Carnahan vs. Clay expected to be divisive for Democrats (STL Post-Dispatch)

[pstokely]

"ST. LOUIS • Democrats have known for months that two of the party's most prominent local names may be drawn into a clash that would be unlike any primary the area has seen for years.

But now that U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan has officially stepped forward to challenge fellow incumbent U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay, Democrats all over St. Louis, many who have known both families for generations, are cringing at the prospect of having to take sides in what could be a bitter and divisive race.

On Tuesday, the first day of candidate filing in Missouri, Carnahan, whose seat was eliminated in redistricting, signed up to challenge Clay in the merged 1st Congressional District that includes all of the city of St. Louis, which both men call home.

Unless one of them blinks — or a court renders a late verdict striking down the new congressional map — the party is preparing itself for a campaign that may polarize the city and test long-held loyalties."

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/carnahan-vs-clay-expected-to-be-divisive-for-democrats/article_3000fd6a-9739-5a52-8020-393c6df23aef.html#ixzz1nmjs2w2q

[loyalsister]

1. If there is some sense of logic behind this, I wish Carnahan would let us know

Very irritated with him forcing Dems to spend money on a primary that will only reflect negatively on the party.

[pstokely]

2. Because the winner won't have to campaign after the primary since it's gerrymandered Dem district

The districts were drawn to be one party districts

[loyalsister]

3. Why force a primary at all?

Are they just looking for a white dem?

[pstokely]

4. Russ wants to get another safe seat nt

nt