FL Sen: White House Power Play

[babylonsister]

http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2010/6/5/134629/2656

FL Sen: White House Power Play

by BooMan
Sat Jun 5th, 2010 at 01:46:29 PM EST


There's been a lot of pearl-clutching recently over the White House's involvement in Senate races, but they haven't done anything illegal or out of the ordinary. And, I think people have been missing the real story, which involves Florida. The announcement that SKDKnickerbocker will be working on Governor Charlie Crist's campaign means that the White House has already worked out a deal for Crist to caucus with the Democrats should he win his independent bid for the U.S. Senate. How do I know this? Because Anita Dunn just left the White House, where she served as a senior advisor, to head SKDKnickerbocker. So, unofficially, the White House is working against the Democrat in the race. I'd be mad about that except that Meek is so far showing nothing to make me believe he has a chance. I am not a particularly big fan of Meek, and even though I'd rather have him serve in the Senate than Charlie Crist, the White House is actually doing something smart here. Rather than alienating Crist by going all-in with a long-shot candidate, they're working two sides of the aisle. Meek will still get the help of the DNC, the DSCC, Bill Clinton, and maybe even Obama. But, simultaneously, they're helping Crist because they see him as the likely winner and they really want him to caucus with the Democrats. If he does, that will be a pickup for the Dems, and it will offset the certain loss of Byron Dorgan's North Dakota seat. If the Dems can pick up the currently Republican-held Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and New Hampshire seats, they'd be up five and the Republicans would be hard-pressed to even break even on election night. We've seen how important 60 votes are. So, I actually have to applaud this power move on the White House's part.

[Cha]

1. We'll see..

:)

[monmouth]

2. Absolutely agree. Also, Jim Greer has loads of problems coming up

and surely in time Rubio's name is going to come up in this money grubbing deal. Rubio is starting to look weak, with Charlie you go with what you know and he does know politics and Florida. Charlie has been spending time with Obama in LA and that's a good thing. Anything or I should say anyone but Rubio. A nice slap to Jeb who is eyeing a run for the WH I'm sure.

[Jennicut]

3. I don't think that is a horrible approach to take, getting Crist to caucus with us.

But I would be very careful, as we have learned with Lieberman. Of course, I see Crist more like Specter, willing to vote the Dem party line to stay elected.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. I hope Crist distances himself from his unethical relationships.

Man, he is a poor judge of character.