Republican Candidate FAIL

Rule #1: running an ad apologizing for your involvement with a convicted criminal isn't the best way to kick off your campaign.

"Five years ago, when I was first elected to Congress I was invited on trip to Scotland. I found out later that it was paid for by a corrupt lobbyist. It was a rookie mistake and I did everything I could to make it right. I reported it to the ethics committee and I paid the money back. I embarrassed myself, I embarrassed you and for that, I'm very sorry. I'm Tom Feeney and I approve this message because public service means about being honest, even when you make a mistake."

I don't entirely see how admitting to something five years after the fact equals "being honest." It would also be better if you mentioned Jack Abramoff's name. Tom Feeney must be really feeling the heat.

But he's George Washington compared to Cynthia Lummis:

The press secretary for Republican U.S. House candidate Cynthia Lummis appears to have called in to a news conference held by her rival — using a fake name and identifying herself as a supporter of the Democrat.

The press secretary, Rachael Seidenschnur, acknowledged calling in to Tuesday's news conference and asking candidate Gary Trauner a question regarding U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. But Seidenschnur denied using a fake name and said she did not identify herself as a Trauner supporter.

But an audio recording by The Associated Press shows the only caller to the news conference who asked about Pelosi identified herself as a Trauner supporter named "Sierra."

"I have a question," the caller said. "This is Sierra. I'm just a supporter. I was curious about whether Mr. Trauner supports, or if he'd been in the House, would have voted for Nancy Pelosi's and the rest of the Democrats' energy bill this past week."

That's just embarrassing.

House Republican Made Endangered Species By Department Of Fish And Wildlife

Jim Saxton's gone:

Rep. Jim Saxton, the twelve-term Republican from New Jersey's 3rd District, plans to retire after his current term, an announcement that could come as early as today, according to sources familiar with his decision.

Saxton's retirement opens up a seat he has held since 1984 and creates another vulnerable open seat for House Republicans. President Bush narrowly carried the district with 51 percent in 2004, and Democrats had been making noise about a potential challenge to Saxton in 2008.

Barbara Cubin's outta here.

Roll Call is reporting that Congresswoman Barbara Cubin (R-WY) will reportedly announce her retirement tomorrow.

Cubin has been absent from the House for much of the year, caring for her ill husband back home in Wyoming. Cubin had already been facing a primary challenge from state House Majority Leader Colin Simpson, the son of former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY), as well as a second campaign from 2006 Democratic nominee Gary Trauner.

I'd offer my sympathies to Rep. Cubin's family, but considering she threatened to slap a wheelchair-bound Libertarian opponent last year, I don't think she'd reciprocate.

WY-AL was a very close race last year, but I think Cubin's departure actually increases Republican chances. Nevertheless, both of these races will be closely contested, expanding the playing field for the cash-strapped Republicans (can't believe I'm writing THAT) even more.