Lewis tries to tie Weaver to Kerry

WEAVER TRIES TO LINK LEWIS WITH RUMSFELD

UPDATE 2:15 p.m.: NOW WEAVER TRIES TO LINK LEWIS TO BOEHNER
Democratic Congressional candidate Mike Weaver fired off a statement this afternoon criticizing U.S. House Majority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, for his comments on CNN that take up for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld but appear to be a dig on the generals leading the U.S. forces in Iraq. "Let's not blame what's happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld.  But the fact is, the generals on the ground are in charge, and he works closely with them and the president," said Boehner, who campaigned for 2nd District Congressman Ron Lewis earlier this fall. "As a retired military officer, it angers me to no end that the Republican leadership Ron Lewis voted to put in place would blame our troops and military officers for what is happening in Iraq," Weaver's state ment said.

This race is getting nasty and nationalized. 

Here are some highlights from Ryan Alessi's story today about the parade of political stars campaigning for Republican incumbent Ron Lewis and Democratic challenger Mike Weaver in KY 2. You can find polling data that both campaigns released to the Herald-Leader yesterday here.

First, Lewis and First Lady Laura Bush didn't waste a moment yesterday trying to link Weaver with the controversial statements of former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry. Weaver responded by trying to tie Lewis to embattled Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld.

At yesterday's rally just outside the Fort Knox Army base, Lewis energized Republicans by capitalizing on the recent rhetorical blunder of Massachusetts senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry. Kerry told California students Monday that if "you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

"I don't know how they do military training in Massachusetts, but we have the best and brightest here at Fort Knox," Lewis said, sparking loud cheers from the 350 people huddled beneath the tent on a tennis court at Radcliff's community center.

Weaver later said in an interview that Kerry's words are meaningless in this race.

"John Kerry misspoke as far as I'm concerned. And he certainly doesn't speak for me," Weaver said. He then pointed out how President Bush continues to say the military is making great progress in Iraq.

"He's saying that at a time when 109 troops have been killed that we know of in October," he said. "Ron Lewis needs to look very closely at staying the course and how he has aligned himself with President Bush and Donald Rumsfeld," the Secretary of Defense.

Here's how the two sides explain why so many national political figures have been drawn to the west-central Kentucky district.

The ever-growing list of dignitaries who have come in for both Weaver and Lewis is impressive. Weaver has drawn U.S. Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, former presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark and former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia.

Vice President Dick Cheney, House Majority Leader John Boehner of Ohio and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell all have stumped for Lewis.

Weaver said he considered Bush's appearance a telling signal that the Republicans are worried.

When asked whether her visit was a sign of concern, Lewis responded, "Absolutely not. This is the icing on the cake."

Which argument do you buy?

- John Stamper

Comments

[DemforChange]

Yes, Ron, please - keep reminding people about Col. Weaver's honorable 37-year Army career and how it compares to your sneak-out.

Definitely give Col. Weaver yet another opportunity to talk about how joining the military gave him a good education and a strong career.

Every attack you've made so far on Weaver's military career has backfired, erasing your 20-point lead in a matter of weeks.

Keep it up, Ron: at this rate, Weaver will bury you in a 10-point landslide.