The Anti-Sam Brownback Blog

The past week was a bad one for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. His plan to go nuclear was scuttled by a rougue element of moderate GOP and Democratic senators. While trying to save face and rush through the Bolton nomination he was publicly embarressed when the cloture vote he called failed. The mainstream news was full of him railing against the filibuster deal while he was contrasted with the more moderate, and seemingly more reasonable, gang of 14.

Frist suffers mightily as a result. He has failed to follow through on his promises to the religious right. He told them the nuclear option was a sure thing. Dobson and Co. were already feeling the sting of buyer’s remorse from Bush ignoring the Federal Marriage Amendment. They made clear to Frist that this was his opportunity to solidify support among their ranks. In failing, he has tainted himself and hurt his chances in a GOP primary. In addition, he has shown himself to be a weak leader of the GOP caucus. Not being able to hold ranks on such an important vote shows that Frist does not possess the leadership capabilities needed to be a presidential candidate.

What is bad for Frist is good for Brownback. As Frist falls from grace in the eyes of religious conservatives, they are more likely to gravitate to someone who they know they can trust. Brownback has been their constant friend and supporter, never shying away from even their more radical ideas. He is a known entity and has a long history with the anti-choice lobby. Moreover, Brownback voting for Brownback in a presidential primary would be seen as the final stage of the muscle-flexing by the religious right. They are tired of electing officials like Bush who give lip service to the Federal Marriage Amendment but then shelve it because of political expediency.

I think Brownback has risen considerably this past week as a contender. The George Will writeup below combined with the Frist implosion serves to strengthen Brownbacks ambition.