That didn't take long. Chuck Yob, the Michigan insider who was
rumored to be doing a double-bid with Fred Thompson, had backed
out of the race. That's probably going to make the race a
little cleaner, considering how much dirt has flown
between Anuzis and Yob for a while. But I did say only a
little. Yob just
endorsed Blackwell. From an organizing perspective that
should signal to GOP insiders that Yob's probably going to give
Blackwell some help on the ground -- meaning that concerns about
Blackwell's ability to organize a state should be informed by the
endorsement. (Think about it: Why would it matter if Yob was
endorsing someone? This is a message.)
In the same statement, Steve Forbes endorsed Blackwell. When I
spoke to an insider from another campaign, it's clear that
Blackwell's considered to be a real conservative, and thus a
formidable candidate. His failed gubernatorial bid, I'm told, is
somewhat ameloriated by the Yob endorsement.
Mike Duncan's own intentions to run
were confirmed yesterday. This will likely have the effect of
dividing loyalties. Some GOP chairmen really like Duncan, while
others feel he's ignored the state-to-state game.
