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Title: Mitch McConnell Is The Reason Doug Jones Is A Senator
Source:
The Federalsit
URL Source: http://thefederalist.com/2017/12/12 ... eason-doug-jones-is-a-senator/
Published: Dec 12, 2017
Author: Jordan Gehrke
Post Date: 2017-12-13 03:45:18 by Gatlin
Keywords: None
Views: 1556
Comments: 24
While Mitch McConnell and his allies will try to blame conservatives for nominating Roy Moore, it’s important to remember that McConnell is the main reason Roy Moore was nominated. The moment it was clear there would be a Special Election to replace Jeff Sessions, McConnell and his PAC, Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) declared they would back Luther Strange and vowed to spend millions on his behalf. Strange was a flawed candidate from the jump. The circumstances around his appointment by scandal-ridden Governor Robert Bentley were sketchy at best, and rightly or wrongly, voters just never trusted him. Looking back, an establishment candidate like Strange, beset by issues surrounding his appointment was never going to win a runoff in an anti- establishment state like Alabama–certainly not in the year after Donald Trump was elected. Judge Roy Moore soon entered the race, followed by Mo Brooks, a conservative congressman from northern Alabama with a very solid voting record. A member of the House Freedom Caucus in the mold of Jeff Sessions, Brooks resonated with conservative grassroots. As I have outlined before, my firm was retained by Brooks and helped a pro-Moore superPAC in the runoff against Strange. (We did no work for Moore in the General Election.) Determined to keep a Freedom Caucus member out of the Senate, McConnell and SLF swung into action with a little over a month to go, spending over four million dollars carpet-bombing Mo Brooks. They told everyone who would listen that they were going to destroy Brooks. They even hired consultants for a potential primary challenger in his house seat, just to intimidate him. Why did they do all this? Because they decided early that it would be easy to beat Roy Moore in a runoff. Unfortunately for them, Alabama voters didn’t really like the meddling by DC. This, coupled with the fact that Strange was so unpopular, meant that despite the attacks on Brooks, the race was tied in the closing days of the campaign with Brooks surging. In the end, McConnell and his team finally convinced President Trump to endorse Strange. Once Trump endorsed, there were a few more twists and turns, but it was enough to drag Strange across the finish line and give Big Luther a second place finish. The Runoff was a nightmare for Luther Strange and McConnell. Yes, it was true that Moore had problems. But what McConnell and his team never understood was that by injecting themselves in such a ham-fisted way, they had made Mitch McConnell the issue, not Roy Moore. McConnell’s meddling wasn’t just bad for Luther Strange, it was bad for Mitch McConnell. By jumping into the race in Alabama, McConnell had made himself the Nancy Pelosi of the Alabama primary and gave anti-establishment candidates a blueprint for how to defeat him in 2018. Mitch McConnell did not hurt Roy Moore. He nominated Moore. Once Mo Brooks endorsed Moore, the runoff went from what should have been a conversation about Roy Moore vs. Luther Strange to a simple, binary choice for voters: “Do you really want to reward McConnell with his millions of K Street cash, or do you want to send him a message to stop messing around in our state?” Once the race was framed that way, the runoff was over. Luther never recovered. While it’s true that nobody other than Roy Moore’s most hardcore supporters were excited about supporting him in the primary, it’s also true that voters wanted to send DC a message. The Case for Establishment Intervention in Primaries McConnell and his team at SLF often make a few basic arguments defending their actions in Alabama. They are worth examining. 1. “If we don’t intervene, we’ll end up with Christine O’Donnells and Todd Akins who will lose vital seats that we need to keep our majority.” A couple things are important to note here: A) The argument is essentially that voters must be saved from themselves. Well…how’s that working out so far? Everything that transpired since the primary can be tied to the fact that McConnell and SLF meddled in the Alabama primary which created the environment needed for Roy Moore to win the GOP nomination. In retrospect, this was the only way Moore could have won. B) It’s Alabama. Mo Brooks was never, ever going to lose this seat or even let it become competitive. In fact, as the only candidate in the field who was neither a pervert or the beneficiary of a shady deal with an unpopular governor, one could argue that Brooks was the only electable GOP candidate. How can we be so sure