Could McConnell get Daschle-d?

Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007 9:57 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Chuck Todd
Is there a new GOP Senate seat now on the Democratic target list? A new Research 2000 poll matches up Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell against a number of potential Democratic challengers. And in every matchup, McConnell is under 50%, with Democratic Rep. Ben Chandler giving McConnell the closest race, losing 46%-41%. Could McConnell get Daschle-d? His approval rating is a net negative overall, thanks not just to angry Democrats, but also independents.

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Comments

More pipe dreams from the left. With the 2007 "do-nothing" congress, people are going to be fed up with the Democratic leadership and will vote the Republicans back to the majority of both houses in 2008. Pelosi and Reid have been the worst leadership this country has ever seen.

Emily Lister, NY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:08 AM)

The answer to the article's question is a short and sweet one...YES!

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:09 AM)

Wow, what a coup that would be, Mcconnell can then get together with little Tommie Delay and start a new party 'The Has Been Party'. It's funny how an exterminator will be the reason the republicanas are exterminated as a political party down the road.

the cockroach under the bed (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:15 AM)

He should have seen it coming, is all i can say.Voter's are sick & tired of the OBSTRUCTIONIST Gay Ole Party.

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:20 AM)

In the '08 election, the Independent vote should be the deciding factor in most, if not all, races. Any Republican identified with Dubya, and his convoluted Administration as McConnell has and is, will be soundly defeated. I'm an Independent, and I have never seen a more calculating, one sided, corrupted bunch in my life.

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:22 AM)

We independents are closing the door on the national Republican party for good, and this has been in the works for years.

Think about it; there is no justification, zero, to ever vote for a Republican for federal office. After all, why in the hell would any voter who believes in small government, fiscal responsibility, and national defense vote for a GOP that has created the biggest government and biggest debt in history, and a foreign policy that increases the amount of terrorists waging war against America? The Republicans have nothing but self-destructive policy to offer, and on top of it all, they're incredibly corrupt. A party has not asked to go into extinction so badly in all of our nation's history.

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:26 AM)

Kentucky is 15 on the most recent Senate rankings of Campaign Diaries (check them out: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/senaterankings ) but it is sure to go up in the next installment.

Daniel, NY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:26 AM)

Bye Bye Mitch; and its rumored that Larry Craig and Mitch are good friends and that Mr. McConnell is another closet Gay repub and the reason he couldnt get Larry to resign sooner is that Mitch has something to hide too. Just a rumor.

bb (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:27 AM)

That McConnell comes off poorly against a wide variety of potential opponents is not the same as "getting Daschled". Daschle had huge amounts or Republican money and the entire weight of the right-wing smear machine targeted at taking him down for daring to oppose their esteemed leader. McConnell has done it all to himself by deliberately tieing up the entire Senate, subjecting even the most bipartisan measures to approval by veto-proof majority.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:30 AM)

Republican=Liar

You can't believe a word he or any of the republicans say. I can't believe his approval rating is as high as you claim.

A (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:31 AM)

On Daschle, on Dancer, on Donner & Blitzen!

Nail him, let's have it.

Santa Clause '08 (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:31 AM)

Come on First Read how about turning the bias meter down a bit. The only Senator close to being Daschel'd is Senator Reid. I don't see how you could have even come up with this article without considering Reid. Obviously your partisanship is showing again.

Looking for the Truth (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:33 AM)

Old Mitch is light in the loafers, so they say.

Larry (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:39 AM)

While a non-Kentuckian might think that Chandler, representing only one of Kentucky's six Congressional Districts, suffers from lack of name recognition, and therefore might do even better in a matchup after a solid campaign, BUT, Chandler is already a known quantity on a statewide basis. Grandson of the legendary governor, senator and baseball commissioner Albert "Happy" Chandler, Ben was formerly KY Attorney General, lost a race for governor to now- unpopular incumbent Ernie Fletcher, before seeking Fletcher's vacated Congressional seat.
Maybe Chandler will benefit from "buyer's remorse" over Fletcher, and maybe he'll benefit from the general damage to the Republican brand, but I wouldn't take either of those as a given in light of his track record.

Alan G. (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:42 AM)

This is NOT a do-nothing Congress: passed minimum wage increase, adopted 9/11 commission recommendations, student loan industry reform, stem cell research (vetoed by Bush), limit troop rotation to Iraq (prevented by Republicans), passed SCHIP funding for childrens health on a bipartisan basis (including Hatch and Grassley, but vetoed by Bush). Get rid of some of the obstructionists like McConnell and Bush and this country would be back on correct track.

