CQ Politics, AP Highlight McConnell’s Vulnerability

Shawn Dixon November 19th, 2007

CQ Politics, which is a daily must read for Washington insiders, highlighted Mitch McConnell’s growing vulnerability in his re-election efforts for next year. What’s great about this article is that insider political news outlets tend to be very conservative with their political analysis and wouldn’t run a piece like this unless absolutely certain McConnell really is in serious trouble.

I encourage you to take a look at the article. It is a very comprehensive read and highlights why McConnell is vulnerable (failed leadership, unabashed support of War in Iraq, Bush’s biggest supporter), the growing Democratic tide in Kentucky (see Steve Beshear defeats McConnell Gov. nominee by 20 points) and the relative strengths of all the potential Democratic nominees (Luallen, Horne and Stumbo).

The AP (via CNN Political Ticker) also ran a story yesterday focusing on McConnell’s vulnerability. In it, McConnell’s own language suggests he knows he’s in trouble.

“I’m a bigger target, but I’m a pretty big boy,” McConnell said. “And I’ll tell you this, as I’ve said before, they throw a pebble at me, I’m going to throw a boulder back.”

Candidates don’t make statements like that unless they are expecting a serious fight and are trying to scare potential challengers. McConnell knows he is in for a close election and he’s sending a signal that he is willing to sling mud and use “swift boat” style tactics against his opponents. It’s quite funny to watch McConnell try to take early jabs at an opponent that isn’t even there yet.

2 Responses to “CQ Politics, AP Highlight McConnell’s Vulnerability”

  1. # Richard D.on 19 Nov 2007 at 8:16 pm

    Thanks for this article Shawn, and thanks again for bringing Edwards to Columbus. That was the best political event I ever attended.

    I think this shows exactly why we need to run Greg Stumbo for this seat. He is not new at all to political fighting, getting smeared, and fighting back. Most Kentuckians already know his baggage. I personally believe he has a lot of accomplishments to point to as A.G.

    If we know we are going to have to fight and roll in the mud with our opposition we need to find someone who will do it with zeal. Stumbo is that person. I believe he would hit McConnell hard on his hypocritical, brownnosing record.

    Best wishes!!

  2. # Robert Ruddon 22 Nov 2007 at 11:36 am

    So, Mitch says he will throw a boulder if they throw even a pebble at him. Mitch reminds me more and more of Wiley Coyote from the Roadrunner cartoons. So my guess is nothing he tries to do to stay in office will work so long as the Democratic Party has a half-way decent opponent running against him. And, when he picks up that boulder to throw back, I hope he ends up, like Wiley Coyote, under it.

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