Liberal Talk Show Host Jay Marvin Unloads On Senator-Elect Mark Udall

**Update 3: (via TS) If Marvin's screed had been published by a conservative radio talk show host, Colorado Media Matters' Bill Menezes would be all over him. Bill?

**Update 2: CompleteColorado.com managed to save Marvin's entire blog post for posterity. He dropped by last night to argue that his post wasn't "rambling" and then promptly removed it today. Let's see if he responds.

**Update: That was fast--Marvin pulls both Udall-focused blog posts after being called out on them, first at CompleteColorado.com, and then here. Nothing like a little display of progressive backbone.

"Let’s just say Udall is a phony"--AM760 Radio Talk Show Host Jay Marvin

Via Complete Colorado--"The Trouble With Udall":

Even before the election I dropped hints on the air I wasn’t happy with Congressman, now Senator elect Mark Udall.

So what’s the beef?

When I first got to AM760 most progressive pols ignored my show. The only two who would give of their time were Mark Udall and Bill Ritter, who later went on to be Governor.

In return I started to give Mark Udall money for his run for the Senate, and when the race got underway my wife Mary went to work full time on his campaign. What she found in the campaign HQ was not pretty site. Interns–for many of them it was their first job–were treated with disrespect and arrogance. Several times Mary was told to out and out lie to people on the phones.

But it didn’t stop there.

And Jay Marvin doesn't, in a rambling, misspelled diatribe against Udall and his "minions."

There appears to be even more to rant about, but Marvin begins his summary:

I’m not going to go into the rest here. Let’s just say Udall is a phony. He is cold, and has a well crafted image that covers who he really is. And let me also say I will never have this man on my show again as long as I’m on the air in this market.

Now you know. Judge for your self about Udall and his actions. In doing so ask yourself how you would feel if this happened to you or a member of your family.

Some comments support Marvin, others chastise him. Still others mention that this sort of behavior is nothing new for politicians, and hope that their Obamessiah doesn't turn out the same way.

Perhaps a little outside pressure was applied on Marvin, whose follow-up post reveals this interesting political philosophy:

I had many people who understood my feelings towards Mark Udall and a few who didn’t. Thanks for the comments both here and in email. The one very big lesson I’ve come away with is this:

It doesn’t matter what kind of person you put in office– meaning their personality doesn’t matter– it’s the votes they cast that counts. So what if Mark Udall is a prick, the only things that’s going to count is the votes he will cast in the Senate.

Subject now closed.

So what if Udall is a prick?

Progressive policies require reliable votes. For liberals/progressives/Democrats that's all that matters.

Oh, and don't question them either.

So much for dissent . . .

Sen. Ken Salazar Facing Potential Primary Challenge?

Sen. Ken Salazar's probable 2010 campaign has enemies--from within the party.

One of the more principled and less vitriolic statements on Salazar's record at SquareState (debating whether Salazar is "liberal or conservative"):

I won't vote for Salazar at any stage in the 2010 elections. He might not have principles, but I do. Democrats' acceptance of Salazar's voting habits is putting the party before everything else.

That sounds familiar . . .

Will the Democrats actually manage to stage a primary battle against the incumbent, mounting a Netroots-style insurgency? Or will this simply be progressive overreach, as party hard-liners reject Salazar's "centrist" appeal for a more palatable candidate (to Dems and progressives) as a result of what they perceive as Colorado's shift from red to blue?

**Update--civil war in the lefty blogosphere erupts over Salazar

Schaffer/Udall--The Home Stretch

Schaffer v Udall continues to post the latest coverage and analysis in this tough Senate race.

Udall's spending proposals, "green" redecoration plans for July 4th, and liberal lock-step voting record (voting with the least popular Congress, ever) should be enough to inspire Halloween-like horror if you enjoy freedom and fiscal responsibility.

At this point in the election, getting out the vote is really the only important and responsible thing to do for the candidates, and if you didn't receive an email from the campaign, here is how you can help Schaffer, and information on the final Senate campaign debate:

Our momentum going into the last week of the campaign continues to be strong. But we need your help to beat Boulder Liberal Mark Udall! Coloradans across the state need to hear Bob's message of lower taxes, energy independence and strong families. Here are a few ways you can help.

Wednesday night is Schaffer for Senate Night at the Colorado Victory offices across Colorado. Please consider giving a few hours of your time to help ensure victory for Bob on Election Day. For information on your local Victory office and to schedule your volunteer opportunity, please call Catherine Schlueter at 720-377-1600.

This Thursday, October 30th will be the final television studio debate between Bob Schaffer and Boulder Liberal Mark Udall at the CBS4 studio in Denver. We are holding a rally to show our support for Bob before the debate begins.

Bring your friends and your family to support Bob in his final debate! The rally begins at 4:30 p.m. at the CBS4 Studios on 1044 Lincoln Street in Denver. A strong presence of Schaffer supporters will show Boulder Liberal Udall that we can win on November 4th.

For those who want to tune in for the last Senate debate, it will be airing live on Thursday, October 30th on Ch. 4, KCNC, CBS from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will be replayed later the same evening on Ch. 12, KBDI, PBS from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.

After the debate rally there will also be Republican Get-Out-The-Vote victory rallies in Denver and across the state. Come show your support for Bob by attending the Denver rally!

Denver Rally
7:00 p.m.
Denver Marriott South
10345 Park Meadows Dr.
Littleton, CO

For more information on the Denver rally or to find out about other rallies across Colorado on Thursday, please call 720-377-1600 or email teamschaffer@bobschafferforsenate.com. We hope to see you at one of the rallies as we make our final push before Election Day!

Remember early voting has already begun or you can vote at your polling place on Tuesday, November 4th. Thank you for your support of Bob Schaffer for a better Colorado!

Sincerely,

Dick Wadhams
Campaign Manager
Bob Schaffer for U.S. Senate

Schaffer, Udall Debate Three Times In Coming Week

SvU will have coverage and analysis of the three debates taking place this week, starting tonight.



The Schaffer/Udall race is headed right where folks other than the MSM and hard core lefties predicted--down to the wire and most likely within the margin of error. Stay tuned to Schaffer v Udall for all the latest in perhaps the marquee Senate race of 2008.

There are three debates coming up in the next week--not sure how many tickets (if any) are left, best to call ahead or email the campaign:

Monday, October 6th, Bob will debate Boulder Liberal Mark Udall during a live television debate sponsored by 9News. The debate will take place at Gates Concert Hall at the University of Denver (2344 Iliff Avenue, Denver). We invite you to join us at 5:00pm for a rally to welcome Bob and cheer him on to victory! Following the rally, you are invited to attend the debate which will air live at 7:00pm on channel 9. You will be able to see firsthand the clear differences between Bob and Boulder Liberal Mark Udall.

The second debate is sponsored by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and will take place on Tuesday, October 7th at the Hyatt Regency Denver (650 15th Street, Denver, Colorado). We again invite you to join us before the debate at 1:30pm for a rally. The debate will immediately follow the rally at 3:00 pm. The chamber will host a reception with the senate candidates after the debate which you are invited to attend.

One of the traditional events of the campaign season, the Pueblo Chieftain debate, will take place on Monday, October 13th. The debate will be held at the Hoag Recital Hall on the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus (2200 Bonforte Boulevard, Pueblo). We invite you to experience the tradition for yourself and attend the debate at 7:30pm.

There are a limited number of tickets available for each of these debates. You can reserve a ticket by calling 720-377-1600 or emailing teamschaffer@bobschafferforsenate.com. Upon reserving a ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details.

Colorado Primary Night Roundup

Ben has a roundup of results, as does Rocky Mountain Right, who's tracking election night results.

First, a hearty congratulations to fellow RMA blogger and friend Joshua Sharf, who was successful in his primary campaign. On to November!

