MO-SEN: Jason Kander considering

[henster]

http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/article8622614.html

[Warren 4 Secretary of Everything]

I like him too much to see him out of office after only 4 years.

[IceSpear]

Since Nixon became infeasible, Zweifel isn't running, and Koster is going for governor, Kander is probably the Dems' strongest possible candidate, so hopefully he runs. Blunt is extremely overrated and shouldn't be given a pass. He also seems to have some problems within his own party.

[Xing]

A Democrat can win a statewide race under the right conditions, but Kander will have to have several things going in his favor for this race to be competitive.

[Orser67]

Nice. Blunt is obviously still favored, but this is legitimately good news. Between this and Strickland, it's good to see that Democrats seem to be doing some solid early stage recruiting.

[Brittain33]

After five consecutive wave elections in the Senate, it would be foolish not to assume a 6th.

[badgate]

After five consecutive wave elections in the Senate, it would be foolish not to assume a 6th.

I consider 2012 more of a 'status quo plus' election

[IceSpear]

After five consecutive wave elections in the Senate, it would be foolish not to assume a 6th.

I consider 2012 more of a 'status quo plus' election

2012 wasn't really a wave in the presidential or House (especially the latter), but in terms of the Senate it definitely seemed like one, with Dems expanding on an already "maxed out" Senate class and winning the PV by 12 points.

Kind of like how 2014 was clearly a Republican wave even though they "only" gained 2 governorships and 13 House seats.

[Maxwell]

If it's a wave year, look out for this seat. Kander is a good recruit though.

[VPH]

I think Kander has a good shot at this seat, as long as it's a good year for Dems in terms of turnout. He's charismatic, young, and not overly liberal for a reddish state.

[Joe Republic]

Nah.  Guy looks fifteen years old.  And if Robin Carnahan, who did the same job for twice as long, and had the family history, lost to Blunt in an open race (albeit in 2010) by over 13 points, then this guy isn't going to do much (or any) better now that Blunt is an uncontroversial incumbent.

[Panda Express]

Nah.  Guy looks fifteen years old. 

Whoa, you're right.

[IceSpear]

Nah.  Guy looks fifteen years old.  And if Robin Carnahan, who did the same job for twice as long, and had the family history, lost to Blunt in an open race (albeit in 2010) by over 13 points, then this guy isn't going to do much (or any) better now that Blunt is an uncontroversial incumbent.

That's the key there, not exactly something that can be easily brushed off. Many of these candidates have yet to prove themselves in a year that isn't a low turnout Republican landslide.

[Maxwell]

Nah.  Guy looks fifteen years old.  And if Robin Carnahan, who did the same job for twice as long, and had the family history, lost to Blunt in an open race (albeit in 2010) by over 13 points, then this guy isn't going to do much (or any) better now that Blunt is as an uncontroversial incumbent.

It was 2010, but I see your point.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Nah.  Guy looks fifteen years old.  And if Robin Carnahan, who did the same job for twice as long, and had the family history, lost to Blunt in an open race (albeit in 2010) by over 13 points, then this guy isn't going to do much (or any) better now that Blunt is as an uncontroversial incumbent.

It was 2010, but I see your point.

However, Hilary, who has a good foothold in a state like MIZZ can beat the odds in a conservative state.

No, this isn't a first tier battleground, but should Hilary be the nominee, second tier battlegrounds can become pickups like NH, AZ, MO or a state like GA. This race is very much playable.

[windjammer]

Likely Rep I guess

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Likely Rep I guess

Likely G O P, but top tier is OH,PA, WI, IL and MO will be of course Dems fifth seat pickup after OHIO.

And is a plausability, since Dems can net 4-5 seats.

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

Kander is first-rate wave insurance, but he's definitely the underdog.  That said, Blunt always struck me as a weakish incumbent for some reason although I could be wrong.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

I also consider this fact, the last time OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, flipped was in 2006 when MIZZ also flipped, and it may not be much of a presidential battleground, we do have our governor race there.

[Maxwell]

Kander is first-rate wave insurance, but he's definitely the underdog.  That said, Blunt always struck me as a weakish incumbent for some reason although I could be wrong.

Blunt seems like an establishment in Missouri politics... but not a good one.

[pbrower2a]

I have seen few Missouri polls. I'd like to see the approval rating of Blunt...

A recent PPP poll showed an approval rating of 28% for Pat Toomey, Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. I cannot yet tell whether that says anything nationally.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

I have seen few Missouri polls. I'd like to see the approval rating of Blunt...

A recent PPP poll showed an approval rating of 28% for Pat Toomey, Republican Senator from Pennsylvania. I cannot yet tell whether that says anything nationally.

A net gain of 4-5 seats is needed to reestablish control. MO, ILL, WI, Pa, OH, and MIZZ will do it for Dems. Which also flipped in 2006.

[LeBron]

OC quoting pbrower.....God help us.

I could have sworn Kander said he was running for re-election, though without Zweifel, he's the only remaining statewide Dem to turn to. It definitely won't hurt having him reconsider.

[Suburbia]

I would have the race as Leans Republican. I predicted that Kander would consider running since November 2014. He could give Blunt a run for his money.