Michelle Nunn Won't Commit To Backing Harry Reid

[DonViejo]

By SAHIL KAPUR Published AUGUST 25, 2014, 11:03 AM EDT

Michelle Nunn, Georgia's Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, refused to say if she'd support Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) to stay on as Democratic leader.

Her remarks, reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Friday, came after a debate with Republican nominee David Perdue, when the question was posed to her. Here's what she's quoted as saying in response:

"I look forward to changing the composition in the leadership of the Senate. The way that we’re going to change Washington is to bring more people to recognize – to have the humility to recognize – that there are good ideas on both sides of the aisle…

"I will vote for the Democratic leader that I think best represents our capacity to get things done and move things forward. …"

more
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/michelle-nunn-harry-reid-democratic-leader

[betterdemsonly]

1. Her dad was a bluedog dem

that sided with the republicans all the time as well.

[stevenleser]

2. I prefer this to pledges like "I'm taking impeachment off the table" or "No new taxes". In general

I don't like campaign pledges that box elected officials in to positions. There are exceptions. Choice, equality, those kinds of things, sure.

On other things, I prefer candidates not box themselves into a stance that turns out to not be a good idea. All kinds of things can happen that make promises like that turn out to be a bad idea. What if Reid starts making all kinds of bad decisions in the next few months. Far fetched? Maybe. But its not impossible. Why should she be forced to say she would vote for him?

What if someone from within Democratic ranks challenges Reid that Nunn likes more than Reid?

A candidate that allows themselves to be boxed into a decision cannot make decisions when the time comes that reflects the best choice for their constitutents at that time. This was a good move by Nunn.

[n2doc]

4. Agree

And frankly, I think there are many who would like to see someone else (a democrat, of course) as Senate Majority Leader. Harry has had his time and needs to move on over.

[LloydS of New London]

3. Good!

Reid has made too many "gentlemen's agreements," instead of eliminating the filibuster entirely, which you know damn well the GOP will do on Day One if they take over.

[bigdarryl]

5. Why was that question even asked in the first place?

Of coarse he's going to be the leader.And for her not to answer the question is being a coward.

[stevenleser]

7. It's an attempt by the Republican to tie her to Reid and/or Obama both of whom are unpopular

in Georgia. And when I say unpopular I mean VERY unpopular.

Her saying "Yes" would cause her to lose several percentage points in the race immediately.

And it has nothing to do with whether she is a good candidate or not.

[The Magistrate]

6. That Seems In Intramural Answer, Sir

The Democratic Senators vote on who the majority leader will be. Someone may well challenge Sen. Reid.

She is not saying she will caucus with the Republicans.