Reply #6: Also, it may depend on how far it goes

[karynnj]

PA may end up a good example. If the LW begins to think that anyone could beat Santorum, there will probably be criticism of the Kerrys and others essentially crowning Casey as the candidate. But, if they realize that the election could be closer than they are assuming - Casey may be a winner where the prochoice candidate would have lost. The question is can they accept a moderate with an excellent chance of winning over a perfect candidate with a less likely chance of winning. (I also see the value of having the party more broadly defined. Otherwise a lot of people will realize there is no party for them.)

I think that some of this has always happened - it was not odd to read of party leaders suggesting to a talented good person that they should think of running. An alternative candidate can always try to win - even over the candidate favored by the party. (In fact, didn't Kerry himself win the primaries for both lt. gov and Senator the first time over party favorites)

It's hard to really see the impact on the 2008 race. It is likely that several candidates will have a lot of money, but if the DLC/DNC etc has the support of most of the superdelegates it would seem they could make it hard for any but their favorite (who seems to be Hillary) I still think a focused candidate who has people support can still beat the "choosen " candidate. Last year, Kerry was nowhere until Feb 2004 - and he was clearly not the Dlc or DNC favorite.