Why aren't progressives issuing primary challenges to incumbants like Right Wingers are?

[Dinner]

It seems like a pretty straight forward question. Every where you look you see hordes of pissed off arch conservative activists issuing primary challengers to incumbent Republicans they deem to be insufficiently ideologically pure; sure, this has back fired on the conservatives causing them to lose elections but the tactic has had the desired effect of making just about all Republicans tightly tow the party line. Compare that to the Democrats, who normally are as cohesive as a herd of cats, with positions ranging from die hard reactionary to down right socialist but there just hasn't been a single progressive primary challenge to any Democratic incumbents even as those same incumbents piss all over the party's base and routinely give them the finger. See the recent health care "debate" for examples.

Why is this? Why won't progressives ever stand up and fight while the conservatives always fight tooth and nail even when (especially when?) they know they're wrong? Are liberals just pussies?

[Dinner]

Arlen Specter started his term as a Republican but it looks like he's easily going to win the Democratic primary while Blanche Lincoln basically held his own party's signature piece of legislation (which has been in the party's platform for over 20 years) hostage while he threw a temper tantrum trying to outlaw abortion. Where is the progressive sense of revenge? When are they going to grow a pair?

I mean, like the tea baggers, these primary challenges would likely result in some races being lost but also like the tea baggers I bet the remaining Democrats would suddenly get religion about listening to the party's base.

[Elok]

Are liberals just pussies?

Yes. Yes, they are.

[MrFun]

Two Democratic representatives and one Democratic governor have decided not to run for reelection.

[Wezil]

Are any Dems lining up for a shot at Pres in 2012? It looks like a serious contender will be needed.

[Kuciwalker]

Because they wouldn't win.

[Dinner]

As I said, like the tea bagger challengers, even if they don't win there is a very noticeable effect of having the remaining members more closely follow the party line out of fear of facing expensive primary challenges. The right wingers have at least accomplished that and I think it could work for the left as well.

[MrFun]

Because they wouldn't win.

yeah

[Theben]

Compare that to the Democrats, who normally are as cohesive as a herd of cats,

This.

Hard-line conservatives prefer authoritarian leadership which leads to group-think but also well-focused direction if such a leader is present. This also pushes everyone else into the democrat camp, including moderates, so of course you'll have many varied opinions of how things should be done.

As for progressives themselves, they do back candidates but they rarely get the needed corporate backing to win office.

[DinoDoc]

Blanche Lincoln basically held his own party's signature piece of legislation (which has been in the party's platform for over 20 years) hostage while he threw a temper tantrum trying to outlaw abortion.

If it makes you feel any better, Lincoln is likely going to loose her seat in part because of the vote made in support of Obama's health care reform.

Nelson's numbers aren't looking so hot now either but he's not up for reelection now.

[Boris Godunov]

Lincoln might draw a primary challenge from the Lt. Governor, too, IIRC.

Dodd's retirement is good news for the Democrats, though. AG Blumenthal announced his bid, and he's hugely popular. Dodd was in big trouble, but now it looks safe for the Dems to hold it.

Nate Silver just released his early Senate picture, and he has the GOP picking up a net of 2 Senate seats. Of course, it's very early.

[Drake Tungsten]

Does Oerdin really think Blanche Lincoln is a man? Her name is Blanche, for god's sake...

[Bosh]

Lamont in 2006?

Also TOE line line. Aaargh!

[Boris Godunov]

Lamont was successful, he just had the misfortune of running against an exceedingly disloyal Democrat who also happened to enjoy considerable GOP support in his liberal NE state. The GOP was also a joke.

Lincoln and Nelson wouldn't fair nearly as well in independent bids, I doubt they'd even attempt them should they lose their primaries.

[Drake Tungsten]

Nelson really hurt himself. I'm relatively sure that he's already decided to retire after this term; his vote for healthcare reform makes no sense for someone planning on running for office again in Nebraska, but makes perfect sense for a longtime health insurance industry flack who's looking to curry favor and secure a cushy job after retirement.