Delaware Blood

Tonight marks the last major primary night before the November mid-terms. Hawaii will have a primary later this month, but this is last big one. Most of the races are already predetermined but there is one that is causing a true explosion in Republican circles.

Democrats settled on their nominee for the open Delaware senate seat months ago (Chris Coons). The Republicans looked like they had settled on their nominee as well (Current House Rep. Mike Castle), but there has been a late surge by Christine O'Donnell, who is backed by the state tea party.

The issue has become quite contentious as it has evolved into a purity contest. Mr. Castle is seen as something of a RINO (having voted with the GOP only about 85% of the time in the last term of Congress) but is almost certain to crush Mr. Coons in the general (current polling has Castle up 48-37). Ms. O'Donnell is more conservative in her positions but is seen as a flawed candidate who will lose to Mr. Coons (current polling has her down 47-36).

So this has become a purity debate. Is it better to win with a candidate who is squishy in their positions or better to lose with a pure candidate? Either way, the fallout from tonight's primary will be amusing to read.

Polls close at 8pm in Delaware.