This is the first time Ruth Ann Palumbo has been seriously challenged by a Republican candidate in a general election. She is under attack not so much by a candidate (John Hampton has never run for office before) but by the deep pockets of the Republican Party and its backers. Her opponent has raised over $100,000 already and will mostly likely run a strong media campaign.
Perhaps even more seriously, Ruth Ann's progressive politics are under attack during an election year where right wing rhetoric is sure to overshadow her productive record. While traditionally a strong Democratic district, in the last general election, the 76th voted almost 50/50 with a lot of swing voters. This race will be won on the ground, one neighborhood at a time.
