Report: Sen. Walsh Considering Dropping Out After Plagiarism Scandal

[alp227]

Source: TPM

Sen. John Walsh (D-MT) is talking with his political team about whether to drop out of the Montana Senate race, according to Politico.

Those discussions, according to Politico, come after The New York Times reported that Walsh seemed to have plagiarized major parts of his master's thesis. The plagiarism scandal made Walsh's race, already one of the tougher ones among Democratic incumbents this cycle, even tougher.

The Missoulian and The Billings Gazette, two of Montana's biggest newspapers, recently published editorials urging Walsh to end his candidacy for Senate.

Walsh was appointed to the post after Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) was named ambassador to China.

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/report-politico-john-walsh-drop-out

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Is there a reasonable replacement?

In any case, I think massive plagiarism is a pretty serious signal of a flawed character. Oh well--if we have to lose a seat, Baucus's seat is as good as any. Other than counting as a Democrat in establishing a Senate majority, he never did a lot for any causes I believe in. I'm still pissed about his role in the ACA.

[DAMANgoldberg]

4. There is only 1 D in Montana that could win...

The recent former Governor (and possible Presidential candidate) Brian Schweitzer. Otherwise, it's a lost cause.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. That's what I figured.

And, while not ideal, he would be a significant improvement on Baucus; maybe about as good as you could reasonably get from MT.

But didn't he turn down this opportunity once already?

[DAMANgoldberg]

10. I believe he did...

He had a chance for Jon Tester's seat and chose not to. Don't think he will accept this one either.

[jaysunb]

11. I disagree...

I believe this has been on his radar for some time, and with the help of some "insiders" they snitched Walsh out. It's almost a perfect storm....and I welcome it.

[DAMANgoldberg]

12. that would be too convenient

but that is politics in America. We can keep the Senate without MT, but it would be nice to have the 50 state strategy back so all races can be contested. We have the ideas, populism, and the proper issues on our side. Now it's time to clean up the R mess!

[jaysunb]

15. 50 State strategy is the only way to preserve our republic. n/t

[Laelth]

19. If this seat is on Schweitzer's radar, I am quite excited.

He has been exploring a Presidential run, and I think he would make a good President, but I wouldn't mind seeing him take this seat, either.

And I agree on the 50 State Strategy. All Americans are potential Democratic voters.



-Laelth

[TwilightGardener]

2. Meanwhile, Randy Paul says, "Pfft...what's a little plagiarism?"

[abelenkpe]

5. +1

[tomm2thumbs]

3. the tea baggers probably think plagiarism is a venereal disease

he should just tell everyone he has taken penicillin and everything will be just fine

[davidpdx]

14. If plagiarism is a venereal disease,

then Rand Paul is gonorrhea.

[tomm2thumbs]

17. DUzy!

lol

[Thor_MN]

6. If only rethugs plagiarizing ALEC would consider leaving...

[Baitball Blogger]

8. It is reassuring that the Democrats are taking this situation seriously.

[bigwillq]

9. Walsh should drop out

to me, it's the right thing to do.

[truthisfreedom]

13. Embarrassing

[Major Hogwash]

16. If he's going to drop out, he'd better do it quick, cuz time's running out for a replacement!

I hate it whenever one of these douchebags in Congress gets caught with their hand in the cookie jar and then they announce that they are "thinking" of dropping out of the race.
Jesus Christ on a boogy board, either drop out or shut the hell up and take your lumps at the polls like a man!!!

Fuck, if he plagiarized, he plagiarized . . but to sit around and wonder what to do next is known as "analysis paralysis" and it only hurts the next guy who would have to replace him on the ballot in November.

Advice to future politicians . . . if you're going to fuck up before an election, and then think about dropping out, drop out early!
Don't drag it out!!!!!!

[DURHAM D]

18. Walsh has canceled upcoming events -

http://billingsgazette.com/news/government-and-politics/sen-walsh-cancels-events-campaign-mum-on-race/article_5a79b0a5-1609-5da5-94bf-e142c17fc8a0.html

[MADem]

20. Well, he's gone and dropped out. Schweitzer will not jump in.

This is a game changer unless our team can field a strong candidate, well vetted, and FAST.

Surprised this is getting so little play--it's a big deal.