Obviously open primaries helps him.
But I have to disparage the caliber of primary opponents, Lee Bright and friends (2014) and Buddy Witherspoon (2008) were not people I expected to have a chance against an incumbent Senator, especially one who is a strong campaigner like Linds. Someone who’s won statewide or a member of the House delegation would have a better chance, none had the guts to run. And now with Lind’s defense of Kav endearing him to the President, he’s safe for the moment.
I agree with you on Bright and Witherspoon. However I feel there are other folks who could be as strong as Lindsey or maybe even stronger. But considering the way the primaries are set up these folks don’t stand a chance.
Hopefully the state legislature will continue to grow balls and will close the primaries. That’s about the only way a challenger will stand a chance.