Catanese Highlights Roy Blunt's Big Base Problems

KY3's David Catanese has a long post this morning on the fallout from RNC Chairman Michael Steele's comments about the failures of Roy Blunt and his time as a top GOP leader. In it, Catanese highlights the "rift" between Blunt and his base.

[Conservative Kyle] Dowden represents a slice of the conservative movement in Southwest Missouri that remains largely Republican, but anti-establishment and in some cases, anti-Blunt. It is the group that [KSGF's Vincent David] Jericho has both cultivated and depended on to fuel his following on his morning radio show.

"I have voted for Roy and Matt [Blunt] in every election they have been on the ballot," explained Dowden. But, I've been losing faith in Roy, especially since he ditched his wife in favor of the lobbyist that Jericho referenced. I remember attending the press conference when Matt announced his candidacy for governor. There was a coolness in the air as it related to Roy and Matt's mother. Everyone was aware that Roy was baggage for Matt's campaign," Dowden said.

"I think we voters have to ask the question, 'Is it possible for a man who sells out his family for pleasure also able to sell out his beliefs and constituents for a kickback?' I think it's possible. That's why character and integrity matter," Dowden went on.

The personal remarks about Blunt's private life are part of an undercurrent that Jericho has used to tap into, to make his case that the Congressman isn't "one of us."