Brooks would’ve won the runoff? Because despite his strong base, Moore always had high negatives among Republicans. All of our numbers showed Brooks would win a one-on-one race with Roy Moore. If McConnell and company had simply stayed out of Alabama, Brooks would have cruised to victory in a runoff, and tonight would have been a cakewalk with none of the drama that has engulfed the GOP in recent months. C) Yes, the conservative movement has backed some bad candidates before. But let’s also remember: If Mitch McConnell and SLF had their way, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ted Cruz, Pat Toomey, and Rand Paul never would have been Senators. Furthermore, it’s not like McConnell and his team exactly have a sterling record of picking general election winners either. Tommy Thompson, Rick Berg and Connie Mack all come to mind. General elections are hard to win for anyone. We political “experts” all like to pretend we can predict the future, but it is not true, and we should stop trying. As a reminder, Donald Trump is the President. Nobody had that. 2. “Senate Leadership Fund exists to protect incumbents and keep a GOP majority.” Having dispensed with the electability argument, even if you subscribe to the incumbent protection argument, Luther Strange was never an elected incumbent. He was given the appointment to this seat as a gift by a governor who people in Alabama could not stand. Would it have been so bad if Strange had been forced to actually run a campaign on his own and let the voters of Alabama decide the election? And wouldn’t it have been better for Luther Strange? Wouldn’t it have made him a better candidate? Why was all this necessary? DC’s flawed choice was (soundly) rejected by the voters in favor of another, even more flawed choice, which led directly to the events of the last two months and the GOP loss tonight. Worth noting: SLF flushed over ten million dollars in Alabama that could have been used next year in battleground Senate states like Ohio, Missouri, and Montana. Victory or defeat in these races often turns on the help of GOP outside groups. Winnable Senate campaigns often come up short because outside advocacy groups simply don’t have the funds to help them win. (Think Ed Gillespie or Scott Brown in 2014.) Next year, when GOP candidates are being left to die on the battlefield for lack of a well-timed $500,000 or so on TV, remember: McConnell and SLF flushed eight million dollars in a deep red Alabama primary in an off year. 3. “If we don’t protect incumbents, how can we be sure they will ever be loyal?” Again, look at the results of this line of thinking. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski both betrayed Republicans on ObamaCare precisely because they knew that there would be no repercussions for doing so. They know that no matter what they do, McConnell and company will always do their best to protect them. In Murkowski’s case, after she lost the GOP primary in 2010, and ran a write in bid, McConnell promised publicly that she could keep her seniority if she won. McConnell’s promise was a key reason she was re-elected. We have to ask ourselves: is it possible that if GOP incumbents were more worried about a conservative primary challenge that maybe they would vote more conservatively? Is it possible that if that happened, maybe the conservative grassroots wouldn’t nominate bad candidates just to send a message? Conclusion: The GOP Senate majority is now in peril in 2018. There are many lessons for Republicans heading into 2018, but a key one for establishment Republicans is that voters do not want to be dictated to by Washington, DC. The desire to avoid bad candidates is an understandable goal. It’s shared by every wing of the GOP. But because of the toxicity of the GOP establishment brand today, meddling in primaries actually makes it more likely, not less likely that bad candidates will win primaries in the future. Instead of primaries being about the candidates and their flaws, going forward, they will be about Mitch McConnell and K Street as long as he publicly interferes. The question now is: will McConnell learn this lesson? How many more seats do we have to lose?
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#1. To: Gatlin, Team Loser, Trump and McConnell (#0)
President Trump & Mitch McConnell defeated Luther Strange, Roy Moore, and worst of all Mo Brooks.
TooConservative's guru has spoken! The Donald & McConnell have made it so.
That isn't even remotely true on any count. The GOP is relieved to not have to allow Moore into the Senate. Few would have welcomed him. They are disappointed to lose the extra Senate vote as that very safe GOP seat is lost to them until 2020. If the Dems win the Senate by a 51-49 margin in 2018, Alabama (and the GOPe) may be wishing they hadn't been so squeamish about Moore.
The GOP can't wait to be a minority again in the Senate. That way Trump can't put them on the spot with his conservative agenda. Then they could vote unanimously for tax cuts, Obamacare repeal, and the Mexico wall and say they tried.
It's very unusual for a Dem to win down there. It's not likely that anyone gives a damn about Bill Kristol's opinion, though.
Only Roy Moore could have lost that seat. He was a clown for decades and Alabama finally said no to more of it. Strange would have held that seat. You do.
And Mitch McConnell would own the Senate! Been there, done that, establishment neocons suck. It's a loss.
Is there ANYTHING in your disturbed little world that Trump ISN'T guilty of causing? In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
I have no idea who that Susan Hennessey creature is,but WTF listens to Bill Kristol anymore? AFATG,WTF did anyone ever listen to him to begin with? In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Then they could vote unanimously for tax cuts, Obamacare repeal, and the Mexico wall and say they tried. YIKES! You actually wrote something that makes sense and doesn't support Big Massa Goobermint! What happened? In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
I understand he is VERY popular with the NYC crowd. In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Only Roy Moore could have lost that seat. He was a clown for decades and Alabama finally said no to more of it. Strange would have held that seat. I will add a sarcastic "AMEN!" to that one! The man is a freaking loon! In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Good luck getting a rational, logical answer. Here's the bad news: There are MILLIONS of zombies out there just like this. They blame the man for literally everything under the sun while irrationally hating a man who defends the sovereignty and constitution of the US from commie-fascism, tyranny, and NWO Globalism. (They have NO idea why other than clamping the media mic to their ears 24/7.)
Again, on what planet are you? McConnell and Trump represent TWO TOTALLY DIFFERENT AGENDAS. It's not likely that anyone gives a damn about Bill Kristol's opinion, though. Except Soros and Kristol's masters.
ALL of your claim/opinion is complete bullshit. Alabama said YES; It's manipulated Democrat voters and GOPe drones said, "Yes, I do believe in spooks...I do I do I do...." Initially I thought, "Et tu, TC? THAT much in denial still??" But naah. We both know your REAL function and position has finally been as a GOPe "Sleeper." Oh...and Roy did NOT "lose" that seat. YOUR side and its allies pour everything including the kitchen sink to stop Roy Moore from being elected Senator. McConnell's Establishment GOP machination paid for help discredit Republican Roy Moore. Jones was backed by Hollywood, sports celebs, Soros $$$ and his disinfo specialists and smear merchants. The entire MSM associated the libelous word, "Pedophile" with Moore for months without retraction or qualification. They stretched the truth, aka LIED, and created a caricature of Roy Moore that led just enough zombified voters (22,000 supposed) to vote instead for pro-Baby Murderer/Tissue Harvester, Doug (Let-millions-of-illegals-and-Muzzie-into-the-USA) Jones. And you claim Moore is a "clown"? Lol. So sez the GOPe Bag o' Hammers and Bill Kristol Groupie. You clearly understand and embrace the obvious next step in the GOPe/Dem/Globalist strategy is to connect frivolous, obscure women as far back as 40+ years with which to "snag" Trump in the same type of libelous operation. And since YOU are an obvious Party-First, GOPe/Never Trumper/Globalist, this is perfectly ok with you. Btw, I'd still like to know who suggested you used "TooConservative" as your handle -- and why?? Supposed to be a joke, huh? Well...guess what? I'M LAUGHING.
I'm pro-Roy Moore, and anti-Donald/Mitch GOPe (D&R party). Yes I do like Mo Brooks better, but if I lived in AL I'd have voted for Roy Moore. You've got just about everything bass-akwards! BREAKING: Walt Disney is buying FOX, maybe that will help you to understand the con game that's being run on ya? Rupert Murdoch will now OFFICIALLY be on the Disney board of directors, and soon likely moved up to CEO of Mickey Mouse land (White House)...
No, Doug Jones is a US Senator because Roy trump/moore is a degenerate sexual predator, a racist, and an ignorant bigot. "we are tartets from evil doers!!!" [ and ] U looked up birfer on the dcitionary. It isn't a movie. "Listen piece of shit. Call me anti American again and your're banned. I don't like you." - aka stoned -
Why do you snowflakes have to lie? How are Trump and Moore racist bigots? You're just crying snowflake tears based on things that aren't true.
ANYBODY that even thinks Moore MIGHT be EVEN semi-mentally stable can be many things,but a "conservative" isn't one of them. The clinical term "Batshit Crazy"comes to mind as being appropriate,though In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Yup,"Batshit Crazy" covers it. In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
He's a US Senator because you filthy snowflakes can't cope with loss. In your "equality" world, everyone gets a trophy and nobody knows how to lose... so when Trump kicked your fag loving nuts so hard your nose bled, you couldn't handle it and your filthy WEAK kind
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
Grow up,retard! If anyone is ignorant,it is you.Moore is mostly guilty of being a pompous fool and attention whore. I'm a little shocked you don't support him if you really do "think" (and I am giving you the benefit of the doubt on that one) he is a sexual predator,racist,and an ignorant bigot. Sounds to me like you are describing the leadership class of the DNC. In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
Fag lovers are kinda sensitive about other people's opinions... most fag lovers scream racist and bigot to keep any person that is running for office, that might not sympathize with faggots. Like you.
I'm the infidel... Allah warned you about. كافر المسلح
Sounds like the echos in your closet have you confused,and you are admitting to more than intended. Just out of curiosity,is your "party name" Ginger or Mary Anne? In the entire history of the world,the only nations that had to build walls to keep their own citizens from leaving were those with leftist governments.
#2. To: Gatlin, Weekly Standard, 2kon, TooConservative, Kristol Canaries, *The Two Parties ARE the Same* (#0)
#3. To: hondo68 (#1)
President Trump & Mitch McConnell defeated Luther Strange, Roy Moore, and worst of all Mo Brooks.
#4. To: Tooconservative (#3)
#5. To: Tooconservative, Dog Bone Jones (#3)
Dog Bone Doug Jones couldn't have done it without Mitch and The Donald's help!
#6. To: hondo68 (#5)
Doug Jones couldn't have done it without Mitch and The Donald's help!
It's not likely that anyone gives a damn about Bill Kristol's opinion, though.
#7. To: Tooconservative (#6)
Strange would have held that seat.
#8. To: hondo68 (#1)
resident Trump & Mitch McConnell defeated Luther Strange, Roy Moore, and worst of all Mo Brooks.
#9. To: hondo68 (#2)
#10. To: misterwhite (#4)
The GOP can't wait to be a minority again in the Senate. That way Trump can't put them on the spot with his conservative agenda.
#11. To: hondo68 (#5)
It's not likely that anyone gives a damn about Bill Kristol's opinion, though.
#12. To: Tooconservative (#6)
Doug Jones couldn't have done it without Mitch and The Donald's help!
#13. To: sneakypete, hondo68 (#8)
(Edited)
Is there ANYTHING in your disturbed little world that Trump ISN'T guilty of causing?
#14. To: hondo68 (#5)
It's very unusual for a Dem to win down there. Dog Bone Doug Jones couldn't have done it without Mitch and The Donald's help!
#15. To: Tooconservative (#6)
Only Roy Moore could have lost that seat. He was a clown for decades and Alabama finally said no to more of it.
#16. To: Liberator, M I C, K E Y, M O U S E (#15)
(Edited)
#17. To: Gatlin (#0)
Mitch McConnell Is The Reason Doug Jones Is A Senator
#18. To: Jameson (#17)
#19. To: Liberator (#15)
Btw, I'd still like to know who suggested you used "TooConservative" as your handle -- and why?? Supposed to be a joke, huh? Well...guess what? I'M LAUGHING.
#20. To: hondo68 (#16)
I'm pro-Roy Moore, and anti-Donald/Mitch GOPe (D&R party).
#21. To: Jameson (#17)
#22. To: Jameson (#17)
No, Doug Jones is a US Senator because Roy trump/moore is a degenerate sexual predator, a racist, and an ignorant bigot.
#23. To: sneakypete (#22)
#24. To: GrandIsland (#23)
(Edited)
Fag lovers are kinda sensitive about other people's opinions... most fag lovers scream racist and bigot to keep any person that is running for office, that might not sympathize with faggots. Like you.
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