[Recovering_Democrat]

We are going to have a very tough time getting the Senate back now. Now we have to fight for this seat also. Really hurts the cause.

Why not press Thompson to run, get re-elected, then let the Republican governor (it is a Republican, right?) appoint another conservative?

[TrappedInLiberalHell]

Why not press Thompson to run, get re-elected, then let the Republican governor (it is a Republican, right?) appoint another conservative?

That's still a LOT of effort for him to go through, if his mind isn't focused on it. Not to mention that it could be seen as unethical, and deny Republicans the moral high ground to criticize Jeffords.

[RetiredArmy]

Sounds good to me.

[Decentralize]

Why not press Thompson to run, get re-elected, then let the Republican governor (it is a Republican, right?) appoint another conservative?

Not a good idea.

[mwl1]

I agree. I am furious at Thompson's decision. I don't give a damn who died and or if he felt like he was half-dead himself. Run, win, and then resign. We need the seat and the majority back. It's exactly what a RAT would do for his party. Why are Republicans so damn high-minded and principled??? All it makes us is a bunch of damn losers.