How They Stormed the Castle: The Pyrrhic Victory
So how did this happen? There are two answers to the question, depending on what you mean by the question.
First, the votes. Where did Christine win?
O’Donnell won 12,369 votes in New Castle County, 6,151 in Kent and 12,041 in Sussex, for a total of 30,561 and 2-1 wins in Kent and Sussex County over Castle. Meanwhile, Castle beat O’Donnell by 4,500 votes in New Castle County, garnering 16,891 votes, 3,518 votes in Kent and 6,612 votes in Sussex, for a statewide total of 27,021. So what happened is what we all knew could happen, and Christine’s only path to victory: “Run up the score in Kent and Sussex and lose closely in New Castle County (or at least avoid having Castle run up a huge score).
So that is the technical how. For Republicans hungover today (from either joy or mourning), a different path to victory will be required for Christine, as there are nearly more Democrats in New Castle County then there are total voters (Republicans and Democrats and Independents) in Kent and Sussex County.
The philosophical how is a different question. Allan Loudell touches on the answer:
But the other significant factor which has been lost in much of the national media coverage: Today’s Delaware Republican Party – and I’m referring here to rank-and-file voters – is vastly different from the Delaware G.O.P. of a decade or certainly two decades ago. Rather like a comet shedding its very essence as it nears the sun, the upstate Delaware G.O.P. has been shedding voters, who have re-registered as independents, or took the plunge to register as “D’s”. To be sure, some Delaware Republicans have re-registered Democrat only to vote in a particular election. This happened in 2008, when a contingent of upstate Republicans shifted to the D’s to vote in the Democratic Presidential and Gubernatorial primaries, particularly for Jack Markell. You can bet many INTENDED to swing back to the G.O.P., but never got around to it.
Delaware Republicans for generations were of the Northeast variety, such as Nelson Rockefeller and former Delaware GOP Governor Russell Peterson. They were moderates, but were called “liberal” Republicans. Indeed, Peterson, a dedicated environmentalist, is not a Republican anymore. He is a Democrat. That is not an isolated event. The parties have realigned. The Democrats used to have many conservatives within the party, especially in the South (both nationally and locally), but the events of the 1960’s and the Civil Rights Movement changed that real quick. And now, the events of the 1990’s and the 21st Century are driving moderates and liberals away from their old Republican Party, sometimes screaming, as in last night.
Sure, some Republicans may have switched over their registration to become Democrats in 2008 so they could create a little mischef, or perhaps some were geniunely wanting to vote for Markell in his primary against Carney. If these Republicans had the former motivation, to create some mischef, then they probably are heavily engaged in politics and would have switched right back to being Republicans as soon as possible. Indeed, I was telling someone last night that I don’t think I could ever register as a Republican, as I would automatically feel unclean and soulless, and that if I should die as a Republican I would go directly to Hell; but … if I did register as a Rethug, I would change that registration so fast after that primary that I would be waiting at the Elaine Manlove’s door the next morning.
So what we are really talking about is Republicans who have the latter motivation, in that they switched to vote for Markell for geniune reasons. If that is the case, they are most likely Castle voters. So yes, that contributed to Castle’s loss. But this contribution is a symptom of the larger problem that reduced the Grand Ole Party to the state it is in today, where it will be three or four generations before it will be able to complete for state wide offices.
Moderates are not welcome in the Republican party any more. The Teabaggers themselves will tell you that. In fact, the Teabaggers want to literally kill all moderate Republicans (see the death threats against Ross et al). And this is not a new thing. For years now, moderates have become fewer and far between in the GOP.
So how did this happen?
It happened because the Republican Party has become so conservative and so extreme that reasonable moderates and even some sane conservatives no longer feel comfortable having an (R) after their name anymore. It happened because the DE GOP has not matured as it got older. It has devolved. It is a shell of its former self, and that was in 2008, when Bill Lee had to be dragged home from a Florida vacation just so that the party could have a candidate for Governor. It is actually worse now. O’Donnell is now the nominee, and four years ago, she finished third…. BEHIND MIKE PORNSTACHE PROTACK!!!
Does this sound like a party has is growing its tent and reaching out to more voters?
No. It is a party that is being distilled down to the very pure conservative ideological fringe.
Radicals like Frank Knotts and David Anderson and Angel over at Delaware Politics are happy today. They won’t be for much longer. They have won the battle for the soul of the Republican Party, but it is a pyrrhic victory.
Nationaly the GOP has gone to e right because the leadership is now a cadre of entertainers. The leadership has no interest in governing. They are interested in creating cycles of mayhem, ratings, and cash. That’s why the vaporous jibber jabber that passes for Odonnell’s platform can be recited like a catechism by her zombified followers. Fox News does not work for the GOP, it is the GOP.
