Politically Aware

Huckabee Announces Presidential Bid

2007-04-07T22:14:00.001-07:00

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee yesterday announced plans to form a presidential exploratory committee, hoping to carve out a conservative niche in an increasingly crowded field of Republican candidates.

Huckabee Announces Presidential Bid

Democrats Worry About Clinton's High Negatives

2007-04-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Prominent liberal Democrats" in Sen. Hillary Clinton's "home base of New York City privately express the opinion that she has unsolved political problems," according to Robert Novak .
"These critics note that Clinton's negative national ratings remain high (around 45 percent). She also generated similarly low ratings for her Senate re-election bid in New York last year, but she won in a landslide against token Republican opposition. Clinton's performance in Iowa last week received poor reviews from liberals at home, who did not laugh at her little joke aimed at husband Bill Clinton when she was asked about her ability to handle 'evil, bad men.'"
"The most likely left-of-center alternative to Clinton, in New York as elsewhere, appears to be former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina."

Democrats Worry About Clinton's High Negatives

New Advertising Opportunity

2007-04-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to unveil a new advertising feature on Political Wire called "live linking ads." These are just like the ads in the right hand column except that they contain headlines from your website -- whether you're a political campaign, an advocacy organization or any website that generates a RSS feed.
These ads work in both the premium and regular slots. When buying the ad, simply use this code in place of the text:
@RSS:http://yourdomain.com/yourfeed.xml
When the ad goes live on Political Wire, you'll get the latest 10 headlines from your RSS feed under the graphic, updated every 15 minutes.
Early testing shows these have a click thru rate more than three time higher than traditional ads. But since they are still in beta, we're not charging extra for them yet.
For more details, see the technical description of the new feature at BlogAds or email them at the address in the top of the right hand column.

New Advertising Opportunity

For GOP, Discord In Dissent On Iraq

2007-04-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Republican misgivings over President Bush's new war strategy are increasingly dividing the GOP as the Senate moves toward a showdown over the deployment of 21,500 additional troops to Iraq.

For GOP, Discord In Dissent On Iraq

What's the Matter With Kansas>

2006-10-28T07:31:00.001-07:00

WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH KANSAS?....Apparently it's not just liberals who are asking that question anymore. Steve Rose, chairman of the Johnson County Sun, who admits that the policies of the Democratic Party still make him "cringe," has nonetheless had enough...

What's the Matter With Kansas>

Contempt

2006-10-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

CONTEMPT....Tucker Carlson talks to Chris Matthews:CARLSON: It goes deeper than that though. The deep truth is that the elites in the Republican Party have pure contempt for the evangelicals who put their party in power. ....MATTHEWS: So this gay marriage...

Contempt

Senate Rejects Minimum Wage Hike

2006-10-27T22:34:00.002-07:00

A bill fusing a reduction in inheritance taxes to an increase in the minimum wage went down to defeat in a 56-42 Senate vote. The minimum wage of $5.15 an hour hasn't gone up since 1997; the election-wary Senate might revisit the issue this fall.

Senate Rejects Minimum Wage Hike

In IN-7, Carson in Unexpectedly Close Race

2006-10-27T22:34:00.001-07:00

In Indiana's 7th congressional district, a new Research 2000 poll shows Rep. Julia Carson (D) beating Eric Dickerson (R), 48% to 43%.
Carson's poor health has been an issue in the campaign as she "has high blood pressure, asthma and diabetes and took a one-week leave of absence from her congressional duties in 2003 for what she called routine medical appointments. She missed dozens of votes in 2004, saying she felt bad and had no energy."

In IN-7, Carson in Unexpectedly Close Race

Foley Case a Test for Ethics Panel

2006-10-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

Despite an uncharacteristic spurt of activity, the House ethics committee is unlikely to complete its investigation of the Mark Foley page scandal before the election, but it may issue an interim report on Foley's activities and how the GOP leadership responded to warnings, according to sources.

Foley Case a Test for Ethics Panel

GOP Aims to Scare Up Big Voter Turnout

2006-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

With top Republican strategists now privately predicting substantial House losses, President Bush and top GOP officials plan to spend the final days of the 2006 campaign attempting to rally partisans and limit conservative defections with dire warnings about the consequences of a Democratic...

