Future races: FL Dems lose best hope?

Posted: Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:19 AM by Domenico Montanaro

ALASKA: Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski has tough talk for Sarah Palin, who some speculate could mount a primary challenge to the GOP senator in 2010.

FLORIDA: FL Dems lost their best candidate for either Senate or governor as the state's Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink, decided to seek re-election rather than look for a promotion.

PENNSYLVANIA: With a lot of speculation on the Democratic side about possible challengers to Sen. Arlen Specter in 2010, don't forget this possibility: "Former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) [president of the Club for Growth], whom Specter defeated by less than two percentage points in 2004, said he hasn't ruled out a 2010 rematch, but has no timetable for a decision."

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Comments

It would be best for Alaska if Lisa Murkowski were to whip the Wasilla Hillbilly. Alaska needs a governor who actually works at governing instead of furthering her own political ambitions. Alaskans ought to dock the Wicked Witch for her extended vacation from work as she hasn't bothered to do any work for the past 3 months.

Impeach Palin!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:34 AM)

If Palin is smart, she will do what she can for Alaska now while she is governor. If she fails to do anything worthwhile, she could be toast. Going after the Senate seat doesn't make any sense. Getting put on the national scene is good, but she wouldn't have anything to run on; not that she has anything to run on now.

The rematch between Specter and Toomey should be a good show to watch if it happens. Who ever survives the fight will be weaker to face the Democratic opponent.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:39 AM)

The Hill link mentions MCNBC's very own Chris Matthews as a possible Democratic challenger to Sen. Specter. I think First Read readers are more interested in that possibility than a possible primary rematch with Pat Toomey. Any comment?

Manoj, Dallas TX (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:49 AM)

Go Murkowski! End this idiot woman's political "career"!

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 9:58 AM)

The Hill link mentions MCNBC's very own Chris Matthews as a possible Democratic challenger to Sen. Specter.

Manoj, Dallas TX

+++++++++++

Matthews is a Democrat?!? Never would have guessed that. Well, just call me surprised. Next you're going to tell me Olbermann leans to the left too?

Farley Tepps (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 10:19 AM)

As for Florida (a state I call home, which is generally politically unfortunate) I don't see Charlie Crist losing office, he will run two terms, however in 2014 when crist is done, I'm keeping my eye on a very very promising state senator by the name of Dave Aronberg... his high praise from crist will surely garner that democrat some points from the republican voters in Florida, and it would set him up very nicely for a presidential run in 2016 when Obama finishes his presidency, but thats just a thought from one floridian voter.

Tom, Lehigh Acres Florida (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 10:20 AM)

Now that Sink has decided not to run, the door is wide open for State Sen. Dan Gelber to challenge Martinez in 2010.

Ryan Hampton, Miami, FL (Sent Tuesday, December 02, 2008 10:30 AM)

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