This candidate list seems to indicate two things... one, there's a lot of energy out there and two, there's a potent anti-incumbent sentiment in the electorate.  I don't remember ever seeing this many primary challenges to incumbent Dem office holders.  And not all of them are a joke, either.

Now, not every incumbent Democrat facing a challenge is in serious trouble.  That incumbent label is powerful.  It's tough to knock one off in a head-to-head race, especially in a primary... but toss in a third or fourth challenger?  That's a recipe for an easy nod to the familiar name at the top of the ballot.  That said, there's nothing like watching the bad guys tear themselves apart for three months before diving into a general election contest.

And darn it all if some of these races aren't just full of potential for some serious fun if nothing else.

Especially in Detroit.  Akindele posted a great recap of a lot of the competitive State House races this morning (you can check it out here!) and how could anyone not get a kick out of a race like the 7th where seventeen Dems filed.  Talk about a Royal Rumble.  Someone could win that thing, and by connection the general, with only 6% of the vote.  6%!

But that's just the under card.  The real fun is going to be had in the 13th and 14th Congressional Districts where long-time incumbent Democrats are facing challenges from inside the Party.  And while one of the D.C. transplants will likely coast on the numbers game alone, the other should be a little more worried.

First, the 13th.  Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (yes, that's Kwame's mom) is running for re-election for the umpteenth time.  But what with the anti-Kwame sentiment running through the region a couple of current and former State legislators figured it was their time to shine.

State Senator Martha Scott and former State Rep Mary Waters will be fighting it out for second place unless one of them decides to step aside and toss her support to the other.  That, my friends, is highly unlikely.  They'll split the anti-incumbent / anti-Kilpatrick vote and Hizzoner's mom can go ahead and renew her lease on that Washington apartment.  So where's the fun?

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you state Senator Martha Scott, in her own words, as delivered this week to Lansing Insider publication MIRS:

"I was asked by my constituents to run two years ago and I finally decided to do so," Scott said. "I have been a wonderful state (Representative) and state Senator."

I don't know about you but I'm sold.  But Martha, I've got to ask... why are you so down on yourself?  A woman like you, you should have better self esteem.  I mean, you've got just about everything going for you.  So no more of this negativity OK?

"I have been a wonderful state Rep and state Senator."  I love it.  That alone is worth the price of admission.  And just in case you don't feel like you've got your money's worth, there's one more thing... Martha Scott doesn't live in the 13th District.  She's a 14th District girl.  Election law only mandates that a candidate for Congress live in the State which they wish to represent.  But don't worry, she says if she's elected she MIGHT move.  Maybe.  

When asked about her candidacy her boss in the Senate and a candidate for Congress himself, Mark Schauer offered this little nugget...

(Schauer) said Scott spends lots of time in her district, which is "what a candidate for Congress needs to do."

Awesome.  I love everything about the 13th Congressional District.  Honestly, how is the entirety of the Michigan Democrat Party not thoroughly embarrassed right now?

Now, the serious stuff... the 14th.  John Conyers, the chairman of the US House Corruption Caucus (I should copyright that...) and husband of she-who-picks-on-school-children is facing a challenge too.  And from only one challenger.

Horace Sheffield, a supposed clergyman from one of Detroit's more prominent churches and a big-time supporter of Detroit's embattled Mayor surprised a lot of folks yesterday when he submitted 1,900 signatures to put his name on the ballot.

Sheffield's got a good bit of name recognition in the area and is a fiery speaker.  Which should provide a stark contrast to the 128 year old, semi-comatose Conyers.  Also a stark contrast, Sheffield says he believes in Jesus.  John Conyers is one of only 18 members in Congress to take an open and actively hostile stand against Christianity, going so far as to actually vote against Christmas.

Detroit, for those of you on the west side of the state, is a city that overwhelmingly claims the name of Christ.

And finally, a Dem primary in the State House that's well worth watching for it's symbolic importance if not for it's potential to yield an upset.  Three Democrats filed to challenge Andy Dillon, the sitting and current Speaker of the House of Representatives.  Their top dog.  The same top dog who's currently facing a fierce recall battle.  When it rains in Cancun it pours, right Andy?

This is another one of those situations where the sheer number of challengers will certainly lead to a massive win for the incumbent but if Kerry Morgan, David Parker and Frank Tomcsik are any indication, all is not well in Redford Township.  

Between the recall and a primary contest that Dillon campaign cash is going to be at a premium.  Whether or not the Wayne County Taxpayers effort leads to the man's removal or not, this seat suddenly looks a lot more winnable for the GOP in November.  

What kind of a message do you think that would send to future legislative leadership about the wisdom of raising taxes in the middle of a recession?