How Frank's Retirement Hurts Democrats and Helps Republicans (ContributorNetwork)

COMMENTARY | When Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., announced today he would retire at the end of his current term, it was a serious blow to the Democrats. As a former political consultant, I know the damage of this retirement goes beyond the committees he sat on or the legislation he attempted to pass. One of the major faces of the party is turning off the lights and going home.

Frank is someone people have gotten to recognize over the years due to the fact he is often a guest on news shows. At times, he has been a voice of the Democrats and has been the go-to-guy in stressful times for his insight. He has gained a reputation for being quick on his feet and strong in his resolve. While I rarely agree with the congressional leader, I have always respected him.

People feel comfortable when they see commentators on the news they recognize. There is something odd in the human psyche that causes us to be more likely to trust people we recognize over those which are unfamiliar to us. With Rep. Frank moving on, the Democrats lose one of those familiar faces that people have learned to trust, or at least semi-accept.

At the same time, Frank works with many of the younger Democrats in Congress and has helped them stay firm in their resolve. These up-and-coming politicians will wake up tomorrow to the reality of one of their leaders giving up on the system. What does this tell them about the future of the Democrats in Congress?

At the same time, since he is walking away due to the redistricting, this may cause some of the other leaders in Congress to become convinced to do the same. Frank thinks the next election will be too difficult due to the redistricting in his state. How many Democrats will become discouraged by the redistricting in their states and place an undue amount of concern on the issue?

Even if Frank's seat goes to another Democrat, the Republicans can still chalk up a win. With one of the loudest voices in Congress being silenced, the Republicans are able to gain more strength. Instead of worrying about battling Frank, now they can focus on whoever had the best chance of carrying his torch.

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AP Interview: Branstad: Debate gaffe hurts Perry (AP)

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad on Friday said Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry's debate gaffe this week was one of those unfortunate iconic moments, just like former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's memorable scream was in 2004.

The veteran Republican governor said Perry's inability to remember the name of the third Cabinet department he would eliminate was not a fatal blow, but that the episode served to punctuate doubts about the Texas governor.

"It's not helpful especially in light of the fact that he had had several previous debates where he had not performed well," Branstad told The Associated Press in an interview. "It is kind of comparable to, it was the governor of Vermont, Howard Dean's scream here at caucus night in Iowa."

During a GOP presidential debate Wednesday night in Michigan, Perry couldn't name the third department.

"Commerce, Education and the — what's the third one there? Let's see," he said, before checking his notes and eventually admitting he couldn't remember.

Later in the debate, Perry said Energy was the third department.

But the minute-long video of Perry's stumble spread quickly as he made the rounds of network and cable television news programs to put a lighthearted spin on the situation and dismiss questions about his ability to stay in the race.

Dean, once the poll leader for Iowa's 2004 Democratic presidential caucuses, famously rallied supporters on caucus night after finishing a disappointing third. He shouted the names of state contests ahead, capping it with a red-faced yell.

The circumstances were different but the episodes reinforced doubts about each candidate.

In Dean's case, the concerns were about his demeanor. In Perry's case, his sometimes awkward and wandering debate answers have raised questions about his ability to perform under pressure.

Like Dean, Perry's moment also comes as the he is trying to regain his footing after slipping sharply in the polls.

Branstad said he was unlikely to endorse any of the seven candidates who are campaigning to win the state's Jan. 3 caucuses. He previously had held out the possibility of doing so.

Branstad said strong performances in Iowa were essential for Perry and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, both of whom have slumped in the polls since August.

He also said former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum "could be the real sleeper in this thing." Santorum last week reached his goal of visiting each of Iowa's 99 counties, a feat made famous by Iowa GOP icons Branstad and U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley. Santorum is the only candidate to invest that much time on retail politics in the state.

Branstad also said it was possible that Mitt Romney could win the caucuses, despite the former Massachusetts governor's less aggressive campaign in Iowa this year than four years ago. Romney recently said he would like to win in Iowa. Doing so would help him build momentum heading into the leadoff primary a week later in New Hampshire, where he is heavily favored.

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