Smartest Republican of the Day: John Ensign

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Usually it's "Craziest Republican of the Day," one of our ongoing series here at The Reaction. But let's change that up and recognize a Republican for saying something smart -- or at least for telling the truth and admitting to reality.

It's an infrequent occurrence, after all, so when a Republican says something smart, well, it deserves mention.

And today's honour goes to Nevada Senator John Ensign, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, for saying this:

If you have an R in front of your name, you better run scared.

Which is to say, Congressional Republicans are in trouble.

The Democrats currently have a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, but, with the Republicans defending 23 seats to the Democrats' 12 (and with several long-time Republicans retiring), with Bush's unpopularity and an electorate that has turned on the Republicans, and with Obama running strongly around the country, they could significantly expand their lead. They may not reach the magic 60, that filibuster- and veto-proof threshold, but they could come close.

Indeed, Democratic incumbents are facing generally weak opposition and Democratic challengers are doing well in key Republican strongholds like Alaska, Mississippi, and North Carolina. They may not win those states, but the fact that the Democrats have made those races competitive is significant.

There's a long time to go until November, but, as of right now, things are looking mighty bleak for the GOP.