Action and Reaction

Idaho: With Democratic former Congressman Larry LaRocco getting in the race, a spokesman for Larry Craig says that Craig will make an announcement about a re-election bid "this summer." Republican Lt. Gov. Jim Risch is equally quiet about his intentions in the article.

Maine: The ads criticizing Susan Collins for her vote to keep Bush's Iraq War open-ended are now gaining earned media in Maine. Iraq should be a top issue in Maine's Senate race, especially if John McCain, for whom Collins is serving as the campaign's Maine co-Chair is the nominee, McCain having been the loudest voice for escalation in Iraq among the Presidential contenders. Elsewhere, Chellie Pingree's formal filing of paperwork to run for Democratic Congressman Tom Allen's House seat is being taken as a sign that Allen is in for a Senate challenge to Collins.

New Hampshire: Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand introduces himself to the Blue Hampshire community.

Oregon: kos offers more insight on Democratic U.S. Congressman Peter DeFazio. Indications are that DeFazio is a true populist with appeal that crosses partisan lines. Members of the press are reportedly referring to a DeFazio candidacy as "Smith's worst nightmare."

Oklahoma: Jim Inhofe is crying that the big, bad Democrats want to take his seat away and elect other Democrats to office.