Jimmy Carter, a product of the progressive politics that infiltrated the South in the '60s, harbors a strong desire to rid his region of old-guard conservatives and Nixonian Republicans. High on his hit list in this election were three of the most conservative Republicans: John Tower of Texas, Strom Thurmond South Carolina and Jesse Helms of Carolina. All faced strong challengers who received personal help from Carter. And all three Republicans won.
But Democratic senatorial candidates in the South were able to lose even without Carter's help. Former Virginia Attorney General Andrew Miller...