Thursday Afternoon Quick Hits

Some exciting news. This Sunday, the Guru will begin writing a weekly column at MyDD on the state of the Senate races around the country. I hope you'll check it out. Meanwhile, you can continue to enjoy daily Senate race news here at Senate 2008 Guru.

South Carolina: As has been reported just about everywhere by now, the Senate couldn't get cloture on immigration reform, in a 46-53 vote, so it is effectively dead for the session. The only Republicans who voted Yea on cloture who are also up for re-election in 2008 are Chuck Hagel, who may or may not retire from the Senate and who is already facing primary opposition, Larry Craig, who may or may not retire (I'm betting he will retire), and Lindsey Graham. Expect the South Carolina conservative netroots to express significant discontent with Graham and also expect further rumblings of a primary challenge.

Kentucky: Though Mitch McConnell voted Nay on cloture on the immigration reform bill, his decision to steer clear of the immigration debate is well-documented and has significantly raised the ire of the conservative netroots around the country.

New Hampshire: Remember a few months back when ARG released a poll on a hypothetical Senate race seeing Jeanne Shaheen beating Sprintin' John Sununu 44-34? Well, buckle your seat belts because ARG now has Shaheen beating Sununu 57-29! Shaheen even gets the support of 30% of the Republicans. I think it's clear that New Hampshire voters are experiencing some delayed buyers' remorse from 2002. Meanwhile, Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand has a round-the-clock blograiser going and will be liveblogging today at Daily Kos at 4pm Eastern time.

Idaho: The MountainGoat Report offers a terrific look at the dichotomy between Democrat Larry LaRocco and Republican Larry Craig. While Senate candidate LaRocco spends the day working at a nursing home providing care to seniors, Senator Larry Craig spends his day working to block veterans from receiving health care benefits.

Wyoming: Politics1.com's Thursday News Update says that Republican former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead has joined Republican former state Treasurer Cynthia Lummis in considering a primary challenge to newly appointed Republican Senator John Barrasso.

Oregon: Loaded Orygun highlights Gordon Smith's role in the latest -Gate: SalmonGate. Also, Blue Oregon has more details on possible Senate candidate and radio personality Jeff Golden.

Nebraska: New Nebraska Network outlines how backwards Jon Bruning's logic is on immigration reform. Meanwhile, Newsweek highlights Chuck Hagel's "home-state headache."