Rivals shy away from Alan Grayson

[DealMonkey]

My theory: this is what happens when you forcefully face down your opponents.

We saw it with Joe "You Lie!" Wilson and now we're seeing it with Alan "Republicans Want You to Die Quickly" Grayson. One Florida Republican and conservative after another has backed down from challenging him. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. Republicans and conservatives, at least in Florida, are afraid to play hardball. Or just afraid in general.

]Rivals shy away from Alan Grayson

As a polarizing freshman from a competitive House seat, one with a habit of making provocative comments, Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) would appear to rank among the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents.

Yet Republican after Republican keeps backing away from challenging him, enough to raise the question: Are prospective candidates scared of Grayson?

The notion isn?t as outlandish as it seems. First, the best-known candidate in the Orlando region, Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, decided not to pursue a campaign. Then one of the most respected Florida conservatives, former state Sen. Daniel Webster, shocked the party when he announced he wasn?t running ? even though he?d already begun to scout locations for his campaign kickoff and had talked to House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) about supporting his potential candidacy. Several state legislators also took a pass, despite the inviting political landscape and the national party?s hunger to oust Grayson.

Then there were the two well-funded Orlando businessmen, Tim Seneff and Jerry Pierce, who also floated their names as possible challengers before deciding to step aside.

That has left 28-year-old developer Armando Gutierrez Jr., who just moved to Orlando, as Grayson?s current leading opponent. Even though he?s won endorsements from Florida Republican Reps. Tom Rooney and Gus Bilirakis, leading Republican officials privately believe he would have a difficult time defeating Grayson because he lacks ties to the Orlando area.

Analysts on both sides say that potential challengers have had to think long and hard about whether they want to engage in what is sure to be a smash-mouth, no-holds-barred campaign. The pugnacious Grayson is not only independently wealthy ? he is one of the wealthiest members of the House, with an estimated $31 million net worth ? but now also possesses a national fundraising base in the wake of a headline-grabbing episode last month in which he claimed on the House floor that the GOP health care plan consisted of wanting sick seniors to die quickly.

?These people realize that Grayson plays hardball. There are two reasons that are giving these Republican candidates pause: It will be a bruiser of a campaign, and he has a huge amount of money to spend,? said John Dowless, a leading Republican consultant in the Orlando area.

?It is the phone conversation among the political insiders around here: ?Where are the candidates?? We?re all completely flummoxed as to why so many people aren?t running. There?s hardly anybody left.?

[...]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28748.html

 

[Moonbeam]

Good

 

[EagleKeeper]

They may have a better insight than you expect.
For some, it is better to be a big fish in the small pond rather than the other way around

Orlando is not a Republican area any more and name recognition is critical.

 

[bbdub333]

and he has a huge amount of money to spend

Or maybe that.

 

[jonks]

Wilson shouted You Lie and the money rolled in. Grayson said the GOP wants you to Die Quickly and the money rolled in.

We aren't helping the discourse by donating to these people. I wish the money would roll in when someone says something honest and reasonable in a civil tone. Oh well.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: jonks
Wilson shouted You Lie and the money rolled in. Grayson said the GOP wants you to Die Quickly and the money rolled in.

We aren't helping the discourse by donating to these people. I wish the money would roll in when someone says something honest and reasonable in a civil tone. Oh well.

At least at this point, we're even, right?

 

[DealMonkey]

Looks like Grayson called Linda Robertson, an aide to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, a ?K Street whore? in a radio interview last month.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28786.html

He's certainly on a roll ... of sorts.

 

[jonks]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: jonks
Wilson shouted You Lie and the money rolled in. Grayson said the GOP wants you to Die Quickly and the money rolled in.

We aren't helping the discourse by donating to these people. I wish the money would roll in when someone says something honest and reasonable in a civil tone. Oh well.

At least at this point, we're even, right?

I'm not sure. The last 6 months have seen nearly every member of the GOP claiming the democrats want to institute death panels to kill your grannie (among a multitude of other hysterics). Grayson is one guy. Not exactly an even spread.

 

[Ausm]

He's the only one who has the balls to tell the Republican's to fuck off and I applaud him for that. The Republican's backed down like little cowering pussies when they got a little of their own medicine...

