The O’Donnell feint

Finally, it has become clear: Republican Christine O’Donnell’s candidacy for the open U.S. Senate seat from Delaware was a clever feint — a “demonstration on the flank” as they say in military-speak — drawing fire from other races Democrats might have won, making it easier for the GOP to seriously challenge for Senate control. Think about it. Ms. O’Donnell, a well-meaning, virtuous sort, has been the obsession of the left-wing punditocracy since she upset RINO Mike Castle in Delaware’s GOP primary. Of course, there’s been plenty of 15- and 20-year-old video of her saying goofy things to fuel the foment. Now there’s scurrilous, made-up junk being alleged about O’Donnell’s private life. You’d think Delaware was going to be a nail-biter! But no: O’Donnell is anywhere from 10 to 20 points down in recent polls. Meanwhile, races where Democrats should’ve been competitive — such as Missouri and North Carolina — apparently aren’t. And Dem incumbents like Russ Feingold in Wisconsin, Patty Murray in Washington — even Barbara “Call me senator!” Boxer in California — might be turned out.  Was O’Donnell sent out to take one for the team? Maybe not on purpose, but the result might be the same.

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