As discussed yesterday, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jon Runyan won the Republican primary in the battle for South Jersey's 3rd US Congressional District. He's taking on Democrat incumbent Congressman John Adler in November's General Election.
The table is set already to be an epic race. The fightin' 3rd is an unpredictable district, it doesn't really lean too heavily in either direction. Both candidates are already throwing mud at each other and not pulling punches. Although the election is some five months away, they're already acting like there's only a few weeks to go.
Congressional seats are always a hot topic when the minority party (this time, the Republicans) look as if they're on a surge. Some even question if, by the time it's all said and done, Nancy Pelosi will even be the Speaker anymore.
Adler has a ton of worries. He's raised taxes immensely and is the next target in a movement toward ousting Democrats and incumbents, although he hasn't been a Congressman for very long. Again, the 3rd Congressional District is so unpredictable that one major slip up by either candidate will completely blow their chances.
Jon Runyan also has yet to stake his claim with the Tea Parties. Remember, these parties go after the GOP Establishment and if Runyan is seen as a goon or a stooge, they might for the Libertarian candidate, Jimmy Whathisface. There is quite a bit of anti-Runyan sentiment among Conservatives, as displayed with this tweet directed at this reporter yesterday on Twitter:
Liberty_Chick @proctorshow dude r u serious? did u go to any of his speaking events? the guy really is dumb as a rock. no disrespect, but he is.
If Runyan comes across stupid, misinformed or even coached - it could be a backfire on the guy. The guy seems to generate about as much charisma as last night's final goal in the Stanley Cup. However, if his ideas are on track and he's true to his word about limiting the size of government, surely some Tea Partiers will come over to his side. The tough thing about the Tea Party is that they aren't a united front, there are various divisions among them and there are tons of people who hijack the word "Tea Party" that are pretty much your garden-variety neoconservatives.
It's very apparent that all eyes in South Jersey, in Philadelphia and across the rest of the country will be paying very special attention to this race. It is unique because there is no clear-cut winner, it is unique because anything can still happen and it is a true test to see if people want to still give Liberals and Democrats a chance. It's also a huge test for the establishment GOP vs. the Tea Party, even as the sect of Tea Party Patriots claim they aren't forming a third party, will Tea Partiers play the "there's only two guys" game or go for the Libertarian candidate?
Looking ahead, watch out for amazingly hilarious and out-of-context campaign ads from both candidates and numerous debates, attack ads, messages from special interests and general election season tomfoolery. Runyan-Adler may not have the same main event prize fight atmosphere as Sestak-Specter but it's definitely somewhere high up on the midcard.
- AP
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