Chris Shays’ “On The Fence” Ad Ignites Blogswarm
The blogosphere was a-buzz yesterday about Barack Obama's pick... in CT-04 (what, was there another more eagerly awaited statement Obama was supposed to be making this weekend?)
Todd Beeton at MyDD:
Is this guy serious? I know he likes to blur the distinctions between himself and his Democratic challenger every two years but this is ridiculous. But, I suppose, what else is the last remaining Republican congressman from New England who represents a D+5 district to do?...
The truth is, Shays is a staunch supporter of John McCain's -- in fact is one of his honorary Connecticut co-chairs -- and is actively trying to defeat Barack Obama. And as for Shays' claim to be "independent", well, the Jim Himes campaign dispatches that myth...
Brownsox at Daily Kos:
That's right, lifelong Republican Chris Shays is leading his ads with an image of the Democratic presidential nominee.
Shays is a co-chair of McCain's campaign, of course.
And as for his apparent claims to transcend partisanship and other cool stuff like that...well, the campaign of Orange to Blue candidate Jim Himes would beg to differ. For it seems Shays, despite his bluster, in fact votes with his Republican brethren nine out of ten times - on the closest and most critical of votes.
Diarist catchlightning on Daily Kos:
Now, perhaps on the economy Shays has some answers. Sorry. He says he wants to "cut wasteful federal spending" but supports extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest - like John McCain does - while continuing to spend $10 billion a month on their endless war in Iraq. And in his role as senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, Congressman Shays has failed to stem the rising tide of home foreclosures, or restore order to the frayed and fractured credit markets.
How can Christopher Shays claim to share "the hopefulness of Obama" when he supports John McCain and the failed Bush-McCain policies? Well, as John McCain himself might answer -- he's in a tough election race, my friends.
CaptCT at MLN:
What the ad left out was how Chris Shays really feels about Obama.
"Barack Obama has taken no position that offends his own party," Shays said. "He has not said anything that his own party finds offensive. ... Barack is as far left as any senator in the senate. Never has he shown an instant where he has come to the middle and offended his own side.
That's obviously NOT true. FISA and the DC gun ban are two examples of times when Obama "offended" progressives. What's more, the statement hides the fact that Obama has cosponsored bipartisan legislation, including to reduce the proliferation of loose nuclear material, and to create tougher restrictions on lobbyists.
So Shays is ...
A. lying about Obama's record, and
B. an obvious phony for implying that he supports Obama -- especially when you consider that Shays is also co-chair of John McCain's CT campaign!
Lennie Grimaldi at Only in Bridgeport:
Barack Obama’s camp didn’t waste any time responding to Christopher Shays’ cable ad linking the congressman to the hope of the Democrat and the straight talk of Republican John McCain, whom Shays has endorsed.
“Barack Obama has strong, positive vision for America and a long record of bipartisan accomplishment, and we are pleased that it is respected by his Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House,” said Obama spokesman Bill Burton. “However, in this race, the good people of Connecticut should know that Barack Obama supports Jim Himes and believes Himes is the candidate who will bring the change American families need to Washington.”
ConnecticutMan1 at Drinking Liberally New Milford:
Chris Shays: I desperately approve of this message!
"Even though I voted for everything that is ruining this country right now, I am the candidate of hope AND straight talk... After 20 years in the House, vote for me for real change! I am candidate Chris Shays and I desperately approve of this message!"