GOP Aims to Scare Up Big Voter Turnout

The Woman Who Would Be Speaker

2006-10-22T19:25:00.001-07:00

On election night 2004, Nancy Pelosi faced a painful reality: Her party was again a big loser, failing to win the presidency and losing three more House seats. Pundits were suggesting Pelosi should accept her fate as the leader of a permanent House minority.

The Woman Who Would Be Speaker

The Columnist Who Shut Up to Speak Out

2006-10-22T19:25:00.000-07:00

CLEVELAND At a lively Democratic gathering in a nearby suburb, Senate candidate Sherrod Brown is talking up his wife to the party faithful. He says, as he always does in this part of Ohio, that the crowd probably already knows Connie Schultz as a prizewinning newspaper columnist. It is a... Fran......

The Columnist Who Shut Up to Speak Out

Rank Would Guide Pelosi As She Chose Chairmen

2006-10-22T07:20:00.001-07:00

If Democrats win control in November, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) has decided to award committee chairmanships based almost entirely on seniority, ensuring that the House would feature far more minority faces, and some liberal firebrands, in key posts.

Rank Would Guide Pelosi As She Chose Chairmen

Air America Files For Bankruptcy

2006-10-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Air America Radio, which has tried to create a liberal talk and news network to challenge the dominance of conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, yesterday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but said it would remain on the air.

Air America Files For Bankruptcy

Poll Finds "Major Shift to Democrats"

2006-10-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

A new Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (D) poll shows good news for Democrats in the 49 most competitive Republican-held congressional districts. "The survey, which breaks out the seats into three tiers of competitiveness, testing incumbents and challengers by name in each district, shows a crash in the standing of the Republican incumbents in the two least competitive tiers and a big swing to Democratic challengers running across the board."

Poll Finds "Major Shift to Democrats"

Ehrlich Picks Up Business Endorsement; O'Malley Rolls Out Ad on Crime

2006-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. won the endorsement of a Washington area business group yesterday, while his Democratic challenger, Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley , aired a new television ad with leaders from the Baltimore region defending him against Ehrlich's attacks on crime. Democratic Party......

Ehrlich Picks Up Business Endorsement; O'Malley Rolls Out Ad on Crime

Republicans Brace for Losses

2006-10-10T16:21:00.000-07:00

Republican campaign officials said that "they expect to lose at least seven House seats and as many as 30 in the Nov. 7 midterm elections, as a result of sustained violence in Iraq and the page scandal involving former GOP representative Mark Foley," reports the Washington Post .
"GOP officials are urging lawmakers to focus exclusively on local issues and leave it to party leaders to mitigate the Foley controversy by accusing Democrats of trying to politicize it." However, Republicans are fighting an uphill battle because "a small but significant number of conservatives are frustrated with Republican governance, while independent swing voters are turning against GOP candidates."

Republicans Brace for Losses

Squashing Unions

2006-10-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

SQUASHING UNIONS....In a move that surprised exactly no one, the NLRB voted along party lines yesterday to reclassify 8 million workers as "supervisors" who will no longer have any protection under U.S. labor laws. It no longer matters whether you...

Squashing Unions

In Colorado, Ritter Pulls Away

2006-10-07T07:08:00.002-07:00

In Colorado's gubernatorial race, a new SurveyUSA finds Bill Ritter (D) leading Rep. Bob Beauprez (R), 55% to 38%. In the last six weeks, Ritter's lead has grown from 10 to 17 points.
Key findings: "Ritter leads by 29 points among women and by 6 points among men. Ritter gets 89% of Democrat votes. Beauprez gets 74% of Republican votes. 20% of Republicans cross over to vote for the Democrat Ritter. Independents favor Ritter 58% to 25%."

In Colorado, Ritter Pulls Away

Lieberman Says He Was Promised Seniority

2006-10-07T07:08:00.001-07:00

Very few Democratic senators openly back his independent bid for re-election, but Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) says he's been promised his seniority if he wins the general election against Ned Lamont (D), according to The Hill .
"Lieberman said he assumed that would mean he would continue to serve as the top Democrat on the governmental affairs panel... That could create big problems with Democrats in Congress and around the country if their party takes over the Senate. The governmental affairs panel is primarily responsible for oversight and investigations of the executive branch."

Lieberman Says He Was Promised Seniority

GOP's Hold on Evangelicals Weakening

2006-10-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

ANOKA, Minn. -- Lynn Sunde, an evangelical Christian, is considering what for her is a radical step. Come November, she may vote for a Democrat for Congress.

