[TexasPatriot8]

DO you think Byrd might actually not get reeleced? Is the Governor a Republican? I totally can't remember. Would be a great way to get a Republican in the Senate if he is. :) And once in, that person would likely hold the seat. What's your take, as you are there, on all that?

[StoneWall Brigade]

Nope Joe is a Dem

[Roccus]

Gov Manchin is a Dem. He would appoint a Dem should Byrd get elected and not finish his term. I don' think finishing the term is in the cards for Byrd. The people of WV realize this and the fact that his seniority is not transferable to the appointed replacement so a change to a Republican would have no down side as far as Senatorial clout goes. Now, the people of WV are beholden to Byrd for all the Fed (read our) money and jobs he brought into the state. But these folk are also a very patriotic lot. The ones that I associate with, many of them life long Dems, have not liked the things he has been saying over the last few years. I think their votes for Bush in the last two Presidential elections prove this. As I said earlier, there is always the "thank you" vote, but I think if ever there was a time to defeat Byrd, now is it. Also in play is the rumor going around here that The RNC and the Administration is taking a "hands off" approach to this election as a quid pro quo to Byrd for his vote on Alito.