Although they still hold a huge advantage in elections, 2010 is certainly the year of anti-incumbency fever among the electorate. With the surprising defeat of Utah Senator Bob Bennett last weekend, those challenging incumbents in primaries are feeling especially energized with just a few weeks to go before the June 8th primary.
Earlier today, congressional candidate Phil Liberatore held a press conference outside Congressman Gary Miller’s office, whom Liberatore is challenging in the primary, to discuss Miller’s campaign tactics. Apparently Miller’s campaign paid for some signs dubbing Liberatore a tax fraud. In his comments to reporters, Liberatore honed in on recent underdog victories fueled by the anti-incumbent attitude of voters.
"After Scott Brown there was Chris Christie, who ran for Governor of New Jersey and won in a state with a liberal majority. Then there was Bob McDonnel in Virginia who trounced his Democratic opponent by 18 points even though they had been evenly matched a few years back. And most recently there was Robert Bennett the Senator from Utah who was defeated despite his years of distinguished service in the U.S. Senate. Why: Because he began to vote with the Democrats-including for the TARP bailout bill-sound familiar? Yes, the same voting pattern as Gary Miller. And now it’s time for Gary to join Bennett on the sidelines."
Obviously, beating an incumbent is never easy. But in a year full of surprising political twists, even Barbara Boxer has admitted no seat is safe–not even in California.
May 12th, 2010 at 12:00 am
Tax fraud is a pretty serious charge, beyond the bounds of “normal” mudslinging. Miller should either provide documented proof or retract the allegations.
And someone should tell Phil that Scott Brown came after Christie and McDonnel, not before.