I'm discouraged and disappointed to think that Mark Souder will be in the House for another two years. I can't tell you how much I loathe his ideas, his behavior and his cadre of ultra right, religious fanatic supporters.
So how did he win? Mike Montagano was within 4% in the last poll and was matching Souder ad for ad.
More, Democrats knew that two of the biggest issues in this district are abortion and guns. So they finally chose an anti-abortion rights Democrat and a strong, NRA member for their candidate. Montagano was thought to be the Tim Roemer of this distrct -- a very conservative Democrat on social issues. On top of that, Montagano criticized Obama for proposing a roll back of the Bush tax cuts! If anyone could be Souder he could. And yet -- the more liberal Democrat Tom Hayhurst -- came closer to unseating Souder two years ago, with a lot less money.
What's going on?
Well, first -- Souder is only vulnerable when his lethargy and stupidity are exposed. And Montagano decided that his only negative ad would be about Souder's ties to big business. (Souder's vote FOR the bailout and Montagano's praise for Mike Pence in opposing it) were part of this strategy.
But folks here, though they hate the way some of the bailout money is being used, basically support it. "What other option is there?", they opine. Good question.
So how can anyone beat this guy? We've tried running very conservative Democrats who'd give Zell Miller a run for their money. We've tried populist liberal types. We've tried just knocking him out in the GOP Primary by running a highly intelligent, moderate to conservative Republican mayor...nothing works. Talk about bulletproof.
I am open to suggestions! LOL
My suggestion is just to live with it for now. Eventually he may run for Senate or something and then you might be able to defeat him statewide and be rid of him.
