We’re starting a new series here at Show Me Progress called “Who the Hell’s Going to Run Against..?” focusing on races where an officeholder who deserves to be turned out of office faces (as yet) no opposition. We’ll keep this feature up until the filing deadlines next year.
Our inaugural edition of WHGRA…? will focus on one of our favorite Republicans, Todd Akin from Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District (the Fightin’ 2nd!) Congressman Akin was elected in 2000 and has treated us to such gems as Davy Crockett’s Blackberry and a spurious defense of Bush’s Gulf Coast Wage Cut Inititiative. He’s been a rubber stamp for Bush in Congress, voting with Bush over 90% of the time. Unfortunately, Democrats haven’t fielded a good candidate in Akin’s district for years. (George “Boots” Weber, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry. You’re a sweet man, but you’ve tried and tried, and you’re just not going to beat Todd Akin.) Rumor was that Sam Page came close to challenging Akin in 2006, but opted not to at the last minute.
So in 2008, who the hell is going to run against Todd Akin? Tips, suggestions and rumors are welcome.
In a “sea change” election it’s important to challenge the republicans everywhere. As of now 2008 is shaping up to be a bad election year for republicans: Democracy Corps Strategy Memo Sees Longterm Realignment In Democrats’ Favor
So who’s going to step up to the plate?
The only Democrats who have are on file with the FEC in this district are Richard Lesh and Charles Karam, who both lost to George Weber in the 2006 Democratic primary.
Byron DeLear is considering a run against Akin. He is currently testing the waters. DeLear recently moved back here from California. (He’s from here originally.) While he was out there, he established real progressive creds and ran last year in a Republican congressional district there. He came close to unseating the incumbent.
I keep waiting for a legitimate candidate to take on Akin. With Bush’s approval rating in the tank and Republicans in such trouble, you would think the Dems could come up with a legit candidate that we had actually heard of.
I thought I would find the comments here rife with wild speculation.