Good post DD–and now any hope of a tent has been traded for some “survivalist” shelter–a hollow in a tree, or piled ground cover. I think it really is over–for a good long time.
Do I have to get out of bed yet?
It’s true.. I am one of those moderate conservative voters. Fiscal conservative, socially liberal.. the GOP has made it known there is no room for my point of view. The “Big Tent” of the 80’s has morphed into a pickup truck full of bible beating jesus freaks.
That is a great point, jason.
Castle failed to excite His base. To a degree,his base also is probably not feeling the effects of the slowed economy the way her base is. Thus change was the motivation. 57% of 30% really ain’t that great. Castle people stayed home because the media narrative was he had it in the bag.
Also, many O’donnellites I spoke to just didn’t believe the stuff written in WNJ. Different reality, dude.
But even libertarians are not welcome in the party, since Republicans now want to have a national religion and want to control when and where and under what conditions you can have sex.
Brian, your libertarianism disqualifies you as a moderate.
A1 is big on purging, as well. 🙂
DD,
You stumbled toward the key takeaway point, but then veered drunkenly away, missing the object lesson entirely.
The key here was turnout in Kent and Sussex. These are two fundamentally conservative counties and have been for decades. There are Democrats, and there are liberals, to be sure, but not many. Among the GOP rank and file, the conservatives are king.
They are church-going people – every Sunday and probably at least one Bible study during the week.
They are homeschoolers who think education belongs in the family.
They are hands-off-my-damn-land farmers.
They are don’t-raise-my-damn-taxes small business owners.
They are pro-lifers for whom “abortion” and “choice” are swear words.
They own guns, several of them, and go hunting frequently.
They are led by Vance Phillips and Sam Wilson and Eric Bodenweiser and Christian Hudson and Bill Colley and Duke Brooks and David Anderson and Frank Knotts and Angel Clark and Russ Murphy and Nicole Theis. Phillips and Wilson and Bodenweiser – almost – have given them legitimacy and cover over the last decade as they have moved into positions of power.
They have always believed in these things. They have always been taken for granted. They have always voted for Mike Castle because there was no better alternative. And they have always been run roughshod over by the mainstream leadership.
On Tuesday, they struck out at Mike Castle, whom their leaders had turned into a caricature of himself. He is old – an incumbent – out of touch – a Washington insider – a RINO – a liberal – a Barack Obama supporter – practically a DEMOCRAT. And that means SOCIALIST. And that’s just a step away from being a COMMUNIST.
They have always been here, just ignored and overlooked. Now they have tasted power. It’s going to take a lot of work for the GOP to shove them back in the closet.
Uh, Anon. I think you agree with me. Your point is that the freaks who have tasted power are now in charge. And that’s my point.
Indeed, I believe my last sentence made that point: “Radicals like Frank Knotts and David Anderson and Angel over at Delaware Politics are happy today. They won’t be for much longer. They have won the battle for the soul of the Republican Party, but it is a pyrrhic victory.”
Sorry I didn’t use small words and big letters so you could understand.
“Fox News does not work for the GOP, it is the GOP.”
And, as we’ve all been witness to, the GOP is now the Political Corporation Party. Not surprising that Rupert Murdock and his ilk have taken control. That has always been their goal. And the circus performers they choose as candidates will do their bidding and keep the rabble roused. They are making sure Sarah’s pockets are lined and they will do the same for puppet Christine. It’s all very, very Owellian.
We must VOTE in Nov. that’s the answer to all question screw how they feel think about what they r saying and what they want to do!!!!!
No, my point is that these freaks, as you call them, have always been there. This is not some new trend or movement. This was the awakening of a slumbering beast. These are not newly radicalized nutbags. These are nutbags of long standing, with deep roots in their communities who represent a very large but overlooked segment of Delaware politics.
The whole “Delawareans are Rockefeller Republicans” meme was created by people who spend their time in Wilmington, venturing to Dover only for the legislative session and whose only foray into Sussex ended at Rehoboth Avenue (or maybe Dewey in their younger days). There was never any effort – on the part of the media or the GOP hierarchy – to understand Kent and Sussex counties because they were always on board. Now, they’ve hijacked the ship.
This is a geographic divide more than a political one.
Castle didn’t turn out his voters, and the state party didn’t do it for him. If the Point To Point crowd has been replaced by motivated Nascar voters, well, it’s their own durn fault.
In defense of the GOP leadership, anon, those people didn’t used to be their problem. They were Dixicrats and they left over Civil Rights.
So what Loudell leaves out is the reason the voters didn’t get around to it.
Because Castle took it for granted. He was asked to run even though he didn’t want to, he ran. He didn’t do shit because he thought it was a cake walk. He wanted to retire and ride off into the sunset banking a few million a year as a lobbyist. Butttttttttt, the delaware way convinced him to ride into the sunset as a Senator. Capping off his Career and one upping Roth.
