DCCC's Biggest Buy in the U.S. For Final Week is Gerry Connolly

$1,000,000+ to save Gerry on the way!

Comments

[Chris]

Wonder if this is the one Van Hollen was quoted in the Post as having warned months ago?

Certainly not. Nothing gets past Gerry!

[WJ]

Interesting that Boucher isn't on the list

[kelley in virginia]

and Obama is trying to save Perriello in Cville.

according to something I read yesterday, the 5th district is the 2d-highest recipient of outside campaign money in the country. #1? somewhere in Michigan.

[Greg]

Boucher isn't on the list because he's already going to spend over $3 million and the market is completely saturated. Any more ad money spent would be wasted money. 28 year incumbents with that much money sometimes have to make due on their own.

[tom]

This buy doesn't make a ton of sense, and it has nothing to do with Connolly's relative strength as a candidate.
NoVA TV time is very cost prohibitive and for the same amount of money, the DCCC could have made a tremendous impact in several races in smaller media markets. But I guess they know what they're doing.

[Loudoun Insider]

Yeah, Tom, that Tim Kaine is brilliant!

[Just wondering]

Did you graduate from Harvard Law School Loudoun Insider?

Yeah, didn't think so.

[Not a prick]

Just Wondering, do you project your deficiencies on others much? I assume that you didn't go to HLS either and are just another pretentious prick with nothing more to provide than worthless ad hominem attacks on others. My guess is that you can only do this while hiding behind the anonymity of a comment post.

[Gretchen Laskas]

(wry tone) I'm less confident that the DCCC knows what it's doing, but I also don't think that this kind of money gets shifted around at this point in the election cycle without a lot of thought and discussion behind it.

[Ghost of RWR]

May go down (on balance) as the worst last minute investment in political history. Turn the lights out, D’s, you blew it…just like the GOP did when they had the reins.

[novamiddleman]

Can anybody not blow it anymore. The hard partisans aren't changing. It's the independents that keep flipflopping. I suspect most voters are like me who never vote for someone but choose the lesser of two evils in most cases.

[Gretchen Laskas]

I don't know -- massive losses in the legislative branch following a turnover on the executive level are pretty much the norm of modern American politics. This election was terribly predictable (just as the 2012 will likely be, despite all of the sound and the fury that we'll all enjoy until that actually occurs.)

[change]

Gretch,
I would not have expected you to join the “whistling past the graveyard group”.

Do you really believe that Obambi, Pelosi, Reid, etc… “expected” to get blown out in this election (assuming that is what happens)?

I am more inclined to believe that they thought they had all the right moves and would hold absolute power for at least 8 years. If they didn’t then those legislators who they convinced to go along with their agenda (at their peril) were sorely mislead and taken advantage of.
(I know you are a writer and I apologize for ending my sentence with a preposition…lol)

[Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh]

Clang;
Remember 1984? Didn't think so. Then consider the last time that Republicans regained the majority - 1994, and how that spelled disaster for Bill Clinton's re-election! The Republicans still don't know how to run a government. They may get a chance to prove it. Again.

[novamiddleman]

neither do the Ds. Its basic here guys whenever the pres is below 50% their party gets rocked in the election.

[Not Dave Marsden]

I suppose if we get Fimian then the 11th is an easy Dem pickup in 2012.

[Just wondering]

Oh, Not a Prick, so much stupid, so little time.

First, I didn't make an ad hominem attack, your good buddy Loudoun Insider did, by implication. I defended Kaine against the implicit attack on his intelligence. It takes a special amount of stupid to glean from that comment that it was an attack on LI for not going to HLS. Lots of pretty intelligent people didn't, like, oh, almost every Nobel prize winner in history, for just a few examples. But let me make it really clear: not going to HLS doesn't make you stupid, but going to HLS, like Tim Kaine did, DOES mean you're not stupid. There, clear enough for you?

Second, it takes a special amount of stupid (or at least hypocrisy) to criticize someone for making an anonymous comment, when both you AND the target are anonymous yourselves! But I tell you what: I'll be happy to come clean with who I am when you and LI do.

Lastly, Class of '86, jackass.

[Gretchen Laskas]

Change -- I don't know what Dem elected officials thought, but if you look at my blog comments in the past few years, you'll see that I've always said we would likely take a beating. That's history, not whistling! The only reason we wouldn't would be under conditions like 2004, where we had recently been attacked and were in the early months of fighting two wars.

There are quite a few Democratic strategists/political types who have argued that one reason why the Dems pushed through such bills as hard as they did, without taking the time to get the support for them, was because they knew they would likely get hammered in the midterms and wouldn't have the majorities. Don't know if that's true or not, but it's been a meme in some Dem circles since 2008.

[Spock]

I still think Connelly is gonna own it, and I don't think the Repubs are going to get the gains they think they are

They really could have done well this time, but, their candidates are complete losers...

