November 4, 2009

The reason for the NY-23 (the 23^rd congressional district) special election started after John McHugh resigned to become Obama’s Secretary of the Army. The unexpected winner on November 3rd was Democrat, Bill Owens. The win was significant because there has not been a Democrat in that office since 1993.

Many Republicans such as Limbaugh-Palin saw this race as a battle ground for the heart of their party which they believe is too moderate or even liberal. They decided the Republican candidate was not Republican enough and so supported the “Conservative” candidate, Doug Hoffman who calls Glenn Beck his mentor.

Talk about radical right wing populism!

The radical right's influence increases when democrats/liberals are in control. It is a movement based on fear and ignorance which are effective motivators for disaffected Republicans such as Limbaugh-Palin and Beck.

The Limbaugh-Palin brand of conservative populism did not work because they are out of touch with realistic politics. They only understand divisiveness and believe this will help them lead the Republican Party to victories.

They need to “get a clue”.

Experienced Republican politicians immediately saw a real fight over the seat when Obama lured McHugh away earlier this year. They decided to pick a moderate for practical and winnable reasons and Republicans would have won if the original plan were allowed to work.

Limbaugh-Palin were too clueless to see that and probably don't see how they lost the election to a Democrat.

Though Republicans are crowing about two gubernatorial wins, the Democrats now have an extra seat in the House. This was definitely an Obama win. He won because his strategy to maintain Democratic control of Congress is methodical, logical and focused on national politics.

This means Limbaugh-Palin are not effective national political leaders they claim to be. Good news for the Democrats in 2010.