The primary challengers to two Senate Republicans quickly jumped on House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s primary loss in Virginia, using the stunning news in an effort to excite their base.  

“Eric Cantor isn’t the only incumbent from Virginia who is going to lose his primary this year,” said Milton Wolf, a physician who has raised residency questions in his challenge to Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts. “On August 5, it’s Pat Roberts’ turn.”  

“What we have seen tonight in Virginia shows that no race should be taken for granted and all the money and position in the world doesn’t resonate with an electorate that is fed up with a Washington establishment that has abandoned conservative principles,” said Joe Carr, a state legislator taking on Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander. “From Virginia to Mississippi, a transformational change is underway that is being led by a true grassroots movement.” Of course, they failed to mention that South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of the top targets of hard-line conservatives at the outset of the cycle, easily toppled a handful of primary opponents Tuesday night.  

The Republican senator in the most danger of failing to be renominated is Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran, who faces a June 24 runoff against state Sen. Chris McDaniel.  

The Kansas and Tennessee primaries take place in August. Both Roberts and Alexander are favored to emerge victorious.  

Related stories:

Eric Cantor Loses Primary in Massive Upset (Video)


Eric Cantor’s Defeat Was in the Immigration Tea Leaves


On Immigration, the Pressure Mounts for Eric Cantor


10 Republicans Who Could Be Speaker


Cantor’s Pediatric Research Bill Could Have Been a Bust


Eric Cantor: A Brief Biography


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