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April 10, 2007 12:26 AM UTC

Musgrave Taking It To "The Streets"

  • 68 Comments
  • by: Colorado Pols

Saturday’s Fort Collins Coloradoan reported:

After narrowly winning last fall’s U.S. congressional election, Congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave appears to be working hard to shore up support from voters.

Musgrave has announced she will spend next week trying to “reconnect” with constituents back home with a series of meet-and-greet events…

Included in Musgrave’s schedule are meetings with local businesses, students and officials as well as “Marilyn on Main Street,” in which Musgrave will spend time walking the streets of Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland and Estes Park talking to residents.

Musgrave said in a news release that she is trying to do a better job listening to constituents, but a political observer from Colorado State University said the congresswoman likely is trying to rebound from criticisms alleging she was inaccessible during last fall’s election.

“It’s probably a political calculation and a smart one. It tells me that she can read the political tea leaves,” CSU political science Professor John Straayer said.

Jason Thielman, Musgrave’s district director, said the congresswoman is trying to take advantage of the congressional spring recess to spend more time with her constituents, especially in light of new rules that require representatives to stay in Washington for a five-day work week.

Thielman acknowledged recent efforts to show Musgrave as both accessible and more bipartisan.

“The congresswoman feels she can do a better job of being accessible and reaching out to people across the district and across issue areas,” he said. [Pols emphasis]

Not a lot else going on today, let’s do a poll.

Can Musgrave rehabilitate her image among uncommitted voters?

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68 thoughts on “Musgrave Taking It To “The Streets””

  1. She shouldn’t be vulnerable in her district anyway.  She needs to do this, and if she’s successful then she’ll be in for life.  Voters like to be paid attention to, and if she hasn’t been doing that, she has no one to blame for her close calls than herself

    1. The Coloradoan article mentions Thielman as her district director but I read a Post article that said he is also her campaign manager.  Must be nice getting that Federal paycheck and working part time on the campaign.  Not a real ethical use of taxpayer dollars… hmmm… wonder where he spends most of his time?  Anybody know?

      1. I’m thinking tax payer dollars are now funding the position of “CAMPAIGN MANAGER”/”District Director”.  Just another shady way to handle a Congressional Office/Campaign Office.  I guess if they can’t have the Campaign Office inside the Congressional Office anymore the next best thing is having the Campaign Manager inside the Congressional Office at the tax payers’ expense.

  2. She’s out of touch, and she’ll drive that point home when she talks to voters:

    “Hi sir, I’m your Congresswoman, how are you?”

    “Well, I got killed in this winter’s blizzard, UNC is way too expensive now and I don’t have health insurance.  Where do these issues rank up with you?”

    “The #1 issue facing this country is gay marriage and Angie Paccione’s bank account, period.”

    1. Take the same questions, pose them to a Democrat and the response will be:

      “De-funding our troops, taking the phrase ‘war on terrorism’ out of the budget, and trying to make everyone in the Bush administration resign.”

      1. Since Carl Levin just said they wouldn’t defund the war gave more money to the “war on terror” than Bush asked for and well the Dems are asking for the corrupt ones to resign, which well may be everyone by the time the term is up.  BTW, Gingrich thinks that Gonzales should resign as well.

        But yeah, I’ve never heard Democrats talk about helping farmers, making college and healthcare affordable…  Maybe you’re just as out of touch.

        1. Levin said that because Dems are on the defensive.  If you looked at what he said, you’ll notice that he said “the senate will not defund the troops.”  I’m not worried about the Senate, I’m worried about the House.

          Second, I never mention “Gonzo”.  You did.  You made the “connection” because you’re a partisan Democrat.  Also, you’ll notice that Dems are the ones to call for someone’s head in the Bush admin before any evidence comes out that someone did something wrong.

          Thridly, you’ll also notice that sure, Dems talk about Health care, college, etc.  But the only thing they DO is pass stupid resolutions about the war, complain about Bush and try and make everyone resign.  That’s why Dems approval ratings are as low as the Reps in congress (please reference my diary post).

