Craig revelations endanger a GOP safe seat, complicate attempts to limit '08 losses

[DeepModem Mom]

WP political blog, "The Fix," by Chris Cillizza
08/28/2007
Craig Revelations Complicate Senate Picture

The allegations swirling around Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) have the potential to endanger what should be a safe seat and further complicates Republicans' attempts to limit their losses in 2008. Craig was regularly mentioned as a retirement possibility before this story came to light (it was broken by Fix alma mater Roll Call). This story seems likely to up the ante on retirement although Democrats cautioned Monday that Craig is notoriously stubborn and might just try and see this thing through....

Regardless, this seat is now far more imperiled than it was just 24 hours ago. In an election cycle where Republicans must defend 22 seats, as compared to just 12 for Democrats, it's yet another hole on an election map full of them.

Two factors mitigate the damage for Republicans. First, if Craig resigns, Gov. Butch Otter (R) would be tasked with naming an interim replacement until the race for Craig's full six-year term comes about in 2008. Otter would (of course) name a Republican, giving whomever he chooses -- most likely Rep. Mike Simpson (R) -- a major edge next November.

Second, Idaho remains ruby red in statewide contests....

In each of Craig's last two elections, he faced wealthy Democrats. In 1996, Walt Minnick spent $1 million of his own money to get 40 percent. Six years later Alan Blinken, the former ambassador to Belgium in the Clinton Administration, spent nearly $1 million to get just 32.5 percent. The only Democratic candidate in the race at the moment is former Rep. Larry LaRocco. LaRocco held the 1st District from 1990 to 1994 when he lost to Rep. Helen Chenoweth (R). LaRocco was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2006 but didn't even muster 40 percent of the vote in his loss.

To date, LaRocco has run an active campaign but has struggled to make any real fundraising headway. At the end of June, LaRocco had collected just short of $80,000 and had $44,000 on hand. Another Democratic candidate is rumored to be weighing the race but national strategists were tight-lipped on a name at press time....

No matter what happens with Craig, he has made this race a headache for Republicans. Whether it's a migraine or not depends to be seen.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/08/craig_revelations_complicate_s.html

[BOSSHOG]

1. CRAIG BLOWS IT FOR THE GOP

The Idaho republican has offered advice and counseling to fellow republican senators and congressmen who haven't been caught (with their morals down) yet. His offer resulted in such a response that he had to move the gathering to RFK stadium. Republican leaders promise a wide stance on the issue.

[DeepModem Mom]

2. BOSSHOG, your Clever Cap is on today! nt

[TheDoorbellRang]

3. And if one's a big a$$hole, one needs a wide stance!

:rofl:

[kanrok]

4. I don't think the GOP can swallow another lost Senate seat

Just my opinion.