Mike Castle to be top DCCC target in 2008?

[Adlai Stevenson]

The Wilmington News-Journal reports the DCCC wants to make Congressman Mike Castle (R), 67, a top national target for defeat next year. Castle is one of the more moderate GOP House members, but the Dems think the seat is ripe for a pickup with the state's strong Democratic lean. That, and they also noticed Castle's suffered a minor stroke last year -- although he seems perfectly healthy now. According the newspaper, the DCCC is trying to convince either Lieutenant Governor John Carney or State Treasurer Jack Markell to run against Castle. Both men are currently heading towards a very competitive primary next year in the open race for Governor. Markell confirmed the DCCC has met with him, but he says he still wants to run for Governor. Castle hasn't faced a strong opponent on the ballot since 1992.

http://www.politics1.com/

[Joe Republic]

So much for the "gentlemens' agreement" then.

[MAS117]

Normally I would say Beau Biden would be a frontrunner for the seat, but I definitely think hell take over for his dad when that time comes.v

[Keystone Phil]

It's less time consuming if you just open the window at DCCC HQs and throw the money out.

[TheresNoMoney]

Castle may retire, but if he doesn't I don't think he can be beat. He's probably the most moderate GOP member currently in the House.

[RBH]

Castle may retire, but if he doesn't I don't think he can be beat. He's probably the most moderate GOP member currently in the House.

[strike]Other than that whole voting against HCR 62 thing he did last Friday[/strike]

Whoops. I confused Castle with faux-moderates like Gerlach, Reichert, and Shays.

[Mr.Phips]

I heard he might retire in 2008.  If that is the case, a Democrat will probably pick up his seat.

[RBH]

Castle may retire, but if he doesn't I don't think he can be beat. He's probably the most moderate GOP member currently in the House.

Other than that whole voting against HCR 62 thing he did last Friday

Whoops. I confused Castle with faux-moderates like Gerlach, Reichert, and Shays.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

IF (key word is if) Carney or Markell run, than we'd have a real tossup.

[Adlai Stevenson]

I think the obvious DCCC strategy will be to attack the remaining Kerry Districts in GOP hands.  So DE-AL, CT-1, WA-8 etc.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Obvious but misguided.

[Yates]

Perhaps the DCCC is only stirring up this talk in order to convince Castle to retire.

[Mr. Paleoconservative]

I do not see any ways Castle leaves Congress in 2008, unless it is of his own choosing. 

[Sam Spade]

I don't really see the possibility here, unless Castle retires or pulls a William Roth.  He's always possessed incredibly strong statewide appeal since 1980 or so.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

He won't be beat. But maybe if he can face a serious challenge he can be held to be a low margin and then retire, in which case we definitely take the seat.

[Saxwsylvania]

Mike Castle is another horrible member of the batsh**t insane party who votes like a moderate just to fool people into thinking he's not as insane as the rest of the warmongers.

[WalterMitty]

castle is obviously a freedom fight.

this stunt by the democrats will be just as successful of their 'beat chris shays' crusades.

[Rob]

Mike Castle is another horrible member of the batsh**t insane party who votes like a moderate just to fool people into thinking he's not as insane as the rest of the warmongers.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

He won't lose, unfortunately. But with any luck, he'll retire soon and we'll take his seat.

[Deano963]

It's less time consuming if you just open the window at DCCC HQs and throw the money out.

You're confused (again). Throwing money away is what the NRSC does, not the DCCC. You see Phil, the DCCC actually gets returns on it's investments, to the tune of a net gain of 30 seats this past November.

[Deano963]

Castle is so well entrenched I just can't see him losing, especially since 08 will not be another 06.

How do you know that? '08 has the potential to be even worse than '06 for Republicans, depending on  the situation in Iraq.

[MarkWarner08]

castle is obviously a freedom fight.

this stunt by the democrats will be just as successful of their 'beat chris shays' crusades.

I remember when you thought Rob Simmons was invincible...

[Keystone Phil]

It's less time consuming if you just open the window at DCCC HQs and throw the money out.

You're confused (again). Throwing money away is what the NRSC does, not the DCCC. You see Phil, the DCCC actually gets returns on it's investments, to the tune of a net gain of 30 seats this past November.

Your nasty, insanely partisan tone is music to my ears these days.

Address my point about how this race would be a waste of money.

[Mr.Phips]

Castle is so well entrenched I just can't see him losing, especially since 08 will not be another 06.

How do you know that? '08 has the potential to be even worse than '06 for Republicans, depending on  the situation in Iraq.

It's very unlikely one wave election will be followed by another.

It has happened before.  Look at 1930 and 1932.  1950 and 1952.    1978 and 1980.

It happens about every 25 years or so.

[Deano963]

It's less time consuming if you just open the window at DCCC HQs and throw the money out.

You're confused (again). Throwing money away is what the NRSC does, not the DCCC. You see Phil, the DCCC actually gets returns on it's investments, to the tune of a net gain of 30 seats this past November.

Your nasty, insanely partisan tone is music to my ears these days.

Address my point about how this race would be a waste of money.

Phil, you've never made an intelligent point in your life.

I give you my word, if you ever make one, I'll address it.

In the meantime, I'll continue to garner much amusement from your childish, incoherent and deluded statements.

[Deano963]

Castle is so well entrenched I just can't see him losing, especially since 08 will not be another 06.

How do you know that? '08 has the potential to be even worse than '06 for Republicans, depending on  the situation in Iraq.

It's very unlikely one wave election will be followed by another.

So you don't use any facts or criteria in making your statement, you just use that tired old line?

WHAT IF IRAQ IS STILL THE SAME SITUATION IN '08???