But, it didn’t happen. They miscalculated and took it all for granted.
So while I agree with Loudell, what he is missing is that Castle patted himself on the back b/c of all the other lackey’s told him he was a sure win and had to do nothing to get the voters that flipped in 08 and 06.
heragain – They’ve had at least 30 years to do it. I’ve known some of these folks for at least that many years, and they were always Republicans.
Anon…
I understand your point, that they have always been there. But the problem for them is that there are simply not enough of them. Sure, they can win a GOP primary, but that is it. Like I said in the post, there are nearly as many Democrats in New Castle County than total voters in Kent County and Sussex County (and yes, there are Democrats downstate too, and they vote Democratic). So they have been awakened, fine. And they have their idiot candidate who has no chance to win up in New Castle County or attract idendepent voters. They are joyous today and will be embittered again in November when they lose.
Excellent point Donviti.
anon is absolutely right. I had to take on the same discussion when talking to my out-of-state UD friends about the UD/Del State football accusations of racism. UD and their fans weren’t being racist, they were being canal-ist. We might as well be two different countries on either side of that waterway and nobody’s shy about it.
DD: They don’t care that there’s not enough of them. They are powered by God and the Second Amendment. And that’s all that matters. Seriously.
Hotline looked at the NRSC’s record in fighting off Teabagger candidates, and they have failed spectactularly because they have always gone horribly and very publically negative against the rebel candidates.
Worked for McCain though.
In this environment, Libertarians ARE moderates. The tea party is so far right the center has changed.
Fiscal conservatives who are for gay marraige, pro-choice, are for ending the wars and cutting taxes and balanced budgets are moderates, my friend.
By the way, I am no longer a card carrying Libertarian. I am registered with no party. I am a free thinker who votes for the person, not the party. Both O’Donnell and Coons scare me for different reasons. In this race I am voting for Rash because I know the man personally and believe he will do a bbetter job than both of them.
Sorry, Brian, Libertarians are to the right of the right except on a few social issues. One only has to read their platform to see that. But have fun!
I have now met Brooks and Colley. Knowlege of Delaware, Nil, IQ 100 between them. a couple guys with low level jobs at a very profitable but cheap radio station. Colley wants to hit the “big time” and Brooks wants Colley’s job. They are only spreading the poison others are making it.
Gaffney on the other hand knows what he does for a living, marketing and entertainment. Politics is a seasonal activity to increase profits. Dan would never let a belief get ahead of the bottom line. Quite frankly it makes him more credible.
Never said they weren’t passionate bag of mixed nuts, A1. Just saying some of their views are to the left of the Tea Party.
This is a geographic divide more than a political one.
Don’t buy this. The political evolution of the Kent and Sussex looks much like the political evolution of what was the Confederate South — if your experience of them goes back 30 years, I’d bet that there are plenty who used to be Dixiecrats and have voted for national Democratic candidates. These Dixiecrats certainly helped keep Thurman Adams in power for so long. The southern GOP stronghold in the South has its genesis with the old Dixiecrats, who left the Democrats when they got serious about Civil Rights for everyone. The O’Donnell people are doctrinaire repubs, and spent lots of time voting for Delaware R candidates for the last 30 years. If they were oh so disaffected, they would have stopped voting and their local committees would have looked alot different a long time ago.
Im sure ya’ll are fretting over nothing.. really. If O’Donnel is as much of a nut job as you make her out to be, Coons should have no problems.. right? At least Sanders (Socialist VT) will have some one to caucus with now, and dream of the good ole days. You remember those, right? Thought Police and all.
Besides.. what are the qualifications… well ….hmmm.. lets see.
How many three letter words do they know… like JOBS.
So either way you all are winners, really, don’t you think?
But wait maybe you do have something to worry about, look Harry Reid (D NV) as reported in the Hill just called Coons “My Pet” .. oh yea thats not good.
The simple fact is that the Left is backwards, and has no understanding of Human nature. You’ve had a good run.. but your ideas have failed. I mean, come on, even Fidel Castro finally awoke to the reality that you can’t just take and expect people to keep on giving. So sorry, maybe the next time Socialism will work, Im sure if you just keep your boot on the throats of the American people they will eventually come to love you.
What exactly is Christine’s plan to create jobs? I tried looking it up, but she’s scrubbed her website.
Tax cuts. Just a guess.
Parrot.
@Cassandra “The southern GOP stronghold in the South has its genesis with the old Dixiecrats, who left the Democrats when they got serious about Civil Rights for everyone.”
