Hyperbole not withstanding the republicans should thank their lucky stars for Doug Hoffman and the NY-23 race.
There are a lot of people wringing their hands over this race, Newt is still defending his move.
Here is why this fight is a lot better news than anyone seems to realize:
1. This confrontation was going to come sooner or later, the sooner it comes the faster it can be resolved.
2. If the confrontation is going to come a special election is the time to have it since only a single seat is up for grabs rather than the chance to win congress.
3. The particular seat is frankly of no consequence. If “conservatives” or “republicans” fail to win it will not have any significant effect on either legislation in general or the makeup of the House in particular.
4. If Dede Scozzafava wins then republicans have 8 months to assuage the conservative Tea Party republicans anger and to give her a chance to demonstrate her votes and value. She can “prove” their argument.
5. If Doug Hoffman wins it shows the power of the conservative movement and strengthens Conservatives in general and although they don’t understand it the Republican party in particular and energizes tea party people all over the country that can make a huge impact in 2010 and 2012.
6. Finally if Owens wins it demonstrates how both the Tea Party people and the Republican party need each other in order to win. The some kind of accommodation between the sides to keep democrats from retaining the house in 2010 or the presidency in 2012.
Elections matter 2010 matters, 2012 REALLY matters. The people are heading our way and we can’t afford killer divisions during those elections.
That’s the grand paradox, this election matters most because of how little it actually matters. It gives us the chance to have the fight that we need to resolve with the least possible cost.
The question is will the NRCC be smart enough to play their cards right.
