Patrick Kennedy on Notice
Marc Comtois
If it can happen in Massachusetts, why not here, right? For years we've wondered what it would take for Patrick Kennedy to actually be challenged. Yesterday we learned that not only does it look like Kennedy will be forced to run in a primary against Woonsocket Rep. John Brien, but that Republican John Loughlin is looking to hire the Brown team to take on Kennedy in the general election. People are rarin' to go.
But the difference is that Kennedy has a heads up. Though "how" is a mystery to many of us, he has been an effective campaigner in his advantageously drawn Congressional district. He has perfected his "good little boy" act for the seniors and has the unflinching support of the urban core and he has time to get his ground game in order and all that. But then again, likening the electorate to a bunch of blood-thirsty Romans may not be helpful:
The son of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy says a Republican victory in the race for his father's Senate seat is a sign that the American public is out for "blood."
As election returns came in Tuesday night, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) said it's clear that voters wanted “a whipping boy” for all the lost jobs and foreclosed homes.
“It’s like in Roman times, they’d be trotted out to the coliseum and the lions would be brought out,” Kennedy told reporters at the Capitol on Tuesday night. “I mean, they’re wanting blood and they’re not getting it so they want to protest, and, you know, you can’t blame them. But frankly, the fact is we inherited this mess and it’s becoming ours.”
Yes, those poor Democrats, martyred for the sins of the GOP. Right.
It will be interesting to see if Brien can gain traction amongst the traditional and union Democrats to counter Kennedy. If he does--if Brien actually wins in the primary--it will indeed signal a sea change if there will be no Kennedy in Washington for the first time since.....when?
I wonder if Betsy Dennigan wishes she hadn't changed Congressional districts.
I wonder if Betsy Dennigan wishes she hadn't changed Congressional districts.
Nothing compared to how the MassDonks must feel having switched from gubernatorial appointment to special election of an open seat.
If you haven't watched Jon Stewart's rant on the Demos performance on the Daily Show, you should.
If Brien primaries Patrick,even if the nitwit survives,he'll be like a broken pinata by the time it's over and ready to be dropkicked by Loughlin.
Yeah, blame can go to the Dems for changing the rules 6 years ago, but also to the people sad about "poor Ted spinning in his grave" about this. They have him to blame. He was diagnosed in May of '08. Obama was elected in November of '08. If Teddy had resigned his position then, Mass could have had their special election along with the big Obama surge and no Republican would have stood a chance. In other words, Ted Kennedy f'd his own legacy. If his legacy was health care reform, he should have resigned when he was sick, and Scott Brown would not be a Senator-elect today.
I agree that the Daily Show explanation of how Coakley royally booted this campaign is excellent to watch. Here's the link:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-18-2010/mass-backwards
I also fear for Patches Kennedy. In the wake of his "Marsha" campaigning, wait til he hears he might have a campaign with Jon Brien. To PK's ears, that sounds a lot like "Jim Beam" and just might push him off the deep end.
For all of the commentary above. Today I feel a "new birth of freedom" in the possibility that I may someday live in a two party state, without having to move.
A further comment on yesterday's post concerning the GOP's failure by positioning itself as the party of Southern Rednecks, and "Christians".
Although I am not a theist, I could readily adjust myself to life in a society where people's lives mirror a belief in a merciful, forgiving, God. This belief seems to have ably guided the founders of this country.
As to Southern Rednecks. with whom I spent some time as a kid, I offer this:
http://www.fredoneverything.net/Rednecks.shtml
Don't worry the AD HOC'rs will figure away screw this up too for republicans .
Mr Bernstein
Just more name calling.
Does insulting people make you feel superior, Joe ??
Jeff-as superior as snotty talking down makes progressive "intellectuals" feel.
Do you ever have a point to make?
If I don't like someone or what they do,I say so.No one ever went out of their way to cut me any slack in this life.
Years ago, Dan Yorke was asking how you beat Kennedy. I called in and said, you have to campaign right outside of Gregg's in Warwick.
The point being, Kennedy has a stranglehold on seniors and you need to hit him where it hurts.
In addition to that, like Brown, you need an issue that unites the mass of independents and depending on how this healthcare thing shakes out that could still be a hot button come the fall.
Kennedy isn't invincible, but it will take the right candidate making the right moves. One of Brown's best points for independents, imo, was never going negative. His supporters may have, but he didn't and to me that appeals to those in the middle. Negative ads really anger or stir up the extremes on the ideological spectrum but the populist argument resonates with the middle. And I think that the perfect storm may be developing for a Kennedy ouster.
Jeff-Mr.Gale-right?if I'm wrong I apologize,but somehow I don't think so.A left wing activist leaves tracks.
I don't worry about such things since I would NEVER crap on someone while hiding my identity.
Have another beer.
Well, Gately has come up with a clever label. BFD.
