- they want agreement.  Still, I don't see myself as a contrarian.  I could rant and rave about Captain Goodhair or President B-word or VP C-word just like everyone else, but around here that's just plain redundant and boring.  If I offer views that seems contrary, it's because a fresh point of view is needed; too many people live here in a self-satisfied fog of arrogance.  Such attitudes damage our mission, which is to wipe Republicans from God's formerly green Earth.  Once or twice I have considered trolling on some Republican blogs but honestly, I can't stomach being around those folks.

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by: Wanderer @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 17:39:16 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

One thing I'm wondering about, wanderer... (0.00 / 0)

is if you have any Republican neighbors or relatives?

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 17:58:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

If I do, they aren't showing themselves (0.00 / 0)

My career field, computerism, is inherently full of Republicans, but the firm I work for is Democratic all the way.  A couple of my sisters used to be Republicans, but they and their husbands became Democrats after Bush was elected.  They all voted for Bell or Strayhorn last year, and Kerry in '04 (as did I).

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by: Wanderer @ Wed Mar 14, 2007 at 01:46:24 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I go there (5.00 / 1)

all the time. But I don't troll or try to upset anyone. I try to establish rapport.

Isn't that what politics used to be? It actually requires more work since the objective is to find common ground. And in this divisive world - that's not so easy anymore.

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by: Elsbeth @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 19:23:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yeah, you're darn right about that... (0.00 / 0)

it's nothing like the good old days where partisans can argue till 5, then go out for drinks...unless you're John Boehner going to the National Democratic club in D.C. for a smoke after hours....

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 20:16:23 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

That's sarcastic (0.00 / 0)

and not appreciated.

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by: Elsbeth @ Wed Mar 14, 2007 at 00:31:00 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

What's sarcastic about agreeing... (0.00 / 0)

with you that it's not so easy to find common ground in politics these days?

Did you read the second paragraph of my previous comment? I meant absolutely nothing sarcastic by it....

Deep breaths....

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Wed Mar 14, 2007 at 23:25:00 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

He needs to go, and not a Port-a-can in sight (0.00 / 0)

Oh well, any fire hydrant will do.  If we want to get serious about replacing Cornyn we will have to find a better candidate than Radnofsky.  She has a lot going for her as a person and perhaps as a candidate at some other level, but we need someone more charismatic in order to make inroads into Repub territory.

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by: Wanderer @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:27:01 PM UTC

If you wanna win, draft John Sharp.... (0.00 / 0)

he's a darn good number cruncher and could beat anyone in a debate, anytime. No ice even needed for the fight with Sharp carrying the ticket and giving the D's a beatable image. And grounds for tons of crossover and independent voters to vote the D column on that race.

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:29:31 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I meant to say... (0.00 / 0)

unbeatable

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:29:56 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Cornyn in '08 (3.00 / 1)

I hear there's a lot of interest on Chuck Schumer/DSCC's part in a Texas race, assuming there's a credible D candidate who can energize the net- and grassroots, raise money, and get the state party behind him or her.  I think some of the potential candidates referenced in the link meet those criteria. 

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by: Boddhisattva @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:30:19 PM UTC

Good Way to Show it (0.00 / 0)

http://www.actblue.c...

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 17:32:50 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

A credible Democrat can win (0.00 / 0)

For what it's worth, I've heard the same thing about the DSCC.  That they are interested in this race if Sharp runs because of his credibility, broad appeal and experience running statewide.  Otherwise, they will save their resources for races in other states.

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by: Orizaba 212 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 19:49:15 PM UTC

Wow! (0.00 / 0)

That is not what I have heard from the DSCC at all. They have told me if there is a good candidate, that can mobilize activists and raise money, then they are interested.

It would be silly for anyone looking at these numbers to say Candidate X or bust. Especially when there are candidates that didn't play ball with Perry and force the 80th legislature to break the voter approved constitutional spending cap.

Help build a progressive movement in Texas. Join Progress Texas.

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by: Matt Glazer @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:24:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sharp is best positioned to beat Cornyn (0.00 / 0)

I don't know if Sharp will run.  All I know is that he (or his key advisers) have been in constant touch with the DSCC, according to a friend of mine who is in a position to know.  I don't claim to have any idea if the DSCC would support someone else if Sharp doesn't run.

