Niki Tsongas seat safe for now

Democrats in MA -- and throughout the country -- should be breathing a sigh of relief right about now, because it looks like newcomer Niki Tsongas (MA-5) has a clear ride through to re-election in the fall.

Tsongas's biggest threat was a rematch against Jim Ogonowski, the former Air Force officer and the brother of a 911 martyr who had run against her in the special election to replace Martin Meehan last year.  Ogonowski ran a tough campaign and picked up 45% of the vote -- to Tsongas's 51% -- in what has historically been a safe Democratic district.  The speculation at the time of the special election was that Ogonowski would come back this year, perhaps pulling off the upset this time around.

Instead, he shoots himself in the foot and guarantees Tsongas's seat.  Details on the flip...

Ogonowski announced yesterday that he is passing on the rematch and will instead run against John Kerry for US Senate.  The Boston Globe points out this is Kerry's first serious challenge Gov. William Weld ran against him in 1996.

The Globe also points out that Kerry has about $10 million cash on hand.

Ogonowski has about $100,000.

This year is shaping up as a wave year, with Democrats well-positioned to make gains in both the House and Senate, not to mention winning the White House.  Kerry's seat is about as safe as a Senate seat can be.  Tsongas, as a first-term representative with no real track record, might be considered vulnerable.

Thank you, Jim Ogonowski, for relieving us of a potential headache.