[kelley in virginia]

gretchen, I see your point that Dem strategists said "what the hell, we're going to lose big, so let's pass all this unpopular stuff anyway".

but what about the individual Congressman who polled their districts, saw the opposition to Obamacare (& or other legislation) & voted for it anyway? did they think they could overcome the vote? or do they not mind getting beat next Tuesday? I can't square that with most Congressmens' (both R & D) to fight to their breath to retain their seat.

[change]

Baby bubby,
Do you always answer your own questions???
I do remember 1984 Ronald Reagan was elected what a great year, and in his midterm in ’86 he lost a whopping 5 house seats. Is that what you are predicting next week?...lmao

You have a good point regarding Clinton, when he got spanked in ’94 (-54 seats) he suddenly found religion and moved away from the extreme left in order to get re-elected. I hope Obambi finds the same path (although I am doubtful).

Face it no R, with the exception of Nixon, has gotten the spanking that Obambi looks to get in this election. So, unless you want to compare Obambi to Nixon, you might want to keep your powder dry and your mouth (keyboard) shut.

On a conciliatory note, I will agree that if the R’s don’t work on reducing taxes and a more efficient government (keep what works and bag the rest) I will be working for a third party next cycle. We might be working together….

[change]

Gretch,
You might be right, but the “strategists” are wrong (maybe they did not go to HLS..lol).
This country does not want to be like Europe (I think we fought a war on that issue a long time ago).

Now even those countries are moving “right” (in more ways than one). They are finding that socialism does not work. I hope our (new) leadership learns this lesson quickly.

[change]

Spock,
Not hard to bet the farm on a Connolly win, it should not even be close.
You wanna give a more precise projection of what “gains they think they are” going to get?
I’ve heard anywhere from 28-50, being an optimist I am going for 52. Although I admit I keep playing the lottery and losing, what is your prediction?

Is there a pool???

[Spock]

Change- I am not a betting type, nor to I have any investment in Connelly, he isn't my district and he is kinda a douchebag.

But, Fimian seems like a bigger douchebag, so for the sake of those who have to live in that district, I wish you all luck in figuring out who is the lesser of the douchebags.

There are 2 theories of thought being discussed in the "actual left" (no party Dems don't count) that if the Repubs do when, they will continue the track of destructive corporatism to the point of where everyone is broke, jobless and homeless, and we can pick up the pieces from there for a workable collectivist society.

And, of course, there is that looming dread of living in a society based in t-bagger thuggery that nobody wants. So, if the Repubs don't win we don't have to deal with our women getting their heads stomped on by t-baggertards.

So, either way, we are preparing to deal with the results....

[Lovettsville Lady]

Uh-oh, sounds like Connolly's in trouble. Maybe it's that ugly, scary, woman in his ad that is on all the time! She's bad enough to turn off anyone!

[Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh]

Chonge;
You are no student of history son. When Reagan won in 1980 he brought along a Republican majority in the House that was wiped out in the '82 midterms when the Dems took over. Reagan easily won re-election in '84. Which is what is going to happen to the Republicans in '12 if they stick with their current "leadership". Even Fox News can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, short pants.

[Elated Republican]

I would like to warmly thank the DCCC for assisting in Republican GOTV recruitment efforts this week by running non-stop advertisements on WMAL conservative talk radio reminding our base that Keith Fimian is pro-life. These expensive radio ads are running through the Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Chris Plante, and other popular shows by conservative hosts.

Thanks, Chris Van Hollen!

[Not Hussein (formerly Not Ben)]

Keith Fimian is this year's Phil Kellam: someone who refuses to take advantage of an unloved incumbent in a swing-ish district by running a dogpoop campaign.

[change]

Babby bubby,
If you think that a loss of 26 seats in ’82 was a “wipe out”, what will you call next Tuesdays results if Obambi loses over 40???

Btw… Reagan picked up a senate seat in that midterm, how many will Obambi pick up?

You really need to do better study before you post and also learn to focus, you tend to blather and wander from one subject to another.

Spock,
The three stooges seem to have done a pretty good job of getting everybody to the point of being “broke, jobless and homeless” without any republican help.

Hopefully, this election will be a move towards fixing those problems.

btw. can you name one successful nation based on a "collectivist society"?

[strongerthandirt]

The real Larry Sabato has made his final predictions: http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2010102801/

Or maybe he's the faux Not Larry Sabato. Who knows. It's a crazy world, where the Onion news seems more real than the real news.

[Spock]

Change- I believe we can. We have to change our way of thinking and stop being so greedy and selfish, but I do believe it is possible.

Human beings are naturally social animals who do like to work together, pitch in and help each other.

Capitalist conditioning has twisted our society out of it's natural form.

[Gretchen Laskas]

Kelley,

I think that some of the Congressmen (especially those elected in 2008, who hadn't previously enjoyed the privilege of incumbency in non turnover-wave years) always knew their votes were risky.

