The most annoying people on the internet are the moderate GOP #nevertrumpers who like electoral politics and try to spin every development into a "win" for the GOP. I saw at least three takes online saying Issa and Royce retiring was actually a boon for the GOP because they were disliked or something...
If an incumbent without a scandal is retiring, their district becomes more competitive. That's how it works.
Look up my scant post history. I think I have at least three comments suggesting that Frelinghuysen should retire to help the party. I have been saying so for months.
Obviously Royce's retirement is bad for the party — we now have no real shot in that district. Issa's is probably neutral just due to the advantages of incumbency, but Frelinghuysen was essentially toxic. I am glad he retired, even though I support him personally. He could not win against Sherrill.
Anyway, Frelinghuysen is not an incumbent without a scandal, so I'm not sure why you're bringing this rant here:
https://www.politico.com/story/2017/05/16/rodney-frelinghuysen-ethics-complaint-238452
Agreed 100%. Frelinghuysen was essentially DOA to someone like Sherrill; his campaign machinery is rusty at best (think Mica) and he has not been positioning himself well at all (not holding town halls, etc). Him retiring could be a net positive if a strong candidate like Jay Webber jumps in but that's not a given at this point. I'm keeping this seat as a Tossup but Tilting D as I have for a while, it's just the retirement makes things a lot more volatile.
