Cornyn: Del. Senate 'not as competitive' as other races for GOP

The Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee said Thursday that Delaware's Senate contest between Tea Party-favorite Christine O'Donnell and Democrat Chris Coons "looks like it's not as competitive as other races across the country."

Speaking to reporters after an event at the National Press Club, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) reiterated the NRSC's backing of O'Donnell and said the committee would support her financially "as appropriate." 

But Cornyn suggested that without Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) as the Republican nominee, the seat is less winnable for his party this fall.

"It's no secret that I believe Castle would have won that race handily," Cornyn said. 

On Wednesday, Castle decided against waging a write-in bid this fall, an option he told reporters last week that he was considering. The latest polling in the race gives Coons a double-digit lead over O'Donnell. 

Cornyn also predicted victory for Republican businessman John Raese over Gov. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) in West Virginia's Senate election this fall. The NRSC launched a $1.2 million ad buy targeting Manchin last week in a race that polls have shown is unexpectedly close.