It's a tricky thing to ask of politicians, on either side. Do you want politicians who vote only on what their constituents want in a particular moment of time (lots of pro-arguments can certainly be made) or do you want to elect candidates who have real principles and who are willing to put those principles on the line even if it means they risk losing? Again, I can think of lots of pro-arguments for that.

I don't think there is a simple answer to that question.

[Neo]

Connolly is going down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwh7BFfQsOc

[kelley in virginia]

gretchen, thanks for the response.

[change]

Spock,
I applaud your vision of mankind, very Christian.
I agree that most humans will “pitch in and help each other” as long as everyone does their part to help themselves.

The problem is not with “capitalist conditioning”. The problem is with “government conditioning” people to believe they need not “pitch in” to get a free ride. Thereby ruining the entire concept.

Example: If you have ten people working for the common good and one decides to quit working for a free ride, it won’t be long before another joins. You quickly go from ten to eight to six and so on. Soon you have too few working to take care of the “collective”. (rather like our current system of taxation on the working man to take care of the leaches).

You have a great idea in concept, but not something practical in the real world.

However you can prove my theory wrong by providing any authority that the majority of those on the government dole (welfare, unemployment etc…) are actually doing something productive for society while they await to contribute further; are most of them volunteering services? Cleaning up roadways? etc.. or are they sitting home watching judge judy and waiting for the next taxpayer funded check to roll in???..

[Bubby Hussein, Hillbilly Sheikh]

That's a wonderful fantasy Changecita! Now tell us about the besieged millionaire trustfunders who require an extension of their tax cuts - paid with our national debt. Reference us to their many productive contributions. Remind us once more that it is the responsibility of the less fortunate to sweep the streets, because they are not worthy, and they are not "our people". You are a well-molded tool son.

[Spock]

Change- the people who need help from the government do not fit in with a corporate society.

A society who will slave the worker and give them debt in return.

In a collectivist system, everyone has a part, everyone is equal.

I would bet that homeless guy on the street would have no issue being part of a community, picking up a shovel and pitch in.

But, most of these people are alienated, they don't fit in, they need to belong and have support around them.

Besides, I never could understand this obsession the right has with always feeling like they are being ripped off if they are helping others.

Think of your fellow man first, helping them. Pitching in and giving to them will not cause laziness, it will encourage camaraderie.

It is human instinct for people to help others when they are being helped.

Have you ever observed homeless people?

They aren't at each other's throats, they all look after each other, help each other find food and make sure they all stay safe.

They are true humanity wiped of all pretension and greed.

I am not saying we should live like homeless people, but we should't be putting them down and we certainly can learn from them.

[BM]

What's funny is that Rick Boucher is going down in flames...and is STILL SITTING ON $1M that he hasnt spent. Boy, that's gonna be embarrassing if he loses.

[change]

Spock,
A bit pollyannaish but that is ok, I appreciate your looking for the good in man; I try to do the same.
Unfortunately you should look a bit closer. I can only speak for myself, but I can tell you that I often help my fellow man and have absolutely no problem with that. I have even had homeless sleep over on cold nights. My problem comes when the government feels the need to mandate how I spend the earnings of my sweat (no to mention that they waste the greatest portion in “overhead”).

I will repeat myself, if you were correct, then those who currently receive taxpayer dollars would “give back” also, by doing something useful.

I don’t see it and your lengthy post does nothing to prove it.

Baby bubby,
Once again you prove yourself ignorant. I don’t want to be the first to tell you but “taxpayers” pay taxes to the government. If they get a tax cut, it only means they get to keep a bit more of what they make instead of sending it to big government to waste.
You really need to educate yourself on issues or stay silent.

[Charles]

I too thought the DCCC ads were funny. First, it's the first time I've ever heard a political campaign sponsoring traffic jams.

2nd, Fimian has never hidden his pro-life stance. And I give the DCCC credit, their ad was the truth, which is pretty rare. But I don't see how the truth, already publicly embraced by the candidate, hurts the candidate because it's said in a scary voice, much less when it's said by the lady who is telling me about the traffic jams.

However, it did give me the opportunity to explain to my daughter how the "health of the mother" exception was abused.

And how it doesn't make much sense, if you believe a pre-born baby is a person, to sentence that child to death because of the sins of the father.

But most funny about the advertising is this -- the economy is in shambles, our health care system is being destroyed, we are spending ourselves into oblivion mostly to buy votes for democratic incumbents -- and the democrats think the most important thing in the 11th district is how a candidate feels about an issue that they CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT. What is Fimian going to DO about his pro-life position? Remove abortion funding from Obamacare (which the supporters already keep saying they DID?)

[Jordan Spizike]

In case your existence feels like it happens to be missing the energy that you simply want as well as the determination that you simply might need, generally all you could have to accomplish is shift your perspective.

[cheap jewelry]

Thanks for your share,thanks a lot.Good luck!