SHAYS V FARRELL ROUND 2 FOR THE D4 SEAT
Kos bloggers have been making a lot of noise about the battle between Lieberman and Lamont for US Senate. Another eye catching electoral epic is schedualed to take place between Rep Chris Shays and Dianne Farrell for CT 4th District. In '04 Farrell lost, but not by much, to an incumbent who was riding on the then more popular than 29% coat-tails of President Bush.
This time, things are a little different. Nobody in their right mind would be caught dead in a campaign add with President Bush, especially in a Congressional district that could tip either way any given election. Because of the extreme political moderation in CT, some might give Shays the early advantage b/c he is widely viewed as middle of the road, while Farrell is described by many as being a typical "anti-war Democrat." While Farrell has said many times that she was against the war in Iraq even before it began, on her website (
http://farrellforcongress.com) she says that "As U.S. Representative, I will be a strong voice in favor of bringing them home quickly and safely, after working hard to restore Iraq to stability." This platform is more middle of the road than Farrell usually gets credit for, and probably a stance that a majority of Americans in any Congressional district would agree with. I wouldn't describe this as anti-war, more like common sense. It's because of this that I don't make a big deal about Farrell supporting Lieberman.
As previously mentioned, Shays is viewed as a middle of the road kind of guy. In all honesty, I think it's safe to say that no one really knows what Shays true convictions are. In my estimation, he is one of those guys who will do what his party superiors tell him to do 49% of the time and what he needs to do to get elected in a moderate district 51% of the time. He's a politician, not a public servant. If I worked for Farrell I would expose Shays for his lack of true conviction and primary concern of keeping a job.
It's not in the bag for Farrell though. While her website shows a great stance on Iraq, she could get slammed as being a "leftist extremist" if she puts too much focus doom and gloom and "cut and run." She should emphasize the necesity of a stable Iraq, instead of making the mistake of focusing on the negative only. Voters are looking for a new hope, and Farrell has the chance to do that for the people of District 4.
Another thing that might hurt Farrell: she has been open about her stance that the 4th District doesn't get enough money back from the federal government for local projects. Right now, people are very anti-pork barrell legislation, and the Shays team could easily take Farrell's words and make it sound like she would be a pork-barrell Representative.
Hope my first diary was alright. Until next time.