Lee Terry: The Times They Are A-Changin'
by Kyle Michaelis
Not only has Nebraska's 2nd District Congressman Lee Terry broken GOP protocol by acknowledging the very real possibility that the Democratic Party will take the House on November 7th, he's even trying to use that to his advantage by touting a newfound ability to work across party lines.
In an article focused largely on Terry's weak political standing, the Omaha World-Herald reports:
This is a new one from Terry. It says a lot about the political climate in 2006 that Terry, in seeking his fifth term, is running on his supposed ability to work with Democrats rather than his record of voting the party line 94% of the time.
One could interpret Terry's new message as an appeal to Democratic voters, recognizing they are more charged up heading into Election Day and might give challenger Jim Esch a surprising boost at the polls. More likely, though, Terry's just saving face, trying to show that he could still acquire the influence and respect of his colleagues that has generally eluded him throughout his first eight years in Congress.
In an article focused largely on Terry's weak political standing, the Omaha World-Herald reports:
Terry generally is viewed as less of an ideologue and more of a moderate who Democrats can work with...That could be important if he holds onto his seat but Democrats take control of the House....
Terry agreed that his willingness to work with Democrats on some issues would be a boon if the Democrats do win the House Nov. 7. He said he's proven he can work with those from the other party, and if control changes, "Instead of wanting to do that, I'd have to do that."
This is a new one from Terry. It says a lot about the political climate in 2006 that Terry, in seeking his fifth term, is running on his supposed ability to work with Democrats rather than his record of voting the party line 94% of the time.
One could interpret Terry's new message as an appeal to Democratic voters, recognizing they are more charged up heading into Election Day and might give challenger Jim Esch a surprising boost at the polls. More likely, though, Terry's just saving face, trying to show that he could still acquire the influence and respect of his colleagues that has generally eluded him throughout his first eight years in Congress.
posted at 12:46 AM
7 Comments:
Could it be Terry sees the changing winds - the fact that the Democrats will likely take the House - and doesn't want voters to think that his impressive lack of accomplishments will grow even less impressive under Democratic leadership?
Maybe this is just more posturing for an eventual run for Hagel's seat. Has anyone seen these ads he's running? They're so embarrassingly cheesy that they seem but a step or two removed from an SNL skit. I just don't get this guy. How has he succeeded in politics for so long? He has the charm of... oh jeez. Forgive me. I need to stock up on my humorous analogies.
Anyway, can anyone imagine Terry v. Kleeb for Senate? That would be a fun race :)
I'd prefer that Kleeb wins this time around and remains in the House of Representatives for as long as possible. Mike Fahey would be an intriguing possibility for that seat, though.
The voters of the Third District are going to need the strong representation of Scott Kleeb for a good long while. Of course, Nebraska may only have a Thrid District until 2012 - though the statistics I've seen suggest it should survive until 2022. By '12, though, the Benator should be ready to retire, and - in a perfect world - the still youthful Kleeb would be primed to step up.
But, seriously....the grandpa of that chicken hasn't even hatched yet. Let's stop counting and focus on the still daunting and formidable challenge that is 2006.
Oh, calm down Kyle. I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but it's all in good fun.
And the '08 Senate campaign is based on the assumption that Kleeb loses in a close race, which hopefully isn't the case but which would retain him as an attractive candidate for statewide office (ala Paul Hackett's Senate run this year, or Bill Clinton's run for attorney general in '76). C'mon, I'm a political junkie. This stuff is like crack to me :)
except you have to be 35 to run for senate - damn constitution gets in the way every time - kleeb will be a mere 33 in '08 :(
Actually, Section 3, Clause 3 of Article I of the U.S. Constitution reads "No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty (30) years..."
Kleeb would, however, have to wait a few years before running for President (35).
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