Reflections on the other larger races (CD-6, CD-5, CD-2):
CD-6: So, how long will it take before soon-to-be ex-Secretary of State Mike Coffman to announce his candidacy for the 2010 Senate matchup against Ken Salazar? Just sayin'. Seriously, Coffman's election in CD-6 in November should provide the platform for a run at higher office no earlier than 2014, for an open Governorship (a re-elected Bill Ritter would be term-limited) or for Senate against Mark Udall (should Bob Schaffer lose). A run in 2010 will strain credulity, and prompt the question, is Coffman running for office to represent the people, or to represent Mike Coffman? Coffman should plan on holding the seat for at least 3 terms before remotely contemplating moving any higher up the political ladder in Colorado.

CD-5: Two way primaries provide a necessary level of competition for any party. Three-way (and higher) primaries simply favor the incumbent, and Doug Lamborn certainly benefited from a split opposition. Too bad for Jeff Crank, who would have likely been a much better long-term occupant in CD-5.

CD-2: Ditto on the three-way primary, except in this case, it helped to benefit the candidate--Jared Polis--with the deepest pockets. So now one of the "Gang of Four" has purchased a seat in the House. So that's how Democrats take the money out of politics! Oh wait, nevermind . . .

Fox 31 Debate--Photos

Behind the scenes at the Fox 31 debate--"Colorado 2031 to air next Sunday, 10pm, on Fox 31 after the news.


The set, bare just a few minutes earlier, has been prepared and awaits the candidates Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall, and the host Ron Zappolo.


Zappolo prepares his mic.


Host Zappolo encourages an "anything goes" atmosphere and what would become a "guided conversation" rather than a traditional debate.


Schaffer argues a point during the first segment, which of course focused on energy--what mattered most to Colorado voters.


What we have here is a not only a closeup of the Fox 31 camera, but an example of Udall's most frequently used gesture--the double "click" position.


Schaffer explains his positions on energy as Zappolo looks on.


Udall responds--there's those hands again.


Waiting his turn.


Likewise.


Yep. The hands. Again.


A view from the inside.


The host was able to see what the audience will see with the use of this monitor.


From the other angle.


A wide shot (the hands!)


A friendly exchange.


Udall's closing remarks.


Bob's closing remarks.


Schaffer--gotta bring down the energy prices.


Conclusion.


A spirited and frenzied dialogue, and handshakes all around.


Media swarms Schaffer (foreground), while Udall (background, next to ladders and obscured by the reporter in the white shirt) answers a few questions after abruptly exiting the studio following the debate.


Udall gets his opportunity to chat with the reporters.

Fox 31 Pre-Debate Rally--Photos And Video

Photos/video (loading) of the rally outside--


Yep, it's evil.


Signs of the times--commuters along Speer and Lincoln were treated to a lot of signs, and responded with honking.


Anti-Udall protestors--from his left--brought out the impeachment signs and asked for Udall to bring President Bush and Vice President Cheney on charges.


The battle is joined--Boulder liberals welcome!


These guys have appeared at both of the debates--"Where is Mark Udall on EFCA?"


Showin' liberals a little love.


Like the "Veterans for Udall," it wasn't quite clear if those holding signs were actually veterans or firefighters.


There was a large youth contingent among Schaffer's supporters.


The wall of Udall supporters make their case--"M A R K, vote for Udall all the way!"


But the high cost of energy was on the minds of Schaffer's supporters--"drill here, drill now!"


Big Time Bob Schaffer fans brave the late July heat--with fan-favorite "U-Turn Udall" signs highlighting the Democrat's record.


Bob Schaffer greets supporters outside the Fox 31 Studio as Dick Wadhams looks on.


Schaffer chats with supporters before heading inside.

Schaffer, Udall In "Dead Heat", Tied 44-44

For all the latest in the Schaffer-Udall race, check out SvU for in-depth coverage and analysis.

Looks like Mark Udall is taking a u-turn in terms of support from Colorado voters.

One poll? An outlier.

Two polls in a row? A trend--possibly.

Things aren't looking to good for our favorite Boulder liberal, Mark Udall:

In the U.S. Senate race, U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, the Democrat, and Republican Robert Schaffer are tied 44 - 44 percent, compared to a 48 - 38 percent Udall lead June 26.

Schaffer managed to erase (and Udall managed to lose) a ten-point deficit in under a month.

