Another Big Wednesday Morning Rundown

CQPolitics begins a series profiling the 2008 Senate races with a glimpse at the Democrats' two top vulnerable incumbents: Louisiana and South Dakota. In both states, it's a waiting game to see who Republicans might put up. Meanwhile, MyDD's Bowers takes a sobering look at candidate recruitment in several states, which has elicited a lot of responses in the comments section.

Kentucky: Mitch McConnell is rapidly changing his tune on corrupt Governor Ernie Fletcher, now suggesting the he has "never met a finer man than our governor, Ernie Fletcher." As Draft Owen points out, that's quite a swing from McConnell's previous affect toward Fletcher. Could it be that prominent members of the KY-GOP are not too thrilled with McConnell and seeking out alternatives for a primary challenge? For some extra fun, Bluegrass Report looks at other McConnell Superlatives. (Also, following SUSA's poll featuring Beshear (D) beating Fletcher (R) 62-34 is Rasmussen's poll with Beshear topping Fletcher 51-35.)

New Hampshire: Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand released a whole slew of new endorsements. Blue Hampshire also notes that Chuck Todd sees one endorsement in particular, State Senator Marsha Fuller Clark's, as a possible indication that former Governor Jeanne Shaheen may not ultimately enter the Senate race, though Todd also hears that Shaheen "is more open to a bid every day." Recall that Shaheen is already beating Sprintin' John Sununu in polling by ten points, 44-34.

Nebraska: New Nebraska Network looks at even more Republicans turning on Chuck Hagel. Disaffected Nebraska Republicans have started NoHagel.com to mobilize their discontent.

New Mexico: NM-FBIHOP reports on more paid media by one of "Pajamas" Pete Domenici's lesser-known opponents, further highlighting Domenici's terrible record on the environment.

Idaho: Former Congressman and current Senate candidate Larry LaRocco offered up an insightful and interesting liveblog last night. In a response to the Guru's question, LaRocco said, "I lived by the credo: Do right, risk consequences" during his Congressional career. Wow, a legislator more concerned about doing good than just looking good, someone who will do the hard work. I wouldn't mind that type of person in the U.S. Senate. LaRocco's next liveblog will be at New West Boise this Friday, June 1, 2pm Eastern, 1pm Central, Noon Mountain, 11am Pacific.

Texas: Following Congressman Nick Lampson's withdrawal from Senate consideration, attorney Mikal Watts has set up a Senate exploratory committee.

Minnesota: Nobel Laureate and possible Senate candidate Dr. Peter Agre put himself through the rigors of an MNCR interview. Dr. Agre discusses issues ranging from Iraq to health care to the Bible. Definitely worth a read-through.

Georgia: Via Tondee's Tavern, "Shameless" Saxby Chambliss is apparently the last Georgia Republican willing to show his face with George W. Bush, whose disapproval in Georgia is at 54%. Even with Chambliss' approval under 50%, he still wants to tie himself to the Bush Approval Anchor. No complaints here. Also, not that I thought there was a preponderance of speculation regarding a Senate run for him, but Congressman Sanford Bishop says that he'll be running for House re-election rather than challenging Chambliss for the Senate seat.

Think Progress looks back at Dick Cheney's declaration that the insurgency in Iraq was in its "last throes." Oh, that was two years ago, by the way. Since Cheney's "last throes" statement, about 1,800 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Iraq and over 12,000 more wounded.