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Democratic Victory in GOP District sends “Shock Wave” to MD 1st and 6th

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Trend Continues: Rejection of Bush-McCain Republicans

in GOP “Strongholds”

Illinois Special Election Shows What

Frank Kratovil and Jennifer Dougherty Will Do

Annapolis, MD - The news came rolling out of Illinois exactly as described by Maryland’s Rep. Chris Van Hollen: a “political shock wave.”

Democrat Wins Hastert's Seat in Illinois

By DEANNA BELLANDI

CHICAGO (AP) — Nearly two years after taking control of Congress, the Democrats have claimed another prize by capturing former GOP House Speaker Dennis Hastert's seat — a development that Republicans say is not a harbinger of things to come.

The longtime Republican district fell to the Democrats Saturday when wealthy scientist and businessman Bill Foster snatched the seat in a closely watched special election.

While Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen predicted Foster's win would send out a "political shock wave," Republicans were quick to downplay its significance….

…Van Hollen said Foster's win is a rebuke of the Bush administration and the GOP's apparent presidential nominee, John McCain, who helped raise money for Oberweis.

"The message to Republican candidates is that John McCain's not going to be able to save you in this election," said Van Hollen, a Maryland congressman.

A statement from Michael Cryor, Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party Chair

“This is a very significant sign of things to come in Maryland. Even Republican voters are saying they’ve had enough and they’re not going to take it anymore. We have two very strong candidates in Maryland’s 1st and 6th districts. Frank Kratovil and Jennifer Dougherty have proven themselves to Democrats, Republicans and Independents in past elections and in public service. Maryland voters, in what some call ‘Republican’ districts, now have real choices for the change they seek.

This Democratic victory in Illinois is further evidence of voter’s distrust of the usual party-label politics. Regardless of party affiliation, Maryland voters seek real results on issues they care about - that is what our Democratic candidates offer. The voters won’t stand for the right-wing politics of division or the institutional ineffectiveness they’ve come to know. They've had enough.”