Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Senate Race -- GOP side

The Connecticut Tea Party Patriots are holding a forum for Republican candidates running for U.S. Senate. All GOP candidates have been invited, and all have accepted -- excpet for Linda McMahon, the current front-runner for the GOP nomination.

McMahon declined the invitation and there is some speculation that the format -- allowing folks in the audience to ask questions -- was the reason.

Personally, I think he decision to decline was based on more practical reasons.

First: It's pretty clear that Peter Schiff is the more likely contender to win the support of the Tea Party Patriots, so McMahon has almost nothing to gain at this point in trying to win their support. Obviously, if she were to become the nominee, things will be different -- but right now they aren't.

Second: Tea Party Patriots members are not likely to be a major force at the state convention next month, so there is no benefit to her in that regard. It is to her benefit to focus on convention delegates, not the Tea Party Patriots, few of whom will be delegates.

Third: Why put yourself out as a potential target to your opponents if you don't have to -- and she doesn't. If the majority of Tea Party Patriots are more in tune with Schiff, why would she want to take questions that might allow him to gain publicity and an advantage.

The polls indicate McMahon has the momentum, and she certainly has the resources she needs to win the GOP nomination. The Tea Party Patriots are not likely tovote for the Democrat in the race, so until she is the GOP nominee, it isn't in her best interest to compete for their support at this point.

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