Getty Images
Rep. Paul Broun's (R-Ga.) interest in running for the Senate was evident even before Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) announced his retirement. With the incumbent out of the way, the congressman's announcement was only a matter of time.
Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday to run for Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss' seat, just hours before he is scheduled to make an announcement about the race in Atlanta. Broun is the first candidate to enter the race ahead of what is expected to be a crowded primary on the Republican side.
Broun's candidacy puts Republican Senate officials in Washington in an awkward if familiar position. Once again, they're left hoping the conservative movement doesn't galvanize behind a candidate whose well-documented penchant for controversy could put at risk what otherwise would be a sure-fire victory.
It's hard to overstate just how unusual Paul Broun really is. Words like "crazy" and "extreme" are used with some frequency to describe politicians on the fringes of modern American thought, but even among the true cranks, Broun is a unique individual.
Rachel noted many of the congressman's greatest hits the other night, and the segment is well worth your time. Broun, for example, is perhaps best known for arguing that that cosmology, biology, and geology are, quite literally, "lies straight from the pit of Hell," and that President Obama only believes in supporting "the Soviet constitution."
But we can keep going. Broun, an apparent Birther, believes cap-and-trade would kill people; the Affordable Care Act will dictate what kind of car Americans can drive; the health care reform effort reminds him of "Northern Aggression"; and that he considers President Obama to be a Hitler-like figure intent on establishing a Gestapo-like security force to impose a Marxist dictatorship on Americans.
In 2010, Broun argued that the Centers for Disease Control might "give all the power to the federal government to force you" to eat healthier foods, which would include the CDC "calling you to make sure you eat fruits and vegetables, every day. This is socialism of the highest order!"
Now he's running for the U.S. Senate. And that, in turn sets the stage for an interesting test.
There's been an unmistakable push of late to improve the Republican Party's electoral prospects, helping stronger candidates win primaries and purge the party of "cranks, haters and bigots."
And if those efforts have any meaning at all, Paul Broun has to be exactly the kind of candidate who's deemed wholly unacceptable by sane elements of the Republican Party.
So, will they? Shouldn't Broun be Exhibit A in the category of "unacceptable GOP candidates"?
Leave a Comment:
Can we all say Todd Akin on Steroids? Say it all together and pray Broun wins the primary. He is the easiest possible candidate.
In Georgia? Are you sure? Far as I can tell, he's pretty mainstream for that State.
That's the part that is scary about Georgia...
Isn't Broun a physician? Think about the concept of Dr. Broun for a moment. A physician who doesn't believe in science. Aren't the people of Georgia better off with him in congress than if he were to return to the practice of medicine?
I believe that may be Phil Gingrey you're thinking of. He's another right-wing wacko congressman in GA.... Our bench is deep when it comes to those guys.
I wonder whom Rove's new group will pick to back, after all the GOTP realize that they want "saner" candidates on their side. This should be interesting....
Popcorn anyone?
Broun is indeed a doctor. It's why I always ask what political party the doctor belongs to when seeing a new one. No Republicans allowed, I want a competent doctor.
Most licensed professions have boards whose function is to suspend or revoke the licenses of the deranged and incapacitated, often conditioned upon obtaining treatment for their problems. The medical profession, however, appears to prefers to move the mentally ill out of their ranks by getting them elected to Congress.
Who doesn't believe this clown couldn't win in Georgia? Why would you NOT believe he couldn't win there? It's Georgia, for crying out loud.
Not only is Dr. Broun a physician; He's an OB/GYN, for God's sake, who claims the study of embryology is a "LIE STRAIGHT FROM THE PITS OF HELL"...
A gynecologist who doesn't believe how babies are made...
The candidates of the Confederacy are becoming ever more extreme and their congressional representatives growing more antagonistic to the United States of America every day.
Who among them these days has even one kind word for our federal government? Who among them admits that there is a reason for government to exist? Who among them believes in reason and science? Is there a single one?
The supposed 'savior' of the GOP fails all three questions.
Damn. This guy is almost Larouche-level crazy.
Test? How about an IQ test for this Glen Beck whacko?
India...
The problem isn't his intelligence...
It's his wisdom and common sense...
It's not what he "knows", it's what he believes...
Paul Bround proves that the North let the Southern traitors off easy, since his ancestors survived to create him.
And Southerners wonder why people who live elsewhere think they actually eat dirt as part of their diet. What is it about Dixie that not only gives rise to total goofballs like Paul Broun and Alan West, but enables them to be elected to high office?
At least in the Confederacy and some border states, the GOP truly is "the party of stupid."
I'm from GA and totally understand your comment. But, come on...Sharon Angle, Steve King, Christine O'Donnell, Richard Mourdock, Ken Buck, Rick Snyder, etc. There's a lot of crazy outside of the south too. We're motivated here and will do everything we can to change our state's direction.
I think they eat too many moon pies down South! Moon pies may be causing brain damage!
I've become increasingly convinced that it should be a top progressive priority to repeal the AUMF.
I convinced you should save your quid and invest in a "pair".....
And stop running around with your tail between your legs....
time to start donating to his campaign...?
