"Kerplunk".
When you hear that sound, odds are that New York Senator (and Kossack) Kirsten Gillibrand has just felled another opponent. That's become as regular as the tides or barbecue on Labor Day.
She's been aided in that spotless record by the obvious fact that supposed political giants have all turned out to be pygmies. I'm thinking most fondly of Harold "Smelly Feet" Ford, Jr. His implosion, prodded in large part by the LGBT community and the blogosphere - including, with modesty, yours truly - was one for the ages.
Now comes the second round, the general. There's still a primary, next Tuesday, in which the Senator faces an by all accounts amiable, but largely unknown, opponent.
Gillibrand's first strike against her republican tea party opponents - it's unclear who's going to get the kiss of death - is a devastating web ad. You can see that in all its ass-kicking glory over the fold.
You really have to wonder where they find these people.
On the web: Gillibrand for Senate
[Update]: There's a press release. Well, then.
In Kentucky, the Republican Senate candidate actually opposes the Civil Rights Act. In Nevada, the Republican Senate candidate actually wants to "phase out" Medicare and Social Security. But we got news for you. The Republicans running for Senate in New York are just as extreme.
The New York Republican Party has strayed a long way since the Rockefeller Republican days.
WATCH THE VIDEO <http://www.youtube.com/user/Gillibrand2010#p/u/0/SoTRHbysY7g>
Creationism in public schools…? They're for it.
Climate change caused by humans…? They don't believe the science.
NY Tea Parties...? Watch them pander.
The Republicans running against Kirsten come from the most extreme wing of the Republican Party. Meet David Malpass. As Chief Global Economist for Bear Stearns, he helped cause the financial collapse and made millions, while taxpayers were left with the bill. Meet Bruce Blakeman - a failed Nassau County politician whose only legacy is that he raised property taxes on seniors and families on Long Island. And don't forget about Joe DioGuardi. He calls Social Security a Ponzi scheme.
###
[Update 2]: h/t to stef downthread, the ActBlue page. Shoot the lady some coin, folks.
[Update 3]: Instead of the obligatory rec list song and dance, a request: I would love to give this amazing woman and public servant a powerful mandate. If you're in the great state of New York, come out and vote this Tuesday. I promise: it'll feel really good.