2012 Senate Forecasts—The First Look

self | November 3, 2010 | RobFromGa

[Crichton]

Since stars like Ron Johnson don't come out of the woodwork every day, what first tier challengers should we be hoping/pushing for in 2012?

Missouri - Sarah Steelman (alt. Jim Talent)
Ohio - Rep. Jim Jordan or Lt. Gov Mary Taylor?
Michigan - Candice Miller or Pete Hoekstra or Terry Lynn Land or Mike Rogers?
North Dakota - no idea, but Conrad may retire
Wisconsin - Paul Ryan
Montana - Rehberg
Virginia - Allen

New Mexico (if Bingaman retires) - Pat Lyons, Jon Barela?

[AuH2ORepublican]

Putnam has served like a decade in Congress and was just elected statewide, so it wouldn’t be too soon for him to run for the Senate; but if you mean that it would look bad for him to leave the Ag Commissioner job after only two years, well, yes, that may rub some people the wrong way.

Carroll was a state rep for 8 years IIRC before being elected Lt. Gov., and she served in the Navy for years before first seeking public office. I think she could run for the Senate.

As for Tom Gallagher . . . I don’t know. He seemed to be no more reliable a conservative than Crist when they ran against each other in the 2006 gubernatorial primary.

[AuH2ORepublican]

I second the motion. Chairman Williams would make a kick-ass Senator.

I’m still pissed at KBH for going back on her word.

[AuH2ORepublican]

Oops, I meant *Commissioner* Williams (or would the Chairman of the Railroad Commissioner go by “Chairman Williams”?).

[Salvation]

Thanks, Rob.

[Crichton]

Yeah, it’s the office-jumping I was concerned about. Putnam, in particular, is like 20 so he can and should be patient. Lt Gov is not such a big problem because no one takes it seriously.

[concretebob]

I'm ready to draft either Col Murray or Chuck Smith.
There's a young ACA up in Louisa that might be interested, too.

[Corin Stormhands]

I’d rather see Murray and Smith try their Congressional races again. I don’t see either one as ready for a statewide challenge.

[concretebob]

Unless and until the lines for the 3rd District are re-drawn and the hippie enclaves in the 8th District are eliminated, no conservative will win either district.
I believe the good citizens of Virginia would elect a man like Murray to the Senate.
Webb wasn't qualified to be a Senator. Neither is Marky-Mark, IMAO.

[Impy]

I hope so.

[Impy]

Yes what is LT Governor if not a stepping stone.

And she could run with out risking her post. I don’t think “resign to run” applies.

Some articles have been complaining that that are no Black Senators now. Bemoaning the losses of Thrumond, Meek, and Greene.

What will they say if the only Black candidates in 2012 are Republicans? ;d

[Corin Stormhands]

Agreed about the third, and after the things Moran said during this campaign, the same must be said about the eighth.

I like Murray. But there a lot of other people in front of him. In full disclosure, I remain (since the 80s), a George Allen loyalist. Yes, I know all of the arguments against him, and won’t get involved in rehashing them on this forum. But as long as he’s in the picture, he remains my first choice.

Chuck Smith is a nice guy, but a less than stellar campaigner. He said he intends to challenge Scott again. I’d say let him and based on that campaign make a decision about supporting him for something else.