Rob Boston (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:47 AM)

Emily, McConnel is the Biggest reason for the do nothing congress. His 60 vote threshold for votes on anything is gonna be his undoing. The voter's og kentucky are throwing out the gay Ole party's govenor in 2 weeks, Mitch will be next.

Rick,ky (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:54 AM)

Emily,

The rest of the country is not as stupid as you are. People know that the democrats have a majority but not a majority large enough to override a presidental veto. They also know that the President has vetoed every attempt by the democrats to get even the most popular bills passed (hello!!! Childrens healthcare gets a VETO from this WAR President and a Veto rubberstamp from the likes of McConnel). I guess the President is hoping to make sure as little gets done his last 4 years as in his first 4 years when Republicans were in charge of everything. Once we have a democratic President and majority in both houses we'll finally see initiatives in this country that support what most Americans want: job security, healthcare & PEACE!!!

A (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:56 AM)

From Kentucky.com:

'...Posted on Sat, Oct. 27, 2007
McConnell marks funds for contractor
FIRM UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR BRIBERY
By John Cheves
JCHEVES@HERALD-LEADER.COM

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is pushing $25 million in earmarked federal funds for a British defense contractor that is under criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and suspected by American diplomats of a "longstanding, widespread pattern of bribery allegations."

McConnell tucked money for three weapons projects for BAE Systems into the defense appropriations bill, which the Senate approved Oct. 3. The Defense Department failed to include the money in its own budget request, which required McConnell to intercede, said BAE spokeswoman Susan Lenover.

BAE is based in Great Britain but has worldwide operations, including a Louisville facility that makes naval guns and employs 322. McConnell has taken at least $53,000 in campaign donations from BAE's political action committees and employees since his 2002 re-election. United Defense Industries, which BAE purchased two years ago, pledged $500,000 to a political-science foundation the senator created, the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville.

In June, BAE confirmed that the Justice Department is investigating possible corruption in its Saudi Arabian deals. According to British media reports, BAE set up a slush fund with hundreds of millions of dollars in a Washington, D.C., bank to bribe Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan in order to win weapons contracts. Bandar, who heads the Saudi National Security Council, has denied the allegation....'

Crooked Mitch, putting in earmarks for a crooked corporation.
See, it's not a 'do-nothing' Congress !!
Mitch McConnell is hard at work for foreigh crooks !

http://www.kentucky.com/454/story/214167.html

Sierra, SF (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:56 AM)

Couldn't have said it better myself Rob from Boston.

pat huntington ny (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:57 AM)

Emily, I like how you make sure to point out that the democratic congress is a "do nothing congress." Only a republican would blame the democrats for its "do nothing" status. The truth of the matter is that lots of new legislation has been done since the dems took over. Unfortunately for this country the Republican congressmen/women have done everything they can to make sure the laws don't get passed. And when they don't succeed, and a law actually gets passed, they have their good friend W to make sure it does not happen. I think your lot will be in for a surprise come next election. Not only will a dem be in the White House, but the dems will pick up more seats and make it possible to override vetos. America is not upset with the dems in Congress, they're upset with the congress not being able to pass anything because the Republicans have not yet realized that America has woken up and we no longer like what they have to offer. Its still party over America for them. Maybe once they realize that they are scorned by a most they'll consider putting the country before the party.

ARC, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:57 AM)

Santa Clause..........I haven't laughed that hard in.......well, a long time!!!

A (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:59 AM)

How could Todd have come up with this article without considering Senator Reid? Easy. Harry Reid is not up for re-election in 2008. But of course, it's not surprising that the guy commenting wouldn't have known that. Misinformation is how Republicans retain a majority of their supporters.

Erik (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:02 AM)

one could think of no better way to send the gop a dose of thier own medicine than to take out Mitch. Chickens always come home to roost, Even in good ole Kentucky

Donald Shelton Tucson , Az. (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:03 AM)

Mitch McConnell was responsible for the savage attack on Graham Frost earlier this month by mis-forming the public about on the legitimacy of their "need" as it relates to SCHIP program that was responsible for saving him and his sisters’ life. Graham received death threats because of the actions of Mitch McConnell and disgusting right wing that found it necessary to attack a 12yr old boy and his family for daring to tell their story. Not only should McConnell be challenged but he should be impeached for purposely releasing their address via Rush Limbaugh who like a trained Pit Bull ripped into Graham and his family with lies. McConnell didn't even have the guts to do it himself directly; rather he used the preverbal drug addicted attack dog of the Right to do his sick dirty work...SHAME!!!

Nick L, Elizabethtown,KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:19 AM)

Emily. Exactly correct. The 11 percenters will get clobbered next year.

Luke Townsteed, Billings MT (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:21 AM)

"Pelosi and Reid have been the worst leadership this country has ever seen."
Emily Lister, NY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 10:08 AM)

That is, of course, if you block out Bush, Cheney, DeLay, Rumsfeld....Should I continue, Emily? It appears that either you are out of touch with reality, or a handful of us are.

I say we offer a (non-binding) resolution condemning Ms. Lister's comments, and demand an apology.

CitizenJ (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:27 AM)

Alan G, I am glad someone with a knowledge of Kentucky commented on this. In addition, Congressman Chandler lost the 2003 Governor's race in large part because of Democratic Governor Paul Patton's indiscretions.

The discussion of Chandler running for Senate against McConnell is almost meaningless though. He is not going to challenge the seat. He might run in 2010 for Bunning's seat. Look for State Auditor Crit Luallen, Attorney General Greg Stumbo, or Iraq War veteran Andrew Horne to run. McConnell polls 45%-40% against Luallen, the smallest deficit of the three considering a run for the seat.

McConnell has plenty of money to use on this campaign, so Democrats may select a candidate who has a strong donor support or individual wealth so that if they can't win the seat, they can at least weaken McConnell for the next race. It's going to be an interesting year in 2008 for Kentucky, it might get nasty.

SGH, 6th District, KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:35 AM)

drop dead mitch

hottsie tottsie, DC (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:47 AM)

Emily Lister in NY is hilarious! Blasting at the democrats in Congress! It must really boil her that no Republican could be elected dog catcher in any statewide vote in NY, as well as the fact that she is just repeating the same fluff lines on Hannity's show. I have to go now- I want to count the chicken hawks in the GOP and I will need a long time to add up the total- stating with Rove, Mitch McConnell, Cheney, Bush, Rice, Perry, Armey, Delay- LOL

Robert, Houston (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:55 AM)

Republicans can't govern, They have these pathetic theories that don't work. All of Bush's policy have failed. No Child left behind, failure, tax cuts paid for by the Chinese, oil war a boon for all his corporate supporters the religous right even got passed over. Everything Bush touches turns to donkey dust. He touched Mitch so by Bush law he's got to go.

Paul New York, NY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 11:58 AM)

Luke, I didn't know they grew pot that good in MT.

Dazed and confused (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:07 PM)

Citizen J

Aye.

Dot, Illinois (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:09 PM)

Just keep digging up conservatives that are willing to put a D by their name, and you might hold on to power. I have "faith" you can piss it away in 08. Not because the Republicans are better, but because you people believe your own propaganda.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:20 PM)

Emily of Liston NY. it all boils down to the bitterness of Mitch McConnel and Dan Burton. They are still furious at not being responsible for removing Clinton from office. As of todays standing Clinton is way above the water level as these two are neck deep in a cesspool in Iraq and world affairs. John (crying) Boehner R-OH is still pleading to save this administration dirty work in the Middle East.
Get with it Emily this bogus administration just wasted 3,841 US military lives just to gain a position in the sands of Lawerance of Arabia. Rep. John Bonher R-OH said recently before that the 3,700 lives lost was a small price to pay for that position in the Middle East. That is how much of our troops he thinks are great. "WASTED" my God when are we going to stop wasting our military live who volunteeres to keep this country safe and not be a agreeior nation to dominate the world. 88 Million for a high yield bunker buster bomb after the approation committe voted. In the Middle of a war zone that is tousands years old. Tom Daschle was labled a obstructionest while he lead the senate for two years, but he wasn't party to giving away all our resources to anyone for the Corporate welfare as Newt Ginrich and Trent Lott and Denny Hashert.
Tom Daschle was defeated as The Senate Miniority leader for the first time in history campaigned against him by telling the SD. people that if they elect him they would lose the B-2 Bomber base in Ellisworth AFB. Cheney, Bill Frist, Rumfield, Rice, Steven Hadley and Bush campaigned against him. As it turned out the people of SD were lied to as the Pentagon and Cheney had already voted to close that B-2 Bomber base. John Thume went ballist and pulled every string he had and pressured them not to close the base.
Emily learn what you are talking about and a good motto is "ENGAGE BRAIN BEFORE SPEAKING"

Bob. Lipsett Sr., North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388 (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:21 PM)

Dave - speaking of believeing your own propaganda - that Bush is a good president, huh?

pitiful. Just pitiful (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:45 PM)

Yes, McConnell is incredibly vulnerable in Kentucky and the MSM has picked up on it early. There is a large grassroots movement across the state to get McConnell out so that Kentuckians can have new leadership.

