The shoplifting cadndidate, Mark Sanford makes a comeback, & the Georgia US Senate Race

The podcast, recorded on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, opens with hosts David McLaughlin, Tim Shiflett, and Catherine Smith discussing the oddity of Easter falling close to April Fool's Day. The main agenda involves Southern political races and legislative wrap-ups, featuring an upcoming interview with Georgia State Senator Jason Carter.South Carolina Special Election and Mark Sanford's ComebackThe first topic is the South Carolina special election runoff for a Republican-held congressional seat. Disgraced former Governor Mark Sanford is leading the Republican runoff against Curtis Bostic (53% to 40%). However, polling indicates Sanford is vulnerable in the general election against the Democratic nominee, Elizabeth Colbert Bush (sister of Stephen Colbert), who leads him 47% to 45%. If Bostic were nominated, the race is tied at 43% apiece. Tim Shiflett, however, believes the district is so conservative that the Republican nomination is "tantamount to victory," regardless of Sanford's "baggage." The hosts acknowledge that the state's Democratic party is showing signs of better organization after years of struggles.Kentucky Senate Race and Ashley JuddThe Kentucky Senate race against Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is discussed, following the announcement that actress Ashley Judd will not run for the Democratic nomination. Catherine and Tim agree this is likely a good development for Democrats, as Judd was a "provocative and volatile pick" whose liberal views and non-residency would have made her a weak candidate against McConnell. The Democrats are now likely to consolidate behind Alison Lundergan Grimes, the Secretary of State. The hosts praise McConnell's political team for an effective satirical video that attacked Judd and other potential Democratic candidates, highlighting that McConnell will be "really, really, really difficult to beat."Bizarre Candidate ScandalThe conversation turns to an Alabama political figure, Dale Peterson, known for a bizarre "law and order" campaign ad from 2010. Peterson has been arrested twice in one month for shoplifting, once for eating cashews from a container at a Sam's Club, and another time for taking a case of beer into a restroom. The hosts express surprise at the "double feature" of odd crimes from a former candidate and question his bizarre explanations.Georgia Senate RaceFinally, the hosts briefly touch on the Georgia Senate race, noting that Phil Gingrey has officially announced his candidacy, making it a two-person race for the Republican nomination against Paul Broun at that time.