GOP's Hold on Evangelicals Weakening

Iraq is Top Election Issue

2006-10-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Pew Research poll : "Iraq has become the central issue of the midterm elections. There is more dismay about how the U.S. military effort in Iraq is going than at any point since the war began more than three years ago. And the war is the dominant concern among the majority of voters who say they will be thinking about national issues, rather than local issues, when they cast their ballot for Congress this fall."

Iraq is Top Election Issue

Senate Race Polls Show Democrats Gaining Seats

2006-10-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

"Democrats in U.S. Senate races across the country are leading their Republican opponents and appear poised to gain ground in next months elections, but it remains unclear whether they will increase their numbers by the six seats required for them to take control of the chamber," according to a new set of Reuters/Zogby polls .
Democrats lead in five of 10 races, while Republicans lead in two, two are deadlocked, and Lieberman's independent bid picks up steam in Connecticut.
Key races:

Democrats lead in Montanta, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Maryland. Three of these seats would be pick ups for Democrats.
Republicans lead in Missouri and Virginia.
Ohio and Tennessee are tied.
Lieberman leads in Connecticut by 20 points, 53% tio 33%, though he's said he'll caucus with Democrats if he wins his independent bid.

Reuters has a good graphical display of the polls.

Senate Race Polls Show Democrats Gaining Seats

Is Obama Ready to Run?

2006-10-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Alter says a 2008 presidential campaign bid by Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) might not be as far-fetched as some think. In fact, while there are plenty of personal reasons not to run -- he has young children -- his advisers think there are no political reasons not to make the race.
"The Obama campaign right now was described to me as a 'concept' rather than a 'plan.' The concept is that Obama is a positive, aspirational figure who appeals to a yearning in the country for a unifying, almost spiritual vision that moves beyond the tired arguments of left versus right. At a more prosaic level, the 'concept' would call for a massive black-voter-registration campaign in the South while continuing his crossover appeal to moderate white voters. On the Iraq war, the critical issue for Democratic primary voters, Obama is perfectly positioned. He opposed the war from the beginning, with an articulate denunciation of the Bush policy as a distraction from the war on terror. In other words, he was four years ahead of the curve. By contrast, John Edwards is in the uncomfortable position of having said he was wrong to support the war. Hillary Clinton is even worse off. She has yet to acknowledge the obvious: that if she knew then what she knows now, she would have voted against the war instead of for it. If both Obama and Clinton run, he would quickly best her on this issue, which all of her 'early money' would do little to counteract."

Is Obama Ready to Run?

Murtha Resumes Leadership Bid

2006-10-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

"Three and a half months after suspending his public bid -- although not necessarily his private efforts -- to become House Majority Leader, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) said that he has resumed his leadership campaign," Roll Call reports.
But The Hill notes liberal House Democrats "are not lining up" behind Murthas candidacy "in the numbers he had hoped despite his outspoken stance against the Iraq war."

Murtha Resumes Leadership Bid

Tennessee Senate Race Now a Toss Up

2006-10-03T21:54:00.002-07:00

The list of competitive U.S. Senate races continues to grow: CQ Politics changed the rating on the Tennessee contest between Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) and Bob Corker (R) to No Clear Favorite from Leans Republican.
"The consensus among state and national politics watchers is that Ford, since the primary, has run a much more effective campaign than Corker, who has faced some dissent among staunch GOP conservatives and repeated allegations launched by Ford and other Democrats about his actions as mayor and his personal financial dealings."
The Cook Political Report : "It has taken even Democrats a while to accept that they have a real chance to win this seat, but recent polling, Democratic Rep. Harold Fords aggressive campaign and some bad press for GOP nominee Bob Corker have combined to defy the conventional wisdom."
Earlier this week, Ford's campaign released an internal poll showing him ahead by six points.

