MI CD-7 Tim Walberg (R) may face primary challenge from Joe Schwarz in 2008

[Daylin Byak]

This came from politics1.com it appears that Ex Congressman Joe Schwarz may be gunning for his old seat againist the may that defeated him Tim Walberg.

According to the Detroit News, social conservative freshman Congressman Tim Walberg (R) may face a rematch in 2008 from the man he ousted in last year's primary. Former Congressman Joe Schwarz (R) promises to make a decision on the race within six months. "Tim Walberg will be an ineffective back bench-bencher," one close Schwarz political associate told the newspaper. It would be the third contest between the two men, as Schwartz defeated Walberg for the open seat in 2004. National Journal's Hotline, meanwhile, reports there is also a lot of buzz in Michigan that Schwarz may make the rematch run in '08 as a Democrat.

I wouldn't mind seeing Schwarz run againist Walberg cause he was the type of Republican cause he was a moderate pro-choice Republican unlike Walberg who his a far right christian conservative Republican and if he does run as a Democrat that would be cool too. I think switching parties to run againist Walberg would be a better cause you be on the ballot in november and it's really tough to defeat a incumbent in a primary cause of the lack of intrestest by voters to show up to the polls.

Thoughts?

[skipos]

1. I am not under the impression that that district is going to elect

a really progressive Democrat anytime soon, but I think Schwarz as a (D) could win it.

2006:
Walberg (R) 51%
Renier (D) 46%

2004
Schwarz (R) 59%
Renier (D) 36%

[Strawman]

2. Joe Schwartz is a moderate Oakland County Republican stuck in Jackson

He'd be a good Democratic candidate in that district, but I suspect that will never happen because his network of rich friends and supporters are the kind of people who, while they aren't batshit crazy and are uncomfortable with the fundies in their party, still like identifying as Republicans for elitist, status reasons. They're the kind of old guard, country club Republicans that aren't going to cross over. That's his core constituency. He leaves the party, they're unlikely to follow him.

[knitter4democracy]

3. He won't switch. He doesn't need to.

The Calhoun County Dem leadership loves him and apparently made some deals. Anyway . . .

He's a Republican to the core, according to a nurse friend who used to deal with him at the hospital here. That said, all of Battle Creek was shocked when he lost.

[ray of light]

4. Switch parties to DEM?

BUT...Schwartz voted WITH BUSH 85% of the time, including cases on the War and on Schiavo, bankcruptcy, healthcare reform. He had a few save votes on environment that he voted against Bush.

If he runs as a Dem, he'll be a known liar. IF he runs he should run honest. He's a Republican. He's too chicken to vote as a moderate Republican. He voted 85% with the neocons!

That says something.

I will not support Schwartz period. I will not support Walberg either.

[cyclezealot]

5. lots of pols change with the wind

In Jackson, it's not impossible for a Democratic victory. ?

[douginmarshall]

6. 7th is moving in the right direction

I'm guessing the other posts come from outside the 7th.

Granholm received 52.65% in the district. Jackson elected 2 Dems to the state house, Simpson and Griffin. Dems in majority in Eaton County commission for first time ever. Calhoun Dems picked up a county commission seat and hold a 5-2 majority.

Joe Schwarz is not a moderate. Never was never will be.

We lost this seat in 06 because no one would believe that 1, Joe would loose, and 2, that a Dem could win. As long as we don't think we are in the game we can not win.

[knitter4democracy]

8. Amen to that.

I'm in B.C., and our county party just didn't do enough to get Sharon elected. That, and Sharon really wasn't our best person for the job . . .

[knitter4democracy]

7. Schwartz is a jerk, and he had the worst freepers working for him.

At least in his Washington office. I actually hung up on one of his aides, the guy was so nasty. I also know people who knew him from when he was a doctor who didn't like him. Some people think he lost due to hubris. Of course, everyone here in Battle Creek was shocked, considering how awful that so-called preacher's ads were.

There are some good Dems looking at running, and I think they'd have a good chance this time, even in the Jackson area.

ETA: Sorry for the double post. I didn't see the other one and thought it was a new thread.