I think most of us realized that he spoke in the heat of the moment. Cathy Keating was portrayed by the media as having the clear lead in the primaries and when that didn't prove accurate (surprise surprise), I think there was a lot of disappointment and I truly believe she was very upset and he was upset for her. The only people that didn't just blow this off were the people that had something to gain by exploiting it.
Cathy Keating is a good sort, and ended up taking the high road and pulling out of what could have been a very difficult run-off. I've met her, I liked her, but she just wasn't the one for this job. The one that I felt was the best person for the job came in third in the primaries.
The problem as I see it was that Cathy Keating ran in the first place and split the real conservative vote. The person who came in 3rd would most likely have had a much better showing if she had not run.
I believe she was over her head. As for her husband, just once I wish he would keep his mouth shut on matters like this! Could never figure why she ran except someone convinced the Keatings it was a slam dunk! It was a gross miscalculation and if she hadn't pulled out at the request of some Republicans it could have cost us the seat!