General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Looks like we have a progressive challenger for Dianne Feinstein in CA [View all]Willie Pep
(841 posts)But I do worry about the possible development of a left-wing version of the Tea Party. The Tea Party cost the GOP two Senate seats that I can think of right off the top of my head: Delaware (Christine O'Donnell) and Indiana (Richard Mourdock) and we don't have the demographic advantages that Republicans have where in some states they can run Tea Party crazies and still possibly win.
California might be a somewhat better place for left-wingers challenging incumbents but this might be a bad strategy in other areas like West Virginia where Justice Democrats (most of whom likely live outside of the state) are supporting a challenger to Joe Manchin. Still, I would hate to see Feinstein lose in a primary then have the GOP cook up a moderate Republican to beat whoever replaces her as the nominee in the general. Republicans would definitely consider that strategy if they see that Feinstein might lose in the primary. You have to support a primary challenger who is electable in the general election.