A Master Triangulator

The Wall Street Journal had an article in today's paper discussing the abandonment Chris Carney is experiencing from his own party as the liberal Democrats seek to turn their back on him.

As the piece points out, liberal Democrats were able to stomach Carney in 2006 for a couple reasons. First, the most important priority for the Democrats was regaining the majority in Congress. Therefore, the liberals saw Carney as an advancement towards that end. Second, several argue that Carney disguised his commitment to progressive ideas when he ran for office. In order to win the election, Carney would appear as a moderate in order to provide an acceptable alternative to Sherwood. However, after getting into Congress, Carney has moved away from those liberal groups whose support he relied upon in 2006.

2008 is a much different year for Democrats because they are likely to increase their majority which enables them to eliminate--or at least threaten to eliminate--some of those moderate Democrats now viewed as turncoats.

While not endorsing Hackett, Glenn Greenwald told the WSJ, "Our goal is to attach a real price to the type of things Chris Carney is doing. If that means he ends up losing, then so be it. I would rather see a smaller majority but fewer Blue Dogs than a big majority with the Blue Dogs in charge."

These liberal groups have been voicing their disdain for Carney over the past year and have targeted him with TV and print ads. However, it is likely they will intensify this campaign.
Blue America alone is expected to spend $100,000 on Carney during the months in September and October. In addition, a recent "Moneybomb" aimed at Carney from the Accountability Now PAC was able to raise $150,000 in 24-hours. Not necessarily the $1 million the group had in mind, but still admirable given the scope of the target.

Ironically, Carney has not had the fortune of being too conservative for the likes of his opponent, Chris Hackett. Hackett has continually invoked the word liberal when referring to Carney and grouped him in with the Pelosi Democrats. The last three press releases alone from the Hackett camp have included the word "Liberal" and "Carney" in the release's title. This has obviously been a significant part of the Hackett campaign's message.

Two completely different strategies for attacking Carney.