Feb 4, 2010

Democrats in tough races want to be seen challenging Obama on TV

The Massachusetts election shock is beginning to wear off on Democrats. However, Democrats in tight November races seem desperate to be seen challenging Mr. Obama for the benefit of voters back home.

President Obama held court on Wednesday with Senate Democrats at their policy committee issues conference, but when it came time for questions, senators locked in tough reelection campaigns dominated the session.

The session was hosted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (upper photo) who is trailing in his own campaign by more than 10 percentage points.

The first question was from Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter (lower photo). Spector is a double “turncoat.” Senator Spector was a Democrat until 1965 when he switched to the Republican Party to enhance his re-election chances. Last year Spector changed again and became a Democrat once more.


Specter trails his challenger, former Rep. Pat Toomey, by 9 points.

Next up was Colorado incumbent Michael Bennet, who trails former state Lt. Gov. Republican Jane Norton by 9 points in the latest Rasmussen poll. Then the president called on Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, a health care reform advocate who trails Republican Rep. John Boozman by a whopping 19 points.

The event highlighted just how important it is even to Democrats to be seen challenging the president by their constituents.

Democrat politicians in Washington are discovering the consequences of ignoring the wishes of their constituents who are against ObamaCare by a wide margin.

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