July 01, 2009 09:27 PM UTC

GOP settles for robo-call, Web ad to hit Markey on cap and trade

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• by: BobMoore

( – promoted by Colorado Pols)

Republicans think Rep. Betsy Markey’s vote Friday on the cap and trade bill will cost her votes next year. Politico, in a breathless and at times inaccurate piece Tuesday, even described it as a “career-ending vote.” The article included the National Republican Congressional Committee’s plans for attacking Markey and other potentially vulnerable Dems with TV and radio spots.

The NRCC’s offensive was unveiled today. They’re targeting Markey with robo-calls and a Web ad. As I discuss in my Coloradoan blog, that seems like a pretty light response, especially after the buildup. See my blog here: https://tr.im/quL5

In my blog, two Colorado State University political scientists discuss how important this vote might be next year. The obvious conclusion — it’s way too early to tell.

Bob Duffy, the CSU political science chair, is particularly dismissive of the NRCC: “”Who cares what the NRCC says-they have no credibility at this point.”

His colleague, John Straayer, said Markey’s votes could create vulnerability, but much of that will depend on how she responds.

“If Markey finds herself on the defensive, she’s in trouble,” Straayer said.  “If she proudly owns her votes and casts them as pushing to solve serious problems for which the R’s have no solution, she may well be just fine.  And she can’t let her opponent define Betsy Markey.”