Everyday more bad news arrives for the Republicans.
Things are especially bleak in Ohio. In November, they lost the Governor’s mansion to Ted Strickland and Bob Ney’s 18th District to Zach Space. Then Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15) announced her retirement and Rep. Paul Gillmor (OH-05) unexpectedly died. Now word comes that Rep. Ralph Regula (OH-16) will announce his retirement tomorrow. And things can definitely get worse. Rumors persist that Dave Hobson (OH-07) and Steve Chabot (OH-01) are considering retirement. The damage could even extend into the second district where Mean Jean Schmidt is in danger of losing a primary to Phil Heimlich, a former Hamilton Co. commissioner. Although…that outcome might actually help the GOP keep the seat in the face of a strong challenge from Victoria Wulsin.
The Democrats have some other recruiting triumphs to celebrate. Tom Feeney (FL-24) is one of those Republicans that went golfing in Scotland at Jack Abramoff’s expense. He was saved in 2006 by the fact that his opponent was a kind of wacky conspiracy theorist. This time he will face Suzanne Kosmas, a former state representative.
Meanwhile, former Alaska House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz has announced a run for Rep. Don Young’s seat. The ethically challenged Don Young is weak now, but he’ll be weaker still after he gets done fighting off a primary challenge from former mayor of Kodiak Island Borough Gabrielle LaDoux.
And the possibility of completely wiping the Republicans of Minnesota out of their congressional delegation has become real with the retirement of Jim Ramstad in the 3rd District, the entry of Iraq War Veteran Steve Sarvi in the 2nd District, and the entry of El Tinklenberg into the 6th.
In New Mexico it is possible that both Republican congresspeople will leave their seats open to compete in the senate primary to replace Pete Domenici. And, while I actually believe in Don Wiviott and hope he wins the Democratic primary, the Dems may score a more solid recruit in New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish. We do need more women in Congress, so…
If you want to hear some balancing news…you know something good on the Republican side?
Sorry. Out of luck.
