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DEL.ICIO.USSecond thoughts on Dale Cardwell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that people have read his stump speech and poked through his web site, we’re hearing from a few who question Dale Cardwell’s digestibility as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.
So Far, So Left, a Democratic blog that doesn’t hide its orientation, likes Cardwell’s focus on special interest politics, but questions his stand on immigration reform.
Says the author: “Attacking Saxby from the right on immigration, while tantalizing, is nevertheless wrong, and probably stupid, too. Wrong because the position itself is wrong, and stupid because, as I see it, it will alienate Democratic voters - like, say, me - and it won’t win any Republican voters. They may not like Saxby, but they know better than to trust a Democrat to oppress the weak.”
Alan Abramowitz, the Emory University political scientist, sent us a note saying much the same thing. Cardwell’s position on the Iraq war in particular could be problematic.
“Democratic primary voters in Georgia are predominantly liberal and anti-war. They’re not going to support someone who wants to abolish the IRS and who basically supports the war. He’s in the wrong party,” Abramowitz said.
He also points out that Cardwell’s web site shows no emphasis at all on two key Democratic goose-bump issues — health care and the economy.
On the other hand, we talked this morning with a Republican strategist who was intrigued by Cardwell’s candidacy, and pointed out the resemblance between Cardwell and James Marlowe, the lead Democrat in the 10th District congressional race.
Here’s one more thought. For the last few months, Vernon Jones, the DeKalb County CEO who also has his eye on the Democratic nomination, has been fluffing his conservative feathers to attract support.
It’s possible that Cardwell’s loud entry into this race could turn Jones leftward.
Comments
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By zombieboy
June 5, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Will Dale get a voice coach?
J/K Dale.
What is his stance on gun control?
Would he be willing to resist his Democratic Party Masters to do the right thing?
By Skeeter
June 5, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Dale’s choice of running as a Democrat is interesting. The Georgia Democrats of yesteryear would’ve shared Dale’s positions on the important issues. As Ronald Reagan said, he didn’t leave the Democrat party, the Democrat party left him.
Dale’s running as a Democrat could perhaps attract rural Georgia voters who distrust people from Atlanta. And his stances on issues—less government, win in Iraq, lower taxes, pro-life, abolish the IRS, no amnesty for illegal immigrants—are in alignment with true conservatives. If Dale could cobble together rural Democrat conservatives and suburban Atlanta conservative Republicans, he may have a winner.
By winning this election, he could just show Democrats how to return to their roots. And that would be a good thing.
By Not a right wing nut....
June 6, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this
Just as a clarification, I think that Dale is pro-choice.
He will never be able to get out of a primary without at least working with the pro-gay folks in Atlanta. The last Governor’s race proved that is a crucial primary voting block.
By Dave
June 6, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Well, the current status-quo for GA Democratic candidates isn’t working, so maybe his policies will lead the party in the “right” direction - helping it move to the center of the polical spectrum. If he makes it through the primary - Vernon is not a viable candidate and I doubt the far left will produce a viable candidate - then he has a shot. And it’s his ONLY shot since the far left will not win this senate seat in ‘08. I guess it is taking an outsider to produce change - and hope for Georgia Democrats…