Since I learned of Chris Christie's special election announcement earlier today (which is already getting flack for the blatant political matters factoring in the decision), I'd been wondering how Republicans would react to it. After all, the decision to hold an election in October instead of on election day or next Novemeber (not to mention the decision to appoint a placeholder who won't run) has pretty much destroyed any chances of a Republican taking and holding the seat and assured us of Senator Cory Booker come October (yeah, sorry, Frank Pallone, I like you, but I'm afraid Booker's going to crush you like a bug). And since Christie is already on lots of Republicans' shit list thanks to stuff like this, it's no surprise that his actions today have pissed them off even more.
Want proof? Here's the National Journal today:
The governor's decision, along with growing GOP expectations that his appointee will be a placeholder, means that the GOP's chance at a pickup now looks like a long shot. But Christie protected his own interests by scheduling a separate 2013 election, ensuring that Booker wouldn't usher a surge of Democratic voters that could hurt Christie's November prospects.
That did little to mollify Republicans with a stake in retaking the Senate next year. While none wanted to be quoted publicly, all dripped with disdain for Christie's decision, calling it self-serving. And several pointed to the fact that holding an extra election one month earlier could cost the state about $25 million--a price tag that could dent his image as a fiscal hawk.
"I think this ends his 2016 chances. It's year after year with this guy," complained one senior Republican official.
Strong words. But they're nothing compared to the tirade that Dick Armey
unleashed upon hearing the news. And as you'd expect from Mr. Vagina Coast Guard, it's a doozy:
"This is what rankles conservatives," Armey told CNN's Jake Tapper. "There's not a Democratic governor that wouldn't have seized the opportunity to appoint a Democrat senator, no matter what the status. In some states they may try to sell it and get rich off it as they did in Illinois. All Christie has to do is appoint a Republican. That's the correct move for him to make."
He added: "Now, I put it down as debilitating stupidity, the first rule of politics is don't lose the friends you already have for the friends you're never going to get. And if he thinks the Democrats are going to love him for being the guy who plays fair rather than takes the political opportunity he's crazy.
"Democrats hate Republicans," he continued. "Democrats aren't going to vote for Republicans. They're not going to get a break from Democrats. They will use him, Obama will use him for political cover as he's done twice now and then actively campaign against him."
Dick, don't hold back. Tell us how you
really feel.
Long story short; while Christie may have helped himself with his reelection this November, he certainly hasn't made any 2016 aspirations he has any easier.
And there's still the little matter of his weight...