Good morning folks,
Montana Governor Steve Bullock is on the hot seat, thanks to the backroom “Big Sky Buyoff” deal that Harry Reid cut with President Obama. Bullock faces a choice: Does he follow in the spirit of Governors Christie, Manchin and Patrick who put politics aside and do what is best for Montanans by appointing a qualified individual to serve out the remainder of the term, or does he do what is best for the Democrat machine in Washington and appoint the blatantly political choice of John Walsh?
Harry Reid has been trying to influence and manipulate the Montana Democratic primary for some time, so there’s little question as to what he wants. The problem is that the Reid/Obama deal is too slick, too slimy, and too “Washington.” It will backfire, here’s why:
- It reminds folks exactly what’s wrong with Washington. Voters (especially in Montana) don’t like Washington favoritism and certainly don’t like secretive
deals designed to subvert their will that simply don’t pass the smell test. As KPAX News reports, former Democratic Congressman Pat Williams is urging Governor Bullock not to pick from the trio of Democrats running for Senate: “My own thinking is that he should not appoint one of those candidates, because that would be like favoring them, for both the June primary, as well as the November election next year. I think he ought to appoint somebody who would just be a place holder,” Williams said. - Meanwhile, folks on the ground believe that Williams would be the most logical move to temporarily fill the seat The Montana Standard writes: “Bohlinger’s top campaign adviser, Bob Brigham, suggested Wednesday that Bullock appoint former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams to fill Baucus’ seat through 2014 – with the understanding that Williams wouldn’t run for election, leaving the existing candidates to
continue with their campaigns. ‘Pat Williams can go back there and, on day one, be as effective as anyone in the chamber,’ Brigham said. ‘Then when it comes to the future direction of the Democratic Party, let the voters decide.’ Williams, 76, who lives in Missoula, said Wednesday he’d consider it – if Bullock asked. Williams said Bullock should appoint someone who knows their way around Washington, D.C., and who would not run for re-election. ‘I have both of those qualifications and I can’t think of another Montanan who does,’ he said.” - The deal undercuts the lone argument that Democrats have made for John Walsh’s candidacy – that he’s from outside of Washington with no attachment to President Obama and the Democratic leadership/agenda. That argument is now moot, since Walsh is now Harry Reid and Barack Obama’s hand-picked United States Senator.
- John Walsh has to navigate not just a general election, but also a win a primary while living in Washington, D.C. This will only highlight what has already been an ugly and divisive primary fight.
- John Walsh isn’t ready to be a United States Senator. Don’t take our word for it – take his. After hiding for more than two months since announcing his campaign through a highly scripted video, John Walsh sat down for his first television interview as a U.S. Senate candidate to discuss the recent budget agreement. The result? He laments that the budget deal is unfair and passed on the back of our veterans but then seconds later praises the deal as a good compromise. Walsh clearly has little idea about the issues or his position on them. It was embarrassingly brutal, but will be the first of many should he be in Washington for the next year.
This “Big Sky Buy-off” is too cute by half and simply doesn’t pass the smell test.
Seize the day,
Brad Dayspring
Read more at http://www.theminorityreportblog.com/2013/12/19/big-sky-buyoff-secret-obamareid-deal-puts-governor-on-hot-seat/#VvUrSyKv0qFmbJDD.99
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