Republicans win special elections in VA, OH
FWIW: The GOP scores two victories in special elections today.
A landslide in Virginia:
Rob Wittman, a first-term Republican state legislator, easily won a Virginia seat in Congress on Tuesday over Democrat Philip Forgit.
In a very light turnout special election to replace the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis, Wittman led by nearly a 2-to-1 margin with more than 80 percent of precincts reporting.
And a win in Ohio to fill the seat of the late Rep. Paul Gillmore, who died in a fall in September. The RNC e-mails its congrats to GOP candidate Bob Latta:
RNC Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan and Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson released the following statement tonight on the special election in Ohio’s 5th Congressional District:
“Ohio voters tonight made the right choice. They weren’t fooled by yet another liberal Democrat masquerading as a conservative; they voted for Bob Latta because he truly understands Ohio concerns and represents Ohio values. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on this race, and to the people of Ohio’s 5th District, who will continue to have a dedicated and principled Republican representing them and their interests in Washington.”
The NRCC also sends word:
NRCC Chairman Tom Cole made the following statement in response to today’s results in the special election in Ohio:
“I would like to congratulate Congressman-elect Bob Latta on his victory in the special election in Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. This campaign became a cause célèbre for national Democrats and liberal activists nationwide, but in the end, Bob’s anti-illegal immigration, anti-tax hike message won the day.
“The people of Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District elected a representative in Bob Latta who will stand up for their values in Washington. Bob’s proven dedication to his constituents will enable him to be a very effective representative, as he fills the shoes of the late Congressman Paul Gillmor in the same seat that Bob’s father once held. I look forward to serving with Bob Latta in the House of Representatives.”
OH results are here.
The NRCC’s take:
The results of the special elections in Ohio and Virginia are further confirmation of a shifting political environment, an electorate desperate for change in Washington, and a wide-open congressional playing field. Both special elections in Ohio and Virginia have made one thing clear: the political narrative continues to change and move away from the issues that brought Democrats success in 2006. And as we’ve previously stated, the results of the special elections of 2007 are proof that that Democrats won’t get two 2006s in a row.
Unlike in Massachusetts, where – in a 14 percent Republican district – Democrats were forced to funnel resources and high-profile surrogates into the bluest of blue states in order to save their candidate at the 11th hour, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) laid down the gauntlet both financially and rhetorically:
In Ohio, Democrats spent significant resources and launched a full-blown effort to win in a district that the Democrat gubernatorial and senate candidates carried just last year. In the end, they walked away empty-handed.
In Virginia, Democrats had crowed about the political impact of their recent legislative victories in November, but chose not to play despite being presented with an opportunity.Democrats suffered an important and symbolic loss in Ohio after expending substantial resources –roughly $250,000 – in a large-scale campaign to win. By comparison, the NRCC spent next to nothing in MA-05. At the same time, Democrats discredited their own claims that Virginia would provide fertile ground for expansion of the Democratic majority.
OH-05: …So Goes the Nation?
Looking to build on their 2006 successes, Democrats eyed OH-05 as a potential pickup opportunity and even a potential “bellwether” for 2008:
“An Ohio congressional election on Tuesday has become a dress rehearsal for the 2008 elections, drawing big campaign bucks from Washington and big Ohio political names to the district.”
“Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, got 55 percent of the district’s vote in 2006. Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown won by a narrower margin.”
“‘I think it’s a bellwether for Ohio and a bellwether for the country,’ agrees the dean of Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation, Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, who backs Weirauch.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 12/9/07)
Democrats came to play in Ohio: The DCCC, Nancy Pelosi, Charlie Rangel, Harry Reid, Wesley Clark, EMILY’S list, Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown, the labor unions, Daily Kos, Act Blue, and even presidential hopeful Barack Obama all invested significant resources in Robin Weirauch’s candidacy and despite a large-scale effort fell short.
In a district that supported Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown just last year, not even the DCCC and its allies could mask Robin Weirauch’s liberal views on illegal immigration and taxes. With a false and misleading ad that was rejected by several Ohio television stations, the DCCC tried desperately and failed to make this race an extension of the 2006 narrative. Instead, like in MA-05, the issues of immigration and taxes were at the forefront and the Democrats’ position of taxpayer-funded benefits for illegals and massive tax hikes were rejected by the voters.
VA-01: DCCC Dilemma in the Old Dominion
The DCCC evidently doesn’t believe its own spin when it comes to their chances in Virginia. After crowing about the results of the legislative elections just one month ago, Democrats claimed that Virginia would be a hotbed of Democratic activity this cycle. They were presented with their first real opportunity in VA-01, but chose to take a pass.
With veterans making up nearly 20 percent of the population in Virginia’s First District, and the local economy relying heavily on the defense industry, Democratic candidate Philip Forgit was believed by observers to be an “ideal” candidate on paper. With a short sprint following their respective conventions and neither candidate able to run on name identification alone, the DCCC had a window of opportunity to define the Republican nominee, while their candidate campaigned on his military record in a military-friendly district.
