That Lovin' Feeling

ST. PAUL -- Competitive House challengers have avoided both convos like the plague. So it was just a tad surprising that state Rep. Jay Love (R) would carve up his schedule 9/1 to speak to the delegates. Gustav wrecked those plans, but Love's move may actually pay off nicely for him.

-- Unlike most GOP challengers, Love's running in a CD that gave Pres. Bush 67% in '04. All he needs to do is hold 75% of that, and he'll likely prevail. Of course, his big problem is that Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright (D) sounds just like Love (and Republicans) on abortion and guns. Love told us 9/2 that his party ID is crucial for a victory; he'll remind voters that Bright would vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker, while he would vote for the GOP leadership, who will likely agree with AL-02 voters on most social issues.

-- So, being here helps Love remind voters that he's the guy with the R next to his name, not Bright, who sounds awfully similar to a GOPer in many of his TV ads and speeches. Remember, GOPers complained that Dems in LA-06 and MS-01 special elections blurred the lines between parties, allowing them to defeat GOPers in heavily GOP CDs. Love's presence here helps keep Bright from blurring those lines.