Nothing to lose

Peter Baker at The Washington Post tells us that things are so bad for George W. Bush that he has to gamble.
White House Gambles That Boosting Kilgore Will Pay Off for Bush

In jumping into the Virginia governor's race just 10 hours before polling booths open, President Bush put his credibility on the line last night and ensured that the results will be interpreted as a referendum on his troubled presidency. But the White House is gambling that after weeks of political tribulations, Bush has little more to lose.

Bush's election-eve foray to Richmond to rally behind Republican Jerry W. Kilgore inserted him into the hottest election of the off-year cycle and will test his ability to energize his party's base voters, according to strategists from both parties. Even in a traditionally Republican-leaning state such as Virginia, polls register disenchantment with Bush's leadership, and Kilgore has had trouble running against national headwinds.

Virginia is big because Bush one big there just a year ago but 55% of Virginians now disapprove of his performance in office now. While Kilgore may lose because of his own inept campaign Bush jumping in at this point will only make him more radio active as the mid terms approach.

A Kilgore loss may convince some Republicans that Bush is more liability than asset. "If both these races go south, in New Jersey and Virginia," said a GOP consultant who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid, "that'll be a real signal to Capitol Hill and that's when the rats will really jump off the ship."

Bush is no longer in control of the issues and a Kilgore loss will only make it worse. Another bad political move from the White House?

Technorati Tags

Kilgore
Bush