Opening salvo?

Heard an interesting radio ad Monday afternoon on a local talk station. Apparently Jay Murrell is keeping his promise to consider challenging Billy Montgomery for the Senate District 37 seat being vacated this term by Max Malone. In his ad, Jay is introducing himself and alluding to movers, from one party to another and from one district to another, and to those who violate the spirit of the term limit law. It's a not-so-veiled shot across Montgomery's bow since he qualifies on all counts.
We're also hearing of a phone survey going on within the district, apparently paid for by Murrell, with questions directed at name recognition among other items. Murrell, a Republican, has said he intended to test the waters and take a hard look at numbers. If those numbers seem to balance, he's in the race.
That's going to make it all the more interesting. For some time now, we've heard a "real" Republican would be getting into the race to challenge Montgomery, who switched to the R-party a couple of months ago. That switch has brought howls from within some corners of the Caddo Parish Republican party, and plenty of air time from Moon Griffon. If Murrell does toss his hat into the ring, that would make three Republicans who would be seeking Malone's vacant chair. Former state representative B.L. "Buddy" Shaw is telling folks he's definitely in the race, and as a former office holder in the district, he certainly would bring along a core base of supporters. Another Republican which had been mentioned as a potential candidate — Nancy Victory — reportedly has decided not to give the race a try this time.
But the question will certainly be: how will Republicans in the district (which features a substantial number of registered Democrats) determine which of the three R candidates will gain their support, and how will that support be courted? If the campaign boils down to a heated review of Montgomery's record, a tactic Murrell has said would likely be the most effective, the entire race may become a battle royal. That type of bloodletting, as you may remember, thrust Malone into the 37 seat three terms ago when two well knowns cut themselves to pieces while Malone sat back and reaped the reward.
About the only mystery remaining in District 37 is whether or not a "real" Democrat will sneak into the race. With three Republicans battling among themselves, that D could stroll into a runoff with an opponent who's been severely crippled by his fellow Rs. We're keeping our ears to the ground, and our eyes on the poll numbers.