en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/956862 Comments by Reality_Check_ http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66515411 I am not promoting mediocrity in any way. I am promoting leadership that reflects the will of the people. As it is in Pennsylvania, a more moderate view is often required for PA has a relatively moderate majority. I would rather have a moderate Republican senator, ie Scott Brown, than a liberal Democratic senator, ie Martha Coakley, any day. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 04:28:16 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66515411 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66514488 If you believe that Peg can win, then I respect your fight. I still disagree with you. As I have said, I have my political views, but just because a specific politician doesn't support 100% of my views does not mean I will discount them. For my belief in Democracy and my belief in checks and balances outweighs my personal political views. Democracy inherently states that you must live under the conditions imposed by the majority and that is just the way it is. So, I am not fighting for my own political views, one by one, for if I did that, I would lose every time. Instead, I am fighting for what I believe to be the greatest good within the context of Democracy, whether that means I support someone who is more liberal than myself or more conservative. Each vote must be made in context to many different factors, not just my own immediate wishes and desires. In my view. BTW I dont think its warranted that you describe politicians as evil just because they disagree with you. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 04:19:20 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66514488 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66507778 Ray, I think you completely missed my point. I am big picture kind of guy. I believe that we will be best served by keeping the aggressive liberal agenda in check. We cannot do that if we don't win. In case you missed it, PA voted for Obama in substantial numbers in 2008. My principle is, I do not want Obama and his congressional counterparts to go unchecked with the majorities they hold. My principle is, I don't want to see Democrats with the power to force through something like health care ever again. That kind of legislation is devastating to the principles I hold. And the principles I believe this country is founded on. And when people like yourself attack the chance, or not even 'attack', but show no support for the opportunity for us to do something to check their power, it scares me. Cuz what has just happened in Washington is no joke. It will change the landscape of American politics, forever. If we don't stop them by winning these elections, it will only get worse. And I know you agree, so what are you fighting for? I mean, do you really believe Peg can win? BTW I am not part of a campaign either, i am just sick of reading these comments which I believe diminish our opportunity to stop what is happening in Washington. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 03:18:22 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66507778 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66505406 I do think that Toomey would have lost in 2004. 2010 is a very unique season, just as 2008 was very unique for Democrats. There is a reason that the Democrats have both the House and the Senate, and there is a reason that they will lose both of them within the next two elections. I am sure you can put together how a pendulum works. Or are you one of those who thought that after winning the Republicans won the House, Senate and Presidency, Republicans would hold a permanent majority... As for the lesser of two evils. If we lose to a Democratic candidate in 2010, who wins? Not my beliefs and definitely not yours. Thu, 8 Apr 2010 02:57:23 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66505406 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66478728 Please see below Wed, 7 Apr 2010 23:08:16 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66478728 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66476750 If you read what I said, Im not referring to his statements on Toomey's positions. I am referring to his negative rhetoric. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 22:52:15 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66476750 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66472919 Come on Rich, you know the difference between negative rhetoric and positive: when was the last time you referred to a politician as wishy- washy in an endearing way. Also, he states that Toomey is not special in any way, just a malleable politician... Obviously, these are negative statements. So, I'll repeat. The only reason a campaign needs to go negative on an opponent is because they are behind. In this case, to say that Peg is behind is an understatement. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 22:20:45 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66472919 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66472292 I am a reality based politico, not an ideological one. I support candidates based on the big picture. I believe in the right to life, the right to own a gun and the right to personal liberty. But I do not believe someone like Peg can win in November against Specter. I honestly do not. So, it doesn't matter where I stand on the spectrum, for I know that my values will be best served by supporting Toomey, for he is the only Republican that will beat Specter. So, support Peg if you believe in her, but in reality she cannot beat Specter (I truly believe). So, in my view, every time you try and tear down Toomey, you are supporting Specter. Its simple math really. In the end, I suppose we have a fundamental difference in our views. I hold a logical approach to politics and you hold an emotional one. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 22:15:36 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66472292 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66459042 Ray, you continuously attack Toomey as being too moderate: The only reason a candidate ever has to go negative on their opponent is because they are behind. So, it is clear why you continue to trash Toomey, instead of simply endorsing your candidate. Thus, your attacks against Toomey are transparently political and have no place in this campaign. If you believe in your candidate, speak highly of her, but lets leave the negative primary to the Democrats. Toomey is by far the best viable conservative candidate that PA will see in a LONG time. Wed, 7 Apr 2010 20:45:33 +0000 http://grassrootspa.com/2010/04/06/toomey-he-raised-2-3m-in-first-period-of-2010/#IDComment66459042