Here's a case study in the problems that the Republicans have been having recruiting House candidates: The man they thought would be a top get for an open Dem-held seat decided that not only is he not running, but also that for now he's not even becoming a Republican.

It all started when Rep. Bud Cramer (D-AL), a relatively conservative Dem representing a district that President Bush carried with 60% of the vote, announced his retirement a couple weeks ago. The Republicans looked for a candidate, and had nearly found one in conservative Democratic state Sen. Tom Butler, who was on the verge of switching parties to make the race.

However, Butler announced yesterday that he's not running after all, and he's staying as a Democrat for at least the remainder of this legislative session. He'd scheduled his press conference and written his announcement speech, with the intention of switching parties, but decided at the last minute that he didn't want to go through the rigors of fundraising for a high-stakes race.

We've left a message with Butler's office, and hope to get in touch and find out more about his experience as an almost-candidate.

Good luck, NRCC — the filing deadline is this Friday.