Don't criticize my locale, I've been told I know far more far about non-Tennessee politics than my own backyard. As one who knows about the demographics of the district, even with a candidate like Crane, it was still likely to reelect him, but by a nailbiting margin. I however agree that he should've stepped down prior to the election for that reason alone.
"Crane aside, the Illinois GOP has been divided over corruption: Half the GOP pro-corruption, half the GOP anti-corruption. Nobody had the heart to oppose Hastert on Crane and create another split in the party that would cloud the two factions fighting over corruption."
That is the preeminent problem with the state party, indeed (though it also similarly plagues other states, most notably New Jersey). It will take someone with considerable intestinal fortitude to clean up the problem, but it's sad to see good people like Pete Fitzgerald chased off by trash henchmen like LaHood to preserve the status quo. I mean, how can we bash the 'Rats and their inherent corruption when we can't even rid ourselves of the same stench ?
FM, are you really in TN or are you an alter ego of BillyBoy?
The problem is that the GOP establishment has too many LaHoods and Hasterts. Nobody has accused either one of directly being corrupt. But they aid the cover-up of the corrupt... in both parties.
Then what is the likelihood of retaking the seat?