Something just doesn’t sit quite right with Steve Novick’s constant protestations of being the “outsider” candidate in the Democratic primary race for U.S. Senate. In response to recent revelations that the DSCC is sending cash to his opponent, Novick’s campaign manager Jake Weigler sent an email asking for support that will “tell the D.C. establishment that Oregon’s primary election isn’t for sale.” Now, wait a minute. Isn’t Novick the guy who worked inside the D.C. beltway for years at the Department of Justice? Did he not just host a fundraiser in D.C., trying to court the same kind of political insiders that are lining up with his primary nemesis Jeff Merkley? Is he not same the guy who worked for years on several Democratic “establishment” campaigns including Governor Ted Kulongoski’s first go around? Steve Novick, an outsider to Oregon politics? Please.

Novick was the first Democrat to announce his bid to try and unseat incumbent Senator Gordon Smith. Ever since he’s had more time and ample opportunity to convince the Democratic base that he is the better candidate to challenge Smith in the general election. He continues to court the same voters, same elected official endorsements, the same labor unions and the same campaign cash as Merkley, only with very little success. Does Novick’s self-proclaimed “outsider” status now mean if he were the only candidate he would reject any cash or support from the DSCC in a Democratic primary even if it meant building a stronger general election campaign? Very likely not.

Novick clearly makes up for what Merkley lacks in wit and humor. He can out-smart practically all current statewide candidates and elected officials. Weigler’s email claims that such a strong voice like Novick’s makes “people in D.C. nervous,” thus explaining the DSCC’s desire to “make sure the primary is decided long before election day.” Has Novick ever held public office prior to running for the U.S. Senate?

Perhaps its not nerves Jake, but merely support for the devil they know.