The long career of another well-known Democrat, Herman Badillo, seems to be fading.
Some well-known Democrats are holding back in terms of supporting any candidate.
Senate Republicans have long viewed party defections by well-known Democrats as their best chance of padding their majority.
One well-known Democrat who asked to remain anonymous said: "You know the main difference between Democrats and Republicans in national campaigns?
"If I was running against the most popular, well-known moderate Democrat, it wouldn't affect my decision," he said.
The organizations have drawn on a list of well-known Democrats to lead them.
And that is the view of a well-known Democrat who is now working as a lawyer in New York City.
Other well-known Democrats have also joined the tobacco team recently.
His father was a well-known Democrat found guilty of jury bribing in 1898.
National Democrats had all but written off the seat as a Republican pickup after no well-known local Democrats expressed interest.