 

[boomerang]

I don't live in Florida so my exposure to him has only been what's in the news lately. Based on what I've seen he strikes me as someone with psychological issues. He goes to these extremes for what end? It's got to solely be for attention. I can't imagine what group of voters behavior like that could appeal to. High School kids maybe? If I was the head of the party I'd be trying to put a muzzle on him.

Attacking the opposition is all fine and dandy but when you come across the way he's coming across, that's not good. IMO

 

[PokerGuy]

He's a delusional extremist, with a lot of money to spend. Why on earth would any sane person want to get into the slop with that pig?

 

[Lemon law]

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy
They may have a better insight than you expect.
For some, it is better to be a big fish in the small pond rather than the other way around

Orlando is not a Republican area any more and name recognition is critical.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I suspect that Common Courtesy has it right and why should various republicans fight the uphill battle and then be known as the one who can't beat Greyson.

While being a sensationalist on health care issues may not help or hurt Greyson, if he does his homework, and builds the proper incumbent support in his district, the incumbent is always hard to beat.

And being in the majority party pushing for change and being willing to verbally ridicule
GOP obstructionism sharpens the debate on an issue the GOP can not win at.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Lemon law

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy
They may have a better insight than you expect.
For some, it is better to be a big fish in the small pond rather than the other way around

Orlando is not a Republican area any more and name recognition is critical.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


GOP obstructionism sharpens the debate on an issue the GOP can not win at.

They got to keep up what they are best at

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...102709,0,3715135.story

WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has elbowed his way into the national spotlight by insulting Republicans and posting the verbal attacks online.

The tactic has earned him legions of Internet supporters (and donors), who applaud the Orlando Democrat for his combative tone.

But Grayson may have finally crossed a line when he referred to a Federal Reserve senior adviser as a "K Street whore" during a radio interview last month. Thanks to Republican operatives, the clip surfaced this week, and even fellow Democrats have used the salvo to distance themselves from Grayson.

"It wouldn't have been my selection or description of anyone," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., told Politico, a Capitol Hill publication. Weiner later issued a statement calling Grayson a "patriot" and said his criticism was "obviously playful."

By day's end, Grayson himself issued a "sincere apology" to the Fed adviser, Linda Robertson. She is a former lobbyist for Enron.; K Street is where many Washington lobbyists have their offices.

"I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women," Grayson said in his statement. "This characterization of Ms. Robertson ... was inappropriate, and I apologize."

...

 

[Jaskalas]

Originally posted by: jonks
Wilson shouted You Lie and the money rolled in. Grayson said the GOP wants you to Die Quickly and the money rolled in.

We aren't helping the discourse by donating to these people. I wish the money would roll in when someone says something honest and reasonable in a civil tone. Oh well.

You're right, but we don't want civil discourse do we?

 

[ayabe]

Haha, love the bed wetting.

Calling that woman a whore is an insult to whores everywhere.

 

[DealMonkey]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

Of course Mickey Mouse would win in Orlando! He employs half the population there.

 

[Red Dawn]

All lobbyists are whores no matter what their gender is.

 

[Phokus]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...102709,0,3715135.story

WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has elbowed his way into the national spotlight by insulting Republicans and posting the verbal attacks online.

The tactic has earned him legions of Internet supporters (and donors), who applaud the Orlando Democrat for his combative tone.

But Grayson may have finally crossed a line when he referred to a Federal Reserve senior adviser as a "K Street whore" during a radio interview last month. Thanks to Republican operatives, the clip surfaced this week, and even fellow Democrats have used the salvo to distance themselves from Grayson.

"It wouldn't have been my selection or description of anyone," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., told Politico, a Capitol Hill publication. Weiner later issued a statement calling Grayson a "patriot" and said his criticism was "obviously playful."

By day's end, Grayson himself issued a "sincere apology" to the Fed adviser, Linda Robertson. She is a former lobbyist for Enron.; K Street is where many Washington lobbyists have their offices.

"I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women," Grayson said in his statement. "This characterization of Ms. Robertson ... was inappropriate, and I apologize."

...

I'M OUTRAGED... that he called a lobbyist a whore?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: DealMonkey

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

Of course Mickey Mouse would win in Orlando! He employs half the population there.

Seeing as we have Goofy in office right now, you are probably right.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...102709,0,3715135.story

WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has elbowed his way into the national spotlight by insulting Republicans and posting the verbal attacks online.

The tactic has earned him legions of Internet supporters (and donors), who applaud the Orlando Democrat for his combative tone.

