Just had to shake my head over this appeal from Joe Wilson:
Dear Friends,
Our South Carolina primary is on June 12th. That’s 73 days away. And tonight is our fundraising deadline for this quarter — there’s only 12 hours left to give. I need your help today as we get closer to the primary.
This is actually the last fundraising quarter before the primary. That’s why this one is so critical. Will you give $12 today?
I’m honored by the continued support across the Second District and the new support I have in Aiken through redistricting. Please donate today. Your donation will help us ensure a strong victory in June.
Sincerely,
Joe
Here’s the thing about that. Aside from the fact that Joe’s probably already drowning in money from the “You lie!” incident, he’s going to coast to victory in his primary with a dime being spent.
His only opposition is a nice guy named Phil Black, who has run against Joe before but failed to make any sort of impression on the electorate. Which is too bad, because like me, he favors a single-payer health care system. Which is another reason he’s not winning a GOP primary in Lexington County, the district’s gravitational center.
To his credit, Joe backhandedly admits that he doesn’t need the money for “victory;” he says he wants it to “ensure a strong victory.” You know, just to make absolutely sure that poor Phil is totally crushed.
I guess Joe just wants people to give token amounts of money to keep them in the habit of supporting him. Giving money to Joe is kind of like putting one of his signs in your yard. It’s the impression of support that it creates, rather than any material aid provided. Perhaps he hopes it will generate a habit of loyalty.
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Oh, Brad, Brad. The longer you run, the more funds you can raise. Why do you think Newt is still in the running.
Joe Wilson is a hard topic for me. I went to school with his kids and my parents live less than a mile from his house.
At the same time hes the embodiment of everything that frustrates me with the US Congress today. He points to the other side of the aisle and just blames them while offering nothing but the party line.
I wont vote for him but I have no doubt he will coast to victory.
I listened to a good This American Life from WBEZ all about campaign finance and the expectation for legislators to raise money. It was interesting and informative, and could explain Joe’s fundraising efforts even without a serious challenge for his seat.
The real question is why there was not a serious Republican challenger for the second district?
Since everyone knows Joe’s just in it for Joe’s comfort and enjoyment of doing nothing much at all, it would have appeared to be a good opportunity for someone who wanted to take action and push an agenda.
Is it that it’s hardest of all to overcome inertia?
@ Mark – Probably for the same reason that there’s no serious Democratic primary challenger for SC-6. A big war chest, name recognition, etc.
Mark, I’m not sure it would matter if Joe had a serious GOP challenger. As a District 2 resident it’s hard for me to think of a reason to vote in November. Joe Wilson will easily be re-elected probably by the same 55/45 split that’s existed since the Floyd Spence era. Just close enough to give the Dems a bit of hope for next time but without any real suspense on election night.
As for POTUS. SC just may vote for Obama but even if they do it would be just a matter of piling on to a landslide event for Mr. Obama.
All other offices will be essentially unopposed. So why should I vote at all? I probably will just in the remote possibility that SC will vote for Obama. No likely, but given the GOPs complete lack of integrity this time around I think it’s possible.
@ bud – I agree. It’s probably best if you just stay home on voting day. 😉
$12? Magic number?
@bud “All other offices will be essentially unopposed. So why should I vote at all?”
Because even if he does win it sends a message. If I at least try it makes me sleep a little better knowing i’ve done something to solve the problem rather than contribute to it.
Even if the system is flawed its the only one we have.
Thankyou, Tavish. You are absolutely right. If we don’t get out and vote we guarantee the other side wins. And it leads people like Joe Wilson to believe they have a “mandate.” However little chance you think that your person or party has, get out and vote. I wish that there was a law that forbade those who did not vote to discuss/gripe about politics.
Karen,
Hopefully I gripe less often than I vote; though there are 360 or so days a year to discuss politics!