D.D. 10/19/05

Assuming their fundraising continues to lag, the question in the 2006 US Senate race to replace Bill First will be who will drop out- Van Hilleary or Ed Bryant. That's the topic of an interesting article in today's Chattanooga Times Free Press. "If Hilleary or Bryant has any shot (at) the nomination, one of them has to get out of this race," said Jennifer Duffy, editor of the nonpartisan, online Cook Political Report. "At the same time Corker, if he wants to win the nomination, needs both of them to stay in the race." I think that's a pretty accurate description of the situation and better explains why Ed's people are putting so much pressure on Van to get out- and vice versa.

"With that much money, (Mr. Corker) wants to get out there before the other two and not only define himself before they can, but define them before they can," said University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato. "I think he's got a very good chance if they both stay in and if his fund raising continues the pace. He needs both of them in there, though." Duffy agrees- "In a general election you want the more moderate Republican," she said. "I think Corker is a harder candidate for Ford to beat because those same voters who may not vote for a real conservative might vote for Corker."

Update: Pensieri offers an excellent suggestion on the consolation prize for the person that decides to drop out: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals spot. Sounds like the perfect spot for Ed, but I'm not so sure Van would like it...