[JohnnyZ]

Who did Vinroot beat in the primary?

Leo Daughtry was his closest competitor; I don't know how he would have fared statewide. Maybe it's a little unfair to blame it all on Vinroot, but the state GOP ticket got wiped out while Bush was winning the state by 13 points, and Vinroot trailed most of the GOP ticket. GOP turnout could have been much better, among other things. Point is, Merritt and Troxler would have won in slightly more favorable circumstances.

[JohnnyZ]

Don't be a stranger to a Congress & state office thread :)

[fieldmarshaldj]

I don't know what about Vinroot brings such bad luck. He didn't strike me as a bad sort - competent and fairly capable, but just didn't catch fire with the voters. He definitely needs to stay out of the Governor's race, alas if the Ballantine-Cobey primary turns ugly, Vinroot could end up with it by default, and we can definitely say hello to an Easley 2nd term. :-(