Republicans are swooning over their newest senate recruit, John Lamping.  Lamping has worked in the investment business as a bond trader, hedge fund partner and brokerage manager.  He’s served on numerous charitable boards. Additionally he has some quasi-star power as a cousin to former Cardinals president Mark Lamping. 

His community connections are thought to be a good indication of fundraising power, something the other Republican with a campaign committee formed, Dean Plocher, failed to display in the last quarter.  One Republican says that they think the next quarter’s numbers will show Lmaping is the real deal for Republicans in this district.

Senate 24 is a stretch for Republicans. The current incumbent, Sen. Joan Bray, is termed, but the district definitely leans Democratic.  Still Republicans have insisted with few competitive seats this cycle, they were looking seriously at the district.

With Lamping as their candidate, this could become interesting if Democrats have a nasty primary battle and the year generally shapes up as a strong Republican year.