I think the fact that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) is being challenged by J.D. Hayworth may make the Arizona senate race one to watch. Should Hayworth win, or even come close, it will be clear that the modern Republican Party is going to have to move even further to the right to survive challenges from the far-right. This is something that should be of concern to progressives.

Until the run-up to the 2008 presidential campaign, McCain was one Republican I could respect. I didn't agree with him on much, but he seemed like a relatively decent guy. As his campaign unfolded, I realized I had been terribly wrong about this estimation. But lest I think Hayworth would be any better, I am reminded that he said this:

Just like the liberals, John opposes waterboarding captured terrorists like the Christmas bomber.

If Hayworth really intends to campaign on waterboarding, I hope he is soundly defeated. The last thing we need is another Dick Cheney in the Senate.

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