Some of the spinmeisters at ColoradoPols have been working themselves up into a lather making excuses about poll reliability, the fact its only July, etc., when only a week ago they were trumpeting the CQ politics "leans Dem" prognostication and the double-digit polls as unassailable proof of Udall's electability and Schaffer's weaknesses as a candidate.

Then we had the first debate . . .

The two newest polls showing that Schaffer has closed the gap in overall poll numbers, independents (Udall's lead shrank from 21% to just 4%), and favorability (tied at 54%).

Of course this is still July, but rumors of Schaffer's early demise appear to have been greatly exaggerated. If these two new polls represent a trend, then we can expect the race to continue to be neck-and-neck going into November, a true toss up, and one of the most watched races in the country.

And we still have more debates and the DNC to come.

Schaffer V Udall Debate Photos

A popular sign at today's debate.


Schaffer supporters mill about, waiting for the doors to open.


All's quiet at the Udall table--with less than an hour to go, things aren't looking to good for the Boulder liberal (the union buses hadn't arrived yet).


Where, oh where, are the Udall folks at?


Fired up, ready to go.


Signs of support.


Adam Schrager poses a question to Udall.


Schaffer argues his point while Udall looks on.


Udall makes his rebuttal.

Schaffer v Udall Debate--Update

**Update--no liveblogging (no wireless at the venue), but Ben will have a full recap, and I'll have photos posted later).

Quick takeaways and initial impressions--Schaffer clearly had the upper hand in the debate when it came to vociferous support (the Udall side was not full), a command of the issues and the details involved in policy, and in overall demeanor. Udall's answers were forced when they weren't simply regurgitations of campaign talking points, and his rebuttals routinely eschewed marked policy differences, and instead focused on rhetoric of "bipartisanship" and the notion that "we are all Coloradans, all Americans." Udall certainly didn't appear to be comfortable in his own skin appearing before the cameras and a somewhat more open style of Q&A, with questions drawn from email submissions to 9NEWS' Adam Schrager, who moderated the debate. Schaffer was on offense from the opening remarks, with Udall trying (and failing, miserably) to play catch-up.

As for the supporters themselves (and this will be revealed in the photos and video), Schaffer's proponents were motivated and loud--"fired up and ready to go." Udall's troops showed up much later, had very little presence inside the complex or on the street, and demonstrated a lack of coordination/organization and reflected poorly on a candidate up by 10 points in the latest polls. It will be interesting to see how the MSM plays the debate today--one that favored Schaffer in all meaningful aspects and really exposed Udall as a mediocre debater and Washington insider who would rather cater to special interests and promote delays and politicking with hashed reasoning (health care is a national security issue, ya know!) rather than dealing with issues head on.

Looking forward to the next debates, Udall faces quite a challenge. The format certainly favored Schaffer, and may be one of the reasons that the Udall campaign refused to sign on to Schaffer's debate series. It is clear Udall would prefer the closed-set, no-crowd debate format with canned questions from the host. To his credit Schrager ably kept the candidates in line and on topic, and dealt with unruly Udall supporters by threatening to halt the proceedings.

---

SP's El Presidente and Ben DeGrow of Mount Virtus will represent the Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0 and the SchaffervUdall blog at the first debate held between former Congressman Bob Schaffer and Congressman Mark Udall for the Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Wayne Allard.

First, a preview:

The event in Parker will mark the first time the candidates debate, and the earliest one-on- one match observers can remember.

"I think this debate is going to be great," said Schaffer's campaign manager, Dick Wadhams. "They're both very good. They're both very smart. They're both very articulate."

Wadhams and Mike Stratton, Udall's campaign adviser, said they are excited the debate will be less structured than in previous years.

"The term has sort of been prostituted. The true debate format hardly gets used anymore," Stratton said, noting most events are a forum with people asking questions.

Today's debate moderator, 9News' Adam Schrager, said both candidates are "going to have the opportunity to engage each other." There will be no time limits, but he has said he will move on if the candidates get off track or try to "commandeer" the conversation.

We'll pick up the liveblogging as the debate gets rolling.

Stay tuned . . .

