Top story: Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, seems safe from Ashley Judd or any other candidate his haters want to throw at him — for now. But his race is just one of a handful that could make 2014 a wild year for off-year races.
- "The biggest misconception about McConnell is that he was worried about Judd. Was never worried about Judd. It's always been the primary fear." (Robert Costa)
- However, with Rand Paul’s endorsement, it would seem Mitch McConnell, finally, can breathe easy in Kentucky. Of course, that begs the question: Who’s the real senior senator from Kentucky? (The Daily Caller)
- Then again, why is McConnell already on air with $200,000 in ad buys and swearing he’ll spend “every penny” of a possibly $21 million war chest? This is why: “Asked if he backed McConnell, [Kentucky Tea Party favorite Rep. Thomas] Massie paused for several seconds and then said: 'Do you put ‘long pause’ in the article?'” (Politico)
- The New York Times has an excellent interactive guide to the most contentious Senate races of 2014. (The New York Times)
- “In the Senate, watch South Dakota & West Virginia - blowouts would be bellwethers.” (Kyle Kondik)
- The Georgia GOP senate primary could be a doozy. Rep. Phil Gingrey, who once said Todd Akin was “partly right” about “legitimate rape,” is the first to throw his hat in the ring. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
- We could have another Republican senator ready to support same-sex marriage: “The term 'evolving view' has been perhaps overused, but I think it is an appropriate term for me to use.” – Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska (Chugiak-Eagle River Star)
- In fact, same-sex marriage could end up being a dud of an issue for conservatives next year. (Slate) and (First Read)
- “The midterm battleground map will largely be fought where Obamacare is least popular.” However, “Republicans see fewer opportunities in the House, mostly because the Democrats who voted for it were mostly purged in 2010.” (National Journal)
- And what of immigration? Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, wants comprehensive reform. But in a state where opponents call it “Grahamnesty”, he has to walk a careful line. (Bloomberg)
- And don’t forget Michele Bachmann. She may face a rematch against the opponent she bested by a mere 1 point. (The Minnesota Post)
- And let’s not forget Sarah Palin, who’s out with a new ”Loaded for Bear” video in what could become a big Karl Rove v. Sarah Palin 2014 storyline: