On Right Roots

The Florida Masochist challenges Right Roots.

He argues convincingly that the odds of her winning are so small that the money would be spent elsewhere (ex: E. Clay Shaw’s race in Florida’s 22nd.)

I tend to be sympathetic to his argument. Now, I do think they have their reasons, particularly given the strong veteran’s population in Murtha’s district and that it was a swing district in the Presidential election (going for Kerry 51-49). Contrary to what TFM argued, Murtha isn’t opposing the war because his district was. Rather, he’s opposing the war because he’s a longtime incumbent and veteran of the House Appropriation’s Committee, whose betting that he’s politically invincible.

The Jack Murtha of the last year is quite different than the one who represented this district for the prior 30 years. Murtha was known as a relatively moderate pro-life Democrat who was fairly strong on defense. He’s basically alienated a lot of people in a swing district and for that reason, Right Roots is banking on an upset or at the very least, Irey raised enough money and gets, say, 45% of the vote. Then in 2008, the race is targeted by national GOP leadership and the money comes flowing in and Murtha loses. Somewhat improbable, but I can see their thinking.

I have some doubts about Right Roots getting involved in the New Jersey Senate race with the RINO GOP nominee, Thomas Kean, Jr. Don’t come begging me for money to elect the next Arlen Specter.

Having said that, I think that its a lot harder to criticize the efforts of those who do rather than doing yourself. While I may not agree with their choices, they have to be given points for making them and starting the efforts and if I disagree with 1 or 2 of their choices, oh well! They can’t please everyone in the blogosphere, and while TFM is right that their choices are questionable, at least they made the decision.

Its so easy to criticize others who do, but really they deserve plaudits for taking the initiative to try and counter Net Roots. They may have picked a couple bad races or candidates in the process, but they have a long time to go before they’ve picked as many poor candidates and races as Kos.

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