It's big because it means the primary is not going to be as contentious as it would have been.

There are many stories that don't get covered with two newspapers, and I can't imagine how many stories won't get covered with only one.

These seats - they only come up once every 30 or so years, so that makes it a real opportunity. Because it's a safe seat, it allows whoever is elected to take leadership on significant issues of national importance - wherever the passions lie.

The cost of campaigning is growing tremendously. If we are in a contentious primary, the primary could easily run $5 million to $6 million, maybe more. We feel it's best to start early rather than wait to get engaged.

The biggest problem is that the Democrats will not go along. They will keep their current primary calendar, which means their nominee will emerge in March, while the Republicans continue to fight until May or June.

It didn't go smoothly; it was the most contentious thing I've ever done.