Tennessee Senate Race Now a Toss Up

The Politics Behind the Twin Cities Choice

2006-10-03T21:54:00.001-07:00

The Republican Party's decision to hold their 2008 national convention in Minneapolis and Saint Paul is the first time the Twin Cities have held a national convention since the GOP conclave in 1892 renominated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency (he lost to Grover Cleveland).
The political strategy behind this is twofold, concerning location and timing. First, the choice of location should not be seen as simply an attempt to target the state of Minnesota for political persuasion by the GOP in 2008. The bordering swing states of Iowa and Wisconsin are also targets of this convention strategy. The Twin Cities lie close to the Wisconsin border and their media market extends far into Western Wisconsin. The Iowa border is two hours south of the Twin Cities and Iowa media will give the convention heavy play. In the three state area, the Twin Cities is the largest population center and is centrally located.
Second, the timing of the decision reveals two goals. First and most obviously, the GOP seeks to preempt national Democratic efforts to convene in the Twin Cities. But also, the announcement gives Minnesota GOP candidates in 2006, particularly incumbent GOP governor Tim Pawlenty who is locked in a tight reelection race, something to crow about. Minnesotans tend to believe they don't get the national attention they and their state deserve, and this national GOP decision may curry favor with Minnesota voters by shining a spotlight on the state.
-- Guest contributor Steve Schier is a professor of political science at Carleton College and a commentator for Minnesota Public Radio.

The Politics Behind the Twin Cities Choice

After Foley, New Fears For the GOP

2006-10-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Republican strategists said yesterday that public revulsion over the sexually graphic online conversations between Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) and former House pages could compound the party's problems enough to tip the House to the Democrats in November -- and could jeopardize the party's hold on the...

After Foley, New Fears For the GOP

Bonus Quote of the Day

2006-10-03T07:07:00.002-07:00

"When you spend nine to 10 months calling each other names, and when the person best at that wins, you get a Congress just as we have -- addicted to the kind of wedge-issue, name-calling politics that has people so fed up with the Congress."
-- Washington U.S. Senate candidate Mike McGavick (R), quoted by the Wall Street Journal .

Bonus Quote of the Day

Key Judgments

2006-10-03T07:07:00.001-07:00

KEY JUDGMENTS....Is the Iraq war fueling terrorism? Here are the excerpts from the "key judgments" section of the newly declassified National Intelligence Estimate that address the issue:We assess that the Iraq jihad is shaping a new generation of terrorist leaders...

Key Judgments

Bush's Base is Key Democratic Victory

2006-10-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

Chuck Todd looks at the recent wave of polls -- see Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg , USA Today/Gallup and Wall Street Journal/NBC News -- showing Bush succeeded in firming up his base with a renewed emphasis on fighting the war on terror. "Terrorism is the Republican Party's best base issue, because its base responds more strongly to terrorism than any other issue these days."
"Predictable as they may be, these poll numbers are extremely significant. Democrats should now understand that if they cede Iraq and terrorism to Bush -- or allow Bush to define the debate -- then their dreams of a congressional majority will go up in smoke."
Key point: "A complacent and frustrated GOP base -- not an enthused and angry Democratic base -- puts the prospect of a wave into play."
It's important to note that a recent Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (D) poll showed Bush's strategy was indeed firming up his base but that he was also pushing away independents and moderate Democrats.

Bush's Base is Key Democratic Victory

Akaka Takes Early Lead in Senate Race

2006-09-26T07:47:00.001-07:00

HONOLULU -- Liberal incumbent Sen. Daniel Akaka held an early lead Saturday night over upstart challenger Rep. Ed Case in the Democratic primary after absentee ballots and early votes were released.

Akaka Takes Early Lead in Senate Race

Hawaii Votes in Heated Senate Primary

2006-09-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

HONOLULU -- Hawaii residents choose between liberal five-term incumbent Sen. Daniel Akaka and nervy challenger Rep. Ed Case in Saturday's Democratic primary.

Hawaii Votes in Heated Senate Primary

Who Said What?

2006-09-23T21:40:00.001-07:00

The midterm elections are coming up, and TVs across the country will be swamped with "issue ads" championing one party over the other. How effective are these general campaigns, which usually don't focus on individual candidates? As the 2006 campaign kicks into gear, Americans will inevitably...

Who Said What?

Can the GOP use terrorism to win -- again?

2006-09-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Could there be political fallout in the United States from the terror arrests in Britain? Polls suggest that the Republicans may not be able to use terrorism as an issue against the Democrats during the midterm elections.

Can the GOP use terrorism to win -- again?

