Politics: LaHood in the running for Obama’s U.S. Senate seat?
NewsMax is reporting on a Zogby poll commissioned by Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. to measure his electability should he be appointed to replace President-elect Obama in the Senate. The results:
In two prospective Senate races, Jackson would defeat Republican Congressman Ray LaHood by a 50% to 31% margin, the survey shows. Among the 15% who were not certain about whom they would support, nearly two said they were leaning toward Jackson for every one that was leaning toward supporting LaHood.
My two cents: Really? I’ve heard LaHood mentioned as a candidate for governor. This is the first mention I’ve heard that he might run for Senate.
Not that it matters much. The Republican Party is divided into two camps: Conservatives who blame moderates for the party’s dismal record of late, and moderates who blame conservatives for the party’s dismal record of late. They are both convinced they are absolutely right.
And until they get their act together, the Democrats will continue to whoop GOP butt.
Still, whoever Gov. Blagojevich appoints will have to run for re-election in 2010, and Obama won’t be at the top of the ticket, which means no Obama Effect.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:59 am
NewsMax? Honestly, Bill?
November 12th, 2008 at 10:07 am
They essentially reprinted a press release from a Democrat. There’s spin in the thing, as far as I can detect.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Don’t be so sure about there not being an “Obama Effect” in 2010.
There was, most certainly, a “Clinton Effect” in the 1996 off-year elections. I would dare say there was a “Bush Effect” in the off-year elections of 2006.
I assure you that, 18 months from now, when troops are still in Iraq, bin Laden is still at-large, health insurance is still expensive, the novelty of a new President will be worn off.
Obama will find that it won’t take long before blaming the previous administration – no matter how truly at fault it was – will not work. Nixon discovered this at the end of 1969 that Viet Nam was no longer Johnson’s folly but HIS problem.
The “Obama Effect” will probably still be there…it just won’t be the same “Effefct” as it was in this election.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Um, ‘96 was a presidential election year not an off year election. Are you referring to the Republican take over in ‘94?
November 12th, 2008 at 10:19 am
The ‘Obama’ effect will greatly depend on where the economy is at in 2010 and on whether the GOP can sort itself out by then. Recovery is forcasted for 2010 but like most recoveries, the working man is the last to see it.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:29 am
11b
Thank you for the correction – I was, indeed, referring to ‘94.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
BTW, 11b, I know it is a day late, but “Thank you”.
November 12th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
LaHood has eroded support by poking around at different ideas – he is tired and should retire, as he said he would do.
As Michael’s protogee, he was bulletproof, but that’s history.
The name wasn’t enough to get his son elected to a low-level local job against a jerk like Lyons. Enjoy retirement Ray!
November 12th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
The Governship, President of Bradley University, Senator, what’s next, Peoria City Manager? Must not be enjoying retirement.
November 12th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Billy I think one could accuse you of sensationalist blogging here. The article mentions LaHood as an individual that Jackson had decided to poll against. It didn’t mention anything about him considering a run. I would really be surprised if he had any interest. After all, he stepped down from his position it wasn’t like he was at all threatened by anyone.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Ray LaHood has been one damn good representative for this area, whether you like his politics or not. I wish he would devote some serious time to the city of Peoria, his hometown, he could be a game-breaker. It doesn’t have to be in some political office, just do it Ray.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I wish our downstate votes for Senator would count against the overwhelming Chicago voting bloc. The Repubs could certainly put forth better candidates, though.
November 13th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
The Jackson people put LaHood’s name in the poll to stand for any republicn downstate white male with even a small amount of name ID.
November 14th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Congressman LaHood did a great jbo for the state and our community . He did a lot of help and support for health care for Heartland Clinic. He would be a great Gov, Senator, .He might come out of retiement ..