Montana Senator John Walsh has dropped out of the race...

[joeybee12]

It's a scenario that is extremely unusual, not only in Montana but nationally: a sitting senator who has won his party's nomination withdrawing from contention before the general election. That's what Sen. John Walsh (D-Mont.) did Thursday. It prompts two questions: How will he be replaced on the ballot, and by whom?

Walsh was appointed by Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) to fill the remaining term of former senator Max Baucus (D), who stepped down to become U.S. Ambassador to China. On June 3, Walsh won the party's nomination for a full term. It was going to be an uphill fight no matter what happened; he always trailed Steve Daines, the Republican nominee, in polling. And then the floor collapsed, with Walsh's admission that parts of his dissertation had been plagiarized. This week, his campaign had been canceling scheduled campaign stops and events; on Wednesday, he "took a personal day," according to campaign staff. And then he dropped his campaign on Thursday.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2014/08/07/john-walsh-might-drop-out-of-montanas-senate-race-then-what/

[femmocrat]

1. Crisis or opportunity?

There goes another democratic seat unless Montana dems can find someone to beat Daines. I know, Walsh was going to lose anyhow, but maybe there is an opportunity here. Is there someone out there with statewide name recognition?

[joeybee12]

2. I think this person...

Nancy Keenan. Keenan is the former superintendent of public instruction in the state and former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, an abortion access advocacy group. She spoke at both the 2008 and 2012 Democratic presidential conventions.

Thats' from the article...great way to highlight what pigs repukes are, put the asshole on the defensive...don't nominate someone "safe"

[Laelth]

3. Schweitzer.

I hope he seriously considers running for the seat. He'd have a good chance to win.

-Laelth

[femmocrat]

4. He might be the best bet, if he would do it.

He should realized that his presidential aspirations are going nowhere at this time.

[jaysunb]

5. +1 n/t

[femmocrat]

6. Just heard on MSNBC that Sweitzer won't run for Senate.

Found this link:

http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/270368121.html

[MohRokTah]

8. He already said he wouldn't run. eom

[MohRokTah]

7. Bad news for holding the Senate.

This must be moved into at least a leans R column now.

[FBaggins]

9. Not really

That seat was lost already... even before his latest troubles. Almost every single poll has had him down by solid double digits.

If anything... this gives us a slim chance of finding a candidate who might have a shot.

Though for the life of me... I can't guess who.