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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Dropout News Roundup

Posted by DavidNYC

There are two media events going on today in races swirling with confusion. One is taking place as we speak: Elton Gallegly is conducting a press conference right here in DC. We should hopefully get press reports back soon.

The other takes place at 9 o'clock tonight, when Kathy Harris seeks the warm, lickspittle embrace of Sean Hannity to announce her future plans. The rumour du jour is that she will resign from the House to focus only on her Senate race. Personally, I wonder why more people don't do this - after all, it's not like she gets to keep her House seat if she loses the Senate race. But doing so might also require a special election (something I haven't looked into yet).

In other dropout-related news, Markos points to this short note at the Hotline blog which says that Conrad Burns just hired a political director - not the sort of move someone on the verge of dropping out tends to make.

UPDATE: Gallegly will indeed run again. I still say he bails shortly after winning, forcing a special election. We should be ready for that eventuality. What Dems in the area might make strong candidates?

UPDATE: Harris is staying in, too. Haven't heard anything about her resigning from the House, though.

Posted at 04:20 PM in 2006 Elections - House, 2006 Elections - Senate, California, Florida, Montana | Technorati

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Comments

MUCH better news than what I was hearing a couple of days ago, at least regarding Harris and Burns. The last thing we need is for these two to go out with dignity. :)

Posted by: Mark at March 15, 2006 05:30 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Ok, I can't remember the last special election for the house in Florida. I'm thinking one was held after 1989.

Anyways, when it comes to that sort of election.. when would it be held, if Harris resigns.

And the last person I remember who resigned from the House in the middle of a campaign was Steve Largent.

Posted by: RBH at March 15, 2006 07:33 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

If we get Burns to run again we will be 3 for 3 which is likely also i heard Sen. Thomas (R-WY) may be retireing... (I just remembered i am going to have to listen to all of Harris's ads... ugh..)

Posted by: D in FL. at March 15, 2006 10:04 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Whoa, D, where did you hear that? Got any links?

Posted by: DavidNYC at March 15, 2006 10:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Apparently, he's being mentioned as a replacement to Gale Norton.

Links:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/03/15/news/wyoming/19-thomas-interior.txt
http://www.newwest.net/index.html/main/article/6969/

Posted by: Rob at March 15, 2006 11:26 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Apparently, he's being mentioned as a replacement to Gale Norton as Interior Secretary.

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/03/15/news/wyoming/19-thomas-interior.txt
http://www.newwest.net/index.html/main/article/6969/

Posted by: Rob at March 15, 2006 11:29 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

I heard that Thomas was in talks to be the next Secretary of the Interior (as is Ben Nighthorse Campbell). But that doesn't mean he'll get the gig.

Posted by: HellofaSandwich at March 15, 2006 11:29 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

You beat me be mere seconds, Rob! Good catch!

Posted by: HellofaSandwich at March 15, 2006 11:31 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Haha, I didn't realize it was a race. Like you pointed out, though, he might not get the nod so this might just turn out to be wishful thinking.

But if he does get the job, could we find a credible candidate to run for his seat? Dave Freudenthal immediately comes to mind, but he might want to stay where he is for a second term. And what are the laws like in Wyoming with Senate vacancies? Could Freudenthal appoint himself to the seat? :P

Posted by: Rob at March 15, 2006 11:43 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

There was a great diary on MyDD addressing that exact question, Rob:

http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/3/15/17755/1410

Posted by: HellofaSandwich at March 16, 2006 12:03 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Thanks for that, HellofaSandwich. Now I just hope that Senator Thomas gets the job so things can get interesting!

Posted by: Rob at March 16, 2006 12:26 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment