If the Republican establishment thinks it's going to be able to take advantage of America's growing concern over government growth and spending, they are going to have to do better than recruiting official advocates for Obama's Stimulus Plan to run for the Senate.
As Chuck Todd had reported late last month, Republicans have been courting state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, who was appointed to her position by former GOP Gov. Craig Benson and re-appointed by Democratic Gov. John Lynch.
Now Ayotte says she's resigning (effective July 17) and is now officially exploring a Senate bid. "Recently, many New Hampshire citizens have urged me to run for United States Senate," she said in a statement. "I appreciate their confidence in me. After discussing this matter with my husband, Joe, and our family, I have decided to resign as Attorney General in order to explore a campaign for the United States Senate."
Not only is she supportive of the stimulus, as recently as May she was actively engaged in encouraging the spending on the part of government and non-profits. And she has her Deputy, Bud Fitch, pulling part-time duty distributing the funds. These strategies are emerging as one of the problems with the now all but failed Obama strategy. She's also now being called a "quitter like Sarah Palin" by Palin obsessed Democrats. Evidently women aren't allowed to resign posts for higher office.
May 15, 2009 -- CONCORD - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch and Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte today encouraged state, county, local and non-profit agencies to apply for criminal justice grants funded through the federal stimulus act. These grants will be administered by the Attorney General’s Office. The goal of this funding is to assist agencies and non-profits in the criminal justice community impacted by the recession, which will help to preserve and create jobs.
In any event, this is just another unfortunate sign that the Republican establishment is not getting the message. Nor are they going to be able to fool people anymore if they try to claim the banner of fiscal restraint and limited government if those principles are not guiding their actions behind the scenes.
People are done being fooled by just another DC political party that is more a part of the problem, than a potential cure.
Exactly how is one an advocate for the stimulus just because one applies for already allocated money?
Posted by: John | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I wish they could all be Tom Coburns (without the unappealing religious aspects), but they can't be. I for one don't want to be staring down the barrel of 65 plus Senate Democrats! I don't like relying on the Southern/centrist Dems right now. I'd rather have someone who agrees with me 50-70% of the time than another Schumer, Boxer, or Franken.
Posted by: Pete Rawlings | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 02:14 PM
OK, Tea Party types in New Hampshire. Time to get your own candidate in the GOP Primary race!
Posted by: Mike O | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 02:15 PM
Guess Katherine Sebelius is a quitter too.
Posted by: katablog.com | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Pete Rawlings comments "I'd rather have someone who agrees with me 50-70% of the time than another Schumer, Boxer, or Franken." But liberal/moderate Republicans will be voting with Schumer, Boxer and Franken much more often than with you. Look at CQ Politics' Vote Studies of 2009 To Date: http://innovation.cqpolitics.com/media/votestudy2009/. Snowe and Collins vote with Obama 92% of the time and with the Republicans 42%/44% (respectively) of the time. A Democrat in their seat would be a far better bet--especially since it would force the Republicans to put someone up to run against the traitors. Why would you hope to use Republican time and money to get another Snowe/Collinsesque liberal vote? That's just surrendering your liberty and freedom willingly. Fight for what you believe.
Posted by: DemFools | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Pete Rawlings... Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 02:14 PM
I wish they could all be Tom Coburns (without the unappealing religious aspects), but they can't be. I for one don't want to be staring down the barrel of 65 plus Senate Democrats! I don't like relying on the Southern/centrist Dems right now. I'd rather have someone who agrees with me 50-70% of the time than another Schumer, Boxer, or Franken.
Well Pete, guess that attitude makes you part of the problem. We sure do not need any more RINOS in the party at this time. Clean em all out and build a SOLID party with some BACKBONE.
Posted by: Big John | Thursday, July 09, 2009 at 04:23 PM