Karl Rove

Rock-the-Boat professor Paul Wellstone wasn't the choice of the Democratic establishment when he won in Minnesota in 1990.: University of Minnesota Photo

Despite an enormously favorable political climate for Democrats over the past couple of years, and the increasingly realistic specter of a Hillary presidency that's got many Republicans beginning to shiver with early waves of panic, the Democratic establishment, particularly in DC, still seems apprehensive about backing candidates who are more apt to venture outside the mainstream.

Democratic Senate candidate Steve Novick, a political novice, is perfectly happy being seen as the "outsider" candidate, taking on the establishment that thus far, has mostly lined up behind his opponent, House Speaker Jeff Merkley. Both candidates hope to unseat Republican Gordon Smith next year, who's facing arguably dicey reelection prospects.

"Steve has not been a traditional politician, this is his first run for elected office, and it's clear that voters are dissatisfied with politics as usual, and they elected Democrats to change the direction of the country, but they haven't seen the results they had hoped for," said Jake Weigler, Novick's spokesman.