Thursday, 7 September 2006
Grayson Will Not Challenge Fletcher
Today, Grayson confirmed his decision not challenge Fletcher in the primary. This move comes as no surprise to me. A Grayson candidacy would be riddled with problems. The first would be the fact that his only legitimate issue of difference with Fletcher would be the Stumbo witch hunt. Otherwise they share similar ideologies on the most pressing issues of the state. The only room he has to differentiate himself would be to side with Stumbo. That isn't a side that will be popular in a Republican primary.
Secondly, his candidacy would divide the state party. In the process, Grayson would make enemies with people he would need to win the general election. And if he losses the primary, he would be blamed for wounding our sitting Governor. Such a charge would make it near impossible to make a future bid for Governor and hope to survive the primary. So Grayson is doing the right thing by seeking re-election for Secretary of State. That way he will be seen as a team player which puts him in a much stronger position to challenge for the Governorship in 5 years.
With Grayson pulling out of the race, it confirms my suspicion that no serious contender will challenge Fletcher in the primary. So now we have to wait and see who the hopeful Democratic challengers for next November's race will be.
