What should defeated Dem incumbents do on primary night?

[Ken Burch]

The Senator from Connecticut has obliged us to consider this question.

So, consider away, campers.

[TheVirginian]

1. It depends on the race.

In 99.8% of all races, they should get out of the race and enthusiastically endorse the winner of the primary to ensure that a strong opposition candidate doesn't take over the seat.

Absent that, there's no reason why any course of action should be considered a "right" decision.

[longship]

2. A question

In your opinion, would the CT Senatorial primary be part of the 99.8% or the 0.2%?

[Ken Burch]

3. Absent what, pray tell?

You said "absent that", but never stated what "that" would be.

[readmoreoften]

4. Step down and try again next time.

It's always good to endorse the winner, even if it's bitter.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. I'd say graciously accept defeat

and endorse the winner, pledging to support the party. There's always another race another time. Paul Simon of Illinois was defeated in the primary for governor in 1972, but came back to become a US Congressman and then Senator. He couldn't have done that, I think, if he had turned his back on the party in '72 and run as an independent or had supported the GOP nominee.