This is going to be close either way. The Republicans may yet make it to 51, although Washington and California seems to be trending away from the GOP. There’s still a month to go. Let’s keep it up!
Manchin had the choice to defer the special election to 2012 and appoint a Democrat. His personal ambition drove him to call the special election early so that he can run for the seat.
If the Republicans take this seat, Manchin's decision will be second-guessed for a long time. On the other hand, if Manchin chose to defer the election, we would be hearing charges of the Democrats denying the people a choice.
-PJ
Cowabunga!