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by: Orizaba 212 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:45:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Then why aren't you guys... (0.00 / 0)

on the phone seeking a commitment from Sharp? Seriously...I don't lean left (or right), but you'd see me knocking on doors for Sharp. I'd even go door to door with those of you who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

I know...you didn't expect that from me, right?

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:31:44 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sharp (0.00 / 0)

I like John Sharp, but wouldn't that be reaching into the past to fight for the present and the future?

Sharp ran and lost against Perry.  He was supposedly flirting with a run for governor last round, but I suppose that is why Perry appointed him to lead the commission on school finance reform so as not to get his booty handed to him.

But It seems every time a big race opportunity comes up we want to recycle folks from Texas Democratic history, it's time to put a fresh face on the stage.

I'd love to see Bill White give it a run personally, but hey, whatever.  I'll work for and vote for whoever we put out there in 2008.

TMH 

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

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by: Todd Hill @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:59:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well, sometimes a close race... (0.00 / 0)

can be a prelude to a future victory. There was only one scandal involving Sharp in the past, and no substantial proof surfaced that villianized Sharp. He's well liked by both sides, and Perry only benefitted Sharp by giving Sharp even more credentials by appointing him to head up the task force on property taxes. I knew quite a few conservatives, Republicans and independents who went as far as putting Sharp bumper stickers on their vehicles and apartment doors in 1998 when he ran for Lt. Gov.

Here's one to float- what if Barnes did run for the Senate and got a political makeover as the "Comeback Kid" (well, not so much kid anymore) and ran for Senate? What would his chances be against Cornyn?

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 21:28:25 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I don't think Bill White is a likely candidate (0.00 / 0)

He'll be running for and winning re-election for mayor this November.  He'll be sworn in the first week of January and that's the sametime he'd have to announce for a senate primary.  In fact, that's assuming the primary will still be in March.  If it's moved up to the first week of February, he'd have to announce before even being sworn in for another term as mayor.  That just isn't Bill White's style.  When he starts a job, he's committed to it.

However, he is term limited and this next term is his last.  He would make an absolutely excellent lt. gov., come 2010.  His management/organizational abilities are stellar.

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by: merci_me @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 23:46:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I know this one's off the subject... (0.00 / 0)

but has anyone watched the Youtube video I posted on the journal? It shocked me, regardless of Rep. Obey's party affiliation. Reminds me of how White House insiders were noted to quietly bash conservative Christian activists when the cameras and tape recorders were shut off....

www.completethewar.com

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by: sfagrad02 @ Mon Mar 12, 2007 at 20:39:09 PM UTC

Why Are You Using Out-of-Date Poll Numbers? (0.00 / 0)

  When I linked to the poll numbers Matt cited, I noticed they were from early January.  I asked myself:  Why would he use January numbers when the February numbers from the Survey USA poll have been out for nearly three weeks?
  Hmmmm.  I checked the February results.  Oh, now I get it!  The February numbers are far better for Cornyn!  Instead of a 44-42 approval/disapproval rating, the February results have him at 47 percent approval, and 35 percent disapproval. 
http://www.surveyusa...
  Of course, this renders inoperative virtually everything Matt says about Cornyn's disapproval numbers.  Matt Glazer, my man, self-delusion is one thing.  But aren't you deliberately misleading your readers by using out-of-date poll numbers?
 

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by: Buck Smith @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 01:35:47 AM UTC

Out of date or not (0.00 / 0)

I see Cornyn at 50% once in 2 years and never over. That's sad.

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by: trowaman @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 07:00:08 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

No Matter--50% is the boundary (0.00 / 0)

44, 47...anytime an incumbent is below 50% they are considered to be vulnerable.  And this number is just approval/favorable.  If you checked his "re-elect" number, he is probably lower than that.  Often swing voters might feel "I don't have anything agin him, but I wouldn't re-elect him".

If your idea of "better for Cornyn" is 47-35...I like your style! If a guy who hasn't had a race in 4.5 years and hasn't been attacked or beat up on has 35% disapproval, then Texas Dems are in great shape for 08.

Please refer to KT's signature.

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by: colin @ Tue Mar 13, 2007 at 16:31:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]