I can say "I knew him when." George Will's latest column is about Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), who is the incoming majority whip in the House of Representatives. For the last two years he hosted the GOP Whip Team blogger call--I was an enthusiastic participant every time my work schedule permitted me to take part.
I met the Bakersfield businessman at the Republican National Convention in 2008, we spoke about the Illinois 8th congressional district race, and without a pause to gather the facts he discussed the particulars of that contest. The incumbent Democrat, Melissa Bean, held on to her seat that year. She wasn't so lucky this time. McCarthy was the chief recruiter of House GOP candidates this year.
Congratulations on your promotion, congressman.
Oh...when is the next blogger call?
McCarthy, along with Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), the incoming majority leader and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the soon-to-be House budget committee chairman, authored Young Guns,
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I'm puzzled by your kudos to McCarthy on the IL 8th race. NRCC targeted this race in 2006 and 2008 but failed despite spending lots of money on their choices both times. Joe Walsh was not their choice for 2010, nor did he get any national support or money. He won in spite of the national party leaders, not because of them.
ReplyDeleteMcCarthy and I talked about the '08 race where Steve Greenberg was the Republican nominee. Yes, the state and national party should have done more for the GOP winner in Illinois' 8th, Joe Walsh.
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