davidvoegtle.net

Key GOP senator won’t attend party’s convention: WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina won’t be attending the Republican national convention, which begins over Labor Day weekend.

(Via McClatchy.)

Whew. Is this another sign of a possible Republican Party meltdown? As noted in the article, Dole is the latest in a string of Republican Senators who won’t be attending their party’s convention in September, joining Ted Stevens (AK), Susan Collins (ME), and Wayne Allard (CO). Additionally, three others have not committed to an appearance: Roger Wicker (MS), John Sununu (NH), and Gordon Smith (OR). It’s simply incredible to me that some 15% of the Republican caucus in the Senate may not show up to support John McCain

Remember, also, that just two years ago Dole was head of the Republicans Senate campaign committee. She’s not a back-bench party member.

Combined with the current infighting of the state party GOP in Iowa which decided not to include their own Senator (Charles Grassley) in the state delegation, these are not good times for Republicans.

The Republican brand is toxic, and they aren’t doing themselves any favors.