Tea Party Mobilizes for Primary Battles
In the lead-up to November's midterm elections, there have been signs in some states that moderate Republican candidates might face considerable challenges from tea party contenders. (continued)
In the lead-up to November’s midterm elections, there have been signs in some states that moderate Republican candidates might face considerable challenges from tea party contenders. Whether this will all add up to more power at the polls for the GOP or divisive fractures within conservative ranks, however, remains to be seen. –KA
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In the highest-profile races, the results will provide further evidence of whether the tea party movement can continue to knock off moderate GOP contenders. The victors will run in November against Democrats considered vulnerable due to high unemployment and a general anti-incumbent mood across America.
In Delaware, nine-term Republican Rep. Mike Castle is in a tight contest with political commentator and tea party favorite Christine O’Donnell in the GOP U.S. Senate primary.
The bitterly contested campaign saw O’Donnell receive the endorsement of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and more than $150,000 in late spending from the Tea Party Express.
In response, conservative stalwart Bill Kristol, who fears O’Donnell is incapable of winning the Senate seat in November, said: “I know Sarah Palin. I respect Sarah Palin. And with all due respect — Christine O’Donnell is no Sarah Palin.”
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By the time Rep Jo Bonner, the top-ranking Republican on the House ethics committee, was halfway through his commentary about the alleged wrongdoings of veteran Congressman Charlie Rangel (above), it was clear that what was at stake was (continued).
Rep. Charlie Rangel may as well have stuck around for the full hearing. An ethics subcommittee convicted the veteran lawmaker Tuesday of 11 counts of naughty, having to do with fundraising, cheap rent and taxes. Rangel's colleagues could decide to give him the boot, but he's likelier to get off with just a reprimand.
Making a move that, while certainly bold, may not help his case much in the end, Rep. Charles Rangel decided to peace out of a House ethics committee meeting as members deliberated over charges of ethics violations against Rangel himself.
Rep. Maxine Waters, a stalwart progressive voice in the House for nearly 20 years, is defending herself against charges that she improperly intervened to help bail out a bank with ties to her husband. Waters released a statement denying any wrongdoing, saying she was merely working on behalf of minority banks.
On Friday, a House subcommittee decided to dish out an official reprimand to Rep. Charles Rangel as punishment for running afoul of ethics rules, but his fate still remains to be decided by a panel of his peers.
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