Paul Hodes Attacks Judd Gregg -- Just In Case -- While Reaffirming 2010 Senate Candidacy
It looks like Congressman Paul Hodes (D-NH), who declared his 2010 candidacy for the Senate when it looked like Judd Gregg was headed to the Commerce Department, is preparing for a scenario in which he has to run against Gregg after all.
Yesterday evening, Hodes released this scathing statement about Gregg:
"I am surprised and disappointed at this sudden withdrawal. Senator Gregg would take us back to the years of George W. Bush rather than moving forward with the change agenda that the American people clearly want. I will continue to work with President Obama to create jobs and rebuild our economy for the middle class.
I will be a candidate for the United State Senate in 2010. I look forward to working every day to stand up for New Hampshire as we come together to confront the economic crisis facing our nation."
Gregg said yesterday said he won't be running again, but while speaking to reporters he also left himself some wiggle room by saying he was "probably not" running. Considering how a week ago he was definitely going to be Commerce Secretary, a declaration that he's probably retiring isn't exactly a guarantee.
So Hodes at this point is clearly preparing for two contingencies: He either runs for an open seat, or he takes on the incumbent Gregg. In a state that swung drastically from the GOP to the Dems in the last few years, this will be a top-tier pickup opportunity for the Democrats in either case.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
Mostly this gets Hodes some much needed exposure. Would have been campaign malpractice for Hodes not to weigh in critically.
February 13, 2009 11:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hodes is an excellent speaker with strong ideas. He's a very good campaigner, and would have a fair chance of unseating Gregg even if Gregg did decide to try to stay in. I've only seen him in person once, since he's the Rep for the other District, but I was pretty favorably impressed. He was clearly the best speaker at the event, and really got the crowd going. (This was an event for Jeanne Shaheen and Carol Shea-Porter. Hodes also spoke, as did John Kerry* and various NH State-level politicians.)
*Wouldn't it just suck to be Kerry's opponent and know that the election was so certain that Kerry could go to other states and campaign for other people?
February 13, 2009 11:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
When will Gregg have to decide officially? Wouldn't it hurt other Republicans in their fundraising capabilities as long as he's undecided?
The Senate GOP is going to try and lionize Gregg in his return to the Senate, however doing so could paint him as a hard right partisan which won't play well in NH.
While Gregg is undecided and leaving the other republican possibilities in a holding pattern, Hodes needs to stake claim to the moderate left/middle ground. He should also cast himself as independent and not a rubber stamp for the Obama Administration. All 2010 challengers should look to do the same thing as that's going to be the GOP attack points the 60-seat boogeyman and the Dem being a rubber stamp for Obama.
February 13, 2009 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
If Gregg hadn't tried for the cabinet position, he stood a good chance of reelection, IMHO. Now, NH is disgusted with him. We don't have the patience for partisan posturing. He's embarrassed us. A loyal Progressive, I still would have been likely to vote for Gregg next year if he was on the ballot, as he had previously done good things for our state. Now, no chance. He knows this, and that's why he will retire.
February 13, 2009 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Living in NH and understanding some of the things Gregg has done for the state I was willing to give him some room for his beliefs. I was actually pleased initially when he accepted the offer of Commerce even though I don't agree with his Republican positions nationally. Then came the wiggles this week - I felt betrayed in some way for giving him the benefit of doubt.
There is still the issue of changing the role of Commerce that came up earlier this week - its not clear what place that had in his decision but this was not handled well at all.
I'm looking forward to Hodes as his replacement.
February 13, 2009 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
My brother was an Obama field organizer in New Hampshire and, at an event a couple of years ago, he sat at a table with some random guy, talking and eating lunch. He thought this unknown man was very nice and smart, and after the event, someone asked what he and Rep. Hodes had talked about. When he told me this story, I was shocked that he hadn't recognized a freshman congressman from another state, revealing how much of a nerd I am.
My point is, if I wasn't an unemployed hobo because of the economy, I would definitely donate to Paul Hodes' campaign.
February 15, 2009 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink