Republicans' 2006 Senate prospects sour

According to "The Hill," Republicans are shying away from challenging incumbent Democrats. Bush’s poll numbers are sinking, the Iraq war grinds on and millions remain displaced by Hurricane Katrina. In addition, says the report, "Many conservatives, dismayed by the president’s willingness to expand the federal government, say that months, if not years, of growing discontent may finally take its toll in 2006, when they expect Republican House members and senators to face unexpected primaries from the right."

Here in Washington Mike McGavick, the candidate annointed by the state party leadership, is still "exploring" a race, while state RNC committeeperson Diane Tebelius and former TV newscaster Susan Hutchinson are considering a run.

So, while it is generally thought that Cantwell is vulnerable there is appearing to be a major question whether the Republicans will be able to mount a unified campaign against her.