Funny how the Associated Press waits until after the election to let this story out:
Get on the health overhaul bandwagon, or don’t count on our help in your re-election.
That’s the hardball message liberal groups are hurling at moderate Democratic senators in a battle that is dividing their party. Their demands: Support a bill that offers optional government-run health coverage and oppose Republican attempts to derail the legislation.
The groups are unleashing blunt and personal broadcast ads and e-mails at moderates even as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., tries to shape a health care bill that can attract the 60 votes it needs to pass. Assuming no Republican support, Reid needs backing from all 58 Democrats and both Democratic-leaning independents – including about a half-dozen moderates who have drawn liberals’ ire.
It’s all taking place a year out from elections in which Republicans hope to trim the Democrats’ congressional majorities. The intraparty conflict especially threatens moderates facing tough re-election fights in 2010, like Sens. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Reid himself. It could mean less enthusiasm on the part of liberal and labor groups, which supply campaign workers, contributions and votes to Democratic candidates.
Heh, I thought it was the GOP that’s divided and hated moderates???
All I can say is go ahead, make my day… Are you kidding me? I’d love to see MoveOn.org, the SEIU, ACORN, and anyone else who wants join them mount far left primary challenges against moderate Democrats in swing states… or red better still in red states!
Let’s hope this turns into an all-out shooting war! I’ve got pop-corn.