Matt Doheny, ‘Strongest GOP Challenger,’ Sucks Face with Campaign Consultant Who Is Not His Fiancée

[Mark Sully]

72. Input appreciated

I am doing some research on 2012 elections that in theory should have been won by particular candidates based on demographics, party affiliations, funding, endorsements, etc. but yet those elections were still lost. The Doheny-Owens election seems very relevant to this research given all these factors in the district. I am hoping this blog still has some readers and I would appreciate their insight. Does anyone have any thoughts on how or why they believe Doheny lost. I am hoping to gain some perspective from people who were on the ground during the campaign and are more familiar with the election then just the mundane and redundant reasons offered by political analysts.

Was his platform a problem or was Doheny's character the biggest factor? Was this infidelity scandal a factor? Was it well publicized in the district? What was the general sentiment among voters? Was his wealth an issue? Was the wedding helpful or hurtful? Did his "stand by your man" wife help or hurt the campaign? Did having the Republican, Independent and Conservative party lines help or hurt?

Any insights anyone can provide would be very helpful.