Boyda Meets World

The 8/5 primaries may not have given us the headlines, as Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI 13) held on. But two other races had results that might put a smile on GOPers' faces.

-- KS Treas. Lynn Jenkins' (R) defeat of ex-Rep. Jim Ryun (R) gives the GOP a fresh look at this very winnable race. If Jenkins can keep the outsider persona, which she honed in the primary against Ryun, she has a chance. Jenkins can raise the cash to compete. And as long as Boyda refuses DCCC help, there will be no fundraising disadvantage for GOPers here.

-- In MO-09, some GOPers got what they wished for with state Rep. Judy Baker's (D) victory. They believe the EMILY's Lister is out-of-step with the conservative CD. But Baker's camp says they can combat that because, as the wife of a baptist minister, she's comfortable talking about faith and is an advocate of school prayer. But if this race is about social issues, it'll be tough for Baker to win. On the other hand, she's proven to be a smart campaigner, and don't count her out.