In California, ex-Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina (R) has dipped her toe into the water by setting up an exploratory committee to run against Sen. Barbara Boxer (D). Republicans see an attractive candidate with lots of $$$ .
In fact, Callifornia Republicans hope for a strong statewide ticket, with Fiorina running for Senate and former e-Bay CEO Meg Whitman running for Governor — two dynamic women with deep pockets and lots of business experience (not all good, however).
However, both women face primary challenges and the state still favors Democrats.
In New Hampshire, former New Hampshire attorney general Kelly Ayotte (R) has begun speaking on the rubber chicken circuit as she prepares for her formal entry into the contest against U.S. Representative Paul Hodes (D). But she too may face primary competition from ex-Governor candidate Ovide Lamontagne (R).
Other shoes waiting to drop — or be picked up:
Will North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven (R) decide to run against incumbent Sen. Byron Dorgan (D)? If so, it could be a barn burner — or whatever they do in North Dakota. He has promised a decision by Labor Day.
Will popular Delaware U.S. Rep. Mike Castle, a veteran legislator, run for Senate, the House or announce his retirement? He will be a serious Senate candidate if runs.
