Ralph Reed lost a hard-fought primary for the GOP nomination for Lt. Governor of Georgia, yesterday. He had, before the Abramoff scandal crept up on him, been a rising star in the state and national party. After leaving the Christian Coalition, he moved to Georgia, and opened a consulting firm. He played prominent roles in both Bush campaigns for president and served as the elected chairman of the Georgia Republican Party. His race for Lt. Governor was thought to be a springboard for running for higher office. Maybe governor, maybe senator. Maybe a spot on the national GOP ticket someday.  

But he lost decisively 55-45, in the wake of exposure of his ties to his pal, convicted crook Jack Abramoff.  Indeed, Reed was attacked hard by his opponent, State Senator Casey Cagle, who highlighted how Reed took $5.3 million from Abramoff's gambling industry clients -- claiming not to know where the money was coming from. Cagle even went so far as to publicly suggest that Reed might be indicted in connection with the scandal.

Tough politics. Nevertheless, Reed offered a gracious concession statment, and promised to work for the GOP ticket in the fall.  "Stay in the fight," Reed told his supporters. "Don't retreat. And our values will win in November."

This stands in dramatic contrast to three term Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut -- once a star of the Democratic party.