Dems: King is vulnerable, but challenge unlikely

[Renew Deal]

WASHINGTON -- Veteran Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford) is vulnerable to a Democratic challenge next year because of his staunch support of President George W. Bush and growing public angst over the war in Iraq, according to sources familiar with a poll commissioned by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

In an initial matchup against Suffolk Legis. David Bishop (D-West Babylon), who paid for half of the poll, King trounces the local lawmaker 55 percent to 37 percent, various local and national Democrats who have analyzed the results say. But those numbers flip in Bishop's favor - 55 percent to 38 percent - after a series of questions linking King to Bush.

"For example, he said something like, 'I thank God every night that George Bush' is my president," former Suffolk County Executive Patrick Halpin said in reference to a poll question, paraphrasing King's comment in a letter to a constituent. "It kills him with the voters."

King said Democratic lobbyists that he is friendly with had already confirmed the basic finding of the poll, which he believes was probably designed for a predetermined outcome.
<snip>

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-uspoll134550188dec13,0,4523254.story

We need to beat this asshole. Hopefully someone is coming out of the woodwork.

[Ignacio Upton]

1. The DCCC better put up some money

I'm tired of LI having a Congressman who is more suited for the voters of Indiana or North Carolina.

[sabbat hunter]

2. funny thing is

on most issues until 9/11 he had a blue collar/democratic message (the one exception being abortion)

he opposed the impeachment of Clinton. supported many causes of the average worker. but since 911 he has gone lockstep in with * he was once my congressman. then then redistricted and israel became my congressman (although since then i have moved to astoria)


peace
david

[nedbal]

3. once my congressman too

""""""""on most issues until 9/11 he had a blue collar/democratic message (the one exception being abortion)

he opposed the impeachment of Clinton. supported many causes of the average worker. but since 911 he has gone lockstep in with * he was once my congressman. then then redistricted"""""""""""



same here , I was so impressed he was the only repug to oppose impeachment I wrote him a thank you with a stamp, I never take the time to do that...

My liberal union lists him as one of their PAC recipients , don't know if that is still the case

he has changed.......

[murdoch]

4. King is pro-labor

King is pro-labor and voted against Clinton's impeachment. Aside from that, he is probably the only congressman willing to take a stand on Northern Ireland, to a point that puts Ted Kennedy to shame.

Of course, he is also an imperialist who supports the war in Iraq, but so is Hillary Clinton.

Whether or not King is vulnerable depends upon who runs against him. Despite Bush's unpopularity, King is popular, and you'd have to find someone even more popular to unseat him. Which I don't see much point in doing anyhow.

[PennyK]

5. My local rep may challenge him

David Denenberg (Dem, of course) of Merrick is seriously considering running for King's seat. Man, I hope so!