No clear line of attack on Burr

How vulnerable is Sen. Richard Burr?

An article in Real Clear Politics this morning says that by a number of measures the Winston-Salem Republican "could be the most vulnerable Republican incumbent in the country."

But Wake Forest University political science professor John Dinan notes several advantages: He is likable, does not have the problems of Sen. Elizabeth Dole and faces no top-tier Democratic challenger.

"There are no apparent ways in which Burr has rendered himself vulnerable in his first four years," said Dinan. "Unlike Dole, who was vulnerable because of not spending time in the state and not seen as working hard enough to represent North Carolina interests, Burr has no concerns on either of these counts. His main concern is that his name recognition isn't yet as high outside of the Piedmont area as an incumbent would prefer."

The articles adds that Burr's recent efforts to block FDA regulation of tobacco and propose a Republican alternative to health care reform should raise his visibility.

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Re: No clear line of attack on Burr

Submitted by Gosh (not verified) on June 3, 2009 - 12:47pm.

There you go again Gosh.

I know! What is it with me and stating the obvious?

It's almost like I get it.

We shall see if Burr's handlers do.

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Re: No clear line of attack on Burr

Submitted by lpetrou on June 3, 2009 - 12:41pm.

There you go again Gosh. Senator Burr has been a good senator. He has paid attention to his constituent service (unless our other Senator who is following in Edward's footsteps by not responding to her constituents). He is home almost every weekend traveling the state meeting people and speaking at events. I also think it is a really long shot and a huge reach to insinuate that Dr. John Dinan is in Burr's pocket and that he defends him all the time.

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Re: No clear line of attack on Burr

Submitted by cdtew on June 3, 2009 - 10:29am.

I think if Burr keeps clear of any too-personal attacks a-la "there is no god", he's got everything Dole didn't. The public's perception of him is unlike two of our former Senators, Dole and Edwards, he works hard, and cares deeply about the state. He's certainly not weak by any stretch, and although some candidates (Cunningham, for one) could give him a hell of a run, I think Burr ends up back in Washington in 2010.

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Re: No clear line of attack on Burr

Submitted by Gosh (not verified) on June 3, 2009 - 9:39am.

I hope this 'bullet dodged' meme takes hold in mainstream media, elevating Burr to as "safe" an incumbent as 'political science professors' anointed Dole.

As for the 'likable' differentiation from Dole asserted by Burr's neighbor John Dinan, Monday morning quarterback much?

Dole literally wore a tierra awarded her by the Red Cross as the most adorable mistress a failed Presidential candidate ever had. It's the South and you still can't attack a woman. Dole's staff forgot that when they went after Godless, fibber Kay.

Thus proving it all comes down to staff, not the candidate. Burr's has shown an incredible proclivity to making a bank run on stupidity thus far.

My money's still on the random yellow dog.

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