Well, he's not mayor anymore, so clearly it's time to get busy on the next campaign. But any hope that Bob Corker might remain moderate in the face of a national political landscape that no longer tolerates moderation on the right didn't last long. Will Chattanoogans be able to accept our former mayor if his senatorial campaign takes on the atmosphere of Most Extreme Elimination Challenge? Will people be motivated to work in his campaign and get out the vote if he starts in the gutter and then sinks lower? It's a questionable strategy, but then again, hardcore sleaze worked wonders for Dubya...
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I too raised an eyebrow when I first heard some time ago (why is TFP just now catching up?) that the Corker campaign was working with LaCivita -- more in a reaction to his reported connection to USANext than to the Swift Boat Veterans controversy (hate to say it, but John Kerry left too much doubt and uncertainty by not coming clean, and was thus wide open). I inquired, though, and according to my sources, LaCivita is actually the one who got USANext to pull the offensive "AARP is anti-military & pro-gay marriage" graphic after he joined them, so was not involved in its manufacture or release. He is a smart smear artist who plays hardball, and I'm guessing that the Corker folks feel they need a full arsenal in what will definitely be a GOP showdown to watch.
The reality of politics is this: do you want Ed Bryant or Van Hilleary to be the nominee? Then do whatever it takes to ensure that neither is. Sure, the "whatever it takes" can get pretty ugly, and hopefully won't leave too bad a stain.
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