Saturday, October 25, 2008

A Republican warns Republicans, but is anyone listening?


How McCain's post-convention campaign strategy -- to re-energize the deeply conservative GOP base -- is wrecking not only his chances but those of many incumbent Republican members of Congress is mournfully laid out in this Washington Post op-ed by David Frum. Author of the recent book "Comeback: Conservatism That Can Win Again," Frum is resigned to the Democrats capturing the White House, but he thinks it's not too late for his party to hold on to enough of its Senate seats so it can thwart what it considers the worst of Democratic tax-and-spend legislation.

Even Democrats might see the wisdom in their party not controlling Pennsylvania Avenue from one end to the other. But with about 10 days remaining in the campaign, will McCain and GOP strategists step back from their suicidal march that could cost them what should be secure Senate seats in North Carolina, Minnesota and Oregon? It's possible Republicans could even lose their contested seat in bright red Georgia.

Talking about what he'd do if he lost, McCain said no problem, he'd just go back to Arizona and be a senator again. But if he and his party keeps pushing the campaign to the base-pleasing right, some of his colleagues in the Senate may not be able to do the same.

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