The Daily Background

Associated Press reports on the political implications of Republican House Rep Mark Foley’s abrupt and shameful resignation over inappropriate and lewd contact with minors:

His resignation further complicates the political landscape for Republicans, who are fighting to retain control of Congress. Democrats need to win a net of 15 Republican seats to regain the power they lost in 1994.

Florida Republicans planned to meet as soon as Monday to name a replacement in Foley’s district, which President Bush won with 55 percent in 2004 and is now in play for November. Though Florida ballots have already been printed with Foley’s name and cannot be changed, any votes for Foley will count toward the party’s choice.

The AP goes on to quote strategists as saying that this scandal comes at a bad time because since the primary has already happened, Foley can’t be taken off the ballot. It’s the same situation that Tom DeLay had, with Democrats fighting to keep his name on the ballot to remind voters that he had to resign, and also because it forces the Republicans to mount a write-in campaign.

There may or may not be a legal challenge to get Foley’s name off the ballot on behalf of the Republican party in the state, but it’s not likely to be sucessful.

Could FL-16 join DeLay’s TX-22 as a second unlikely House seat pickup for Democrats this November?

Chris over at The Fix says:

Rep. Foley’s name will remain on the Nov. 7 ballot, although Republicans will be allowed to designate a candidate who will receive all of the votes cast for the outgoing incumbent.

There may be a legal challenge against this still, but it looks like they probably will be allowed to choose this route. Which leaves the question: how are Florida voters going to feel about having to put an X by the name of a possible sexual predator who resigned in absolute disgrace, just to vote for his replacement?

Filed under: oh six midterm Elections, Z-TDB Blog