R in the 8th?

It's no surprise that Connie Morella isn't interested in running for her old House seat, according to comments by Republican MoCo councilmember Howard Denis (in the Post). What is interesting is that Denis, one of very few elected Republicans locally, isn't willing to run himself. Now I understand that he's up for reelection and doesn't want to risk his seat for a tough, uphill congressional race, but what was his reasoning in 2004?

And state Dems are again considering moving up next year's primary to give the party time to coalesce around nominees for Senate and Governor.