Potts Stays In
Russ Potts is not going anywhere.
At a press conference this afternoon, Potts declared once again that he intends to be a candidate until the end. He said he "entered this race on principle and will stay in this race on principle."
A Post poll taken last week showed that he would have received 4 percent of the vote.
"Don't believe those polls. Don't believe them," Potts said. "We're going to do a whole lot better than people think."
That said, he seemed resigned to the fact that he won't win, and he turned his famous rhetorical wit on Republican Jerry Kilgore, who he said had run a much more negative campaign than Democrat Tim Kaine.
"Mr. Kilgore, in my opinion, has run a horrible campaign," Potts said.
He hammered Kilgore again on his refusal to debate him during the campaign. And he said Kilgore's "no-show" at a recent visit by President Bush was a disservice to the Republican president.
"At a time when President Bush certainly could have used a friend, he didn't have a friend in Jerry Kilgore," Potts said. "Had I been invited, I would have been there." Told that Kilgore said he wasn't invited, either, Potts said: "I strongly suspect Mr. Kilgore could have wrangled an invitation."
Kilgore spokesman Tim Murtaugh said: "It's a shame to see him ending his career this way. Desperation has clearly taken hold. He is an angry, bitter, spiteful man."
By Michael Shear |
October 31, 2005; 2:55 PM ET
| Category:
Russ Potts
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Posted by: Omar | October 31, 2005 05:38 PM
You know, I was just thinking the exact samething.
Posted by: UVA2008 | October 31, 2005 07:23 PM
It's rather indicative that the only thing that could draw Jerry Kilgore to an NAACP event was the chance to avoid George Bush. Yes, Murtaugh appears to be going through fits of projection when he makes remarks like that..."Methinks he doth protest too much..."
Posted by: Binky | October 31, 2005 08:04 PM
Perhaps Mr. Murtaugh is the author of Kilgore's attack ads?
A secure and self-confident leader would have invited Potts to participate in all debates and would have heralded his inclusion as a demonstration of one the qualities that makes America great -- that anybody can run for office and be a part of the political process.
Potts has served the Republican Party faithfully for many years and should have afforded a certain respect as an elder in the Va. GOP.
The fact that Kaine gave Potts more respect and courtesy than Potts' own party (led by Jerry Kilgore) says plenty about each man's character and values and their respective parties.
Posted by: SoccerMom | October 31, 2005 08:11 PM
"He is an angry, bitter, spiteful man."
So much for no personal attacks. And the fact that they'd attack someone so nastily who's barely a factor in the race sure demonstrates some amazing desperation.
Posted by: Bell | November 1, 2005 08:22 PM
Just shows that their Mommas didn't raise-em right.
And, speaking of Mommas....google "Willie Mae Kilgore" ...
Posted by: Yo' Momma2 | November 2, 2005 05:22 AM
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"Angry, bitter, spiteful" -- sounds like the Kilgore attack ads