In Iowa and South Dakota yesterday, a total of
7 Republican legislative incumbents were defeated in primaries by more far right challengers. I'll list those who lost. Can any of you who are familiar with IA or SD tell us more about this area, if there are any Democrats running, and if not, any Democrats who could run? Are any of these districts winnable?
In
Iowa:
Moderate senator Maggie Tinsman was defeated by 1% in part because she didn't support a draconian ban on gay marriage/civil unions/etc. As of right now there is no Democrat running in that district. The Democrats and Republicans are split 25-25 in the senate, so if this seat can be picked up, that would be a big help.
Joe Hutter, who says he will run as an independent. Again, there is no Democrat. Surely with a vote split 2 ways, a Democrat can win this.
Paul Wilderdyke, who lost in part because of illegal immigration ads. A Democrat is present in this race - Janice Doumakes Creasman
In South Dakota, according to this very conservative site, losses included 3 of the founders of South Dakota Mainstream Coalition lost. They all lost after voting against the state's wide-sweeping abortion ban which will be on the November ballot:
Stan Adelstein
Duane Sutton
J.P. Duniphan
Clarence Kooistra
Are any Democrats running in these 4 districts? What are the districts like?