          Maybe you’re out of touch if you seriously think that people are happier with Democrats because of their so-called results.

          1. In our system of government the house and the senate must pass the same bill, so when the senate won’t defund the war, that means that congress won’t defund the war, which means the Dems wont defund the war.

            I’m just using Gonzo as the latest example of where incompetent management within the administration has triggered please from both sides of the aisle for resignation.  There are plenty of others as well.

            The only thing Dems did was implement the 9/11 commission recomendations, raise the minimum wage, promote stem cell research to aid millions of people, lower perscription drug prices, cutting interest rates on student loans and invested in renewable energy, all within the first days in office.

            Congress can’t be measured by approval ratings.  Ask any poly sci professor.  Congress itself always gets bad marks, but look at individual congressman within individual districts and you’ll get the true story.

            1. “Congress can’t be measured by approval ratings.  Ask any poly sci professor.  Congress itself always gets bad marks, but look at individual congressman within individual districts and you’ll get the true story.” 

              Funny, because that’s what the conservative commentators were saying around October 2006.  Ask any high level professor, and they’ll tell you that in politics, perception is reality.  And if the public perception of Democrats in congress continues to be what it is, 2008 could be a surprise for some people.  The key issue you missed (assuming you read the article, if not, shame on you :-)) is that some of the key numbers are the same as they were when Republicans lost.

              Let me also remind you that the Senate has already passed a couple of the left wing resolutions the house has passed regarding the war.  The Senate’s message to the house was pretty clear to me: “stop f**king around, you’re making us look bad”.

              You think that attaching pork funding for farmers and removing the phrase “war on terrorism” is the 9/11 commission’s recommendation?  Because apparently, that’s “all they’ve done”.

              1. …that republicans lost Congress b/c of Congressional approval ratings, that’s pretty telling.  My God, I agree with something conservative commentators said!

                You mention the senate passing “left wing resolutions” but should I remind you they were bi-partisian.

                I agree that pork is bad on the bill but that’s what it takes to pass bills sometimes.  In fact, ear marks set all time records during the previous six years of republican controled congress.  However, I was referring to the actual money ear marked for Iraq and Afghanistan, which was more than asked for by the Bush admin.

                ’06 was just the beggining.  We’ll have a Democratic White House, a fillabuster proof senate and even more house seats, but keep looking at meaningless April poll numbers…

                1. You might be the new Prometheus, stealing fire from the gods!:-) The only way to beat this anti-American, anti-Constitution, Pro-War Corporatocracy is with facts…facts..facts! The people of America will follow the truth. I have a deep and abiding faith in Truth, Justice and the American Way”!

                  Keep the fire in your belly and spread the word. The flame of freedome, equality and justice will NEVER fade or go away, as much as the Haners of the world might like it to.

                  1. Haners has so far shown himself to be a good, honest debater which is more that I can say for a lot of polsters here. Let’s not trash talk just because he doesn’t agree with us – leave that to the Dobbies and Geckos.

                    2. You’ve earned my respect, and are the type of adversary I wish there were more of here. Not that tangling with the others isn’t fun, but it’s not intellectually rewarding.

                    3. I agree.  I like to try and debate as well as articulate how I feel and view things.  I do a better job some days than others, but I do try.  😉  That’s the fun of blogging that gets me through the work day….

                2. “If you believe that republicans lost Congress b/c of Congressional approval ratings, that’s pretty telling.” I hope you don’t think they still would have lost if their apporval ratings were good, do you?  It’s a fact, if congressional approval ratings are down, members of congress in marginal seats could be seriously affected by a “wave” movement.  It’s what happened in 94 and 06, and commentators made the same arguement you did in both cases.

                  “My God, I agree with something conservative commentators said!”  Listen to Glenn Beck and that may be a normal occurance.  Beck is a lot better than Rush 🙂

                  As for the assertion that the amounts passed are more than what Bush asked for, are you including the overall amount, which would include the pork?  If so, that’s not that great of a bragging point.

