GOP Senate campaign head: Ensign 'strong,' Carter not 'legit'
By: ERICA WERNER - Associated Press Writer | ∞
WASHINGTON -- Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., is in a strong position for re-election, according to the head of the Republican Senate campaign committee, who dismissed an expected challenge by Democrat Jack Carter by saying he hasn't proved he's a "legitimate candidate."
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, passed up a chance to comment on the possibility that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman might challenge Ensign, saying she'd wait until he makes a move.
Ensign "is a strong member of the United States Senate. He's very effective, I think standing strong," Dole said at a media briefing on the 2006 Senate races.
"Frankly I've got to say that at this point I don't think Jack Carter has shown that he's legit. He hasn't raised any money yet or really shown that he's a legitimate candidate. He hasn't been in the state very long," Dole added.
Carter, son of former President Jimmy Carter, plans to make his Senate bid official Feb. 6 with a campaign kickoff rally in Carson City attended by his mother, former first lady Rosalynn Carter. It will be the first run for elective office for the 58-year-old Las Vegas Democrat, who operates an investment consulting firm.
"I would say that being an underdog is something that we're sort of used to, and this is pretty early to judge a candidate for an election that will take place 10 months from now," Carter said in response to Dole's comments.
"I would not be surprised if Sen. Ensign outspends me by a pretty hefty sum. However people who are outspending other people, that does not necessarily mean that they win," he said.
Ensign, who is seeking his second six-year term, enjoys a healthy lead in early polls and has amassed a $2.1 million campaign fund.
Goodman has had a discussion with Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid about the possibility of running for Ensign's Senate seat , but hasn't commented on when he might make a decision.
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