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Wadhams Reportedly off to Nevada for 2010

by: the_spaces_between

Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 07:18:16 AM MDT

(Got some GOP hopes up, anyway - promoted by Colorado Pols)

POLS UPDATE #3: Well, so much for that rumor.

State Republican Party chairman Dick Wadhams says he's not leaving Colorado to try to unseat Democratic Sen. Harry Reid in Nevada.
A blog run by Reid opponents reported that Wadhams was in Las Vegas recently and was considering moving there to help former Nevada GOP chair Sue Lowden oppose Reid, the Senate majority leader.
Wadhams said Tuesday that he isn't moving to Nevada to help Lowden. However, he said he did visit with Lowden and her supporters recently to talk about his success unseating former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in South Dakota in 2004.

the_spaces_between :: Wadhams Reportedly off to Nevada for 2010

POLS UPDATE: Initial word from sources confirms this is a possibility leaning toward probability--but the final decisions have reportedly not been made yet. A major development in Colorado politics if this happens, and the story we're hearing has as much to do with internal GOP anger at Wadhams after the Jane Norton/NRSC debacle (which he is widely suspected of involvement in) as it does any "opportunity" this may represent for a two-time Senate campaign loser. We'll see if the narrative adds the phrase "on a rail" to Wadhams' departure in the coming weeks.

As for Democrats? We've maintained for years now that Wadhams is a foul-mouthed braggart whose usefulness to the Colorado Republican Party is deeply suspect. A massively--as it turned out for Republicans catastrophically--overrated political strategist. It would be kind of silly for us to celebrate Wadhams' departure on Democrats' behalf then, wouldn't it? Democrats can only hope that Wadhams' replacement will be no more competent, but they probably shouldn't expect to be so lucky again.

It should also be noted that becoming the Republican Party Chair in Colorado was never exactly in Wadhams' grand career plan. Wadhams, you'll recall, was campaign manager for Virginia Sen. George Allen in what was supposed to be an easy re-election bid in 2006 that was then a prelude to running for President in 2008. That, of course, didn't happen, and Wadhams was left to return to Colorado with tail firmly between legs. Heading to Nevada to take on the Senate Majority Leader makes sense for Wadhams if he ever wants to ascend back to the top of the GOP strategist heap; knocking out Reid would certainly add a shine to the ol' resume.

POLS UPDATE #2: Wadhams responds very carefully, courtesy conservative blogger Joshua Sharf:

My friend Sue Lowden, who recently resigned as Nevada Republican state chairman, asked me to make the presentation to a group of her supporters as she decides whether to challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
As fun as that quick trip to Las Vegas was, my full time political agenda is here in my home state of Colorado, as state chairman of Colorado Republicans.

But, as Sharf notes, nowhere is an explicit denial to be found.

Original post follows.

Dick Wadhams is reportedly considering a move to Nevada to help former State Party Chairwoman Sue Lowden oppose Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's bid for re-election. This according to the Dump Reid Political Action Committee...

Sources confirm that Dick Wadhams was in Las Vegas recently to meet with Lowden and is prepared to join the campaign if/when it becomes official.
'Who is Dick Wadhams?' I hear many of you ask. Only the guy who ran John Thune's stunning upset victory over then-Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle out in South Dakota in 2004. Wikipedia notes that Wadhams has also worked for former Virginia senator George Allen, Colorado Senator Wayne Allard, former Colorado governor Bill Owens and former Montana Senator Conrad Burns. He is also the current Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party.

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Wadhams Reportedly off to Nevada for 2010 | 52 comments

If true...

Harry Reid can stop worrying. But depending on who replaces him, Ritter & Bennet might have a tougher fight on their hands.

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by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 13:24:27 PM UTC

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I wonder if

Wadhams is beginning to sense that he is going to fail again in Colorado and is looking for a less daunting challenge.

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of mans' oldest exercises in moral philosophy, that is the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness." John Kenneth Galbraith

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 13:46:34 PM UTC

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I agree

Senators Strickland, Daschle and Governor Schoettler said exactly the same thing about Wadhams

by: ArdentAdmirer2 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:23:36 PM UTC

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So did Senators Allen and Beauprez.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:27:58 PM UTC

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Oops, Schaffer.

I get those two "winners" confused.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:09:46 PM UTC

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Both of them more recently.

The post-Allen Wadhams has old generals' syndrome, fighting the last war in a world that's moved on. I just hope we get a Wadhams protegee who follows his playbook to the letter.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:19:10 PM UTC

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wasn't that supposed to eventually be President Macaca Allen?

by: One Queer Dude @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 21:39:01 PM UTC

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Oh, that's right.

