[Melas]

Steelman came in 3rd. John Brunner would pick up the nomination if Akin withdraws.

[jimjohn]

Point taken. But still, my stop watch is running now, I say Akin’s out before my hour says ‘24’.

Count on it. And frankly, I’m enjoying how fast our side can move en masse, unlike the Dems and the Weiner incident.

[BillyBoy]

>> Steelman came in 3rd. John Brunner would pick up the nomination if Akin withdraws. <<

The party won't necessarily slate the runner-up from the primary. Oberweis came in 2nd in a field of 8 Republicans during the 2004 U.S. Senate race here in Illinois, and the party wouldn't touch him with a 10 foot pole. (we eventually ended up with Alan Keyes as the "replacement", like 2 monthes after Jack Ryan dropped out of the race)

Happens with House races too. When Tim Baldermann dropped out of the 11th District U.S. House in 2008, they didn't slate the runner up from the primary (Terry Heenan). Instead, the party leaders selected Marty Ozinga, the nephew of a former State Senator, because he was a wealthy buisnessman and could self-finace a general election campaign.

On a personal note, I would prefer Steelman over Brunner (she should have been the nominee in the first place), but this is a real cluster%^&#