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We’ve written recently about the challenges moderate Republicans are facing from the more conservative elements in the party. At the national level, Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar and Utah’s Orrin Hatch are perhaps the two best examples. In our state Legislature, some solid Republicans have drawn challenges from opponents who say they’re not conservative enough.

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren with his wife Andrea announcing he will not seek re-election next year, June 7, 2011. Photo by Stephen Pingry, Tulsa World

But this isn’t a Republican-only phenomenon. In Pennsylvania, two Blue Dog Democratic incumbents lost their primary races on Super Tuesday to progressive challengers. One of the winners had attacked the incumbent for opposing Obamacare. A fellow Blue Dog is U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, who after four terms chose not to seek re-election. It’s doubtful the centrist Boren would have lost in a primary, but his prospects in November weren’t as rosy.

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren with his wife Andrea, announcing he will not seek re-election. Photo by Stephen Pingry, Tulsa World