Good for the republicans, I dont like them but lets have a race! Although I find this comment amusing...
I expect to win. Historically special elections have been significantly more favorable to Republicans in this Commonwealth than have the regularly scheduled elections. The seat is now open due to the resignation, under a cloud, of the former Democratic incumbent. There are already four Democrats in the race -- whoever wins that primary will be badly bruised and at least some supporters of losing Democratic candidates will fail to fall in line and support the winner. There is also an un-enrolled (independent) candidate, so we are looking at a likely three-way race in the final election. None of the candidates have held office before and none can claim more name recognition than I. In the compressed calendar of a special election I can win this race.
My friends I expect to be able to barely squeek out a victory this year and will most likely lose next time around to a unifed democratic party.
I think you realize the truth I'm about to tell, Shady, but I have a perverse need to expound :-)
As a former Libertarian state chair (also one-time candidate for state rep, as well as a campaign manager for both a gubernatorial and state auditor race) I can say from experience that if you tell people you expect to lose, you won't raise funds from anyone except your closest relatives. If you're going to have any chance at all, you have to convince other people that you do, indeed, have a chance.
Most of the large donors, to races involving a lesser/minor party, also understand that some races, while not winnable, will raise the party profile and thus benefit future candidates from that party. I don't know that this is one of those races for the Republicans, but, again, you have to put on the brave front to realize any gains whatsoever.
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Good for the republicans, I
Good for the republicans, I dont like them but lets have a race! Although I find this comment amusing...
My friends I expect to be able to barely squeek out a victory this year and will most likely lose next time around to a unifed democratic party.
You Have To Say It
I think you realize the truth I'm about to tell, Shady, but I have a perverse need to expound :-)
As a former Libertarian state chair (also one-time candidate for state rep, as well as a campaign manager for both a gubernatorial and state auditor race) I can say from experience that if you tell people you expect to lose, you won't raise funds from anyone except your closest relatives. If you're going to have any chance at all, you have to convince other people that you do, indeed, have a chance.
Most of the large donors, to races involving a lesser/minor party, also understand that some races, while not winnable, will raise the party profile and thus benefit future candidates from that party. I don't know that this is one of those races for the Republicans, but, again, you have to put on the brave front to realize any gains whatsoever.
Suldog
http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com