Centerfield

Here's a Republican you can apply your standards to, Simon. I have no idea where she stands on abortion issues, but she's sure a lot cuter than her opponent!

I don't understand that comment, Tully...Which standards?

My main problem with Irey's website is that it perfectly exemplifies my beef with modern web design: it is an exercise in distracting the visitor from what isn't there. It's a fluff piece; there is no discussion of what Irey's views are, and while it dedicates a page to (very appropriately, in my view) savaging Rep. Murtha's record in Congress, at no point does it suggest what Irey would do differently. I don't care what the "Pittsburg Magazine" says about a candidate, and I don't care whether she has been on various committees. Tell us what you DID on those committees! Tell us what you're going to do if elected! Yes, say that Murtha is wrong on Congressional pay raises, spending, health care and national defense - but then tell us what you'd do different! Great, she's hotter than Jack Murtha, but unless she's planning on contesting the Maxim Hot 100 list against him, rather than a seat in the United States Congress, she should be worrying a little more about substance, which is sorely lacking right now.

Even if she promised a really good in everyone's pot? :-)

I was referring to the "babes in Congress" standard you expressed in an earlier thread, Simon. Want me to quote you on biases and shallow moments? :-)

at no point does it suggest what Irey would do differently

A little, but not much. "Stay the course, control spending, don't raise taxes." She's definitely running an "anti" campaign. And all uphill--her odds of beating Murtha are miniscule. He hsn't hit under 60% at the November polls since his first run in 1974.

Of course, given Murtha's behavior of late I'd settle for someone of either party in his seat who didn't spend all their time screaming "unwinnable quagmire!" and "run away!" and "cold-blooded murdering Marines!" at the cameras. I suspect Mr. Murtha has reached his dotage.

Of course, given Murtha's behavior of late I'd settle for someone of either party in his seat who didn't spend all their time screaming "unwinnable quagmire!" and "run away!" and "cold-blooded murdering Marines!" at the cameras. I suspect Mr. Murtha has reached his dotage.

Brave Sir Jack ran away,
Bravely ran away, away
When danger reared its ugly head
He bravely turned his tail and fled
Yes, brave Sir Jack turned about
And gallantly he chickened out
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat
Bravest of the brave, Sir Jack

Incidentally, I should add that my fondness for Herseth isn't entirely shallow - it isn't just because she's attractive, there is a more pragmatic element. A lot of the polarization in this country is down to Democratic overreach, and the attempt to impose on America a culture that is utterly at odds with the views of a majority of its people. Republicans did not ignite the culture wars - when folks who don't like the rightward drift of the GOP say that it is being run by the Christian Coalition and its ilk, what they mean is that the GOP has been co-opted (willingly or otherwise) to fight back. The problem is, of course, that this has now attained its own momentum, and my concern is that the conter-revolution may rapidly degenerate into something that pushes back too far the other way. The threat of that would be greatly reduced if the Democrats - instead of continuing to fan the flames - pulled back from the abyss. To large extent, if the Democrats became a credible force of government in America by returning to something close to the middle - a proposition I consider Herseth to represent - the GOP would be forced to do the same.

In other words, whether or not I'd vote for Herseth, if she and like-minded persons were running the Democratic party, I think that would be far better for America in general, and also have healthy and positive knock-on effects for moderates in the GOP (and while I may not always appear it to those who incline left, I am certainly part of that moderate wing; whether I like it or not, I'm resigned to being called a RINO).

In other words, whether or not I'd vote for Herseth, if she and like-minded persons were running the Democratic party, I think that would be far better for America in general, and also have healthy and positive knock-on effects for moderates in the GOP

Huzzah, and amen. Remember, I'm in a red state where moderate GOP'ers jump ship to run with moderate Dems for state-wide offices--and win. I voted for our current (Democrat moderate) governor and her (ship-jumping GOP moderate) Lt Guv in 2002, and will likely do so again. (My shallow side still thinks we need more babes in Congress. If nothing else, it's a wonderful slap at the jihadis.)

Irey is beginning to get widespread support from veterans nationwide, folks REALLY po'd at Murtha. It's a very white, very blue-collar, and somewhat conservative district. Think "Zell Miller Democrats." His support is based mostly on a mix of his impeccable pro-labor record and his pro-gun pro-life positions. Murtha has been shooting himself in the base. I don't think Irey can overcome his 30 year incumbency or the Democratic advantage in registered voters in that district, but he's going to have to work for his seat for the first time in decades. Which is a Good Thing.

(Note: needs to be "Brave Sir Murtha" for the scansion to hold...)

Tully -
So we're both on board for Schweitzer / Herseth '12, then? ;)

Re Irey, the sad truth is that I'd probably vote for any Republican who ran against Jack Murtha, just because even when an election is just about choosing the lesser evil, less evil is still better than more evil. I'd just be a lot happier doing it if we knew more about what she thinks and thus how she'll vote.

If you mean the governor of Montana, I don't really care for him all that much. OTOH, I don't have anything against him either.