Quote:
Originally Posted by Toughy
Weiner did not raise enough money for the Dem Party. Every Congressional member (both houses) is assigned a certain amount of money they must raise for the party. This is in addition to what they must raise for their own re-election. Seems Weiner was assigned $200,000 and he only raised $75,000. That is why they tossed his ass under the bus.
At least that is what I heard on (I think) the Randi Rhodes radio talk show.
Additionally his is not a corporate Dem like Pelosi and the rest of the Dem leadership. He and Greyson were the only real progressive populist members of the House. Greyson got beat in the last election and now Weiner is gone. Who are the progressives in Congress now? Please don't tell me Pelosi and Reid are progressives or any of the other leadership folks. They are all bought and owned by corporations just like the Repubs.
Frankly I would love for him to run for his seat in the Special Election and let his constituents in Queens and Brooklyn decide if he should stay or go.
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There does seem to be a lot of "talk" about Weiner not exactly being loved by his House colleagues- that he never built up much "good will." The $ angle I have not heard, but I don't doubt that something could be up with that. I also don't see him as a team player and on one hand, I like that about him, yet know that this might not lend itself to being supported by other Dems in both the House and Senate. Part of politics and being a politician. Sad, but true.
The only other progressive I can think of is Kucinich who now might be un-seated by re-districting.
As much as I wanted him to be able ride this out somehow, I honestly believe he made his own mess by how he handled it from the start. It amazes me that he wasn't supported by someone on the Hill that referred him to expert consultants to guide him through this and control the damage. His shooting off his mouth for over a week with abrasive and really rather arrogant statements did not help him. But, why the hell Frank or Rangle didn't take him aside and give him refs to the consultants they have used- baffles me. Neither made any public statements about his resigning, nor any moralizing public comments. Both have had scandals that they survived. Actually, Frank said due to his past behavior, he felt he sure didn't have any right to put Weiner down.
I don't think he should join in the special election- the Dems have big fights with the \MediCare, Social security, Jobs Bills, and most important, the debt-ceiling that they need to be focused on. Weiner's mess did need to stop and I do believe he lost his effectiveness to represent his district.
As I said before, I don't think his political career is dead. If he does have a cyber sexual compulsion/addiction he needs to deal with it- for himself and his wife/family- the hell with House, one has a life outside of the House or Senate- whatever office they hold.
I still see him running for mayor of NYC which he wanted to do, especially in light of his district possibly vanishing. Hell, he could run for the Senate in NY. There just needs to be a respite where he is out of the news and some healing. He will be back- I really believe he will. I'm sure this experience has taught him a few things.