| 2008 is shaping up as a rematch-palooza for upstate congressional seats. First we had Eric Massa step up for another swing at Randy Kuhl in NY-29 and now we have Dan Maffei stepping up for another shot at my dear friend and utter failure Jim Walsh in NY-25.
Maffei announced his intention to run at Walsh again yesterday according to the Syracuse Post Standard and, ya gotta love this, promised to "stay in his grill."
Maffei again plans run for Walsh's seat
Democrat who nearly upset the veteran congressman files candidacy statement.
Democrat Dan Maffei on Thursday formally announced he was ready for a rematch against Republican Rep. Jim Walsh by filing paperwork needed to raise money for an election that's more than a year and a half away.
Maffei, whose bruising, expensive and nearly successful challenge to the 18-year incumbent ended just five months ago, filed a statement of candidacy Thursday with the Federal Election Commission. That's early for a Central New York congressional challenge, which normally begins within a year of Election Day.
"One of the reasons we believe the incumbent was able to prevail last time was he had a $500,000 head start in the bank from previous campaigns," Maffei said. "The reality of politics today is we need to make sure we'll have the resources to truly be competitive."
... "I must say, I don't think the congressman handled the pressure the last time around with much grace, and if I were running against him, I'd stay in his grill," McClure said.
I like that. A spokesman for Walsh then goes on to say that Walsh's stance on the war has "moved towards the political center" since the election, which, let's face it, is utter BS. Walsh sits on the House Appropriations Committee which not only voted unanimously against all the provisions for ensuring that troops are well equipped, trained and rested before deployment to Iraq, but also tried to strip billions from the supplemental bill for veteran's health care. He's attached to the hip with Bush and Cheney on this war and, try as he might, he ain't gonna be able to wiggle away this time. And do you think that Walsh's folks aren't a wee bit scared of a rematch with Maffei? Then read this classless pre-emptive attack on young Dan from that same spokesman:
Dan Gage, Walsh's spokesman, said he was not impressed by Maffei's early challenge.
"Mr. Maffei offers nothing other than blind ambition," Gage said. "Clearly, the premature timing of his announcement suggests he is motivated purely by his own self-interest, not Central New York's. People are sick and tired of campaigning, and nobody likes a rerun."
Methinks Dan Maffei damn sure got their attention last time out.
(h/t to Rochester Turning) |
