[Robert_Paulson2]

which state?

benefit to republicans?

[Cicero]

Does this mean he is hanging on to the governor's office? If so, whatever he does, as long as he stays alive in politics it will throw all the Dems in the state into total chaos.

I shouldn't think it would help the Dems lower down on the ticket in November, either. With no senate candidate to draw voters, a lot of Dems may stay home.

[copycat]

Whose seat was this?

[mombonn]

thrust into the spotlight

Perhaps not the best choice of words.

[martin_fierro]

A poor excuse for a man
but a fine Democrat

[Bluegrass Federalist]

I live in Kentucky, and can clear some of this up. McConnell is running in November against Dem challenger Lois Combs Weinberg, who has no chance. That seat is safe. Patton was set to run against incumbent GOP Sen. Jim Bunning in 2004, and was considered a strong challenger - very strong. This is very good news for the GOP, even though the benefits may not be felt for a few years. Most of the high-profile Dems in the state are planning to run for Governor in 2004, so they really have no big challengers unless one pulls out of the governor's race. State politics have been slower to change, but for our national offices, KY has voted very solidly GOP. Both senators and 5 of 6 reps are GOP, although we did disgustingly go for Clinton the second time around (though not the first, and heavily against Gore).

[putupon]

a vengeful Patton turned regulators on her nursing home in Clinton after she broke off the relationship.

What a coincidence.

[Tall_Texan]

And, Democrats running for office this fall will have to do it without Governor Paul Patton. Patton said today he did not plan to get involved in any campaign in the foreseeable future.

I'm sure, at this point, most of those Democrats are grateful.

I must say I respect. Rep. Bob Livingston. It was wrong of him to have an affair but he did the right thing and resigned rather than trying to fight removal as Clinton did or remain in public office as Patton is doing.

If you have to give tearful statements of remorse to your constituents, nothing says you mean it quite like quitting your job. Unfortunately, Democrats have no sense of shame. (Clinton, Condit, Hart, Patton, etc...)