Disappointment in Alabama; Intrigue in Minnesota

Alabama: Citing a desire to maintain a unified Democratic front against Jeff Sessions, Commissioner Ron Sparks said today he will not enter the 2008 Senate race, leaving State Senator Vivian Figures as the only Democrat in the race. No sugar coating, this is disappointing news. It just demonstrates another reason that Sparks would have been a terrific candidate and Senator - he's a loyal Democrat. Meanwhile, the Tuscaloosa News called out Sessions for his hypocrisy on Alberto Gonzales.

Minnesota: Yesterday, MN Publius reported on rumors that Joe Repya, a military veteran who recently lost his bid to Chair the MN-GOP, was considering a primary challenge to Norm Coleman. Today, Minnesota Public Radio confirms it.