LR FOLLOW-UP

From Eric Dondero:

We reported here at LR two weeks ago on poll numbers showing North Dakota Governor John Hoeven, way out ahead of incumbent Democrat Byron Dorgan. Of course, Dorgan has since dropped out. Another possible Democrat replacement, current Congressman Earl Pomeroy has opted against a run.

Yesterday, Gov. Hoeven formally announced his intentions to run for the seat. With the enormously popular Hoeven running, this now makes for an almost certain Republican pick-up. (Some pundits tossed out the name of MSNBC host, stridently progressive Ed Schultz who is a North Dakotan, but nothing materialized.)

From NPR Poltical Blog:

Democrats currently are without a candidate. Their seemingly most logical choice, Rep. Earl Pomeroy -- who is elected statewide -- said he would not run.

EXPECTED DEM LOSSES (1): North Dakota (open seat -- Byron Dorgan retiring).

Hoeven is a "Western-style Conservative," who is said to be following in the footsteps of South Dakota's John Thune. (Source: Crookston Times, Nov. 2009). He is staunchly Pro-Gun Rights, Pro-Energy Independence, and of particular interest to libertarians, believes Drug Policy should be handled by the States, and not the Federal government.