If Fred had picked a true conservative, it would have been trumpeted as a positive for Fred. We all have been guilty of sometimes over-looking our own imperfections and those of our friends.
Abraham’s defeat was a precursor to the ‘06 elections. He was defeated because he disdained conservatives and was unable to rally their support. I do not know of any conservatives who voted for Stabenow to spite Abraham.
I am from Michigan and had great hopes for our GOP Senator, but they did not last for long.
I agree, picking Abraham is not an encouraging sign.