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Primary Day (Again): The Best of the Rest of the Winners and Losers

Although the Wisconsin senate race was the big draw, there are more winners and losers to look at from yesterday's primary.

Alan Quist. Think Progress.

We’re one step closer to the general election in November, with a number of new congressional and senate races finally narrowed down to the final contenders after yesterday’s slew of primaries.

In Minnesota, the big focus was on who would take on 8th District Republican Chip Cravaack, the most vulnerable member of the state’s delegation. Also considered vulnerable was Democratic Congressman Tim Walz of the 1st district. However, now that Republicans have chosen former state lawmaker Alan Quist to run against him, Walz can probably rest a little easier. After all, the anti-gay crusader known for going “undercover” at a gay bookstore to expose alleged incidents of sex in public, still believes the Flintstones has a factual basis.

Walz isn’t the only Democrat to pick up an ideal Republican opponent. Former Congressman Alan Grayson is battling to get back into office. Last night he learned his opponent will be Todd Long, a Tea Party candidate backed by Arizona’s notorious “Sheriff Joe” who is “not seen as viable GOP candidate for the district,” according to Roll Call.

In other Florida results, GOP Rep. Cliff Stearns finally conceded his race. In a Republican incumbent faceoff due to redistricting, Rep. John Mica beat Rep. Sandy Adams (who was backed by SBA List), and will go on to the general election. Also, Connie Mack easily won the senate primary and will challenge Democratic Senator Ben Nelson in November.

EMILY’s List candidates had some losses as well. Susan Bysiewicz, who was endorsed by the group, was beaten by Rep. Chris Murphy for the Democratic Senate nomination in Connecticut. But the group also backed Elizabeth Esty, who won the nomination for Murphy’s seat.  The Connecticut Senate race will be between Murphy and businesswoman Linda McMahon, who beat Republican Chris Shays, a former congressman, in the GOP primary.