I forgot about that. He was on the fast track for a run in 2008, until Dick came to his aid to help him with his career.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 21:42:39 PM UTC

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I wish him well

Wadhams is such a kind, caring man who has made it his life work to promote a constructive civil discourse. He is the king of his profession of "campaign consultant." His type of campaigning is the type that makes us proud of our democracy! It is going to be a blow to the electorate of the state of Colorado to lose such a valuable asset. With his departure, the level of political conversation will dip measurably I'm sure.
He will be missed.....

"...Somewhere between left and right is the middle..."

by: mtnhigh @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 13:56:37 PM UTC

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And we won't be treated

to any more

Liberal
LIBERAL
liberal
LiBeRal
lIbErAl
liberal liberal liberal liberal

ads.

It's a crying shame that the over saturation of of scary "He's a liberal" ads won't continue. It was the absolute best way to help elect Udall by trying to frame him in 1980's imagery. Worked out perfectly for Udall. Schaffer not so much.

by: Gilpin Guy @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 18:23:13 PM UTC

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No mention of Macaca?

"There are a lot of reasons not to elect me." Mitt Romney in a moment of clarity

"I'm Mitt Romney and yes, Wolf, that's also my first name," Willard Mitt Romney demonstrating 'policy flexibility.'

by: ClubTwitty @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:12:11 PM UTC

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Bummer

n/t

Today, you're either going to get better or you're going to get worse, but you're never going to be the same. Which one will it be? --Joseph V. Paterno

by: Ralphie @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:17:04 PM UTC

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Amazing how they mention the "stunning victory"

but fail to name the numerous, consecutive defeats. Yeah, he's on a roll, alright--just not a winning one.

Well, now we're stuck with Reid for six more years.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:19:25 PM UTC

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Reid is close to a goner according to Daily Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/storyo...

by: ArdentAdmirer2 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:21:38 PM UTC

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I didn't see the phrase,

"close to a goner" in the Kos story. A little wishful thinking, perhaps?

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of mans' oldest exercises in moral philosophy, that is the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness." John Kenneth Galbraith

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:07:56 PM UTC

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No, just the words

"anemic support" and poll numbers that should make Reid shudder in fear for his job.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:12:42 PM UTC

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Who will replace Reid as maj Ldr?

assuming they hold the majority (which I assume).

by: Libertad @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:27:02 PM UTC

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Good question. I really don't know.

To be honest, I don't really know how that works at all. Are they appointed or voted on by their colleagues? I always thought it had to do with seniority in the Senate but that can't be right, since there are Senators who have been there much longer than he has.

Anybody have any idea how that works?

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:29:33 PM UTC

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They're voted in by their caucus

And I would be quite happy to see Reid go.

He's a one-man cave-in.

Today, you're either going to get better or you're going to get worse, but you're never going to be the same. Which one will it be? --Joseph V. Paterno

by: Ralphie @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:32:32 PM UTC

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Great comment.

That sums up my feelings about him quite precisely.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:19:23 PM UTC

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Senate leaders

Are selected from within the caucus after an election. They are nominated at a caucus meeting and then voted on. The vote's significance is contingent on whether there is an actual race for a post. Same goes for other caucus positions: asst leader, whip, etc.

"At times one remains faithful to a cause only because its opponents do not cease to be insipid." - Nietzsche

by: twas brillig @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:34:23 PM UTC

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Thanks, TB.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:20:00 PM UTC

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My guess is Schumer

and I bet he's thinking like madmike below ... willing to contribute to a one-way ticket home ... his contribution just happens to be falling in line with Pelosi-Obama on cap 'n tax and card check/forced arbitration.

by: Libertad @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:36:28 PM UTC

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I've heard Sen Durbin is most likely next Maj Leader

"It takes no compromising to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no survey to remove repressions."
- Harvey Milk

by: J-Rock @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 15:46:49 PM UTC

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I'd buy that.

Durbin is well liked within the Senate, whereas Schumer can be quite caustic and likability helps when your peers are voting on you.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:02:09 PM UTC

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Think Durbin would be a much more successful

majority leader than either Reid or Schumer.

by: BlueCat @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:21:48 PM UTC

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Yeah, I do, too. He'd be a choice I would be quite happy with. n/t

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:32:04 PM UTC

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Does he have testicles?

Because that would be a welcome change.

History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. (Mark Twain)

by: PERA hopeful @ Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 00:24:58 AM UTC

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Hehehehe.

