Carol Marin argues that Jay Footlik’s challenge to Seals for the Democratic nomination in IL-10 creates a problem for the general election.
On the issue of money, it is an issue because both are going to spend a fair amount in the primary, but at the same time, it gives them incentives to build up their organization and build general name recognition early. And then regroup for the November contest. Given how early the primary is, while the money creates a bit of a problem, the election is far enough away that I’d argue the primary challenge will be negligible and may enhance name recognition and organization early.
Notice how the only person she quotes who says a primary challenge will help the “other party” is a member of the “other party”.
Why, that’d be like quoting a Congressman from the other party to defend someone who’s being accused of being too cozy with the other party….
Not that newspapers do that either.
To be fair, Leo, Schoenberg was wishy-washy (ie, “not thrilled” according to Carol Marin) on the subject too.
PS: Why no concern over the contested Dem primary in 2006? …This smacks of finding a problem to the solution.
This smacks of … slow day at the Sun-Times?