Little Lisa's Fish Slurry

I'll admit it - I've been (in a very minor way) conflicted about my opposition to Lisa Murkowski's Senate campaign.  When the estimable Sen. Lisa was in the Alaska legislature, she was one of the few of that breed I could stand - indeed, she was the kind of Republican I'd like to see more of.  She had a genuine interest in policy issues, and seemed to make good faith efforts to actually find solutions to the problems that confronted state government.  I did not agree with her some of her fundamental ideological approach, but she was consistent and both interested in and responsive to the facts (as opposed to the dogmatic "government bad, drilling good" bleating constantly emanating from the (unfortunately dominant) Vic Kohring wing of the party).

Of course, it is that very same reasonableness and integrity that now has her in trouble with the party faithful and facing primary challengers ranging from the extremist (Miller) to the unhinged (Shea).  And there is a part of me that wonders whether she would have to deal with any of this if she were not a reasonably intelligent, educated, and well-spoken woman.  All of this annoys me, and almost makes me want to toss a line of support her way -  almost.

In the end, though, Lisa will have no sway with the big boys in the Senate - she's new, she needs their money and influence, and she will owe a lot of markers after this campaign.  There is simply no chance that she will be able to stand up to the Senate leadership on any issue of consequence, and little chance that she will be able to steer important projects our way - she'll simply be another vote in the bag for Bill Frist. And, frankly, nothing could be worse for our country than additonal power in the hands of THAT particular venal ideologue.

So, sorry Lisa - you seem nice enough, and I'd like to see more Republicans like you, but it's Tony all the way.