                  And as for 06 being the beginning, I hardly doubt it.  I doubt any party will get a “fillabuster” proof senate majority, the Washington Post lists the majority of endangered house seats as Dem seats, and this presidential election is going to be anything but a shut-out for either side.

                  But keep listening to people who see this sort of stuff through a partisan lense.

  3. Haha I would love to see Musgrave walking around downtown Fort Collins trying to connect with her constituents, at least my experience growing up in Fort Collins is that she will probably not be well received.

    1. Don’t worry, I’m sure this is is completely set up.  Everyone she will be meeting will be “pre-approved”.  She’s not out there really trying to meet “folks”. 

  5. You know she’s great because of all the politicans in Colorado she draws the most libeal ire.  She’s unbeatable because she’s such a solid advocate for the values the 4th CD cares most about.

     

        1. You were trounced bad in 2006 – you’ve admitted as much. But you keep up the cheers.

          BTW, it’s really weird that you use “we” in describing Musgrave. She’s not your Congresswoman. What is it about some Republicans who act like this is all a team sport? Is your grasp of politics that simple?

            1. That statement makes zero sense. Politics isn’t my life, so I guess I’m a conservative by your definition.

              No, politics is just a game to you. That’s why you’re a cheerleader and not one who seems capable of grasping the complexities of it all.

              1. Conservatives believe that values and culture are most determinant of human behavior.  Liberals believe economics and politics determine human behavior.  Conservatives try to build culture and families with the end goal of marginalizing political concerns.

                2. What values are you talking about? List them and defend them! “Culture”….please. What America is most at the mercy of is “popular culture”. What culture are you talking about? Liberals do NOT believe that economics and politics determine human behavior. Human Beings believe in individual responsibility and the conscience spoken through their SOULS; community decency and “tribal” preservation; and believe that the most efficient use and preservation of our God given resource Mother earth needing protection makes COMMON SENSE.

                  Please describe in detail the culture that conservatives are trying to build, with examples based on the control of the body politic for the last 6 years of the conservatives.

                3. If economics have no impact on human behavior, then why do y’all oppose increasing taxes on on earnings?  Y’all are always saying that if you increase taxes on earnings it takes away the human drive to achieve….

                  Cornerstone #1 blasted away….

                  Next?

            2. Aristotle saw politics as the most important activity in human life. It is one that requires maturity, prudence, and dedication to the welfare of society.

              That it is has been reduced to ESPN watching by many folks is truly sad, and doesn’t bode well for our political system.

          2. Including the possesive, “Our”, you hear it whenever slimeballs like Fox and Bush want to perpetuate an us/them mentality.  I heard Blair describing the navy hostage situation and it was all “we” and “us” and “our.”  I am sure he was not on the boat captured, yet he talks like it.

            Same thing holds true in sports and is one reason I have so little affinity for it.  How often have you heard, “Man, we really kicked their ass, didn’t we?” or something similar?  I always want to ask, “Hey, are you a Bronco?” in mock incredulousness.

            The first time this jumped out at me was passing by a TV with Faux news on. “Insurgents killed four of our soldiers yesterday.”  For those not old enough to remember what real, unbiased news reporting was, an event like that should be “Insurgents kill four American soldiers.”

            But that’s the way of Goebbels… I mean the radical right.

    2. Musgrave is attacked by the RINOs and Liberals because she is at the forefront of a war against letting the Socialist Agenda take over our schools, homes, and government!!!!

          1. We’ve tussled before. Don’t you remember? I’m sure you’re her. You only ever post when something about MM is the subject of a diary.

            1. For a youngster, you’re impressing me daily. Stay the course, do the hard research work that presents FACT and continue to fight the good fight!

            2. < A HREF="http://coloradopols.com/userDiary/comments.do?personId=4910">Look at the time of postings. It is most likely somebody local.
                Keep in mind that she is several hours different. It is most likely a local person from her staff.

              Several of her kids are on her payroll and it is possible that this is one of them. But more likely it is actually Steve. He used to sell and set-up computers so he is somewhat computer savvy.