Ok so this is the question...Who's a Democrat that could run and win in GA?
I was looking at the candidates for the U. S. in 2012. If there's someone from Georgia who is familiar with the political landscape and would care to reply, can sometime tell us about Steve Reilly (7th District, lost to Rob Woodall last year)? Based on his bio, he looks like someone who could carry a U. S. senate race, but I don't know enough about him to say for sure.
Ronald Reagan himself, risen from the grave and arriving on clouds of glory, couldn't run and win in GA.
A Democrat? Good thing I'd put down my cup when I read that.
They should be the ones concerned with finding someone to run against Broun in the primary. Remember, Saxby ran a dirty campaign against Max Cleeland. The Dems will find someone, Atlanta is a big city, the pressure is on them...
Ordinarily I would agree that a Democrat on a ballot down there wouldn't have a snowballs chance...but...if the GOP splits the ticket with an "Establishment" candidate and the Tea Party runs an independent (which considering this BS with the "Victory project" they might just do) a democrat might squeak by...It's a long shot and would have to be done right but it's definitely possible
Jimmy Carter!
Whether a Dem can win in Georgia is really dependent on voter turnout in Atlanta and its suburbs. I would expect Dems could make inroads in the more urban areas. But the Dems have to put up a decent known candidate who can persuade enough voters that Broun is just a step too far for the state.
And possibly on whether the Legislature changes the process for electing Senators to "a majority of Congressional districts."
Dem's won Senate seats in Missouri, North Dakota, and Indiana last cycle alone. I do not think the electorate in Georgia is that much more conservative than in those states.
If the GOP wishes to nominate a looney, a good campaigner with a 'D' next to his or her name may very well win.
MGLorraine...
Close... I'd look at his grandson, James Carter IV...
Remember, he uncovered the Romney '47%' video, that cost Romney the election...
Then again, someone who could really bring in the minority vote might be Shirley Sherrod... A black Democrat woman, persecuted unjustly by Republicans? Shouldn't be a hard sale...
This is ground zero for the future of politicians who won't accept facts. The Republicans have no idea how to handle the monster they created, look at the flak they threw at Rove for suggesting that nutjobs cost Senate seats. Can they even find a moderate to run against this guy in the primary? Because if they can't they are going to have a hard time in a state they should dominate.
This is so true. They're reaping what they've sewn. I'm predicting that Paul Broun & Steve King will be the Todd Akin & Richard Mourdock of 2014. Thus, losing the Repubs 2 more senate seats.
Can he run for the House at the same time, or does he have to pick one under Georgia law?
I do not think it is legal to run for two offices in the same branch of government at the same time.
So, he will forfeit his House seat.
That depends upon the State. Paul Ryan ran for VP and for congressman. He was re-elected to Congress.
Veep and Congress are in separate branches. I do not think it is legal to run for two legislative offices at the same time.
Well, Georgia has always been known for growing nuts. And this nut is a doozy!!
Pecans are actually drupes, but Broun is really a nut.
(Points and shouts)
Witch!
Wiiiiiiiiiiiitch!!!
What is amazing--and distressing--is that Broun has a fairly good chance to WIN this U. S. Senate seat. Come on, modern day Georgians. Show us that you're better than that.
Please, please show us that there is intelligent life in Georgia! Broun is a disaster. You Georgians are starting to scare me!
In a state that is proud of its nuts, this is one nut we really find unpalatable.
Tell me he isn't a member of the NRA...he should never carry a gun.
@India LeCarre Darned straight! Ballistics is science!
Are'nt there backround checks for people running for office? Broun is clearly a mental case. A man like him has no business holding public office. Anyone as paranoid as he is should be on the top floor of a mental institution. But then again I guess you have to consider the voters that put him in office are the same as he is.
We need to vote the crazies OUT not put them in! What are you all smokin' down there in Georgia?
Paul Broun is certifiable, folks. He belongs somewhere, but not the US Senate! How about a mental hospital?
Look on the bright side, after a year or two in the Senate this turkey will convince 60+ Senators to end the filibuster.
The Adder Party is alive and well in Georgia, and they have found a candidate who can uphold the standards set two centuries ago by S. Baldrick.
Baldrick, the wonderfully goofy guy in the Blackadder series who is always saying, "I have a cunning plan"? Come to think of it, he would represent a definite step forward for repubs!
You guys. Georgia tries to regale you with the comic of the century and you take him serious?
Gotta give them credit, if you are gonna send some glory seeker to the Capitol you may as well send someone that makes you cousin look smart by comparison.Heck fire the hawgs outsmart this guy!
I'm from GA and have been increasingly embarassed by our state representatives. I've already started urging the GA Dem Party to find a proper candidate to run - surely we have an Ashley Judd-type here as well! But guys, please don't write off the entire state just yet.....after all, Obama did get 45% of the vote. The great Nate Silver has suggested - due to changing demographics - that we may just be the next blue state after AZ & TX.