Wouldn't it, though.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 01:28:17 AM UTC

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Agree, I didn't see the phase "close to a goner"

but from the discussion above as to who and why Reid will be replaced ... it pretty much looks like there is a consensous that Reid is "toast" or in this case "a goner".

by: Libertad @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 18:21:13 PM UTC

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duh

When the Senate Majority Leader is behind in the polls to two neophytes it is time to put a fork in him. No the phrase is not in the article but the numbers are

by: ArdentAdmirer2 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 18:39:49 PM UTC

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Just the same

I hope you don't mind if I wait until the election returns are in before I get out the marmalade for Sen. Majority Leader "Toast".

"The modern conservative is engaged in one of mans' oldest exercises in moral philosophy, that is the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness." John Kenneth Galbraith

by: dukeco1 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 19:12:45 PM UTC

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would you give 10 to 1?

I'll pick Reid at 53%+ in the general,.

by: MADCO @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 20:20:20 PM UTC

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I think the recent analysis holds...

Whether or not the Senate Democrats realize it, or if even Obama realizes it, the "anemic" support for many Democrats right now centers around the impression that they're not getting the job done WRT health care reform. The poll number suck because Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents aren't "pulling the level" in the poll numbers for Democratic office holders.

If Reid decides to get off is officious butt and herd the health reform bill through the Senate with its teeth intact, he'll be fine come election time. If he's instrumental in killing it or gutting it, I think he's done.

If anyone doubts just why the Republicans are trying to screw the American public on health care reform (again), this is it: they want a replay of 1994.

"We're below sharks and contract killers." -- Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), speaking on Congress's 9% approval rating

by: Phoenix Rising @ Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 04:28:36 AM UTC

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I'll contribute for his airfare to Nevada...

As long as it's a one-way ticket.

by: madmike @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 14:58:19 PM UTC

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Not to worry

Omaba and Pelosi have been headlining the effort to retire Harry.

by: Libertad @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 18:23:34 PM UTC

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He can handle both

Wadhams should do for the party the same as when Schaffer ran. He can run both a Senate campaign and the Colorado Republican Party. He was able to do it in 2008, why not again in 2010?
(I like that as a slogan - Again in 2010.)

by: dmindgo @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:22:17 PM UTC

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Gotta hand it to you...

"Again in 2010" IS pretty darn catchy!

"...Somewhere between left and right is the middle..."

by: mtnhigh @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:27:25 PM UTC

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I hope this was meant tongue in cheek

Because if you're relying on his "successes" in 2008 as an indicator of what would happen in 2010 the CRP would be much better off without him.

The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein

by: Awen @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:06:51 PM UTC

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The Disney movies were true

If I am a good girl and try very very hard, all my dreams will come true.

by: libgirl @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:44:28 PM UTC

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The Disney movies were true

If I am a good girl and try very very hard, all my dreams will come true.

by: libgirl @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 16:44:28 PM UTC

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Bad news for Colorado Democrats if true

At least for a while. I'm sure the CRP will get around to filling the role of polarizing douchebag soon enough.

by: redstateblues @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:03:24 PM UTC

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No doubt that they will

Ever since 'campaign finance reform' began driving dollars to 527's and the like, the State Parties have lost power and become little more than a mouthpiece for each party's malcontents. That trend looks to continue into the foreseeable future.

Although, it will be difficult to find a voice so clearly representative of divisiveness in politics as that of Dick Wadhams.

by: the_spaces_between @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 17:13:28 PM UTC

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Would T. Tancredo or M. Musgrave take the gig?

Or how about either of the Schaeffereses ?
BWB?

I know- McGinnis drops out now to take over the party.

by: MADCO @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 20:22:07 PM UTC

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Guy Short for CO GOP chairman!!!!!

"At times one remains faithful to a cause only because its opponents do not cease to be insipid." - Nietzsche

by: twas brillig @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 20:39:09 PM UTC

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I hear Brad Jones is available

by: redstateblues @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 20:47:16 PM UTC

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Pols, I think you missed the boat on this one.

The quote you post in your update may not be clear as to his intentions but the other part of his statement sure as hell is:

I just want to let you know that nothing can keep me from being a part of unseating a Democratic governor for the first time in 48 years, and the accidental senator he appointed.

Sounds to me like he ain't going nowhere.

"I wouldn't characterize caloric intake as "professional development." c rork

by: Middle of the Road @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 21:04:26 PM UTC

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Well good news for us Dems here in Colorado

With Dick Wadhams steering the Colorado GOP that puts the odds back on Ritter's side.

Where all the cool kids will be on Saturday - Code War!

by: DavidThi808 @ Tue Sep 08, 2009 at 23:39:09 PM UTC

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