        2. that’s the way it works in “Shorty’s Shop” — we really get two for the price of one. I wonder if he can pass for MM on Main Street Ft. Collins this week if he were to don a blonde wig and put on a purty pink dress.

          1. They were so much fun and with two for the price of one it’ll be double the fun – Two, two, two Congressmen for the price of one (you get that anyway if you compare their salaries – they’re pretty much the same thing).  You could have Congresswoman Musty and Shorty both in pink suits – probably the same size – twins, as it were… with both of their chubby ol’ forepaws blocking the cameras of news media asking for comments.

      2. She’s not ONLY attacked by RINO’s and Liberals… she’s attacked by Conservatives who were VERY disappointed in her CAFTA vote.  She’s obviously part of the problem – not part of the solution.  Why else would she get only 46% of the vote in her district which is supposedly a safe GOP district?  How lame is that?  So, don’t start on this bologna that she’s a hero of some kind to Conservatives.  Like you, she’s just a “yes woman” Bush party puke who goes along with what Leadership tells her to do which is probably just fine with her… as it suits her re-election effort. 

      3. Do you also worry about aliens abducting you?

        Do all people who disagree with your point of view have Socialist agendas?  I bet you’re one of those people who has to have everyone agreeing with you or you bust a gut.  Could it be that Liberals merely have different opinions about what is important to the country?  Why must you make them out to be people who want to undermine the country they live in? 

        As I said, you are one paranoid, dude.

          1. I have a hunch Shorty is going to be needing some serious bonding experiences with his staff on a regular basis to keep the wheels on the MM wagon for the next 18 months.

          2. They only paid up on rent for the staff retreat because Musgrave’s COS got caught red handed by the Rocky reporter who started asking questions.  The lowliest of staffers working on the Hill knows you can’t ask for gifts like he did. You’d surely think a COS would know better (unless he thought nobody’d ever know (I’d still like to know who got to sleep on the 3 beds in the cabin? 15 people – three beds). 

            1. So many rules, so many gray zones and/or easily overlooked situations. 

              Frankly, I”m not into the “gotcha game” cuz it will backfire sooner or later.  It’s not like they were trying to avoid many thousands of dollars of rent, or meet in secret.  I think the amount agreed upon as typical was less that $400.

              1. But, this isn’t a “gotcha” game.  Shorty is a seasoned Chief-of-Staff and so used to the “majority mindset” that he’s enjoyed since he took the job that it’s telling that it never occurred to the Co-Congresswoman there are rules and ethics that must be followed.  If he’s willing to break the rules on a “little” thing — what makes you think he wouldn’t do it — given the opportunity — on something much bigger in scope???

  6. HR 580, to repeal the undisclosed provision in the “Patriot Act” which allowed the appointment of U.S. Attorneys without Senate confirmation.
    Musgrave voted no, joined by only 77 of her colleagues (including Doug Lamborn). Even Tancredo voted yes.

    1. Musgrave has an abominable voting record, whether voting against increases in homeland security programs, protecting the DeLay-Abramoff system, or supporting nutty symbolic legislation that does nothing for people’s lives. She’s a joke when it comes to actual legislation, but it seems most voters in CD4 don’t care.

    3. That’s because she’s a total party puke.  Go along on whatever stupid things “Leadership” wants.  Anything to try to stay in good graces with the Big Boys… who dole out goodies (like $$$ support) to the Faithful who will vote their way.  Tancredo is not one of the faithful party pukes… and to his credit that is a huge compliment to his integrity and character.

  7. Supposedly, she has had several nice offers that would enable her to be VERY comfortable for the rest of her life. She has elected to not take them. But rove et.al.  will probably tire of this game, and will soon make no more nice offers. Once that happens, she will  have little to NO republican support at the next election (more likely she will get the standard amount, but nothing beyond that). She will have to stand on her own. In addition, once she is out in this fashion, she will NOT have another nice offer from party members (republicans reward loyalty over results e.g. rumsfield vs powell). She would do well take one of the offers and to help “heal” her brother-in-law. They will pay her MUCH more for a very long time and offer the traveling opportunities that she seeks.

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