U.S. News and World Report
noted yesterday that an indictment against Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH) may actually aid him to re-election. While the same story claims GOP sources will urge Ney to resign if indicted, it also cites recent polling
showing Ney to have a slight lead over Democratic challenger Zack Space.
As Edward T. Pound writes:
A recent poll conducted for Ney showed him with a slight lead. Aides say that in the end, the Justice Department investigation might actually cause a public backlash that helps keep Ney in office.
"They are now issuing subpoenas [to Ney aides], which they could have done at any point over the last year,'' says a person close to the lawmaker. "This could well influence the election in his favor.''
I have made numerous remarks about my questioning of the Zack Space campaign strategy. And, I have been equally attacked by Space supporters for pointing out the campaign's flaws. I have consistently stated that running on anti-Neyism will have little to no effect in boosting the New Philadephian's chances of winning in November. It appears that my sentiments more closely match the sentiments of the average voter in the OH-18, for, as I have stated, unless Mr. Space's campaign steps up and stands for something other than being anti-Ney, he is dooming himself to defeat.
What kind of picture would this present to the mainstream media and Democrats nationwide should Zack Space suffer defeat in November? But, fine, don't listen to me. It's not as if I've lived in, near, or along Bob Ney's district for the last 12 years -- oh no. It's not as if I have many friends and family residing AND VOTING within the district.
When I have pointed out the flaws of an entire anti-Ney campaign, I have been called an "extremist" and even a "Stalinist" at times, though my political views in no way represent Communism in either economics or pragmatism. Perhaps I have a better understanding of how the average OH-18 voter thinks than these Kossack outsiders who think their arrogance will somehow coast Space to victory.
God forbid Congressman Ney is indicted and miraculously chooses to step down. What will the Space Campaign have left to run on? How can you base your entire campaign on anti-Neyism if Bob Ney is no longer the Republican candidate? To me, it is essential that Zack Space and the Democrats pick up the OH-18, or it may spoil any momentum for 2008 in Ohio and nationwide. Unfortunately, it seems that Kossacks have not learned "the arrogance lesson" from the Busby-Bilbray race. Just because an incumbent party suffers a setback by corruption doesn't mean the opposing party is guaranteed victory.
Now, I ask you, fellow Kossacks, will you join me in urging the Zack Space campaign to step up and distinguish itself as the true and superior candidate to anyone whom the Republicans may run? I demand that the Space Campaign make such distinctions now, for even if Space does win in November, who is to say that they will not fall two years later?
Silly me, I forgot... question the Kossacks and be annihilated, right? Tell that to Brian Bilbray.