Colorado, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Utah voters head to the polls today to cast their votes in the 2012 primary and run-off elections.
Many of the races will be little more than going through the motions. Orin Hatch (R-UT) will likely fend off a primary challenge by a wide margin – others are not so clear-cut.
Investigated for ethics violations and censured by his colleagues, Rep. Charlie Rangel(D-NY) is looking at the possibility of losing his seat after 42 years in Congress. Rep. Rangel is facing a tough challenge from state Sen. Adriano Espaillat. Rangel will be tested in this primary due to a combination of his unethical behavior and a redrawn congressional district that now contains more Hispanics that will likely vote for Espaillat. Other primary challengers to Rangel include Clinton White House aide Clyde Williams, Harlem community organizer Craig Schley; and Joyce Johnson.
In Colorado, Conservative Republican Doug Lamborn (CO-5) is facing a challenge by wealthy businessman Robert Blaha. Unlike other Republican primary challenges where the incumbent was deemed too moderate, Lamborn’s far-right voting record would seem to suggest that the district that contains Colorado Springs may actually want a less Conservative representative in Congress.
Lamborn concedes he has a fight on his hands. His unflinching conservatism comes with a price. In three terms in Congress, Lamborn has seen none of his bills become law. But he says his record shows that he doesn’t sacrifice his principles to get bills through the process. – Real Clear Politics
