Open Thread

They Built This

They Built This
Artist – Daryl Cagle

We are sure this is the best course of action?

Illinois State Sen. Toi Hutchinson dropped her bid to fill the Congressional seat of former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. on Sunday after her moderate views on gun safety made her a target of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s political action committee, Independence USA.

If forcing a pro-gun Democrat out of a race means a pro-control candidate will take their place and successfully defeat the Republican challenger — great — but if it means clearing a path for a Republican successor who won’t agree with you on anything, including gun control, I’m not sure if this really accomplishes anything.

It’s the age old Blue Dog vs Tea Party Republican debate, and it remains open for discussion. Because in an ideal world we wouldn’t have to make that calculation, but if Democrats ever want to regain control of the House of Representatives, it will be a relevant question.