Count Karl Rove among those establishment Republicans who don't believe that Tea Party candidate Christine O'Donnell's upset victory against one-time front runner Mike Castle will mean much for her chances in November's general election against Democrat Chris Coons. Rove, who appeared visibly rankled discussing O'Donnell's prospects on Hannity's show, criticized the candidate for the "nutty things" she's said and conceded that while Republicans "were looking at [winning] eight to nine seats in the Senate, now we're looking at seven to eight in my opinion."

Sean Hannity, predictably, defended O'Donnell and seemed puzzled that Rove was coming out so strongly against the "outsider" candidate. But he got few words in as the former Bush architect pressed him on the implications O'Donnell's campaign antics, barely letting the host get in an encouraging word.

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Erik Hayden