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GOP Finds Challenger For Ailing Dem Rep
Here's a seat that House Democrats might have to worry about: Indiana state Rep. Jon Elrod (R), considered a rising star in local GOP circles, will announce his plans to challenge Rep. Julia Carson (D-IN) next year.
Carson, who has suffered from a series of health complications in recent years and is currently on medical leave, has been openly contemplating retirement. Despite her district's Democratic tilt — John Kerry took 58% of its vote in 2004 — Carson won by a lackluster 54%-46% margin in 2004 against an underfunded opponent, giving the GOP some hope for an upset here.
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If he retires, please, let the DEMs seek a progressive/liberal candidate and not a DLC Republican-light.
November 15, 2007 10:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
The GOP will pick up this seat, and Nancy Pelosi's seat as well ; )
November 15, 2007 10:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
A "good" Demo should be able to take this district, rising star GOPer or not. Julia was highly regarded at first but, for various reasons, fell out of favor in the district.
It didn't help that the GOPs ran a personable black candidate against her during the last cycle, hoping to split the black community while keeping white voters happy with the normal conservative talk. It worked to a small degree, but not enough to unseat her. It did, however, put a pretty good dent in her armor.
If the party puts a good candidate in, they should be able to keep this seat in the D column.
November 15, 2007 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
What's your definition of "good"?
November 15, 2007 11:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Campaign Diaries rates this seat a toss-up in its detailed race by race analysis of the vulnerable House seats.
November 15, 2007 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hopefully Carson will retire, attend to her health issues, and let a stronger Democrat run.
The GOP's huge upset victory in the Indianapolis mayor race should have Carson and the DCCC very worried about this seat.
November 15, 2007 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink