The AP:
Sen. Charles Schumer said Monday he is giving up his job running the Senate Democrats’ national campaign efforts after two successful elections.
“We’ve had a great run,” said Schumer, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee since the 2006 campaign, when he helped engineer a 6-seat gain that gave his party a slim 1-vote majority margin.
Chuck had one hell of a run, and it’s a shame to see him go. It looks like New Jersey’s Bob Menendez, a current DSCC vice-chair, will likely take over the reins. Let’s hope he can make some inspired recruiting moves like Chuck was able to do on more than one occasion.
Minimum gain of 13 seats over two cycles, putting the party within walking distance of a supermajority in 2010 if the come up short in the remaining two races still undecided.
You done good, Chuck.
Being from New Jersey, I’ve followed Menendez for quite some time. I have no doubt that he will be able to raise money and input some sharp strategy into the DSCC.
However, Menendez has the charisma of a dead fish, and I really wonder if the guy will be able to apply the same intelligent, relentless, and ultimately effective recruiting that Schumer used. I am question whether Menendez will be able to close the deal with people like John Lynch, Brad Henry, Kate Sebelius, and others. I am not terrified, just a little concerned. Chuck is an impossible act to follow.
And Amy Klobachar will probably be vice chair. Hopefully Chuck will still have some role
He’s still planning on getting married (to a woman surprisingly) on December 12. Almost everyone thought his “marriage” would get called off once McCain didn’t pick him for VP. This has to increase the chances of him running for national office in the future.
Then again Florida did ban gay marriage earlier this month, so that could be part of it.
http://www.wesh.com/news/18048…
It’s always hard to find anyone to challenge Grassley, because the odds of defeating him are so slim. But who knows? He could get fed up and decide to retire if Baucus stops playing nice with him and he knows he’ll face a serious challenger (Tom Vilsack? Christie Vilsack?).
“Let’s hope he can make some inspired recruiting moves like Chuck was able to do on more than one occasion.”
Golden oldies: Bruce Lunsford (KY) and John Morrison (MT). I’m hoping I was wrong about Hagan (NC) and that she turns out to be a solid moderate and not a reactionary.
traditionally the spot is never held by members who are running for reelection. Menendez can run and raise money and play party politics just as good as Schumer, (another note would be how for the last eight years a new york city area politician). Mispelled “Char” by the way, note in Mississippi ;).
In other “appointment” news, I think many can take a sigh of relief, Peterson seems to have taken himself out of the running for Secretary of Agriculture, saying he doesn’t intend to leave his Chairmanship of that Committee. Herseth-Sandlin seems to have left consideration, and I have my dibs on Tom Buis, head of the National Farmers Union.
(Slightly O/T, but not too much!)
Won’t be too much of a worry for Sen. Menendez or Majority Leader Reid!
http://www.lasvegasgleaner.com…
Haha. Lt. Gov. “Krooklicki” was the top recruit for Nevada Rethuglicans. Now that it looks like he’s in for an indictment for his mishandling of state college savings program, we may finally be able to stick a fork in Krooklicki’s political future. So let’s hope he gets what’s due… And Senator Reid won’t have to worry about those GOP Clowns so that he can focus on making President Obama’s agenda happen! 🙂