How Lautenberg could lose my vote

by: JRB

Sat Apr 12, 2008 at 08:23:06 PM EDT

True, Rob Andrews' primary challenge to Frank Lautenberg is young yet. There's still some hard feelings going around, which is understandable, as Lautenberg and the House delegation are pretty ticked off since Andrews allegedly pledged his support for the octogenarian's re-election. On that, Andrews concedes he did pledge, but Lautenberg didn't come through on his end or something, so he's taking the 'It's business, not personal' attitude. It makes him seem like a bit of a jerk, but whatever.

Personally, I feel like Lautenberg is -- and has been -- more honest and consistent about where he stands. If the election were held today, I'd vote for the guy.

The primary itself is so new and fresh that Lautenberg's umbrage towards Andrews hasn't turned me off... yet.

Because at a certain point, he begins to look like he's too good for this -- like having to acknowledge Andrews' challenge is some great indignity.

It's not.

For one, it's important that they debate. Andrews will have a much harder time explaining to New Jersey what he stands for. Surely Lautenberg is worried people will see them standing next to each other and want the younger guy. Some might. But if he's really up to it, it won't come down to that.

He's got the example of Sen. Daniel Akaka who engaged Ed Case, and came out on top because people felt his views were more in-line with theirs and that they could trust him more than his younger challenger. It's not solely a beauty contest, so let's not treat us voters like we can't handle a real campaign. Because if you do, I might start to think that you are the one who can't handle it.

Also, the avoidance of a real campaign makes me worried that hard feelings will cloud all judgment, and that Lautenberg and even the congressional delegation will flake out on John Adler's campaign out of spite. Funds moved through 'Use It or Lose It' are going to be important to all of our congressional challengers, so it's vital the party be able to unite. If I get the feeling that Lautenberg is so bitter that he's incapable of that, I might rethink my vote.

Just some thoughts.

JRB :: How Lautenberg could lose my vote

Tags: Rob Andrews, NJ-Sen, Frank Lautenberg, (All Tags)

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How Lautenberg could lose my vote | 1 comments

Lautenberg already said he'll debate (0.00 / 0)

From Capital Games last Thursday:

Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg said today he will "obviously" debate Rep. Rob Andrews before the June 3 senate primary, but he did not say how many times.
"We're looking at all kinds of propositions that are offered to us and we'll try to figure out the most sensible way to do it. Obviously we will do it. But we're going to make sure it's in a format that gives us a chance to express our point of view," Lautenberg said.

by: huntsu @ Mon Apr 14, 2008 at 16:12:42 PM UTC