The Democrats didn’t get serious about civil rights for everyone until much later.. Ya’ll seem to think that it was Democrats that freed the slaves and fought for civil rights…but you would be wrong. And until the NEA can finally scrub the books and toss that one down the memory hole also, you will have to live with that fact.
In the 26 major civil rights votes after 1933, a majority of Democrats opposed civil rights legislation in over 80 percent of the votes. By contrast, the Republican majority favored civil rights in over 96 percent of the votes.
Most of the Dixiecrats did not become Republicans. They created the Dixiecrats and then, when the civil rights movement succeeded, they returned to the Democratic fold.
Clinton’s mentor William Fulbright, Robert Byrd, Fritz Hollings and Al Gore Sr. remained Democrats till their dying day.
So stop with this already..
“The O’Donnell people are doctrinaire repubs, and spent lots of time voting for Delaware R candidates for the last 30 years. If they were oh so disaffected, they would have stopped voting and their local committees would have looked alot different a long time ago.”
How many O’Donnell people have you spoken with? How much time have you spent below the canal in the past year?
Sure, they spent lots of time voting for conventional Delaware conservatives, because they thought Mike Castle and Bill Roth were peachy keen. But Obama really riled them into action. It’s the birthers, the racists, the immigrant-haters. They’re anti-abortion, anti-tax and pro-Jesus. Once they started getting doubts about Mike Castle, it was all over.
I’m sure it is true that having a black President has given the ODonnell republicans a more socially acceptable outlet for their long smoldering anti-black racism.
Yea right, you can stop with your usual missing of the points already — I’m talking about Civil Rights Era (read: Lyndon Johnson) changes. You can audition those Texas textbook rewrites right down there in Texas where that bullshit belongs.
And anon — you probably didn’t know that I actually have a few relatives south of the canal. Not as many as when I was growing up, but I do speak to some of them periodically. So get off of your high horse. And their doubts about Mike Castle got fed to them by their media. A point I made a few days ago. They were largely fine with Castle in early August. The thing that changed between then and now is the ferocity of the takedown orchestrated by their media.
Obama did rile them into action — because once your political viewpoints are organized around the Southern Strategy it is really hard to turn that loose.
Cassandra – as usual, you misread what I wrote. I asked (a) if you’d ever spoken with any O’Donnell voters or (b) had spent time below the canal the last year. You replied that (c) you’d spoken with a few relatives who live below the canal. But unless they’re O’Donnell voters, they don’t count. See?
I just love all you folks from northern Delaware trying to get into the psyche of folks from southern Delaware when you don’t know a darn thing about us and how we live and what we think and do. You condemn us for voting for Republicans and DINOs like John Adkins and Thurman Adams, and yet you supported lazy cretins like Mike Walsh for years and years.
They were largely fine with Castle in early August.
I guess you missed “Crazy Eileen” last summer, huh?
Lee was not a candidate, he was a wax museum sample.
The Chickens have come home to roost for the Delaware GOP misleaders. Mike Castle was a good guy and I voted for him. Pete duPont wanted a weak party when he was Gov. and this is the aftermath. It’s been down hill ever since. The Party has spent millions to keep control of a little club of suck-ups. These clueless wonders believe Manuel Labor is an illegal alien. They are a closed minded people that can’t count. They bought this on them selves and it couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch. One of the outsider candidates the GOP spent hundreds of thousands to defeat in many elections has inadvertently organized the tea party in Delaware. He was defeated again for a county council seat on Tuesday. The First State GOP has no compromise in their mind set so they take the big hit go down on the canvass and can’t get up ever again. They are too belligerent to have a spot of TEA. So they are finished. Will someone turn off the lights in Greenville?
This is a great thread, worthy of the original post. I think Anon really understands the motivation of this movement, and why it’s so prevalent downstate.
I think they also figured out that they had been habitually exploited by the billionaires on the hill who had gotten them riled enough to vote against their own self-interests for decades. The irony, of course, as pointed out by Think123, is that the party of duPont/Copeland/Rollins lit the fuse that led to their own destruction when they hosted that Tea Party down at the river. Turns out they could no longer control the inmates in the asylum.
Who are now firmly in charge. Of what is not exactly clear.
The Tea Party at the Riverfront was not hosted by the party of Rollins-duPont-Copeland. There was no fuse lit there.
The Tea party in Delaware is not firmly in charge of anything, They won a couple of primaries which will produce huge losses this fall up and down the ticket.
Yes, Castle did turn out his voters anyone who says he did not is clueless. They seem to forget how Castle stayed in power so long and when they understand that fact maybe they can write something intelligent. Not likely though.
The Tea Party at the Riverfront was not hosted by the party of Rollins-duPont-Copeland.
Copeland says he was on the organizing committee. Pete du Pont was the keynote speaker, introduced by Charlie.
Rollins wisely stayed away, apparently.