Is Adam Edelen's political career over?

[JMT]

Adam Edelen was seen by many as a rising star in Kentucky, but tonight he lost his reelection bid for state auditor. Many believed he would run for Senate in 2016 against Rand Paul, or in 2020 against Mitch McConnell (or for an open seat if McConnell retires). Do you think Edelen will / could still try to mount a bid for Senate (or for a different office in Kentucky), and would Democrats welcome his entrance into the race? I know it's a little soon for him to be making the decision, but was curious about what your thoughts were. After tonight it looks like it will be increasingly hard for democrats to get elected in Kentucky, so they may turn to Edelen (or other candidates who have lost) due to a lack of other options as well.

[ElectionsGuy]

Edelen can run for anything he wants as long as he knows he won't get elected to anything. So yes.

[Maxwell]

I'm not as sure about this as I am about Conway, but this was a pretty shocking upset. It sets him back a few yards though - he probably has to beat Harmon in a re-match or win a congress seat or something to gain back the ground he's lost before he can think about jumping towards Governor or Senator.

[Miles]

No - Steve Beshear lost to McConnell by 13% in 1996, but he came back. Considering Edelen is only 40, I wouldn't write him off.

[Xing]

Not quite. Considering how poorly most Democrats did, he could've done worse than a four-point loss. He shouldn't try to take on Paul in 2016, but he has time to rebuild his career.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Joe Kennedy another rising star, almost certainly will run if Warren vacates her senate seat. Its time to move on.

[I support Sanders]

Probably. If we look at the Republican primary, Jeb Bush hasn't held office since 2007, Pataki since 2006, Gilmore since 2002. It certainly weakens his momentum, but it's not impossible for somebody to come out of retirement and win a major election. John Kasich left Congress in January 2001, and was out of politics until running for Governor in 2010, winning handily. Of course the longer one waits, that makes it more difficult for someone to rally support. Gilmore, for example, hasn't been in office since 2002, so it would only be voters over 30 that might even recall who he was and when he served.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Kasich did not win handily in 2010.


So once again the forum latched on to some smooth talking red state Democrat, only to have their hopes dashed on the jagged rocks of reality. Though. at least this time they didn't turn out to be screwin everything that moves.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

No - Steve Beshear lost to McConnell by 13% in 1996, but he came back. Considering Edelen is only 40, I wouldn't write him off.

That is a good point, and baring some kind of scandal, Edelen can probably pull off a similar win later on.

[Landslide Lyndon]

Even if he won his odds to beat Paul were slim at best.
Bevin's win shows that Kentucky has become so Republican that even Charles Manson has a chance to be elected as long as he has an R next to his name.

[Maxwell]

Edelen really was dragged to defeat by Conway's negative coat-tails.

[RFayette]

Edelen really was dragged to defeat by Conway's negative coat-tails.

Yep.  Conway made a big mistake by running so many ads attacking Bevin's character, instead of focusing on KYnect and education funding, which resonates with a lot of voters.  Bevin also went all-in with the culture war issues, which Conway didn't respond to at all.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Realignment in South is complete with KY. But, not Appalachia, Dems in Va broke even in Senate races, so it does hope for Ted Strickland.

But, La is more like FL, a Southeastern, than a Southern state.

[Suburbia]

Edelen should run against Paul. Heck, Santorum lost his Senate seat in 2006 and he ran for president two times in 2012 and 2016. Ted Strickland lost his House seat in 1994 and won it again in 1996, won the governorship in Ohio in '06, lost in '10, and running for Senate in '16.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

He's not running, but if Bevin fails as Gov, Greg Tumbo, State Assembly Dem leader will likely run in 2019.

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Edelen really was dragged to defeat by Conway's negative coat-tails.

Yep.  Conway made a big mistake by running so many ads attacking Bevin's character, instead of focusing on KYnect and education funding, which resonates with a lot of voters.  Bevin also went all-in with the culture war issues, which Conway didn't respond to at all.

Kentucky is one of the few states where going for culture war issues and fanning social conservatism actually helps the GOP.

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Dems were ecpected early on tp get swept in these offyear gubernatorial contests, and these are the same states that handed Dems defeats in 2014. Even if Dems lose Louisiana, the ststes in play in 2016 are an entirely different electorate,Pa, CO, NV, OH, NH & Iowa.

The bellweather was the Pa Supreme Crt, cause Keystone state is Dems bellweather, which Dems did well doesnt bode well for Toomey's chances.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

Is it possible he might run against Andy Barr? Conway did win that district.

[VPH]

Is it possible he might run against Andy Barr? Conway did win that district.

Honestly, that's what I think he should do.

[Trudy]

Edelen is too pompous and the electorate sees his egotistical manner.  It's more about Edelen than the people he represents.  Andy Barr has more character, better values, and is a fiscal conservative so Edelen doesn't stand a chance.    The media seems to like him because he's a "star" but he's not very real. 

[Miles]

Is it possible he might run against Andy Barr? Conway did win that district.

Honestly, that's what I think he should do.

Edelen himself carried it 56/44.

[Figueira]

Joe Kennedy another rising star, almost certainly will run if Warren vacates her senate seat. Its time to move on.

Yeah, it's not really that bad that the Democrats lost Kentucky. At least there's still Massachusetts!

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

Joe Kennedy another rising star, almost certainly will run if Warren vacates her senate seat. Its time to move on.

Yeah, it's not really that bad that the Democrats lost Kentucky. At least there's still Massachusetts!

He will be the nxt Senator-elect because Warren will probably retire. But, pudints failed to look at the Pa results, that showed realignment, and probably spell the end to Pat Toomey.

Thers is a realignmemt going on and it didnt stop in 2014, where Dixiecrats like Landrieu lost. Kirk, Ayotte & Toomey are subject to lose as well, and maybe Portman, too.