Bush to campaign for Burns
George W. Bush will be campaigning for Max Burns, who is challenging Congressman John Barrow for the seat that he once held.
George W. Bush has an approval rating of 46% in Georgia. Does anyone else see this as a bad idea?
Also, Burns and Barrow will debate on Monday.
Comments
Does anyone else see this as a bad idea?
I don't, although most of the commenters at Peach Pundit think it is.
The conventional wisdom in 1998 said President Clinton's support was the worst thing for a Democrat to have. Instead, it backfired on National Republicans in the 2nd District when they tried to tie Bishop to Clinton's "lies". All that did was rile up the black vote in Southwest Georgia and help Bishop turn back McCormick's challenge.
Burns doesn't have to declare himself a "Bush Republican" in all his ads like so many GOP candidates did in 2002, but he shouldn't spurn the President's offer for a one-time appearance either. People may not like his policies but most folks (at least in Georgia) like him personally, and more importantly, respect the office.
Barrow may beat Burns by 10 points but it won't be because of a single visit by the President.
Posted by: Doug Kidd | August 25, 2006 02:27 PM
When Bob Barr ran his campaign against Buddy Darden in 1994 he used a picture of Clinton and Darden as well as using his vote on the assult weapon ban to show that he was out of touch with his district.
I don't whether Clinton campaigned for him, I assume he didn't, but there was that association.
Posted by: Jason | August 25, 2006 02:39 PM
Before I moved to Henry county, Max Burns was my representative.
Since, "Burns figures his odds were improved by the Republican-led state Legislature last year when it redrew the boundaries of his old district to exclude Barrow's hometown of Athens."
This district is much more likely to go Burns this time around. This is a good move in that district. George Bush is highly thought of there.
Posted by: Joe Everidge | August 25, 2006 08:10 PM