We do, just not on the Democratic side. Most of Ga home grown celebrities are batting for the other team. Julia Roberts could move back here and run for office and she'd lose. And most people in Ga love her as much as they do Trisha Yearwood. But it's the fact that she's a Democrat, and the same people who praise her, will eat her alive for turning her back on them. It's like being a Republican in this state is a birth right, handed down from generation to generation. Most probably have no idea why they are Republicans in the first place. Will proudly say they are a conservative, and not understand the meaning behind it. And will gladly place their Christian Faith and Moral Values and Political Beliefs above and beyond their own family.
If GA Democrats reminded their fellow statesmen that there is no requirement to vote for the party you are registered with (secret ballot:). Then remind their fellow statesmen of what is happing in Republican controlled states. Also the only voter fraud found in the last elections was committed by the Republicans.
GA doesn't have party registration. Anyone registered to vote can do so in any election whether it is a Democrat or Republican primary. Your point, however, is well taken about Repub controlled states & election fraud.
What is happening in other red states is nothing compared to Georgia. Here we have a genuine War on the Poor. The average Georgia voter knows full well what is happening and what the perception of our state is from the outside. That isn't the problem. The problem is they are proud of it. The further right and backwards they go the prouder they are of their success in avoiding the "progressive" agenda. In Georgia, PROGRESS IS BAAAD!
Did someone say this nut is a medical doctor? How is that even possible?
And he is paranoid about the CDC? Wha...?
This is really not a well man, Georgia, so please keep him down there where he belongs. We have enough clowns in DC already.
I don't see that. They don't really object to cranks etc. -- just unelectable ones. And Broun looks to be eminently electable in Georgia (although going after the CDC is somewhat imprudent considering how many people they employ in the State.
In 2010, Broun argued that the Centers for Disease Control might "give all the power to the federal government to force you" to eat healthier foods, which would include the CDC "calling you to make sure you eat fruits and vegetables, every day. This is socialism of the highest order!"
I just ate some pineapple salsa. Does that count? My phone is ringing...
Dear Georgians,
Please don't do this. Save all of us. There are enough hateful, crazy, and partisan people in our government as it is. We really don't need another. Let him go back to the "pit of hell" he came out of!
Hmmm...
I would place him in either the Fourth level of Dante's Inferno, an eternal swamp for the Wrathful and Sullen, or the eighth bolgia of the Eighth level, the ring of the Evil Counselors, where the souls become living flame... Mostly depends on whether or not he actually believes the insane things he says...
Hey guys - Please have some patience with the state of GA. After all, Obama did win 45% of the vote. Nate Silver has even predicted GA will be one of the next states to turn blue after AZ & TX due to demographic changes. But trust me, I've been a life-long resident & have never been so embarassed of my state's reps. I've already been lobbying the GA Dem Party to begin immediately searching for a winnable candidate to take on Braun or whatever freak the Repugs come up with. Surely we must have an Ashley Judd-type here as well!
I was born in Georgia and moved in the early 80s after marrying a man who has since moved me to five other states, so I have no ideas about who would be a good statewide Dem for this.....I was sad to see that the mayor of Atlanta has declined to enter this race. Please, someone, make me think there is still something salvageable in Georgia.
Good for you Painter, keep up the fight against crazy.
Sorry Painter, but Georgia has been crazy ever since it was a penal colony for transported pig fornicators. The ones who are crazy Republicans now were crazy Democrats until the Democrats became "traitors" to the white South with civil rights.
There was a time not too long ago when GA had a Dem governor. There was a time when I could go vote and there would be an actual Dem challenger on the ballot. Yes GA has always been crazy but in the past 10 years it has sunken to new depths. The feeling here on the ground is that something's up....apathy & a feeling of powerlessness are just not going to be tolerated anymore...we're mobilizing. Too bad Kasim Reed decided not to run but we'll find somebody.
Near as I can tell, GA's elections are less about the absence of batty ideas from their GOP candidates and more about viability of their Dem candidates.
I mean, we can pretty much count on GA's GOP candidate to be off the rails. No surprise there. But who's the Dem candidate? No takers so far, apparently.
* http://dyn.realclearpolitics.com/printpage/?url=http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/02/05/democrats_eye_unlikely_georgia_as_senate_pickup-full.html
Given Georgia's electoral tendencies, it shouldn't be surprising that no one wants to pour money down that particular rat hole. It'd be better spent doused in kerosene and lit on fire.
And he's on the Science Committee????????????????? :O
newsblog903, #23
OMG.....
But, of course...
You forgot that good ol' FAMILY VALUES candidate Paul Broun has been married 4 times. I guess he has 'many family' values. One man, four women. Gotta love it.
Mego,
OMG...does he have....gulp.....children?
three.
Shame... Would have thought him a perfect candidate for the Darwin Award...
I love living in a state where the citizens actually consider a candidate's grasp of reality in voting. Ever heard of Representative Art Robinson from Oregon? No, because he sounds a lot like Paul Broun but that turns out to be detrimental to aspirations of elected office in my neck of the woods. I challenge the voters in Georgia to be at least as thoughtful as Oregonians in choosing your elected officials. And it isn't a democrat thing around here, Bob Packwood and Mark Hatfield were republicans that Oregon sent back to the senate on a regular schedule. We just like our politicians to be operating in reality.