Cheney To Visit San Diego, Repugs Worried about Busby

[caligirl]

Cheney to visit San Diego|

Aware of the high stakes, the National Republican Congressional Committee has spent close to $2 million on ads attacking Busby. One claimed that, as a local school board member, she praised a teacher who was arrested in a child-pornography case.

Vice President Dick Cheney will visit San Diego on May 23 to headline a $2,100-a-plate Bilbray fundraiser. House Speaker Dennis Hastert campaigned for Bilbray in early May, and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is scheduled for the end of the month.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has countered with at least $1.3 million for ads attacking Bilbray, a former congressman who became a lobbyist for an anti-illegal immigration group shortly after losing his seat in 2000. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee, has raised money for Busby, as have MoveOn.org and Emily's List, a group that backs abortion rights advocates.

The June 6 runoff will be held the same day as the primary for the full two-year House term. With more than five months to go until the November general election, the campaign already has cost more than $10 million, putting it on track to be one of the most expensive House races ever. Candidates have spent some $7.7 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks campaign financing.

Democrats need to capture 15 new seats in November to regain control of the House. A Busby victory in a district where Republicans outnumber Democrats 3-to-2 would give the party momentum heading into November.

''If Busby wins, it will panic a lot of Republicans,'' said Republican consultant Allan Hoffenblum, who publishes the nonpartisan California Target Book, which rates the race as competitive. ''It would mean there is a sizable group of Republicans who have decided not to vote Republican this year.''

http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/news/14571562.htm

[TerdlowSmedley]

1. I find it odd that the Republicans still consider Cheney to be a

boon to anyone's campaign. Hasn't he stunk the place up enough?

[caligirl]

2. I'd think some hunting gear on a few dozen protestors would be

a perfect greeting, need an Elmer Fudd hat.

[PATRICK]

3. Bush also praised

a man arrested for sex crimes during a campaign stop. A trip down memory lane should be part of a Democratic response. Also Gannon and probably a thousand other references. This hardly slinging mud, just the facts.

[Jack Rabbit]

4. If Cheney is going to San Diego

. . . that should nail it down for Busby.