It will be interesting to see if the Democrats put some money into their candidate for this race. Smucker has baggage beyond ethics that could be used to attract disenfranchised Republicans fed-up with the current big-spending candidates and negative campaigning.

Could the increasing numbers of registered Democrats in Lancaster City and Manheim Township combine with those Republicans who don't see much of a difference between the parties, all vote for the Democrat candidate? Wow. What a message that senario would send to the county's Republican leadership. Smucker could end-up losing, providing the wake-up call that all these new housing developments the ABC helps build are chock-full of Democrats. For Smucker, that would be the ultimate irony.

All this, while Lloyd "Pinnochio" Smucker also claims to work towards the preservation of farmland. Why, the more I think about it, he is almost godlike.

I think it would be a very big mistake for anyone to assume Mr. Smucker's installation as a Senator is a done deal. Often once everyone calms down many people will jump behind the winner after a contentious election, but I don't see that happening here at all. People seem to be getting angrier each day.

I believe the Democrats will be rejuvenated by the very real possibility of putting a Democrat in the 13th seat. I also think you will see some old time Republican loyalists making some surprising choices.

Normally a Dem in this seat would have been a pipe dream but with the way things are going right now I think this might just happen.

I agree. If the Democrats get serious and spend some real money they should have an excellent shot at this seat.

In the long-term, a Democrat winning this highly visible seat would be good for the local Republicans ... it would be a real wake-up call. The establishment would then be obligated to provide some real candidates who possess more than just the usual backroom connections.

Just imagine having a future that includes the GOP fielding a few Republican candidates who understand and honestly believe in the concepts of limited government and Constitutional law - rather than the usual group of good ole' boys taking care of their friends' business interests at the expense of our grandchildren.......

I really don't care which side of the aisle they sit on, this whole concept would be refreshing!