For more info, check out. www.ditchmitchky.com

It's a website run by Kentuckians dedicated to holding Mitch McConnell accountable for his failed leadership.

Shawn Dixon, Columbus, KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:50 PM)

Yes, vote out all the Repub. who stand in the way.

Jane Sctt (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 12:59 PM)

When does Duncan Hunter come up for re-election?

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:04 PM)

Tom Tancredo is yet another republican congressman who is retiring-aside from his presidential run. Another one bites the dust!

bb (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:14 PM)

No way in hell are we going to let McConnell get ousted. This is all media hype and Democrat dreams. I consider myself independent and I for one like Mitch. He has done a lot for the state. I would expect him to get negative press and responses in here. Besides I dont understand how someone from NY, etc. can comment on my Senator and what he does for MY state. that is where the rubber meets the road, what have you done for OUR state lately. Not what have you done for Mass.

Harold Jackson, Louiville, KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:17 PM)

Ben Chandler won't run. I have personally met the guy in Versailles Kroger. We chit chatted and he seemed like a great guy.

Burl, KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:21 PM)

Leave the Republican's ALONE.

What about theat great Daylight Savings Time Law! Jeesh, don't you people recognize historic legislation when you see it?

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:21 PM)

Emily, a recent poll I saw on showed that most Americans blames the Repubs for the lack of legislation passes by this Congress. Saying it is the Dems fault, well "That Dog won't hunt"!

Ron P. Deer Park, Tx (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:25 PM)

Harold Jackson,
you said, "Besides I dont understand how someone from NY, etc. can comment on my Senator and what he does for MY state" Well the point is that he ISNT just "your" senator. He is also a senator for the entire country and as an American citizen I can say with certainty he has done an abysmal job for all americans, and that happens to include you people that he directly represents. So long as he prevents any solution to Iraq, fights against treating sick children, and engages in other obstructionist activities, he will deserve to lose any election he stands in.

Greg H. NY, NY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:26 PM)

Bob. Lipsett Sr., North Attleboro, MA. 02760-4388

<extended rant deleted>

How's that anger management class going Bob? Looks like you'll need the extended version.

Lorreta Smiley (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:41 PM)

Rufus. Duncan Hunter isn't running for his congressional seat again. His son who is serving in Afghanistan right now is running for his seat. I Doubt DeMyopicRats even have anyone that can compete for that seat.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 1:42 PM)

Harold Jackson, Louisville, you need to open your eyes. if gwb turns a corner real sharply he'll break McConnell's stiff neck like a dry stick if you know what i mean. they aren't attached at the hip, it's the nose in the crack attachment for mitchy baby.

g, crestwood, ky (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 2:03 PM)

My husband had the wonderful idea of sending our prisoners with life sentences and on death row to Iraq. It would take care of two problems at once and save the country billions and billions of dollars. That should make even the social conservatives happy!! Oh wait!!! They would lose all those profitable government contracts.

A (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 2:20 PM)

People like Harold Jackson can't see the writting on the walls. Or rather, the writting on the signs in our neighbors' yards. Here in Louisville one doesn't have to look to far to see the "Support the Troops. Bring them home." signs that have sprung up everywhere. Many of them specifically mention McConnell and point out his support for having our country pay for Iraq's civil war. This willfull ignorance is not a bad thing, though. Keep living your pipe dream, Harold. You might not see the rising storm, but the GOP does, and it is running scared. Any Louisville citizen with open eyes can't miss the growing hatred for Mitch and the momentum to purge him from our congress.

Eric, Louisville KY (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 2:21 PM)

McConnell’s numbers are slipping and it’s because of national security and national defense, Lt. Col. Andrew Horne is the best candidate to counter the Republican’s arguments on the war in Iraq. Who else can stand with our Democratic Presidential candidates on the issues other than Lt. Col. Andrew Horne?

Kedntucky Elections, Louisville, KY, 40205 (Sent Monday, October 29, 2007 2:26 PM)

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