NRSC opens doors to little-known candidate

There has been some grumbling that the National Republican Senatorial Committee's (NRSC) resources haven't been available to lesser-known candidates, but perhaps they just never asked.

Businessman Al Ramirez, an underdog candidate in the GOP primary to face Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), is launching his campaign today at NRSC headquarters.

Ramirez's event could been seen as a retort to state Sen. Chuck DeVore's contention that the committee has already chosen sides in the primary. DeVore has unleashed a series of attacks on the NRSC for allegedly choosing Carly Fiorina as its candidate.

The issue has also arisen in races in Kentucky and New Hampshire, where the NRSC has housed fundraisers for establishment-favored candidates, while their primary challengers looked on.

NRSC spokesman Brian Walsh says: “Al Ramirez is a Republican candidate, and we extend our facilities to Republican candidates. Barbara Boxer's approval ratings are very low, and we're excited about our prospects in California next year."