question about Phil Crane

[AlanCranston]

Does anyone know how we were able to take him down? IIRC, he had never had any tough races getting 60+% even in bad GOP years like 1974 and 1982. I believe in 2002 the year the new lines went into effect, he had one of his weakest re-election victories ever. Did this have to do with redistricting? Second, how come he lost (albeit narrowly) in 2004? Wouldn't George W. Bush, who got around 55% in the district, have saved him?

Third, I believe the district has reverted back to the republicans. I believe this Joe Walsh guy I saw on Lawrence O'Donnell now represents that district. How would you compare Walsh to Crane? It seems like this Walsh guy is one of the more well-known freshman, sort of like Alan Grayson last session.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

1. Crane had developed a very public alcohol problem, compounded by

an increasingly standoff-ish relationship with his constituents. His congressional career was on a downward arc since the mid-80's and he got tarred by a sex scandal that actually only involved his brother Dan. People were tired of him. Had he retired and let another rethug candidate run against Bean, I doubt Bean would have won.

[whathehell]

2. Joe Walsh's is currently in the news for failing to pay $100,000 in Child Support!

after all his bs Tea Party "personal responsibility" talk.

Democrats in his area are PROTESTING this at his home office in Fox Lake, IL.

The organizer, Jeanne Dauray, says that she's been contacted by NATIONAL Media on the protest,

so if you want to join in, contact her here:

http://www.facebook.com/jeannemariedauray#!/event.php?eid=110562072374804