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No sooner had I written that soliloquy on the NC Senate succession when I discovered the first Republican I mentioned that ran for the jinxed seat in 1974, the textile exec named William Stevens, was, in fact, the brother-in-law of Congressman Broyhill. It's no wonder that no one gets all that excited over that wing of the party in NC, since they've had more losers than winners. There have been, BTW, no Helms-wing Governors there. The only 2 GOP Governors of the 20th century were Broyhillians (who was more liberal than the Congressman) named Jim Holshouser, a very unimpressive figure who was only eligible to serve one term, though wouldn't likely have won a 2nd term, anyhow, and, of course, Jim Martin. For a state that is marginally GOP, we've done so dreadfully at winning state offices in the modern era. If we're stupid enough to run Richard Vinroot again, it'll be another shutout again next year. Please, somebody stop this man.

Regarding your post about Frist, all I'm saying is that I like the guy. He can legitemately claim to be a citizen legislator (as Orrin Hatch could have done twenty years ago). As to Frist being to nice a guy, just remember that he has an extremely effective and experienced tactician in Mitch McConnell. Also, he has one thing going for him durring this tax cut fight: President Bush. He can focus all his energy on getting his tax cut through.

As to your post regarding Vinroot, I doubt he will recieve the nomination. The early money is on Patrick Ballantine, and there's a good chance that Tax Hike Mike Easely will be defeated. He arguably more vulnerable then Edwards is. Vinroot seems to be like Myrth York in Rhode Island. Because of York receiving the nomination in RI and not Attorney General Whitehouse, Don Caricieri is governor. I hope she runs until she dies, she's are good luck charm.