When Republicans gain seats this time, it will be BECAUSE OF the focused energy and cohesiveness of the "AD-HOC'ers". You and Gio will be marginalized, if not entirely out by then. Though, no doubt you will try to take credit.
A little free advice on how you beat Patches Kennedy. You highlight how Obamacare is healthcare rationing for seniors (which it ABSOLUTELY IS and these seniors and their families know it - the senior vote was huge for Scott Brown) and you endlessly link Patches and his advocacy for Obamacare. Then you visit every nursing home in the district as an informational session. They'll (the residents, staff and FAMILIES) will love the attention paid to them and their plight by Brien/Loughlin. And the final thing Brien/Loughlin need to do is DEBUNK the great myth that Patches Kennedy (same for Tiny Jack and Aryan Shelley) brings home the bacon for Rhode Island. It's bullsh*^!! and a few charts and graphs will show just how underfuned we are in comparison to the other 49 states.
Patches is a barely functioning moron and he needs a "proper" introduction to the citizens of this state.
Joe you hurt Jeffy's fellings. Awwww...... lol
Just get Patches in a televised debate and hammer home the points from Tim. He avoided any debate the last go round but will be unable to this time.
Even with the right "blend" of medication and preparation he will been see as a joke on TV.
Go Brien. I will gladly register D to vote against Patches and Lynch.
How's Loughlin going to handle Buddy, though? Buddy's ego has gotten so out o control lately that I can see him diving in just wanting to pile on Patches.
Ironically, Patrick wins that scenario.
How does Buddy figure into any of this?Kennedy won't go on talk radio unless he is given carefully canned questions and prepped by his handlers.
Kennedy has avoided any honest debate with an opponent since he's been in Congress.Small wonder.When he speaks extemporaneously he sounds brain damaged.If he flees debates this time,it won't wash.If he does debate either Brien or Loughlin,he'll be destroyed unless a sympathetic media person like Rappelye or some such runs interference.The Journal editors will soil themselves in the fervor to defend him.I have felt plagued by this cretin ever since he was my State rep while he was in college snorting coke and drinking himself into oblivion.This guy has been a cancer on the state for way too long.If the voters don't wake up this time,there's no hope of ever replacing him.He no longer represents the district I live in(some shenanagins?)so i can't vote against him.I can still vote for Mark Zaccaria though-Langevin my not be an embarrassment,but Zaccaria is a whole lot better.
The talk about Buddy running...think that doesn't feed his massive ego? He's probably convinced this loophole that may allow him to run for federal office will allow him to teach Patrick the lesson he sounds like he's been dying to do.
Patrick's deadenders probably make 40 percent come hell or high water, and Buddy probably gets 25. The math of a three-way race doesn't work for Loughlin.
Buddy ain't running for anything.He's making big bucks with the radio gig,and it's no business of the government(except the IRS and he was NEVER accused of tax evasion).
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I wonder if Betsy Dennigan wishes she hadn't changed Congressional districts.
Nothing compared to how the MassDonks must feel having switched from gubernatorial appointment to special election of an open seat.
If you haven't watched Jon Stewart's rant on the Demos performance on the Daily Show, you should.
Posted by: chuckR at January 20, 2010 9:02 AMIf Brien primaries Patrick,even if the nitwit survives,he'll be like a broken pinata by the time it's over and ready to be dropkicked by Loughlin.
Posted by: joe bernstein at January 20, 2010 9:52 AMYeah, blame can go to the Dems for changing the rules 6 years ago, but also to the people sad about "poor Ted spinning in his grave" about this. They have him to blame. He was diagnosed in May of '08. Obama was elected in November of '08. If Teddy had resigned his position then, Mass could have had their special election along with the big Obama surge and no Republican would have stood a chance. In other words, Ted Kennedy f'd his own legacy. If his legacy was health care reform, he should have resigned when he was sick, and Scott Brown would not be a Senator-elect today.
I agree that the Daily Show explanation of how Coakley royally booted this campaign is excellent to watch. Here's the link:
Posted by: Patrick at January 20, 2010 9:57 AMhttp://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-18-2010/mass-backwards
I also fear for Patches Kennedy. In the wake of his "Marsha" campaigning, wait til he hears he might have a campaign with Jon Brien. To PK's ears, that sounds a lot like "Jim Beam" and just might push him off the deep end.
Posted by: Patrick at January 20, 2010 10:02 AMFor all of the commentary above. Today I feel a "new birth of freedom" in the possibility that I may someday live in a two party state, without having to move.
A further comment on yesterday's post concerning the GOP's failure by positioning itself as the party of Southern Rednecks, and "Christians".
Although I am not a theist, I could readily adjust myself to life in a society where people's lives mirror a belief in a merciful, forgiving, God. This belief seems to have ably guided the founders of this country.
As to Southern Rednecks. with whom I spent some time as a kid, I offer this:
http://www.fredoneverything.net/Rednecks.shtml
Posted by: Warrington Faust at January 20, 2010 10:37 AMDon't worry the AD HOC'rs will figure away screw this up too for republicans .
Posted by: Sean Gately at January 20, 2010 10:40 AMMr Bernstein
Posted by: jeff at January 20, 2010 1:04 PMJust more name calling.
Does insulting people make you feel superior, Joe ??
Jeff-as superior as snotty talking down makes progressive "intellectuals" feel.
Posted by: joe bernstein at January 20, 2010 1:13 PMDo you ever have a point to make?
If I don't like someone or what they do,I say so.No one ever went out of their way to cut me any slack in this life.
Years ago, Dan Yorke was asking how you beat Kennedy. I called in and said, you have to campaign right outside of Gregg's in Warwick.
The point being, Kennedy has a stranglehold on seniors and you need to hit him where it hurts.
In addition to that, like Brown, you need an issue that unites the mass of independents and depending on how this healthcare thing shakes out that could still be a hot button come the fall.
Kennedy isn't invincible, but it will take the right candidate making the right moves. One of Brown's best points for independents, imo, was never going negative. His supporters may have, but he didn't and to me that appeals to those in the middle. Negative ads really anger or stir up the extremes on the ideological spectrum but the populist argument resonates with the middle. And I think that the perfect storm may be developing for a Kennedy ouster.
Posted by: Don Roach at January 20, 2010 2:42 PMJeff-Mr.Gale-right?if I'm wrong I apologize,but somehow I don't think so.A left wing activist leaves tracks.
Posted by: joe bernstein at January 20, 2010 3:07 PMI don't worry about such things since I would NEVER crap on someone while hiding my identity.
Have another beer.
Well, Gately has come up with a clever label. BFD.
When Republicans gain seats this time, it will be BECAUSE OF the focused energy and cohesiveness of the "AD-HOC'ers". You and Gio will be marginalized, if not entirely out by then. Though, no doubt you will try to take credit.
Posted by: George at January 20, 2010 4:16 PMA little free advice on how you beat Patches Kennedy. You highlight how Obamacare is healthcare rationing for seniors (which it ABSOLUTELY IS and these seniors and their families know it - the senior vote was huge for Scott Brown) and you endlessly link Patches and his advocacy for Obamacare. Then you visit every nursing home in the district as an informational session. They'll (the residents, staff and FAMILIES) will love the attention paid to them and their plight by Brien/Loughlin. And the final thing Brien/Loughlin need to do is DEBUNK the great myth that Patches Kennedy (same for Tiny Jack and Aryan Shelley) brings home the bacon for Rhode Island. It's bullsh*^!! and a few charts and graphs will show just how underfuned we are in comparison to the other 49 states.
Patches is a barely functioning moron and he needs a "proper" introduction to the citizens of this state.
Joe you hurt Jeffy's fellings. Awwww...... lol
Posted by: Tim at January 20, 2010 9:54 PMJust get Patches in a televised debate and hammer home the points from Tim. He avoided any debate the last go round but will be unable to this time.
Even with the right "blend" of medication and preparation he will been see as a joke on TV.
Go Brien. I will gladly register D to vote against Patches and Lynch.
Posted by: dave at January 21, 2010 9:40 AMHow's Loughlin going to handle Buddy, though? Buddy's ego has gotten so out o control lately that I can see him diving in just wanting to pile on Patches.
Posted by: rhody at January 21, 2010 5:08 PMIronically, Patrick wins that scenario.
How does Buddy figure into any of this?Kennedy won't go on talk radio unless he is given carefully canned questions and prepped by his handlers.
Posted by: joe bernstein at January 22, 2010 9:43 AMKennedy has avoided any honest debate with an opponent since he's been in Congress.Small wonder.When he speaks extemporaneously he sounds brain damaged.If he flees debates this time,it won't wash.If he does debate either Brien or Loughlin,he'll be destroyed unless a sympathetic media person like Rappelye or some such runs interference.The Journal editors will soil themselves in the fervor to defend him.I have felt plagued by this cretin ever since he was my State rep while he was in college snorting coke and drinking himself into oblivion.This guy has been a cancer on the state for way too long.If the voters don't wake up this time,there's no hope of ever replacing him.He no longer represents the district I live in(some shenanagins?)so i can't vote against him.I can still vote for Mark Zaccaria though-Langevin my not be an embarrassment,but Zaccaria is a whole lot better.
The talk about Buddy running...think that doesn't feed his massive ego? He's probably convinced this loophole that may allow him to run for federal office will allow him to teach Patrick the lesson he sounds like he's been dying to do.
Posted by: rhody at January 22, 2010 2:11 PMPatrick's deadenders probably make 40 percent come hell or high water, and Buddy probably gets 25. The math of a three-way race doesn't work for Loughlin.
Buddy ain't running for anything.He's making big bucks with the radio gig,and it's no business of the government(except the IRS and he was NEVER accused of tax evasion).
Posted by: joe bernstein at January 22, 2010 5:15 PM