GOP candidates stress independence from Bush

[kentuck]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14666184/

<snip>
Consider Rep. Deborah Pryce, the fourth-ranking House Republican struggling to hold onto her seat in an evenly split district in central Ohio, near Columbus.

In 2004, her campaign Web site featured a banner of her and Bush sitting together, smiling. But in her latest television ad, Pryce is described as “independent.” The spot also highlights how she “stood up to her own party” and the president to support increased federal funds for embryonic stem-cell research.

<snip>
Among some of the ads:

* In Pennsylvania, Republican Rep. Jim Gerlach tells voters: “When I believe President Bush is right, I’m behind him. But when I think he’s wrong, I let him know that, too,” Gerlach is in a close contest with Democrat Lois Murphy, who nearly beat him in 2004.
* In Minnesota, where an open Senate seat is at stake, Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy has an ad titled, “Crossing Party Lines,” in which he says: “I’m a Republican. On issues like taxes and spending, I vote like it. But on other issues, I cross party lines.” In 2002, in his run for the House, a Kennedy ad showed him walking and shaking hands with Bush at the White House. Today, he lists the issues on which he has split from the president.
* In South Florida, heavily populated by retirees, Republican Rep. Clay Shaw criticizes the president’s stalled plans to change Social Security and says in his ad, “I represent the state of Florida, not a political party.”

....more

[filer]

1. Are the rats jumping ship?

I guess it's time for all those lock-step marching Nazis to dig up an issue or two where they "crossed party lines". God forbid.

[Supersedeas]

4. no, some rats are pretending--just until the election cycle is over

[whistle]

2. When I believe Bush is right I kiss his ass, but when I think Bush is

...wrong I head for high ground....geez Louise! Jim Gerlach is as transparent as a Macy's display window.

Also, is the Florida Clay Shaw related in anyway to the New Orleans Clay Shaw of the JFK trial fame by New Orleans Prosecutor Jim Garrison? Just curious.

<snip>
<E. Clay> Shaw was a recipient of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay's ARMPAC campaign contributions. DeLay is being prosecuted on charges of felony money laundering of campaign finances and conspiracy to launder money. To date, Shaw has NOT offered to return any of the $30,020 he received, despite calls from Democrats to do so.<1> <more>

http://www.answers.com/topic/e-clay-shaw-jr

[gully]

3. Which is why Dems need to stop attacking Bush and go after "Republicans"

period.

[wiggs]

5. Exactly right....and why they shouldn't put all eggs in one basket,

Iraq. The failures and blunders of this administration are in every policy area. Targeting just one man or targeting just one issue is leaving the door open to a comeback.

The first (but not only) issue to hang our hats on is restoring checks and balances.

[gully]

10. Indeed.

Framing is key.

[kentuck]

6. Some have decided to distance themselves from Bush by asking...

for the Rumsfeld resignation. That way, they don't have to be critical of "their" president, but still give the "appearance" of independence.

[tuvor]

7. Too bad bush is the decider.

Doesn't really matter how "independent" a representative is.

[mcscajun]

8. "Bush Republicans" are desperate to shed the Bush brand...

...if it will ensure reelection.

Their lame-duck pResident can't do anything more for them, but he sure can hurt them with the voters, so it's time to abandon ship.

Nail them all to the wall with the "Bush Republican" label. Make it stick.

[Roy]

9. Republicans are required to vote and spew talking points...

Any actions or thinking outside the collective is grounds for severe punishment. Lock step is a requirement with them.
There should be ads with examples of these rubber stamp republicans flooding the airwaves. If this rubber stamp congress is allowed to shed this albatross it will be a pity and well earned losses for the Dems.

[Skidmore]

11. A bit late for independence considering they were joined at the hip

and everywhere else to him when they were pushing his agenda through congress. Hang * around their necks like the dead albatross he is.

[bluedog]

12. they supported his crap all this time

and rubber stamped everything bush wanted....

Sorry........... but they are going to have to follow bush off the cliff.......

just cause they are up for election.......everyone has seen their true colors..........

[wiggs]

13. This will work, of course, because rebublicans are looking for a

reason to vote republican. A typical everyday republican can be angry with this administration and yet vote for a republican congressional candidate that wants to "change". I'm not sure how many republicans will vote democratic...few most likely. Extreme, deliberate polarization of the right has been effective.

This is why an important aspect of the upcoming election has to be a return to the constitution and to checks and balances, which the GOP has abandoned.