Who is running against Bates?
Luke Messer (a lawyer and handpicked by the Republican establishment), Travis Hankins, John Hatter, Joe Van Wye and Bill Frazier.
If you listen to the media, Luke Messer is the favorite to win BUT he came in a far second to Bates when the polls were taken. He simply can not express true conservatism.
In my humble opinion, the rest of the pack lack the knowledge and/or funds to compete.