[Speed Gibson,
Saturday October 14, 2006 at 8:21pm]
James Oberstar - scared?
I don't live in the 8th Congressional District. I've maybe seen him on television maybe five times in the last ten years or so. Maybe less. When I saw him on Almanac, I almost didn't recognize him.
I wouldn't think Oberstar has much to worry about in his bid for re-election, even with former Senator Rod Grams as his opponent. Oberstar has been a fixture in the House since his first election in 1974 and shouldn't have any trouble in this trying year for Republicans.
On Almanac's extended debate with Grams and a third party candiate, Oberstar looked tired, as in just flew in.
The younger Rod Grams might be the best debater running in Minnesota and he's got an issue that Oberstar can't deflect - attendance.
As Grams points out, Oberstar doesn't live in Minnesota and travels extensively to non-Minnesota locales according to travel records. He also misses most of his committee meetings in Congress.
As a result, Oberstar became visibly flustered while Grams calmly kept making his points and effectively parrying a desperate "what do you know about mining" shot by Oberstar. This fight was over in the first round. An incumbent of his years and political experience should have done much better, especially on home turf like public television.
Maybe Oberstar is remembering what happened to Speaker of the House Tom Foley and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. There's no good way to spin his attendance, but somehow I doubt that's generating enough traction. The relatively poor economy in the Arrowhead could be more significant and he has no cards to play there either, just more handouts.
I would think Oberstar is safe. Grams is hoping for the best, but even a loss sets the stage for a tighter rematch in 2008. If 2006 is at all close, Oberstar may retire before that.
I wouldn't think Oberstar has much to worry about in his bid for re-election, even with former Senator Rod Grams as his opponent. Oberstar has been a fixture in the House since his first election in 1974 and shouldn't have any trouble in this trying year for Republicans.
On Almanac's extended debate with Grams and a third party candiate, Oberstar looked tired, as in just flew in.
The younger Rod Grams might be the best debater running in Minnesota and he's got an issue that Oberstar can't deflect - attendance.
As Grams points out, Oberstar doesn't live in Minnesota and travels extensively to non-Minnesota locales according to travel records. He also misses most of his committee meetings in Congress.
As a result, Oberstar became visibly flustered while Grams calmly kept making his points and effectively parrying a desperate "what do you know about mining" shot by Oberstar. This fight was over in the first round. An incumbent of his years and political experience should have done much better, especially on home turf like public television.
Maybe Oberstar is remembering what happened to Speaker of the House Tom Foley and Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. There's no good way to spin his attendance, but somehow I doubt that's generating enough traction. The relatively poor economy in the Arrowhead could be more significant and he has no cards to play there either, just more handouts.
I would think Oberstar is safe. Grams is hoping for the best, but even a loss sets the stage for a tighter rematch in 2008. If 2006 is at all close, Oberstar may retire before that.