Warning signs for the national GOP

Published May 15 2008, 05:07 PM by Ian Donnis

WASHINGTON — The Republican defeat in a special Congressional contest in Mississippi sent waves of apprehension across an already troubled party Wednesday, with some senior Republicans urging Congressional candidates to distance themselves from President Bush to head off what could be heavy losses in the fall.

The victory by Travis Childers, a conservative Democrat elected in a once-steadfast Republican district on Tuesday, was the third defeat of a Republican in a special Congressional race this year. In addition to foreshadowing more losses for the party in November, the outcome appeared to call into question the belief that Senator Barack Obama of Illinois could be a heavy liability for his party’s down-ticket candidates in conservative regions.

Republicans had sought to link Mr. Childers to Mr. Obama in an advertising campaign there. Republican leaders said they were looking to Senator John McCain of Arizona, the likely Republican nominee, as a model whose independent reputation appears to allow him to rise above party in a year when the Republican label seems tarnished.

But Mr. McCain’s advisers said the Mississippi race underlined his intention to distance himself as much as possible from Congressional Republicans. Mr. McCain has already been openly critical of some of President Bush’s strategies.

The level of distress was evident in remarks by senior party officials throughout the day.

Filed Under: 2008 presidential race, Republicans

Republicans, closer to home, hear Gio's call!

Steampunk: rebelling against soulless design

3 Comments

Mike said:

Hey Ian- All Childrers proves is that your side can win if they run pro-war, anti-choice, pro-gun, anti-rectum marriage, pro-God, anti-illegal candidates. Still gloating?

May 16, 2008 12:17 AM
rhody said:

A district that went 62 percent for Bush in '04 should be sending a Republican ham sandwich to Congress. The only real difference in this campaign was Childers wanting out of Iraq faster. This race tells us that even people in the reddest of the red states are as sick and tired of this war as any liberal.

May 16, 2008 3:28 PM
Mike said:

If Childers is the kind of Democrat you want to elect-bring em on. we'll vote for them too!

May 16, 2008 11:05 PM

Follow the Providence Phoenix

All Blogs

Laser Orgy (34)
Phlog (1,420)
On The Download (2,163)
Dont Quote Me (518)
Talking Politics (1,523)
Outside The Frame (305)

Filed Under: 2008 presidential race, Republicans

Boston Phoenix
URI discussion: Obama and the media
Published 11/15/2008 by Ian Donnis
During a Thursday evening panel discussion as part of URI's Journalism Day, Marc Genest saved his bi...

Boston Phoenix
NPR's Mara Liasson in town on Sunday
Published 11/13/2008 by Ian Donnis
Lots of chances to discuss the just-past presidential race. Besides David Gergen at RWU this...

more by Ian Donnis

Rhody's local food movement finds its groove | February 18, 2009

My last post (as Not for Nothing) | February 12, 2009

Tomorrow: Pulitzer finalist Dray at the Athenaeum | February 12, 2009

Ticket to ride | February 11, 2009

Health-care's big moneyman in New England . . . | February 11, 2009

See all articles by: Ian Donnis

Latest Comments

Khazei Sneaking Up? - As a Capuano supporter, I'm miffed by his TV ads so far. The first, heartfelt and "nice," was...

By ricklapel on 11-29-2009 in Talking Politics

The Guitar Hero/Band Hero kerfuffle considered - Christian Louboutin shoes are available at attractive rates in all outlets across the world. Turn your...

By Gucci Sneakers on 11-28-2009 in Laser Orgy

Khazei Sneaking Up? - Mrs. Kennedy, why wouldn't you prefer Congressman Capuano to succeed the late Senator? Congressman Capuano...

By Ernie Boch, III on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - сын насилует маму всегда на это дрочу!! http://pxgmyzzcug.jimdo.com анорексия фото http://vmpfpxkwxl...

By Homogon on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - <b>GPS оборудование </b> GPS - глобальная система позиционирования, определение местоположения...

By BimaIdedirm on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

Latest Comments from Not For Nothing

Warning signs for the national GOP

3 Comments

Mike said:

rhody said:

Mike said:

Leave a Comment