Call Me GOP

Kelly Ayotte, former New Hampshire attorney general, has really gotten Democrats spooked. They fear the G.O.P.’s charismatic “rising star” could be the next Sarah Palin. Rumor has it she’s eyeing a possible seat in the U.S. Senate — one Republicans are desperate to gain. Political analyst Dean Spiliotes says, “She’s young, she’s got a nice family, two little kids, married, photogenic, articulate…All the things you want in a candidate. And she’s fresh.”

But with all this talk about her personal life, there’s little mention about her political history and positions. Does this describe a sad, sad state of American politics? Do the Dems really have nothing to worry about?

Earlier today, Rand Paul ended months of speculation by confirming that he intends to run for the US Senate. Also from the G.O.P.’s angle, Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Kentucky businessman Bill Johnson have announced they’ll also be running for the seat vacated by Jim Bunning. Of these three Republicans, who has the best shot of winning and why?

The anti-Obama tone in Washington taken by many G.O.P. members has some Republican Senate leaders concerned — particularly regarding health care. Why do they think the debate has turned less about the issues and more about the president?

Get the full scoop here.

After an eight-month battle, the Minnesota Supreme Court has determined that Norm Coleman must concede his seat in the U.S. Senate to Al Franken. What do you think about Coleman’s decision not to appeal?