McConnell performed very poorly in ‘08, and Zero was viscerally unpopular there then (as he was here in TN). Zero got just 41%. Bruce Lunsford, McConnell’s opponent, got 47%. McCain got over 57%, McConnell was below 53%.
I honestly believe McConnell could lose if he’s renominated, even if by just 51-49%. It won’t be due to an uptick in Dem turnout or support for Grimes, it will be due to anger amongst Conservatives not voting for a guy who acts like his job is a real chore and doesn’t like dealing with Tea Partiers.
My opinion is that he ought to just outright retire. He is not the right person to lead the Senate GOP anymore than Boehner in the House, who is utterly incompetent (if not compromised).
Well, we wanted Dick Lugar to retire, but he stubbornly refused. We’re going to have to give Mitch a push.