It was truly a smear attempt on Russert's part. He didn't ask any other person on the panel about any election contest in which they are involved. Naturally, the questions he asked J.D. about his re-election were asked in a manner made to make J.D. look bad. J.D. handled the questions well. I hope he destroys his primary opponent.
I am also sure that Hayworth was not told that he would be talking about Abramoff, but rather, just about immigration reform. Russert's statement that he would be following Hayworth's reelection race was nothing more than a veiled threat from a self-important, MSM bully. It was a real cheap shot.