Probably a Fatal Blow for Democrats in Montana

First Read sees the plagiarism scandal severely hurting Sen. John Walsh’s (D-MT) ability to hold on to his seat for Democrats this fall.

“Yes, politicians can survive plagiarism scandals — see Vice President Biden and Rand Paul (so far). And Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) survived his own A1 New York Times hit. But you don’t do it in the midst of a campaign you’re already losing, especially in a red state. By the way, we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Perhaps the biggest events that triggered the GOP’s real chances of winning back the Senate were when 1) Max Baucus announced he wasn’t seeking re-election, and when 2) Brian Schweitzer didn’t run (and turned out not to be the recruit Democrats thought he looked to be on paper). If Montana weren’t in play — and now looking like a slam-dunk pickup opportunity — the GOP’s math would be more difficult.”