Well, some interesting political news today, though it was all drowned out by Supreme Court handwringing.
So, some distractions.
Arkansas Governor
Open - R
Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller (R) is out. Health reasons...giving former Rep. Asa Hutchinson a clear shot at the Republican nod. Democrats have more or less named Attorney General Mike Beebe as their pick.
The other news (including something really exciting out of North Carolina) below the fold...
Washington Senate
Maria Cantwell - D
Safeco CEO Mike McGavick (R) has left his job, making it clear that he will be challenging Cantwell. Don't fear, though - McGavick may have a $ advantage, but Cantwell is a reasonably well-liked progressive in an increasingly progressive state. Oh yeah, and there's one other thing: Dino Rossi, the last gasp of the Washington Republican Party, isn't running.
Arizona 1
Rick Renzi - R
Renzi has his first challenger: former State Rep. Jack Jackson Jr. (D). Renzi had an easy reelection in 2004 because of the incompetent campaign run by Paul Babbitt (D), but 2006 is shaping up to be anything but 2004. Let the games begin.
California 50
Open - R
With scandal-ridden Rep. Duke Cunningham (R) retiring, So. Cal. Repigs are scrambling to claim his seat. There's State Sen. Bill Morrow, former State Rep. Howard Kaloogian, San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, and 2003 recall gov candidate George Schwartzman. Francine Busby is our Quixote (sorry, but the district will be tough to say the least).
North Carolina 11
Charles Taylor - R
GOOD NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Former football player Heath Shuler is running, as a Democrat!, against this corrupt and out-of-touch Repig. Go get him, Heath! Personally, I can see the voters of this district voting for Shuler, since he is a well-known athlete, and a refreshing difference from Rep. Taylor. I think this seat just went from Likely Republican to Lean Republican.
And finally, California 4
John Doolittle - R
Doolittle has a primary challenger, Auburn Vice Mayor Mike Holmes. Holmes is running as a pro-choice, moderate Republican, claiming Doolittle is out of touch with his constituents. Hell, I almost feel inclined to give Holmes money - no Democrat will be elected here, so we might as well have a RINO.