Colorado Senate 2008: Schaffer/Udall Updates

At Schaffer v Udall, a Rocky Mountain Alliance 2.0 project, you'll find out:

•Why Mark Udall welched on an online debate to be co-moderated by SvU and liberal blogger and all-around stand-up guy David Thielen (one of the few), after Bob Schaffer had already agreed to the blog-centric showdown.

•How you can submit questions to the candidates for their first televised debate on July 14.

•What the connection is between Mark Udall's wife and a group launching attacks on her husband's Senate rival.

•Where Udall really stands on gun control--before he was against it.

---

Blogger Ross Kaminsky of Rossputin.com has unraveled the early attacks on Bob Schaffer in a series of posts:

This is the first in a series of articles responding to three front-page articles in the Denver Post by reporter Michael Riley which attack former Congressman and current Senate candidate Bob Schaffer for a fact-finding trip Schaffer took to the Northern Marianas Islands (“CNMI”) in 1999.

Ross is up to part 6--here are the links:
Part 1
2
3
4
5
6

Schaffer V Udall--Monday Morning Edition 051908

From now until the election, in addition to links provided throughout the week, SP is promoting the Schaffer v Udall blog's latest posts:

Inconvenient Facts for Mark Udall and Big Blue Lie Machine's Assault on Bob Schaffer

Why is Mark Udall Hiding from Unscripted Debates?

Making Mountains out of Molehills

Mark Udall Now Running from "Boulder Liberal" Tag and Debates? A Connection?

Stay tuned to SvU for the most up-to-date coverage and analysis of the U.S. Senate matchup between Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall, updates on Colorado's voting population and party affiliation, and the impact of the Democratic National Convention on Colorado's most significant state-wide race.

Colorado Democrat Party State Convention

“We are going to mop the floor with John McCain”--Rep. Diane DeGette, D-Denver

If you're interested in what our friends across the aisle are doing at the Colorado Democrat Party state convention, the folks at Colorado Confidential are team-blogging the event:

Day 1

Day 2

They also have some photos, a roundup of the invited state party bigwigs (Gov. Ritter, Congresswoman DeGette, Rep. Salazar and Sen. Salazar, Senate candidate Rep. Mark Udall, Rep. Perlmutter, and Clinton groupie and campaign manager Terry McAuliffe-stirs a bit of controversy with Clinton vs. Obama speech), and an update on two anti-war protestors arrested for leaving the "Free Speech Zone".

Not My Tribe, the blogging home of one of the arrested protestors, features a local Colorado Springs news bit on the anti-war protestors' plans on using this weekend's festivities as a "dry run" for Denver's Democratic National Convention in August.

There was also a moment of silence in Sen. Ted Kennedy's (D-MA) honor.

Other highlighted quotes (via The Rocky Mountain News):

Even before the event opened at 10 a.m. today, the crowd was on its feet as various slogans ran across huge TV screens at the World Arena:

“Right now, Marilyn Musgrave is shopping for moving vans.”

“Right now, Bob Schaffer is still trying to figure out what a Colorado mountain looks like.”

But the loudest whoops and hollers were reserved for this one:

“Right now, Tom Tancredo is serving up his last term in Congress.”

In the Denver County area, three Clinton supporters held up signs that read “Yes” “She” “Will.”

The euphoric atmosphere of the state convention no doubt elicited one of the more interesting comments of the day:

“We are going to mop the floor with John McCain,” promised Rep. Diane DeGette, D-Denver.

Schaffer V Udall--Monday Morning Edition 051208

From now until the election, in addition to links provided throughout the week, SP is promoting the Schaffer v Udall blog's latest posts:

Udall: We're Starting To See A Pattern of "Courage" Emerging

Debate Format "Unacceptable" But Udall Indicates Further Discussion Warranted

What Political Favor is Mark Udall Holding Out for from Hillary Clinton?

Stay tuned to SvU for the most up-to-date coverage and analysis of the U.S. Senate matchup between Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall, updates on Colorado's voting population and party affiliation, and the impact of the Democratic National Convention on Colorado's most significant state-wide race.