Democrats are Doing Soul Searching of Their Own

For months, and maybe years, we have heard about the Republican Party and its "soul searching." Is it the Party of moderation and John McCain? Is it the Party of the three legged Reagan stool (limited government, national security, and pro-family) epitomized by Sarah Palin? Or is it the libertarian wing, largely represented by Ron Paul? Well, for once, we are seeing the Democrats have an identity crisis of its own as we saw in the surprising results of the Virginia Democratic Primary for Governor.

The race included a carpetbagger former Chair (and icon) of the national Democratic Party, Terry McAuliffe, who until this election cycle had been openly discussing running for office in Florida; Brian Moran, the very liberal former state legislator from the Northern Virginia area; and the underdog, State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (the most conservative of the Democrats) who came shockingly from very far behind, to get his party's nod. It is this "come from behind" victory that only happened in the last several weeks, that has the Democratic Party so worried.

With Barack Obama, the Democratic Party and (it is safe to say) the entire country has taken the most dramatic turn to the left in our nation's history. This left turn included the state of Virginia, which had close to 2 million votes for Obama (53%) versus 1.7 million for McCain (47%). Barely a half a year after Obama's historic election, the Democratic Party of Virginia seems to be having buyer's remorse, with Democrats choosing the most conservative candidate by far of the three choices. Deeds, in his race for Governor, proposed a $10,000 tax credit for businesses, supports the death penalty (with additional restrictions), and he received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association. It is true that he is considered a "consumer advocate," pro-green jobs environmentalist, and soft (to the disliking of the right and left) on gay marriage. On the other hand, Deeds is, without question, the most Conservative of the Democratic Candidates for Governor. Slightly over a year ago, over 60 percent of Democrats in Virginia chose Obama over the other candidates. To make matters worse for Democrats, Pollster.com is reporting that the Republican nominee (Attorney General Robert McDonnell) has a 46% to 40% lead over Deeds. None of the Democrat choices had strong numbers against Republican McDonnell.

There is a growing theory since the 2008 elections that, although Obama is personally popular, that support appears to be exclusively for him, a mile wide, and an inch deep. He will not be up for election in 2010 and if Virginia is indicative of the rest of the country, the Democrats have plenty to worry about in the next election cycle. "The Party" may already be over.

Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on AM 650 (M-F at 11 am) in Houston, Texas and on AOL Radio. Eric Bolling of Fox News and Fox Business says that Price’s Blog “is very influential and moves the blogosphere.” Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com. You can also find Price on Strategy Room at FoxNews.com.

The Political Earthquake of 2010 is Starting to Rumble

Most people are expecting a political earthquake like we have not seen since 1980 or 1994. The expected arrival of that event is 2010, but rumbles towards that date are happening now. What is interesting is that one of the earliest targets among those who have grown disgusted with a government out of control isn't a Democrat, but long time Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania. This Republican Liberal has long been the subject of Conservative disdain.

Spector has been suspicious in the eyes of the Conservative rank and file for years. Not only did he vote for the terrible TARP package last Fall, he went so far of being only one of three Republicans to vote for Obama's massive package in January of this year. For many, this only added insult to a political career that has long injured Conservative causes.

Today it is being reported in everything from the Wall Street Journal to CQ Politics that Pat Toomey, Chairman of the fiscally Conservative Club for Growth, is resigning from that position in order to make a run for the United States Senate. His reason for leaving is "to pursue other opportunities." He goes on to state that "I feel extremely honored to have been able to lead such a great organization," in a statement released Monday."And while I will certainly miss the Club for Growth, I am comforted knowing that the organization will be left in the capable and talented hands of my former congressional colleague" (former Rep. Chris Chocola, R-IN).

Toomey is no stranger to elected office and was once a US Representative from the State of Pennsylvania. While in office he collected a solid Conservative voting record on many issues and not just economics, the National Review noted during the debate over who McCain should choose for Vice President that:

-Toomey holds a 0% rating by NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), indicating a solid pro-life voting record
-Toomey is in favor of school prayer
-Toomey voted yes on the 2003 energy policy proposed by President Bush
-Toomey voted no on prohibiting ANWR drilling
-Toomey has repeatedly voted in favor of free trade
-Toomey is rated A by the National Rifle Association

It goes on to point out that, of course, "Toomey is a tax cutter and a limited-government proponent. The Club For Growth's efforts reflect his commitment to these conservative principles."

After the massive Tea Party events on Wednesday, April 15, many are going to be looking at a place to funnel their energies. The center of the political universe will be the US House and US Senate. If the Tea Party hopes to be more than just a fad, they need to pursue changing the make up of the Congress in 2010.




Kevin Price is Host of the Price of Business, the longest running show on CNN 650 (M-F at 11 am), AOL Radio, and CBS Radio. Eric Bolling of Fox News and Fox Business says that Price’s Blog “is very influential and moves the blogosphere.” Steve Moore of the Wall Street Journal calls Price the “best business talk show host in the country.” Find out why and visit his blog at www.BizPlusBlog.com and his show site at www.PriceofBusiness.com.