"Perceived strength of Rep. Flake..."

From Eric Dondero:

It now appears that Gabrielle Giffords, due to her tragic injuries, will not be running for US Senate as a Democrat after all. Dems had hoped that the Tucson area congresswoman would recover enough to give the Republicans a strong challenge.

Now this from Goggle News via AP:

Privately, some Democrats are pessimistic that her recovery will progress to the point she will run for the Senate. They view a run for her congressional seat as a more likely alternative.

Some Democrats said the lack of an alternative at this stage is a worrisome sign that Democrats won't field a strong challenger against the GOP nominee, most likely to be Republican Rep. Jeff Flake. Incumbent Republican Jon Kyl is retiring after three terms in the Senate.

"We're stumbling around with names nobody knows," said Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. "We're left with second tiers, and that's too bad, because I don't think Flake should have a free ride and he's beatable."

"I think it's the perceived strength of Representative Flake. It's also very difficult to raise money in this economic environment," [fmr. AZ Democrat Chair] Pederson said.

Grijalva has ruled out a run.

Photo from Flake's congressional office of his solo trip two years ago to a deserted island in the Pacific.