Lessons from the Hackett/Schmidt RacePat Hynes analyzes the race and
has some lessons for both sides. Of course, we all know that only one side will be listening.
Bruising primaries are still a problem for Republicans. Despite talk of the GOP being a ‘machine,’ the fact remains that there are altogether too many aggressive GOP primaries, which tend to weaken the eventual nominee. That was the case in OH-02. Democrats very often will anoint a single candidate to run for a competitive seat, dedicating all their resources to him or her. Maybe it’s our individualistic mindsets, but Republicans tend to duke it out. And that can often be counterproductive.