The Republican Surge, of Sorts

Shira Toeplitz reports on the ego boost that Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts has given to Republican candidates and strategists. So far it’s been enough to nudge businessman Richard Hanna into a rematch with Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.); from there, it’s giving a second wind to recruiters who are trying to see whether they can put more Senate races on the map, and boosted the fortunes of Republicans like Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.).

I had a call and a text message from two significant donors of mine, who I never hear from other than when I’m calling them for money, say: ‘Wow, this is huge. Keep up the good work. Let me know how we can help.

This pales before the effect that Brown’s win is having on congressional Democrats’ plans for their agenda. One dog that hasn’t barked: No vulnerable Democrats have bailed out of re-election this week.