Connecticut Focus Groups Test Marquee Names

2006-09-22T18:42:00.001-07:00

With closes races and high stakes around Connecticut, campaigns are banishing spontaneity. Many decisions, major or minor, are tested in polls or focus groups. Two congressional campaigns endured grueling focus groups last month that pointed the way forward. Whether sobered candidates can follow the advice of citizens lured into a night of quotes, ads and hand-raising will unfold in the next six weeks.
Campaigns now want to know how marquee names will be received not only by the audiences that turn out to see them, but also by the general public that only sees media reports. So one political organization tested the appeal in Connecticut of likely drop-ins in preparation for a fall of stars shooting into the state for different sides.
The results (favorable/unfavorable):
Michael Bloomberg - 61%/14%
Hillary Clinton - 52%/43%
John Kerry - 44%/43%
John McCain - 66%/19%
-- Guest contributor Kevin Rennie is a columnist for the Hartford Courant and a former Republican Connecticut state senator.

Connecticut Focus Groups Test Marquee Names

Donate Now

2006-09-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

DONATE NOW....As we wrap up our week-long fundraising effort, Im going to make one more appeal. Please give. Please click on that support button right now. And please be generous. For a nonprofit organization with a small budget, The Washington...

Donate Now

In Massachusetts, Patrick Wins Democratic Primary

2006-09-20T21:29:00.001-07:00

Deval Patrick, "who rose from poverty on the South Side of Chicago to corporate boardrooms and a top position in President Clinton's administration, won the Democratic Party's nomination for governor tonight, becoming the first African American to win a major party's nomination for the top job in the state," the Boston Globe reports.
Patrick "easily won a three-way primary over two better-known rivals," Christopher Gabrieli and Thomas Reilly.
"Patrick now faces a tough, seven-week campaign that the state's Democratic leadership hopes will return the governor's office to the party's control for the first time since 1990. He will battle Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, who was unopposed for the Republican nomination, independent Christy Mihos, and Green Rainbow Party nominee Grace Ross."
Complete results are available.

In Massachusetts, Patrick Wins Democratic Primary

New Twist in Virginia Senate Race

2006-09-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

After The Forward last month reported his mother was Jewish, the New York Times says Sen. George Allen's (R-VA) re-election campaign "took another unexpected turn" when Allen "issued a statement confirming his Jewish ancestry."
The controversy was not so much over the news as it was over his initial reaction to the news and his delayed repsonse. The Washington Post notes the issue came up in a debate earlier this week and Allen "became visibly upset, saying his mother's religion was not relevant to the campaign and chiding the reporter for 'making aspersions about people because of their religious beliefs.'"
Meanwhile, this latest twist in an increasingly bizarre Senate campaign spurred CQ Politics to change the rating on the race to Leans Republican from Republican Favored.

New Twist in Virginia Senate Race

Padgett Calls on Ney to Resign

2006-09-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

According to Hotline On Call , the Republican nominee in Ohios 18th congressional district, state Sen. Joy Padgett (R), has called on the congressman she is hoping to succeed, Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), to resign from Congress immediately after he pled guilty to fraud and conspiracy on Friday.
While Ney has stepped down from his House leadership positions, he has not indicated whether he will resign his seat before the term ends, reports the New York Times .

Padgett Calls on Ney to Resign

Title Unavailable

2006-09-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

BARRY GOLDWATER, liberal hero?An interview in this Sunday's New York Times Magazine with C.C. Goldwater reveals that her HBO film to be aired Sept. 18 paints her late grandfather, Sen. Barry Goldwater, "as a kind of liberal," with testimonials from...

Title Unavailable

Robberies, Gun Violence Increased Last Year, Justice Report Says

2006-09-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

Americans were robbed and victimized by gun violence at greater rates last year than the year before, even though overall violent and property crime reached a 32-year low, the Justice Department said yesterday.

Robberies, Gun Violence Increased Last Year, Justice Report Says

GOP Senators' Bid to Confirm Bolton Is Called Off

2006-09-14T20:38:00.001-07:00

Republican efforts to formally confirm John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations hit an unexpected snag yesterday when a Republican senator in a tough reelection bid said he could not support the diplomat until the Bush administration answers his questions on Middle East policy.

GOP Senators' Bid to Confirm Bolton Is Called Off

Fuel for Republicans?

2006-09-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

Washington Wire : "Republicans could get a boost heading into the midterms from gasoline prices. They have fallen more than 35 cents from their $3 a gallon peak in early August and could fall another 35 cents in the weeks ahead because of the recent plunge in oil prices.
"High gasoline prices have been a key factor behind the low approval ratings voters give President Bush and the Republican Congress on the economy. Democrats have also used high oil prices to paint the Republicans as the friends of Big Oil."

Fuel for Republicans?

