Last night, we saw that the Arizona Republican had been taken over by wingnut bloggers.
There is little doubt that Democrats generally will do well Tuesday. And, if District 3 voters are dissatisfied with Shadegg's conservative politics, Lord may join a large freshman class of Democrats.
But local voter dissatisfaction is one thing. What Moulitsas seeks has the unseemly scent of wild-eyed vengeance. The fellow is looking for GOP bodies over which to stand.
The Arizona Republic has urged District 3 voters to re-elect Shadegg. As "Kos" himself notes, Shadegg is the "topmost conservative in the House."
But now we add another reason to support the incumbent: Politics isn't - or shouldn't be - blood sport. Re-elect John Shadegg and give an out-of-state political barbarian something to weep about on Election Day.
I can guarantee the Republic that I won't be weeping on Election Night. But for conservatives, in for a long night, losing this seat would compound their nightmare. Winning it? Eh. They'll still be living a nightmare. So I'll be fine no matter how this district goes.
But since I'm out to break the back of conservatism, this race would the metaphorical straw.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Republic gets crazier and crazier as the conservative state it once called home is leaving them far behind. Obama is spending money in this state, and its congressional delegation has gone from 6-2 in 2004, to 4-4 in 2006, and Democrats are assured of picking up at least one seat this year, and Bob Lord in AZ-03 would make it a 6-2 Democratic advantage. And as the state passes the Republic by, they're reading the paper less and less.
Daily circulation at The Arizona Republic declined 5.5 percent to 361,333, while Sunday distribution dropped 3.6 percent to 463,036.
This, in the second fastest growing state in the country.
So rub salt in their wounds and help Bob Lord get elected.