In the famous movie of the same name, the birds were on you before you knew what hit you.
Now the Republicans are coming to a congressional district near you.
Congressmen Paul Kanjorski and Chris Carney should be afraid, very afraid.
Of course their bravado is showing. Both Democrats act like they could not care less when or with what power the GOP flock swoops.
But even the thought of a swarm of wild, hungry attack chickens is enough to make the bravest among us pause.
These guys should take heed.
Be afraid.
Be very, very afraid.
No Democrat is safe in the 10th and 11th congressional districts.
That’s why National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Ken Spain asked to appear on “Corbett” this afternoon. He wants to spread his wings and fly with the confidence of a marauding hawk on the lookout for mice cowering in a corner as they prepare to make a futile break for it across a field of screams.
Remember the Republicans motto: If you build it, they will run.
So while Kanjorski and Carney seem overly-confident about their runs for re-election, Republicans are ready to hunt them down as they run from real accountability, debates and taking positions on volatile issues that might cause them problems.
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama poses one such dilemma.
Kanjorski and Carney supported Hillary Clinton during the Pennsylvania primary which she won with ease and aplomb. The New York senator even appealed to some moderate and conservative independents and Republicans in the districts.
But Obama lacks similar appeal.
Endorsing Obama could hurt Kanjorski and Carney.
Rather than bravely defending the castle, though, both men have shown great timidity in their lack of resolve for their party’s candidate.
Republicans are thrilled with their bashfulness.
I’m a little giddy myself.
One or both of these guys could soon learn a painful lesson.
Republicans in Washington are willing to spend time and money smoking them out as seasoned consultants in the nation’s capital plan their political demise.
The Republicans are good at this.
If they could package walking dead vampire Richard Nixon as a lovable Casper the Friendly Ghost, they can surely package anti-immigrant Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta’s campaign against Kanjorski as “Father Knows Best.” If the Puritan forces of the GOP could turn Ron Reagan into the second coming, they can easily make Eagle Scout-like Chris Hackett into David against Goliath Carney.
The less Kanjorski and Carney say publicly, the better the Republican attack machine likes it.
And I’ll give them all they time they want to air their views.
I’ve regularly invited Carney and Kanjorski to appear on WILK News Radio to help voters get to know them. I’ve regularly been snubbed and dismissed. I’ll keep inviting them, though.
As you might expect, Republicans jumped at the chance to talk.
Listeners from all political persuasions ate it up.
Hackett was busy yesterday but promised to call today or tomorrow.
Republican Ken Spain has appeared on “Corbett” in the past. He’s vocal, aggressive and even funny, at Democrats’ expense, of course. And he’s ready to go, at Democrats’ expense, of course. He’s supposed to call today at 3:10.
Barletta called yesterday and was a hit. Affable, well-informed, sincere and energized, he called out Kanjorski by challenging him to six single-issue debates on WILK News Radio.
Although I still have not heard from Carney, I suddenly received an email from Kanjorski’s office after being blown off for weeks. Maybe it was a coincidence that the email came after the RNCC issued a press release quoting me in yesterday’s column about Kanjorski’s snub of Obama.
Kanjorski’s press secretary apologized for being busy in Washington and not getting back to me. Yes, said Abigail McDonough, the congressman will call the show.
When?
How about Carney?
In their absence, there are more than enough Republicans to go around. Diving like eagles, they’re looking to snatch Democrats in their talons. Yes, there’s definitely something in the air.
And, when Democrats feel something splatter on their heads from above, it just might not be rain.
Sue Henry
