Notes on Political Venality, Pomposity and Associated Stupidity.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Getting On With Beating Santorum

Okay, all of you who were solidly behind Alan Sandals and Chuck Pennacchio can now rest easy. I'm sure you feel all warm and fuzzy for having "done the right thing." But it's over now, kids. Time for The Show. Time to leave the Ralph Nader-esque "statement" vote behind and get with the program. And that program is beating Rick Santorum so badly that he moves out of his country home in Leesburg and heads back to Penn Hills hovel to await The Rapture. Casey is our guy and there is NO OPTION.

In a recent Pittsburgh City Paper column, snarky writer John McIntire, who also hosts a talk show on KDKA radio, repeated his mantra that Casey is a wet noodle. Ya' know what? It doesn't matter and I don't care. Casey may not be the most fiery orator since Williams Jennings Bryan, but personally, I'm not looking for a firebrand. I'm looking for a legislator. Someone who has MY best interests at heart, particularly my secular interests in good government, fiscal disciple, intelligent foreign policy, human rights, and on and on. The last thing we need is a bloviator who speeks a good line but has no skills at actually doing the job we elect him to do. If you look closely at Santorum's legislative record over the years you will find a paucity of action. He'll stand on the dais when the photos are being taken, but he is not a legislator. He spends way too much time currying favor on K Street to be bothered with the wonkish business of crafting new laws.

So let's thank Chuck and Alan for adding to the debate. They are both fine guys, with good ideas. They are not, however, going to be on the ballot in November.

The game is afoot. Let's stomp Santorum!