If you haven't read Tim Fernholz' piece about Paul Hackett on CP's front page, do so right now (and then read mine right above it. heh.)

As an Ohioan and an almost-graduate of college looking to go back and work on 06 elections, I am simultaneously thrilled and pissed about Hackett dropping out of the Senate race. Thrilled because I *heart* Sherrod Brown and always felt he was the better candidate and would be a phenomenal senator. I also actually dislike Hackett- there's something about his macho posturing and his sense of entitlement (like losing by four points in your first campaign guarantees you a nomination??) that puts me off. And the bloggers seized on him becasue he seemed like a prototype of the tough-talking Washington outsider that makes Dems feel like we could be macho cowboys, too.

So why am I pissed? First of all, Hackett wouldn't recognize gracious behavior if it sprayed his face with buckshot. Ever since Brown announced his candidacy, Hackett has been unnecessarily combative in his campaign rhetoric. Dude, come on. His run has always seemed more about ego than strengthening the party, otherwise he would have decided on his own to run for the OH-2 congressional district and kicked Jean Schmidt's ass. So now he chooses to get all drama-queeny and flounce out of politics like Andrae on week 2 of Project Runway. We could use his energy, his Iraq-veteran perspective, his name recognition, but apparently he'd rather throw a temper tantrum. I guess now we KNOW he didn't belong in the Senate.