Sacrificial lambs that ended up winning the election

[IceSpear]

Some of the mentions in this thread don't really fit. Coons was the underdog against Castle, but he still had a chance. It was Delaware after all. Begich v. Stevens was competitive from the very beginning. Donnelly wasn't a sacrificial lamb. The only reason he ran was because he knew Lugar had a good chance of losing the primary. Minnick wasn't either. The incumbent, Bill Sali, only won by 5 points in 2006 and Dems smelled blood in the water for 2008. Ernst wasn't expected to win, but she had a chance. A nonincumbent in a swing state will rarely be a lock.

Scott Brown, Farenthold, and Cravaack fit here. I'd also add: Carol Shea-Porter (2006), Jim Webb (until Macaca Allen was seen as a lock), Larry Hogan, John Bel Edwards.

[IceSpear]

Don't be silly, guys. CSP's seat was always Safe D; we all knew the angry NH women would turn out for her.

Carol Shea-Porter's victory in 2006 was actually the first victory of the angry NH women. It emboldened them to the point where they now completely control the state. What a difference a decade makes.

[IceSpear]

Surely Kay Hagan, wasn't she an unknown State Senator before 2008?

Hagan was definitely an underdog, but I wouldn't really say she was a "sacrificial lamb." IIRC, there were signs early on that Dole could be vulnerable.

[IceSpear]

Guys, we really need to realize the distinction between an "underdog" and a "sacrificial lamb".

srsly