“…Democrat Philip Forgit’s seemingly made-for-the-movies bio as a nationally acclaimed school teacher who went to Iraq with his Naval Reserve unit and came home in 2006 a decorated veteran.”
“War and the military are always huge concerns in the district that stretches from Hampton Roads into the exurbs of Washington D.C.” (Associated Press, 12/9/07)
The credit, however, belongs to Rob Wittman. A top-flight candidate who ran on a platform of lower taxes, secure borders, and bringing change to a gridlocked Congress, Wittman capitalized early by effectively casting himself as an agent of change.
As Jim Ogonowski proved in MA-05, and as Wittman has now proved in VA-01, Republican candidates who center their campaigns on the core issues of lower taxes, respect for the rule of law and most importantly, the issue of bringing change to Washington, can successfully navigate an uncertain political environment and provide an effective blueprint for Republican candidates in 2008.
Conclusion:
The underlying economic anxiety that Americans feel towards the tax-and-spend policies of the new, wildly unpopular do-nothing Democratic Congress have led to the emergence of issues such as combating illegal immigration and providing tax relief to working families and will ultimately play to Republicans’ advantage next year. Candidates who run as agents of change, regardless of the demographics of the district, can effectively mount competitive campaigns as the Democratic Congress’ sinking approval rating continues to be a liability.
The DCCC and its left-wing special interest groups as well as its netroots extremist allies cannot provide enough air cover to candidates who are wrong on the issues.
As the 2006 narrative continues to change, Democrats are left without a winning strategy and with the stark realization that they won’t get two 2006s in a row. They have forfeited the mantle of change and the American electorate – in red and blue districts – is restless.
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So many of the analysts on TV think the Republicans will be toast in 2008 election. It is true they are at a disadvantage in terms of seats up for grabs, but these special elections prove the reps are certainly capable of beating dems.
I still believe the dems winning congress in 2006 may have been the best thing that could happen to the reps in 2008. With the dems showing their true colors and generally making fools of themselves, the electorate should have no illusions about what the dems have to offer.
The electorate may well have “no illusions” about what the Dems have to offer, but it is far from clear that the Republican have a credible alternative “narrative,” if you will, to capitalize on it. Right now, the Republican line needs improvement:
Tired of tax and spend dithering dems? Bring back the tax and spend dithering repubs!
The emerging republican slogan for 2008 also appears to be lacking: “Vote for Huck and good luck.”
Of course, it’s not bad to have a win here and there, but sorry, this is far from the first robin of spring.
Said it before, will say it again…
2008 ends our 40 years in the wilderness. The “new media” is more than partially to thank… never before has the free disimination of information been so available to us unwashed masses.
Free & educated people can & will rise above swill presented by the in-trenched corrupt… 2008 may yet be glorious, have faith in your country men!
OK, I’m done now… but I really believe it!
Wow, just turned on the T.V. and can’t believe all the coverage on this. Wall to wall coverage over the Red win. Just non stop. The MSM is even running through commercial breaks. No Peterson Speculation News, No Aruba updates, nothing on Simpson, just great all around coverage from the MSM.
Nostradamus saw it coming. Not a big deal.
It is truely wonderful news that Rob Wittman won the seat of the late Jo Ann Davis (R). Philip Forgit was an open borders liberal smuck. The open borders crowd and the ACLU sued to bar poll workers from asking for photo IDs.
Virginia ACLU executive director Kent Willis said the poll workers must inform voters that they need not show Photo IDs in order to vote.
Great news for Virginia and the GOP!
I truly hope our 40 years in the wilderness are over once all the RINOs have been purged along with the rest of the lying crapweasels on both sides of the aisle. The GOP has shot itself in the face with conservative voters by sounding more like big government liberals that no longer support the rule of law, which has pushed me into the independent camp when it comes to party affiliation. Their coffers remain greatly reduced and hopefully the message is finally beginning to sink to quit pandering to big business and their illegal invader employees.
The Democrats have no plan other than there tried and failed throw taxpayers money at a problem solution and for national defense their famous cut-and-run strategy from Vietnam. Their leadership in the Congress is a dismal failure with the lowest approval rating in history. Yet George Soros along with the front groups he continues to fund (can anyone say RICO violation) work tirelessly to destroy every founding principle that has made this country great.
Once the dead and illegal invaders are no longer allowed to cast votes through proper voter registration and identification laws in each state will I feel we truly have a chance of winning this country back using the ballot box. I have seen too many liberal Federal judges invalidate the electoral process by subverting the will of the people by overturning election results on voter initiatives. Personally I think this is much ado about nothing, but will be pleased to be proved wrong. Once conservatives retake both houses with a convincing majority and the herd of self appointed royalty holding Senate and Congressional seats (on both sides of the aisle) are removed I think the country may finally stand a chance to recover from the continued slow decay.
