Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Post-Primary Roundup

Last night was a fascinating night for Kentucky politics. I enjoyed live-tweeting it. Anyway, here's a round-up and what is left in the wake of the Senate race:
  • Rand Paul wins big over GOP/McConnell annointed Trey Grayson. I think the pundits have this wrong. To be sure there is an anti-incumbent movement afoot, but I don't think all of the focus is against Obama, Reid and Pelosi. Also, I don't think November is a cut-and-dry win for Paul like the national pundits suggest. 
  • Jack Conway pulled through a nailbiter last night. It reminded me of 2004, when Mongiardo had a big lead that ultimately dwindled to a loss to Jim Bunning. This time, Mongiardo was the Bunning but Conway held on. I look for the race in November to be particularly close, especially once more people hear Jack Conway and learn more about Rand Paul. As Conway said last night, "If you are a Democrat, an independent, or a Republican . . . you cannot afford Rand Paul." 
  • Trey Grayson lost with the support of the GOP establishment, but he certainly has some options available to him. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a GOP primary battle forming for next year's gubernatorial race between Grayson and Ag Commissioner and UK star Ritchie Farmer. Or maybe they could team up as a Gov-Lt. Gov ticket?
  • Daniel Mongiardo may be facing an interesting future. I've heard some talk of Mongiardo running for Congress in the 5th District. If he did, he'd be the most serious competition Hal Rogers will have faced in years. This might be when and where Dr. Dan should be elected!
Elsewhere, Joe Sestak defeated Arlen Specter in Pennsylvania's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. For the first time in 30 years, there will be no Specter in the Senate. And in Arkansas, Sen. Blanche Lincoln  and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter will go to a runoff election.

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