Primary Preview

2006-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Most of the remaining November matchups for governor, senator and U.S. House will be set Tuesday, when nine states will hold primary elections: Arizona, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.
The marquee matchup is the Republican Senate primary in Rhode Island , where Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who frequently bucks GOP leaders, faces a stiff challenge from Cranston mayor Steve Laffey, who is more conservative. The National Republican Senatorial Committee is backing Chafee on the grounds that he is the only Republican who could possibly prevail this year in Rhode Island, which usually votes Democratic. Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, a former Rhode Island Attorney General, is expected to easily win his party's primary.
The other major Senate primary Tuesday is in Maryland , where Democrats have a large field of candidates in the race to succeed retiring five-term Democrat Paul S. Sarbanes. Rep. Ben Cardin and former Rep. Kweisi Mfume are the best-known Democrats, while Republicans are behind Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. In the contest for governor, Republican incumbent Bob Ehrlich and Democrat Martin O'Malley, the mayor of Baltimore, are unopposed in the primaries. In Cardin's Democratic-leaning 3rd District, the crowded Democratic field includes state Sen. Paula Hollinger, former Baltimore health commissioner Peter Beilenson and lawyer John Sarbanes, who is the retiring senator's son. In the 4th District, which is anchored in inner suburbs of Washington, D.C., Democratic Rep. Albert Wynn faces a primary challenge from lawyer Donna Edwards.
The national Republican party also has gotten involved in Arizona , where both parties have crowded fields in the state's 8th District, a Tucson-area constituency from which veteran Republican Rep. Jim Kolbe is retiring. Kolbe's centrism enabled him to dominate the politically competitive 8th, and the National Republican Congressional Committee is backing state Rep. Steve Huffman, Kolbe's former campaign manager, as a more electable candidate than former state Rep. Randy Graf, a staunch conservative who challenged Kolbe in 2004 and who has led in some pre-primary polling. Immigration policy has dominated the issue discussion in the 8th, which borders Mexico. The Democratic front-runner is former state Sen. Gabrielle Giffords.
The other states holding primary elections Tuesday are:
Delaware : The primaries to determine opponents for Democratic Sen. Tom Carper and Republican Rep. Mike Castle have received little attention because both incumbents are overwhelmingly favored to win in November.
Minnesota : Democratic county prosecutor Amy Klobuchar and Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy are heavy favorites in their primaries for the Senate seat that incumbent Democrat Mark Dayton is giving up after one term. Democratic state Attorney General Mike Hatch is favored to win the primary for governor and face Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty in what should be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the nation. Democrats have a crowded primary in the 5th District, a heavily Democratic area dominated by Minneapolis, and the winner surely will be the successor to retiring 14-term Democratic Rep. Martin Olav Sabo. State Rep. Keith Ellison and Mike Erlandson, a longtime Sabo aide who also headed the state Democratic Party, are among the contenders. In the 6th District, a suburban Twin Cities district that Kennedy is giving up, the primaries will confirm a long-anticipated matchup between Republican state Sen. Michele Bachmann and Democrat Patty Wetterling, a child safety advocate who took 46 percent against Kennedy in 2004.
New Hampshire : In the race for governor, popular Democratic Gov. John Lynch and Republican Jim Coburn are unopposed; Lynch is heavily favored to win a second two-year term. In the 1st District, five Democrats are vying to oppose Republican Rep. Jeb Bradley. In the 2nd District, Democrat Paul Hodes is unopposed in the primary and almost certainly will face six-term Republican Rep. Charles Bass in a rematch of a 2004 campaign that Bass won by 20 percentage points. Bass has two primary opponents.
New York : Democrats are expected to easily re-nominate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will be a heavy favorite in November against the winner of a Republican primary that includes former Yonkers mayor John Spencer and former Pentagon aide K.T McFarland. Democratic state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is unopposed in the primary for governor; he is a heavy favorite in November against Republican nominee John Faso, a former state representative. Four Democrats are vying to succeed retiring Democratic Rep. Major R. Owens in the Brooklyn-based 11th District, which is overwhelmingly Democratic. In the 10th District, another Brooklyn-based Democratic bastion, Rep. Ed Towns faces two primary challengers. The most competitive general-election contest is in upstate New York's 24th District, where Republican Rep. Sherwood Boehlert is retiring. Republican state Sen. Ray Meier and Democratic county prosecutor Mike Arcuri are unopposed in the primaries. Other seats targeted by the Democrats include the 19th (Hudson Valley), where four Democrats are vying to oppose Republican Rep. Sue Kelly, and the 20th (north Hudson Valley), where Republican Rep. John Sweeney and Democratic lawyer Kirsten Gillibrand are unopposed.
Vermont : In the race for the Senate seat of retiring independent James M. Jeffords, the Democrats are expected to nominate eight-term at-large Rep. Bernie Sanders -- even though he too is technically an independent. Vermont Democratic leaders worked to secure the party nomination for Sanders, a popular officeholder who votes like a liberal Democrat, to prevent another Democratic candidate from acting as a potential "spoiler" candidate in a general election. Sanders plans to renounce the Democratic nomination and run as an independent. He will be a heavy favorite against the winner of a Republican primary that includes businessman Richard Tarrant and Greg Parke, who lost badly to Sanders in 2004. In the race for Sanders' seat, Democratic state Sen. Peter Welch is unopposed in the primary. The Republican primary includes Martha Rainville, the former adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard. GOP leaders prefer her over state Sen. Mark Shepard.
Wisconsin : In the contest for governor, Democratic incumbent Jim Doyle and Republican Rep. Mark Green are unopposed in their party primaries. Green is leaving open his Green Bay-centered 8th District, and Republican officials are backing state Assembly Speaker John Gard to succeed him. The Democratic contenders are allergist Steve Kagen, former county executive Nancy Nusbaum and business consultant Jamie Wall.
-- Greg Giroux is a senior writer at Congressional Quarterly .

