An opponent for Reed in ’08? State GOP chairman says ‘we’re working on it’
9:39 AM Mon, Apr 23, 2007 | Permalink
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Projo Politics Blog |
How safe is U.S. Sen. Jack Reed’s seat as all eyes turn toward the 2008 election? The head of the state Republican Party told Political Scene last week that a legitimate challenger has yet to emerge. “There are plenty of people who would make good opponents,” GOP Chairman Giovanni Cicione said, declining to name any of them. “We’re working on it. We’ll see what happens.” And while 19 months remain before Election Day, the clock is ticking. Across the country, many candidates looking to challenge well-funded incumbents have already raised substantial sums. For example, comedian and talk-show host Al Franken, who hopes to defeat vulnerable Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman, raised $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2007, according to Roll Call. How is Reed doing in the money race? According to paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission this month, Reed raised $783,572.93 from Jan. 1 of this year to March 31. He had a total of $1.67 million on hand at the end of reporting period. Cicione, who spent the weekend in Washington, D.C., said he had lunch with the head of the Republican National Committee on Friday. He said “a couple of names came up” regarding potential challengers for Reed’s seat. “We don’t want to waste anyone’s time, but that’s the job, to find good candidates,” Cicione said. “The question is, does anyone feel comfortable raising the money needed?” Rhode Island’s U.S. representatives don’t have the money that Reed has. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy raised $177,434.51 in the first quarter of 2007. But he spent $192,145.22 over that three-month period, according to his FEC filing. Despite the net loss, the congressman reported having $534,379 in cash on hand as of March 31. Using money as a barometer, Rep. James R. Langevin appears to be the most vulnerable of the incumbents seeking reelection. He raised $42,953.36 in the first quarter and spent $38,876.63 (a net gain of just $4,076.73). He reported $74,565.35 on hand. Cicione said his best asset is what he called Congress’s lack of progress since the Democrats took power earlier in the year. “Look at what the Senate and House under Democratic leadership have achieved,” he said. “If they keep up this pace, we’re likely to recruit good candidates.” 
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The Rhode Island GOP has to be kidding? The state and national leaders better get back to the middle and stop cowtowing to the religious and southern right or they will continue down the sinkhole.
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Since seeing the democrats doing nothing about Iraq, I am sorry I did not vote for Lincoln Chaffee at the last election. I think Chaffee should run against Reed this coming election and I'll bet he will have much support from people like myself who would like to make amends.
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John:
Do you really think that Lincoln Chafee would do anything about Iraq either? At least the Democrats are working toward bringing the war to an end, which is hard to do since Bush is still the Commander in Chief. A vote for Lincoln Chafee is a vote for Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who definitely isn't going to do anything about Iraq.
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