[msnimje]

It wasn't a stunning defeat. It was very smart of the Republicans in Georgia to vote for a man who will not HELP the democrats.

Ralph Reed, like or not, helps the Democrats because of the way the Democrats conduct business. We need Ralph Reed in the party, just not in office.

[wouldntbprudent]

I'm not disagreeing with your theory. But, regardless of why Reed lost (and your theory is fine), the fact is that it is still stunning in the sense that he was widely expected to do much, much better in seeking office.