Senate Democrats Are Betting on Family Dynasties to Win Red States

[WestVirginiaRebel]

National Journal:

She is the daughter of a civil-rights-championing former mayor of New Orleans and the sister of the city’s popular current executive. He is the son of a former senator and governor known for advocating for the rights of taxpayers and the elderly.

Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Mark Pryor of Arkansas are two of the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2014, but the deep roots of their families in their home states could serve as bulwarks in a Republican-friendly midterm.

Carpetbaggers, beware.

“If anyone is suited to swim against the tide, it’s these multigenerational politicians in states where knowing people matters,” said Democratic strategist Craig Varoga, who ran an outside group that helped reelect Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in 2010.

Landrieu and Pryor stand out as Democrats campaigning in states that President Obama lost by landslides—17 and 24 points, respectively—in the 2012 presidential election. Among the other Senate Democrats with family connections that could help them get through tough reelection campaigns: Mark Begich of Alaska, son of Rep. Nick Begich, who died in a mysterious plane crash; Mark Udall of Colorado, son of the late Rep. Morris "Mo" Udall and cousin of Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.; and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, wife of longtime Democratic operative and former U.S. Attorney William Shaheen.

Traditionally, family ties are one of politics' greatest blessings, bestowing lucky offspring with a ready-made name brand, grassroots support, and a fundraising network. Former Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.—son of another popular Indiana Democrat, former Sen. Birch Bayh—once coined the phrase “legacy caucus” to refer to the senators representing seats once held by their fathers, including Pryor; Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and former Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.; Bob Bennett, R-Utah; and Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I.

But the antiestablishment tea-party movement and the public’s disdain for Washington can elevate fresh faces and outsider status over the prospect of family dynasties.

Consider the likely campaign by the 37-year-old son of Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., who announced his retirement plans last week. Brendan Johnson, appointed by President Obama to serve as the state’s U.S. attorney, has never held elective office before. Eyeing a pickup opportunity in a state Obama lost by 18 points, Republicans are crying nepotism.

“In South Dakota, we say it’s OK to pass on your farm to your heirs but it doesn’t apply to Senate seats,” said South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Craig Lawrence. “Of course we are going to make this an issue.”

Speaking of keeping things in the family, the “Draft Brendan Johnson for U.S. Senate Campaign” announced a new endorsement last Thursday: Democratic strategist Nathan Daschle—the son of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D. South Dakota Democratic Chairman Ben Nesselhuf rejected the possibility of Republicans turning Brendan’s last name into a liability.

“They will raise the charges of nepotism on Brendan no matter what he chooses to do, because he’s a serious threat,” he said. “Anyone who meets him for three minutes will see that charge lose steam because he’s incredibly well qualified. He’s one of the best campaigners I’ve ever seen, partly because he grew up on the campaign trail.”

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If the shoe fits...

[Draggingtree]

National Journal:

She is the daughter of a civil-rights-championing former mayor of New Orleans and the sister of the city’s popular current executive. He is the son of a former senator and governor known for advocating for the rights of taxpayers and the elderly.

Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Mark Pryor of Arkansas are two of the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection in 2014, but the deep roots of their families in their home states could serve as bulwarks in a Republican-friendly midterm.

Carpetbaggers, beware.

“If anyone is suited to swim against the tide, it’s these multigenerational politicians in states where knowing people matters,” said Democratic strategist Craig Varoga, who ran an outside group that helped reelect Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., in 2010.

Landrieu and Pryor stand out as Democrats campaigning in states that President Obama lost by landslides—17 and 24 points, respectively—in the 2012 presidential election. Among the other Senate Democrats with family connections that could help them get through tough reelection campaigns: Mark Begich of Alaska, son of Rep. Nick Begich, who died in a mysterious plane crash; Mark Udall of Colorado, son of the late Rep. Morris "Mo" Udall and cousin of Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.; and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, wife of longtime Democratic operative and former U.S. Attorney William Shaheen.

Traditionally, family ties are one of politics' greatest blessings, bestowing lucky offspring with a ready-made name brand, grassroots support, and a fundraising network. Former Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.—son of another popular Indiana Democrat, former Sen. Birch Bayh—once coined the phrase “legacy caucus” to refer to the senators representing seats once held by their fathers, including Pryor; Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and former Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Conn.; Bob Bennett, R-Utah; and Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I.

But the antiestablishment tea-party movement and the public’s disdain for Washington can elevate fresh faces and outsider status over the prospect of family dynasties.

Consider the likely campaign by the 37-year-old son of Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., who announced his retirement plans last week. Brendan Johnson, appointed by President Obama to serve as the state’s U.S. attorney, has never held elective office before. Eyeing a pickup opportunity in a state Obama lost by 18 points, Republicans are crying nepotism.

“In South Dakota, we say it’s OK to pass on your farm to your heirs but it doesn’t apply to Senate seats,” said South Dakota Republican Party Chairman Craig Lawrence. “Of course we are going to make this an issue.”

Speaking of keeping things in the family, the “Draft Brendan Johnson for U.S. Senate Campaign” announced a new endorsement last Thursday: Democratic strategist Nathan Daschle—the son of former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D. South Dakota Democratic Chairman Ben Nesselhuf rejected the possibility of Republicans turning Brendan’s last name into a liability.

“They will raise the charges of nepotism on Brendan no matter what he chooses to do, because he’s a serious threat,” he said. “Anyone who meets him for three minutes will see that charge lose steam because he’s incredibly well qualified. He’s one of the best campaigners I’ve ever seen, partly because he grew up on the campaign trail.”

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If the shoe fits...

good article