Talk About Your Fred Sanford Moments…

You know the routine. Fred Sanford clutches his chest and look upwards as he scream “Hear that ‘Lizabeth? I’m coming to join ya honey!”

Well, that’s about the reaction I had when I saw the Ryerson Rag actually endorsed the Republican candidate for Southern Indiana’s 9th Congressional District.

From the Rag:

(Read more after the leap)

Given the prevalence of gerrymandering and a campaign financing system that favors incumbents, it’s uncommon for voters to be offered a choice between two well-qualified candidates in congressional races. But three strong candidates competing for one House seat? That’s unheard of. Or at least that’s the case outside this southeastern Indiana district, where for the second time Democrat Baron Hill, Libertarian Eric Schansberg and Republican Mike Sodrel face off.

Schansberg, an Indiana University Southeast economics professor, is a prime example of how far the Libertarian Party has advanced in Indiana. He’s thoughtful and well versed on core issues.

So too is Sodrel, who lost the seat to Hill in 2006. Sodrel brings a business owner’s experience and expertise to issues such as energy and health care. His previous stint in Congress gives him a depth of knowledge rare among challengers. And the past two years outside of Washington have helped temper partisan tendencies.

Hill, a proud “blue-dog” Democrat, has shown encouraging growth in the past two years, but remains the weakest of the three candidates in addressing, with specifics, issues such as how to curb government spending.

Voters should seize the opportunity to return Sodrel to Congress.

However Pravda is not completely off the hook. If Gonzo Defenestrater hasn’t canceled his Rag subscription yet, he will after reading these endorsements. The Ryerson Rag aimed their left-wing vitriol at none other than Hoosier Access Radio guest and friend of Hoosier Access Congressman Dan Burton.

“An energetic campaigner, [Mary Etta] Ruley deserves bipartisan support from a constituency too long ill-served by Burton’s eccentric, selfish conduct.”

As a backhanded compliment to Gabrielle Campo, while endorsing the Carson dynasty’s return to Washington, the Ed Board stated Ms. Campo “emphasizes energy diversification and its employment possibilities. She assigns high priority to education. An impressive newcomer, she will continue to be heard from on the political scene.”

Funny how the Rag always is complimentary of Carson opponents, but never seem to endorse them. They were very complimentary of Eric Dickerson in 2006, but endorsed Julia Carson anyway in spite of her obvious declining health.

The Ryerson Rag seemed to use the pork barrel financial bailout bill as their litmus test for measuring up whether an incumbent was worthy of being returned to Washington.

The Rag also endorsed Pete Visclosky over perennial candidate Mark Leyva, Joe Donnelly over Luke Puckett, Mark Souder over Mike Montagno, Steve Buyer over carpetbagger Nels Ackerson, Mike Pence over someone endorsed by the Daily Kooks, and Brad Ellsworth over Greg Goode.