two-term (R) incumbent line: "When I think he's wrong, I let him know"

[dajoki]

WP
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14336006/

For Republicans, bad gets worse in Northeast
Incumbents shy from party and President Bush

By Jim VandeHe

Updated: 5:49 a.m. ET Aug 14, 2006

PHOENIXVILLE, Pa. - When it comes to President Bush and the Republican Congress, Rep. Jim Gerlach says voters in his suburban Philadelphia district are in a "sour mood."

That's why when it comes to his reelection, the two-term incumbent says "the name of the game" is to convince those same voters that he can be independent of his own party. He has turned his standard line about Bush--"When I think he's wrong, I let him know"-- into a virtual campaign slogan, repeated in interviews and TV ads.

"It is a combination of things, from the war in Iraq to gas prices to what they are experiencing in their local areas," Gerlach said of the surly electorate whose decision he will know on Nov. 7.

The Iraq war and Bush's low approval ratings have created trouble for Republicans in all regions. But nowhere is the GOP brand more scuffed than in the Northeast, where this year's circumstances are combining with long-term trends to endanger numerous incumbents.

<<snip>>

That is why GOP operatives in Washington are alarmed not just about Gerlach's predicament, but about that of two congressional neighbors in suburban Philadelphia: Reps. Michael G. Fitzpatrick and Curt Weldon, both in tough districts.

[HopeFor2006]

1. Sure

"When I think he's wrong, I let him know"- but I vote with him anyway.

[Skittles]

2. f***ing-A right

JAYSUS I AM SICK OF THESE ASSHOLES

[radfringe]

3. heh

sound like...

I never make mistakes, I thought I did once, but I was mistaken....

although I like the line from the Casey campaign regarding Santorum's rubber stamping

When you have someone who votes 99% with the president, one of them is redundent...

[dajoki]

6. Perfect!!

[PurityOfEssence]

4. "...then I vote exactly as he tells me."

There's so little real dissent in the GOP it shows them to be the monarchic bloc of blockheads that they are. Sure, there's a Ron Paul here and there, and sure Lincoln Chaffee will pipe up occasionally and do the right thing, but even they go with the phalanx more often than not. It's about money, power and aristocracy, and as long as Dems can't call them on it, we're in trouble.

[dajoki]

9. Of course, Money and Power...

They have and will say and do anything to keep it.

[Quantess]

5. One by one,

let's VOTE the jerks OUT!:bounce:

[gratuitous]

7. Specifics PLEASE, Mr. Gerlach

What do you think Bush has been wrong about? And what did you say to him about it? And when? In what context? And what does it mean to "let him know"? Were you more forceful on some occasions than others? If yes, what was the occasion, and what did you say? Were you less forceful on other occasions? If yes, what was the occasion, and what did you say?

Now, I have to assume that these questions would occur to just about any journalist worth a paycheck. Will any of them be asked of Jim Gerlach?

[dajoki]

8. Great Point!!