FOCUS ON 2010 ELECTION DEPT:
Keep an eye on the Senate seat currently held by Democrat Barbara Boxer in California--one senses there's a lot of energy on the part of those opposing her:
"The widely played video clip of U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer reprimanding a general for calling her "ma'am" is the gift that keeps on giving for the two Republicans hoping to challenge her next year. Republicans Carly Fiorina and Chuck DeVore are trying to capitalize on the exchange by making it a key ingredient of their fundraising efforts and attempts to recruit grassroots support. Both campaigns say the video revs up a GOP base that already has long-standing animosity toward Boxer, among the most liberal members of the Senate."
As the rest of the article points out, there are certainly plenty of folks in California and elsewhere who pooh-pooh this and claim it won't be an issue. But I wonder. This is an off-year election. Turnout will be lower. Often the race goes to the candidate with the most energized, motivated voters, who turn out and vote. That's why this kind of issue can help Republicans in a race like this. And Republicans CAN win in California, as somebody named Schwarzenegger, whatever his failings, has shown.
NFL DIARY:
Colts 28, Broncos 16: The Colts struggled some. The Broncos have a tough defense. But again, we saw the Colts go on an 80 yard, 7-minute march in the 4th quarter to secure the win. And the Colts' defense was tough in the red zone again, forcing turnovers, holding Denver to field goals. Here's an interesting stat: the Colts have turned the ball over 18 times this year. How many times, after those turnovers, has the opposing team scored a TD? Answer: zero.
Meanwhile--Ravens 48, Lions 3: the Lions as usual were manhandled by a tough, physical team. Did they give up? Maybe. They certainly shied away from a fight, and showed a lack of heart.
Lions fans keep thinking the horrendous, horrible performances have come and gone and can't get any worse. Then comes days like yesterday...
NCAA HOOPS DIARY:
The University of Michigan men's hoops team got a much-needed win yesterday, over Detroit Mercy, 75-64. Michigan's defense improved some, it appears; and it needs to, because Michigan was nationally ranked when the season began, but is now only 5-4 and goes to play #1 Kansas later this week.
IS THE GOP/CONSERVATISM DEAD? DEPT:
Nope--for example, conservative Republican Pat Toomey continues to lead Democrat Arlen Specter in polling for the 2010 Pennsylvania Senate election.
And yet another poll--this time from Bloomberg--shows Republicans leading Democrats in the 2010 generic congressional ballot. Wow!
HEALTH CARE REFORM UPDATE:
Remember--many of the claims coming from liberals and Democrats concerning health care reform and the need for more government involvement are simply false. For example:
"Sen. Richard Durbin (D., Ill.) said that half of all bankruptcies are caused by medical bills. A 2006 study found that only 9 percent of bankruptcies were primarily the result of medical bills. The study where Durbin’s claim originated used very loose criteria to classify bankruptcies as medical in nature; even in that study, only 29 percent of those surveyed blamed health expenses for their bankruptcies."
Read the whole thing--lots of good links to lots of good evidence.
