Democrats Trying to Get Snowe to Switch?

[babylonsister]

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/11/10/democrats_trying_to_get_snowe_to_switch.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PoliticalWire+%28Political+Wire%29

Democrats Trying to Get Snowe to Switch?


National Journal: "We hear that Dems are making new overtures to Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine to switch teams. They've tried before, but Snowe's 2012 primary prospects make taking another run at her now seem worth it."

[sharp_stick]

1. After what happened to Specter

I'd be surprised to see anyone switch sides right now.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. I'm sure she saw what happened to Specter

She may not be safe no matter which primary she ends up running in, therefore will probably take a chance on being "teabagged" in the Republican primary- where she is already well-established- rather than risk being primaried from the left like Specter was.

[KharmaTrain]

3. Make The GOTB Waste Money On Her...

I've heard she already has a teabagger in waiting to challenge her in 2012, but she's been lured before and doesn't jump cause it's not worth it for her. Even in the minority, if she's not offered full transferable seniority (which the GOTB could to to Mancin since he has none) she'll hold out for the money instead. The rushpublicans don't want to lose any seat in 2012...and they'll pay dearly to keep her if the Democrats play their cards right.

[global1]

5. Does GOTB Mean - Get Out The Boot?........nt

[madinmaryland]

6. Grand Old Tea Baggers. nt

[KharmaTrain]

8. I Like That

It was for Goofy Old Tea Baggers, but yours works very well from here on out!

Cheers...

[racaulk]

4. Yeah, good luck with that.

If the Dem caucus tries, I highly doubt that she would switch. She is, and always has been, a Republican at heart.

And I'm sure she doesn't fear her 2012 primary. If she is "primaried" by a tea partier and loses, which may be likely, she could pull a Lisa Murkowski to get her name on the ballot anyway and make her appeal to moderates in both parties. In a three way race with her as an Independent, I can easily see her being reelected in her state.

[notesdev]

7. What's the point?

Neither side will "convert" enough Senators to make a difference in anything. 41 votes is all each side needs for a Senate veto, and a minimum of 7 Senators need to be converted for the GOP to lose its veto, and 13 for Democrats to lose ours.

The Senate is a wash right now, the power balance is reduced to House vs. White House as of the new session.