THE NEGATIVES HAVE STARTED AGAINST NELSON

We're still over a year from the U.S. Senatorial election, and the Republicans don't know who their candidate is, but the National Republican Senatorial Committee is already going negative on Bill Nelson.

Joel Engelhardt in today's Palm Beach Post noted that the NRSC has sent out an e-mail news release describing Nelson as "Left Coast Liberal Lackey - Bill Nelson". It's the result of a fundraising effort by the organization MoveOn PAC, the political action committee of MoveOn.org. In it's recent effort MoveOn said:

You told us you can’t wait to help defeat Katherine Harris, Rick Santorum and Tom DeLay in 2006. These will be some of the hottest and most expensive races of 2006. Each of these far-right candidates will raise millions. Santorum has already raised $5M. How can we defeat them? Early money to their opponents. Bob Casey, Bill Nelson, and Nick Lampson all deserve our support.

The NRSC in it's piece noted "Senator Bill Nelson teams with MoveOn and looks left for campaign cash." And on their Website over the weekend it added a piece touting "Bill Nelson Is Out Of Step With 65% of Florida", noting his support of state law on parental notification for abortions.

But Engelhardt reminds us:

If Sen. Nelson is to be judged on who gives him money, voters just as easily could view him as a fanatical Republican. After all, three All-American corporations that gave to the National Republican Senatorial Committee — Adelphia Communications, General Electric and Microsoft — also gave to Sen. Nelson.

And another great point by the Post editorial writer:

What does it take to be an American these days? Does it require blind loyalty to a president who believes in bringing punishment to bear not just on those who have wronged this country but those who might? Does it mean refusing to voice opposition when it conflicts with the views of the party in power? Does it mean never having to say you're a liberal anymore?

That's what it takes, if you listen closely to the Republicans. Diversity, Compromise. Those are just words to the boys and girls in power in Tallahassee and Washington now.