Local Congressmen Feature Anti-Moran Articles On Their Reelection Campaign Sites

Yet both Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) and Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) currently feature on their 2004 reelection campaign websites articles attacking Jim Moran.

Cardin's website includes the Baltimore Sun's 3/13/03 "Moran Shouldn't Run Again, Say Colleagues" article in its "Ben In The News" section. The article states:

"In a sharply worded letter to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, six Democrats called Moran's statements unacceptable.

"They are not merely wrong, offensive and ignorant," the six wrote. "Under any interpretation, they violate the basic standards we hold ourselves to as Democrats.

"We hope that as Jim reflects on his actions, he will decide not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives. Should he seek re-election in 2004, however, we cannot and will not support his candidacy."

The signatories to the letter - all of whom are Jewish - are Reps. Henry A. Waxman and Tom Lantos of California, Martin Frost of Texas, Sander M. Levin of Michigan, Benjamin L. Cardin of Maryland and Nita M. Lowey of New York. A Moran spokesman had no immediate comment on the letter."

Similarly, Republican Congressman Eric Cantor is also playing up his anti-Moran credentials in his own 2004 reelection campaign website. His "2003 News" section includes numerous articles blasting his fellow Virginia congressman Moran, including "Moran's Stumble Elevates Cantor's Profile" from 3/14/03. This newspaper article includes the following additional info about Moran:

"Even some of Moran's post-apology explanations are drawing fire.

Moran told Roll Call newspaper, a Capitol Hill publication, that 'I'm not going to be intimidated. . . . It's unhealthy for the American political process for any group within our society to be able to decide who should and shouldn't represent a constituency.'

David Bernstein, Washington director for the American Jewish Committee, said Moran again raised 'the canard of Jewish control' in suggesting that 'one group - the Jewish community - will decide who represents his district.'

Yesterday I had the chance to chat with Rick Ally, who is Andy Rosenberg's campaign manager. Ally says that after seven terms in office Moran ought to be at the peak of his power and influence. Instead Moran is losing power and influence. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi ousted Moran from his position as Democratic Regional Whip. And local congressman, including fellow Democrat Ben Cardin are emphasizing their opposition to Moran as part of their campaign strategies.

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