« Netroots Mayhem In The Midwest | Main | Democrats For McCain, Not So Much For Mitt »
January 15, 2008BELTWAY BLOGROLL
GOP Bloggers Fight For Rep. Flake
While bloggers on the left are focused on primary campaigns, their counterparts are making another run at trying to influence internal congressional politics. They want to see Arizona Republican Jeff Flake elected to an open slot on the Appropriations Committee.
RedState made the case for Flake last week, arguing that he is a better pick than National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole. "The Republican leadership has a great opportunity to prove that it is serious about earmark reform and a conservative approach to spending," the directors of the site wrote. "It’s time to put some action behind their rhetoric."
Ed Morrissey of Captain's Quarters echoed that sentiment today, calling attention to the Make It Flake site launched by Flake's supporters.
"Congress begins its session tomorrow, and this appointment will probably made shortly thereafter," Morrissey wrote. "Time is short. If we want a voice for earmark reform on Appropriations, we need to speak clearly and loudly today."
GOP bloggers haven't had much success with similar efforts, however. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., was elected to Appropriations last year despite a harsh RedState-led campaign against him. And both Mike Pence of Indiana lost his bid for House minority leader in 2006; and John Shadegg of Arizona was defeated in the majority leader's race at the start of 2006 and in the minority whip's race at the end of the year, after the GOP lost control of the House.
CORRECTION: Shadegg ran for majority leader in 2006, not minority leader, and later for minority whip I've corrected the text to reflect the error. I also fixed the link for the reference to Pence's minority leader defeat.
Posted by Danny | 07:22 AM