I’m under the impression that we should just give this next election to the Democrats. Here’s why. . .
The economy is going to be a stinker very soon. When and for how long is up for grabs. Everyone who is in office at that time will be blamed for it (just like Clinton took credit for the good economy before).
In that kind of environment, if the Dems try their socialist programs, the economy will tank even further. That should put an end to the idea that raising taxes and government intervention is good for America.
THEN maybe by 2012, the GOP can find a conservative that doesn’t have to convince everyone that He/She is conservative by what they tell everyone because everyone will know that yes, indeed, that person is a GOP conservative. Then rather than focusing on who is or is not conservative and why, we can focus on policy and moving the country forward to make this a better place for our children, grand children, and their grandchildren.
Whoever wins the next election is going to be blamed for an economic downturn. Give it to the Dems rather than electing a RINO and letting the GOP get blamed.
Thacker, the biggest problem I have with that line of thinking is that the MSM will blame Bush for a downturn, no matter who is elected.
I guess it’s time to Forget Forgit.
Right, BlameAmericaLast… We should just Forgit-aboutit.
#8: I don’t believe in cuting off my nose despite my face. If there is a downturn we could be talking an order of magnitude difference in the misery(index).
republicans need to remember what the people want a nation of laws (close the borders and no amnesty for law breaking illegal aliens), continue lowered taxes and stop the profuse spending. change the status quo in DC.
this is what wins elections, fiscal conservativism. period. social conservativism works but only when hand in hand with fiscal. period.
huck the schmuck is a liberal fiscally and in every area, despite his new leaf on immigration, to much like Hitlery.
stay on conservative platform issues, we win, hands down.
Stick a forg in Forgit, he’s done.
If my choice in the General Election is Hillary or a RINO, I will obviously vote RINO.
Unfortunate that we don’t have a plethora of true conservatives to choose from, but a part-time liberal is better than a full-time Hillary.
Congrats to Rob Wittman. At least there will be someone else in Congress who doesn’t believe in a socialist “republic”.
And to think the Drive By Media is all prepared to swear in The Hildabeast as Queen.
The question is: Will the Republicans in general learn these lessons? Or will they think it’s only the message, not the actual follow through?
Agree – but with a distinction. I think there is no such thing as social liberalism with fiscal conservatism or vice versa. There are people who try, they they are not logically consistent. Only “all around” conservatism is consistent.
Further, we know, liberalism isn’t consistent with anything except anarchy. It’s not even consistent with itself in the same sentence from beginning to end.
I voted for Wittman last night but I’m hesitant to read too much into his victory. This is a relatively conservative district which was very pleased with the job Con Davis (R) was doing. Also, Wittman outspent his opponent by a considerable margin. His commercials, including an endorsement from Sen Warner were all over the airwaves. Finally, there was a low turnout in the vote, only about 16%. With all that considered I’m not sure there are any big lessons to be learned here.
These were heavily Republican districts. That there was any doubt who would win shows how far the Republicans have sunk. All polls are predicting Democratic gains in the House and Senate and a Democratic President next January.
You maybe right LGM but still the Demos have no ideas but to submit to Islamofascists and to commit to the nation adopting the Spanish language as our national language. I’am just saying you won’t come right out and say that but thats the Demo goal I presume since they have no other alternatives to illegal immigration and the war on terror.
lgm edited for factual correctness:
It’s actually an indication of how far the democrats have sunk that they still believe their polls that were engineered to give them the results that they wanted.
I will also point out that next January is only a month away and we’ll still have a Republican President in office at that time.
All polls are predicting Democratic gains in the House and Senate and a Democratic President next January.
I haven’t seen any such polls. Just bloviating pundits. These are the same polls that had Shrillary the runaway winner in Iowa and New Hampshire two months ago, polls in which she is now losing.
One more thing: many of these Drive By Media polls use registered voters as opposed to likely voters, which skewers the result. The length of the campaign, since both races are likely to be decided by early February, plus the extreme nastiness, will turn off voters and many of these people responding may not even turn out to vote.
I used to live in OH-5 before I moved to Maryland. It shows how screwed up the Ohio Republican Party has become if they lost THAT district in the governor and U.S. Senator races. Mike DeWine was definitely a RINO but Ken Blackwell deserved a better fate.
Playing devil’s advocate, one can say that the GOP is still not all that strong when Bob Latta, a man with good name recognition whose father held that seat for 30 years, could only draw the same percentage as Paul Gillmor did in 2006. While I’m sure the Democrats in Ohio-5 were excited to see all that national buzz for their candidate, the truth is Robin Weirauch’s now a three-time loser in the same race.
Michael Swartz
http://www.monoblogue.us