June 7, 2008 - 11:52am
How do you beat Van Hollen?
By Wally Edge
Category: HouseTags: Chris Van Hollen, Barack Obama, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, lobbyistsTop Story: Opinion
First, to co-opt a line from the Trix cereal commercials: 'Silly Republicans -- beating Van Hollen is for Democrats!'
It may be a while before anyone buys the 'inevitability' argument again, but is there any stopping U.S. Rep. Van Hollen? His Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is poised to pull off a stunt to make him bigger than Rahm Emmanuel: actually gain seats in the wake of a House-shifting cycle.
Much of it can be attributed to the electoral environment, though Van Hollen's leadership has earned its due recognition. His "Frontline" program is a tight ship, spurring candidates to raise millions. He brought the opposition research operation in-house, speeding up rapid response. And they've outgunned the GOP in three red districts -- the most since Watergate.
Point is: Van Hollen knows how to run a massive and effective campaign and will have an army of loyal colleagues and aides. When a statewide office opens up, he'll be the most capable to plow his way to a Democratic primary victory. It'd be surprising if a credible candidate even tried to lock horns with him.
Yet never underestimate the ability of those who overestimate their chances. And when Van Hollen seeks higher office (most likely the Senate), there will surely be someone there challenging him.
What will they have to go on? Little. Perhaps a few votes, or even a few House members who Democratic activists come to (or already do) despise.
And now, add this to pot: the DCCC's (and DSCC's) policy of not banning contributions from lobbyists, counter to the new rules announced by presidential nominee Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee.
Can you hear the gravelly-voiced announcer? 'While Barack Obama and national Democrats were spurning lobbyist contributions in 2008, Chris Van Hollen embraced their dirty K Street money.'
It ain't much, but it's something.
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let's not be so harsh on the idiot
perhaps he was dropped on his head repeatedly as a small child...
It was a dirty trick to slice the map to give this career cheek bruiser a seat that has always gone to a responsible moderate ... regardless of party!
This partisan hack business, depending on the automatic (D) switch that the voters of this district
occasionally display is a breach of public trust.
Throw that rat bastard Van
Throw that rat bastard Van Hollen out on his ass. What a moron! And why does he still use that picture from 100 years ago in his campaign ads. He should sport that extra 70 pounds and bald spot with pride. Locked...no way...people need to know what a do-nothing he really is. I'm emailing Hudson right now to volunteer on his campaign. Look out Chris...coming to getcha!
Start with pointing out he
Start with pointing out he met with a woman convicted of spying on behalf of Saddam Hussein. But honestly, he's not leaving CD8. He wont win senate, but he is locked in cd8.
throw em all out republicans
throw em all out republicans and democrats! nobody in congress give a damn about us maybe Hudson will be different.
How to beat Van Hollen?
With a stick, while he's sleeping.
Oh, you meant for Mikulski's seat? Forget it.
Second that - Vote out Van Hollen!
I was about to give up on the notion of a two party system in Maryland until I took a good look at some of Maryland’s congressional candidates. Republicans in Maryland are usually a joke, very bluntly, a joke. The Maryland Republican party does not support all of its candidates. They are worried about Bob Ehrlich in 2010 and State Senator Harris in 2008, and no one else. I myself live in District 4, and will be voting for Mr. Peter James in a few days on June 17 as the only other option is FAR too liberal for my moderately conservative liberal liking.
It looks like someone else has caught on. If I lived in District 8, I’d certainly be supporting Steve Hudson. Just read his website and look at his biography. Chris Van Hollen worked for a lobbyist… he’s working in a GOVERNMENT position all his life.. besides being a LOBBYIST… and as mentioned in this article… he likes “dirty K Street money.” He is part of the problem in Washington, don’t you think? Back before the gerrymandering of the 8th district, I remember when Connie Morella was my congresswoman. She was a moderately liberal Republican, but a republican nonetheless…oh no, a Republican in Montgomery County??? Well wake up… This Hudson guy has served his country, he’s going all over the world as a doctor helping people….and as much as I don’t like George Wacko Bush either…. That’s all Van Hollen ever does is bash Bush. DO SOMETHING FOR YOUR DISTRICT YOU SMUG YOU KNOW WHAT!
As the guy before me said, I would much rather have someone I agree with maybe 60% of the time represent me and be available when I need him. Did anyone watch Hillary Clinton’s speech a few minutes ago? She talked about what civil service means --- it’s the opposite of Van Hollen’s definition – he is only out for serving himself and getting elected to a higher office -- btw has anyone ever heard Van Hollen speak especially on these Sunday morning TV shows?? He’s about as eloquent as George W. Bush… ok well maybe not THAT bad.. but he’s arguably a close second!
VOTE HIM OUT - THATS THE ANSWER - FROM ONE DEMOCRAT TO ANOTHER
I'm a liberal democrat from MA. who has lived in Montgomery County for decades. The answer is VOTE HIM OUT - he has had his time in office and only been arrogant and self-serving.
I hope fellow Democrats in the 8th district will join me in supporting Dr. Steve Hudson -- yes, he's a Republican, but he's middle of the road, and has plain common sense. Hudson is a Navy vet, medical doctor, and now just an empty suit career politican like our beloved congressman.
Let's put an advocate back in congress and look past party lines... a liberal democrat supporting Steve Hudson in Marylands 8th District!
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