Having watched a few Senate campaigns over the years (I was NRSC communications director in the 1982 cycle) I've noticed that being the preferred inside-the-Beltway candidate may not translate into victory if the anointed one lacks sufficient fire in the belly.
Senate candidates that come immediately to mind include Elliot Richardson in Massachusetts in 1984 (lost in the primary) and Dick Thornburg in the Pennsylvania special to replace John Heinz. And Democrats aren't exempt from falling into this trap -- ask Fritz Mondale.
p>A nice clear shot at the general helps -- but it is worth even more if it is achieved by a candidate building the organization and raising the funds needed to scare off the opposition. br> -- Bob Pipkin br> Belmont, MA /p> p> SYRIA SERIOUSLY