Primary Preview

Frist Stresses GOP's Immigration Efforts

2006-09-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Congress will not address major immigration revisions before the Nov. 7 election, the Senate's top Republican said yesterday, but he and his allies hope to limit political damage to their party by telling voters they have poured millions of dollars into one component of the controversy: tightening...

Frist Stresses GOP's Immigration Efforts

Five New Senate, Three New Gubernatorial Polls

2006-09-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

USA Today/Gallup released new polls today in five key U.S. Senate races:

Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) "trailed Democrat Bob Casey by 18 percentage points among likely voters, by 14 points among registered voters."
Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) "was behind Democrat Sherrod Brown by 6 points among likely voters, by 2 points among registered voters."
Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) trailed Democrat Jon Tester "by 3 points among likely voters; Burns led by 2 points among registered voters."
Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO) held a 6-point lead among likely voters over Democrat Claire McCaskill. "The two were tied among registered voters."
In Minnesota, Amy Klobuchar (D) led Rep. Mark Kennedy (R) by 10 points among likely voters, by 7 points among registered voters.

The survey also polled three gubernatorial races:

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) trailed Mike Hatch (D) "by a single point among likely voters but led him by 4 points among registered voters."
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell (D) held a 22-point lead among likely voters over Lynn Swann (R).
In Ohio, Ted Strickland (D) led Ken Blackwell (R) by 16 points.

Five New Senate, Three New Gubernatorial Polls

Democrats Plan Vote on Rumsfeld

2006-09-08T07:10:00.002-07:00

Republicans "are making no secret of their heavy emphasis on national security -- a traditional strength of the party -- as they head toward Nov. 7." However, Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, tells Time magazine "that his party will strike back by trying to force a vote of no-confidence in Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in the next few weeks."
Says Emanuel: "They want to play games; we'll meet them on a very real thing. We're going to deal with Don Rumsfeld's stewardship. Everybody but one person comes to the conclusion that it has been a total disaster, and that's Mr. Decider himself."
"Aides said Democrats may offer the measure as a privilege motion, or as an amendment to a Defense Department reauthorization bill -- but Republicans said they don't worry that it would pass."
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times notes Republicans are trying to dub this month "Security September."

Democrats Plan Vote on Rumsfeld

Will Hillary Forgo a Presidential Bid?

2006-09-08T07:10:00.001-07:00

"Friends of Hillary Clinton have been whispering the unthinkable," reports the Sunday Times . "Despite her status as the runaway frontrunner for the 2008 Democratic nomination for president, some of her closest advisers say she might opt out of the White House race and seek to lead her party in the Senate."
Rumors that Clinton may seek to lead the Senate instead of the nation emerged last month.

Will Hillary Forgo a Presidential Bid?

New Group Is Racing To Slow Down GOP

2006-09-08T07:10:00.000-07:00

A new independent political organization made up of former Democratic members of Congress and high-level party operatives has begun running television ads targeting two Republican incumbents.

