Democrats in Altmire's district unhappy with him. He has miscalulated- the republicans

[AlinPA]

will not back him in the election despite his vote.

Ross Baker, a Rutgers University scholar who's written extensively about Congress, saw Mr. Altmire's announcement as a profile in calculation.

"I think Jason Altmire has gotten himself a pass from Pelosi," Mr. Baker said, when informed of Mr. Altmire's decision. "I think he's not needed. I think they sense it's a very weird district when you have places like Sewickley and Aliquippa. I think they want to hold onto this guy. They've decided that he's vulnerable and they want to give him a chance to hold on to the seat. ... Right now, it's a lot of manufactured drama; they wouldn't schedule the vote unless they knew where their votes were going "


Back in the 4th Congressional District, the news upset the Democratic base that helped propel him to victory against Republican Melissa Hart in 2006 and '08. Attorney Gianni Floro, of Leet, said he and others who had been early backers of Mr. Altmire have become thoroughly disillusioned. "I think there will be a great number fewer supporters the next go-round," Mr. Floro said. Allegheny County Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn said Mr. Altmire is turning his back on his base at his own peril.

"To the extent that he thinks he is appeasing some of the conservative forces in his district, I think he's miscalculated," Mr. Burn said. "They weren't for him in '06 and '08 and they won't be for him now despite this vote."

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10079/1044307-176.stm

[LiberalFighter]

1. Congress critters really think they are smart about their supporters.

[independentpiney]

2. John Adler in NJ 3 is making the same political miscalculation

[ladywnch]

3. hey, take it easy with Aliquippa ! it is a 'unique' district....not wierd. :-)

you can say whatever you want about Sewickley ;-)

[karynnj]

4. I totally agree with the Democratic officials

I think the Republican effort to push the polls that show more saying they will vote against someone who votes for this ignores that the polls include everyone - and a fair number of those "less likely" people are in fact not being totally honest - they might never have had any likelihood of voting for him - and still don't.

[AlinPA]

5. He will be running against Mary Beth Buchanan, a popular judge in the area. He is a goner. nt