But Grayson may have finally crossed a line when he referred to a Federal Reserve senior adviser as a "K Street whore" during a radio interview last month. Thanks to Republican operatives, the clip surfaced this week, and even fellow Democrats have used the salvo to distance themselves from Grayson.

"It wouldn't have been my selection or description of anyone," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., told Politico, a Capitol Hill publication. Weiner later issued a statement calling Grayson a "patriot" and said his criticism was "obviously playful."

By day's end, Grayson himself issued a "sincere apology" to the Fed adviser, Linda Robertson. She is a former lobbyist for Enron.; K Street is where many Washington lobbyists have their offices.

"I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women," Grayson said in his statement. "This characterization of Ms. Robertson ... was inappropriate, and I apologize."

...

The best thing for Republicans is to have a guy like this on the Democrat side of the aisle. He is a nutjob plain and simple. Loose canons in politics only sink their own ship.

 

[Genx87]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
All lobbyists are whores no matter what their gender is.

So are all politicians which is why I laughed my ass off at the pot calling the kettle black.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: Genx87
The best thing for Republicans is to have a guy like this on the Democrat side of the aisle. He is a nutjob plain and simple. Loose canons in politics only sink their own ship.

I'm an Independent that voted for him last time around. If I knew he was going to be all about furthering the partisan divide to curry favor from the fringe loops I never would've voted for him in the first place. I won't make that mistake again now that he's displayed his colors.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...102709,0,3715135.story

WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has elbowed his way into the national spotlight by insulting Republicans and posting the verbal attacks online.

The tactic has earned him legions of Internet supporters (and donors), who applaud the Orlando Democrat for his combative tone.

But Grayson may have finally crossed a line when he referred to a Federal Reserve senior adviser as a "K Street whore" during a radio interview last month. Thanks to Republican operatives, the clip surfaced this week, and even fellow Democrats have used the salvo to distance themselves from Grayson.

"It wouldn't have been my selection or description of anyone," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., told Politico, a Capitol Hill publication. Weiner later issued a statement calling Grayson a "patriot" and said his criticism was "obviously playful."

By day's end, Grayson himself issued a "sincere apology" to the Fed adviser, Linda Robertson. She is a former lobbyist for Enron.; K Street is where many Washington lobbyists have their offices.

"I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women," Grayson said in his statement. "This characterization of Ms. Robertson ... was inappropriate, and I apologize."

...

The best thing for Republicans is to have a guy like this on the Democrat side of the aisle. He is a nutjob plain and simple. Loose canons in politics only sink their own ship.

yip that is fact. this guy is going get his ass voted out and a republican voted in.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Genx87

Originally posted by: TastesLikeChicken
Looks like my local Rep stepped on his crank and some Democratic supporters are now wary about aligning with him. That didn't take long and it's no surprise. Grayson has had a reputation for being a loose canon and he doesn't get near the respect locally that the fawning lefties around the country seem to imply. Another one of these mis-steps and the GOP could run Mickey Mouse against him and win.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com...102709,0,3715135.story

WASHINGTON - Since taking office in January, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson has elbowed his way into the national spotlight by insulting Republicans and posting the verbal attacks online.

The tactic has earned him legions of Internet supporters (and donors), who applaud the Orlando Democrat for his combative tone.

But Grayson may have finally crossed a line when he referred to a Federal Reserve senior adviser as a "K Street whore" during a radio interview last month. Thanks to Republican operatives, the clip surfaced this week, and even fellow Democrats have used the salvo to distance themselves from Grayson.

"It wouldn't have been my selection or description of anyone," said U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, who is running for U.S. Senate.

"Is this news to you that this guy's one fry short of a Happy Meal?" Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., told Politico, a Capitol Hill publication. Weiner later issued a statement calling Grayson a "patriot" and said his criticism was "obviously playful."

By day's end, Grayson himself issued a "sincere apology" to the Fed adviser, Linda Robertson. She is a former lobbyist for Enron.; K Street is where many Washington lobbyists have their offices.

"I did not intend to use a term that is often, and correctly, seen as disrespectful of women," Grayson said in his statement. "This characterization of Ms. Robertson ... was inappropriate, and I apologize."

...

The best thing for Republicans is to have a guy like this on the Democrat side of the aisle. He is a nutjob plain and simple. Loose canons in politics only sink their own ship.

YOU LIE!!

That dude is helping your cause too