Wealthy Businessman to Challenge Byrd

The AP’s Lawrence Messina is reporting that West Virginia businessman John Raese has filed to take on Robert C. Byrd in Byrd’s attempt to win his 9th term in the U.S. Senate.

Messina says that Raese is the first challenger with serious financial backing. Back in 2005, Patrick Ruffini said that Byrd’s seat was a potentially vulnerable seat and I agreed with him then. I still believe it now, though I wish the R’s had a candidate with stronger name recognition than Raese.

Still, if Raese is a good campaigner who makes West Virginia’s future the issue instead of letting Byrd dwell on past pork projects, then this could become a competitive race. If that happens, this race could be a signal that Republicans will do well this election cycle.

Raese still faces an uphill challenge but he’s got a shot. That’s all you can ask for against an eight term incumbent.

Cross-post at LetFreedomRing

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