GOP Quaking in Its Boots Over Sanford's Chances

Yesterday, Politico was calling Elizabeth Colbert Busch the underdog in South Carolina's special congressional election; today, the site seems to have changed its tune. It's reporting that Republicans are concerned Mark Sanford's candidacy could cost them a safe seat in a district Mitt Romney took by 18 points. Other Republicans aren't big fans of Sanford: Not a single member of South Carolina's congressional delegation has endorsed him. Women have a 60% unfavorable view of the former governor, a poll finds.

And he's already on the defense after his sex scandal: His campaign thus far has been based on repentance, Politico notes. "It’s going to be virtually impossible for Mark Sanford to attack Colbert Busch," says a former state GOP boss. Plus, she shouldn't have much trouble in the fundraising department, given that brother Stephen Colbert is fighting for her. There's no "slam dunk" for Sanford here, says a GOP official. Polls put the two in a dead heat, and members of the national GOP are ready to send serious cash to back their candidate. (More Republican Party stories.)