Do you think it's any fun to be a Republican Congressperson these days? A mere 18 months ago Shelley Moore Capito was riding high,
touted as the Republican savior to replace stalwart Dem. Sen. Byrd. Instead she opted for what looked like an easy ride to re-election to the House. Indeed, except for CQ's rating of
leans Republican her race is flying below the pundits radar.
Unfortunately for her, she's flown into a perfect storm: she's facing a surprisingly strong challenger, the national trends are working against her, and the scandals keep on coming. The race could still be her's to lose, but her margin for error keeps diminishing by the day.
To make things worse her challenger, Mike Callaghan, responded to her dud of an attack ad with a tone-perfect hard-hitting ad of his own. He shows the passion and clarity that every Kossack would want for a rep!
Oh, yes, there's plenty of Schadenfreude here...
How bad a week was it for Shelley Moore Capito?
A Strong Challenge
Warning: only watch this ad if you can handle an extra boost of motivation for this election!
Now tell me, is he a Representative every Kossack would be proud to have, or what?
Callaghan has turned a potential weakness--not having served in an elected office before--into a position of strength. He can clearly state his views without being encumbered by a voting record. His experience as a prosecutor shines through in the deliveryI love this ad on so many levels right up through the great closing line.
A Dud Advertisement
Tired Republican talking points. Don't waste your time watching this one.
Okay, do, just to see how pathetic it is. Capito obviously has the money to spend on production values. Too bad for her there's no compelling message to give. [As pointed out in a local paper her negative ad tactics are quite misleading, too.]
Capito's Perfect Scandal Scorecard
She may be the only Congressperson with the perfect scandal scorecard.
1) Capito was an (apparently) out-of-the-loop Republican member of the Page Board. How much do you think she had last Thursday appearing under subpoena in front of the House Ethics panel?
2) Capito jointly raised funds with Foley in the PROM fundraising event.
3) Capito accepted (and then donated elsewhere) money from Ney.
4) Capito accepted (and then donated elsewhere) money from Delay.
5) Capito accepted (and then donated elsewhere) money from Cunningham.
6) Capito's chief of staff was involved with Safavian's GSA scandal.
How many more Capito contributors will be caught in disgraceful crimes between now and election day? [She did receive money from both Hastert and Reynolds... who knows?
Final thought: if you're looking for a long-shot yet winnable race to make a difference in, throw Mike Challaghan some money. He can use the funds to help air his ad.
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