New Group Is Racing To Slow Down GOP

The Morning Grind: The politics of terrorism

2006-09-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

It took no time for the war on terrorism to become the hot political issue of the week, three months before voters head to the polls and choose which party is going to control Congress next year.

The Morning Grind: The politics of terrorism

Is Our Students Learning?

2006-09-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

IS OUR STUDENTS LEARNING?....In the current issue of the Monthly, education expert Kevin Carey describes the abysmal lack of information currently available about whether American colleges and universities actually succeed in educating anybody. The federal government joined in the chorus...

Is Our Students Learning?

Kemp Will Campaign for Lieberman

2006-09-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) will campaign with former Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp, reports the Hartford Courant . Kemp telephoned Lieberman to offer support to the three-term senator's campaign against Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont.

Kemp Will Campaign for Lieberman

Lieberman at odds with his own party

2006-09-04T07:18:00.001-07:00

Democratic leaders Wednesday moved quickly to back Ned Lamont, the winner of the Connecticut primary. The move puts veteran Sen. Joe Lieberman, who has vowed to run as an independent, at odds with his own party.

Lieberman at odds with his own party

Abortion Is Mur Mildly Disagreeable

2006-09-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

ABORTION IS MUR MILDLY DISAGREEABLE....Jonathan Rauch reviews Ramesh Ponnuru's Party of Death today in the New York Times. Over at NRO, Jonah Golberg calls the review "fair and sensible" and says Rauch is "one of the sharpest minds and most...

Abortion Is Mur Mildly Disagreeable

Head Democrats in Ala. Restore White Nominee

2006-09-03T08:08:00.000-07:00

A battle over race that had divided Alabama's Democratic Party came to an end yesterday when the party's executive committee reinstated a white woman as its nominee to represent a historically black Birmingham district in the state legislature.

Head Democrats in Ala. Restore White Nominee

In New York, Giuliani is Faso's Biggest Donor

2006-09-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

Rudy Giuliani (R) contributed $33,900 -- the maximum a state candidate can receive - to the gubernatorial campaign of John Faso (R) last month, according to the New York Daily News .
"Giuliani, who coughed up $126,900 for Republican candidates from Florida to Washington, saved the largest chunk for Faso."

In New York, Giuliani is Faso's Biggest Donor

Allen's Racist Ties Exposed

2006-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently a fondness for confederate flags and insulting remarks are the least of Sen. George Allen's (R-VA) problems as he considers making a presidential bid in 2008.
Ten years ago, while governor of Virginia, The Nation reports Allen "personally initiated an association with the Council of Conservative Citizens, the successor organization to the segregationist White Citizens Council and among the largest white supremacist groups."

Allen's Racist Ties Exposed

The End of Satire

2006-07-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

THE END OF SATIRE....Michelle Cottle writes today about World Ahead Publishing, a publisher of conservative books that recently launched a children's division called Kids Ahead:Thus far, the new imprint has only one writer in its stable: Katharine DeBrecht, the pen...

The End of Satire

In NC-11, Polls Gives Shuler the Lead

2006-07-17T07:41:00.003-07:00

In NC-11, a new Public Policy Polling (D) survey of likely voters shows Heath Shuler (D) beating Rep. Charles Taylor (R-NC) in their race for Congress. Shuler leads 47% to 43% without leaners and 51% to 45% with leaners.
CQ Politics has an interview with Shuler and rates the race "Leans Republican."

In NC-11, Polls Gives Shuler the Lead

K Street Bounces Back

2006-07-17T07:41:00.002-07:00

K STREET BOUNCES BACK....This is really all you need to know about new House Majority Leader John Boehner and his dedication to ending the culture of K Street corruption within the Republican Party:Tapping a rich vein of longstanding relationships with...

K Street Bounces Back

In Colorado, Coors Cited for Drunk Driving

2006-07-17T07:41:00.001-07:00

"Beer magnate and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate Pete Coors was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol," the Denver Post reports.
Said Coors: "I made a mistake by driving myself home after a friend's wedding celebration. I should have planned ahead for a ride. "

In Colorado, Coors Cited for Drunk Driving

Katherine Harris, Fruit Loop

2006-07-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

KATHERINE HARRIS, FRUIT LOOP....Say what? Did Katherine Harris who lost her entire campaign staff again this week actually call Republican donors last year and warn them not to support a possible Senate run by Joe Scarborough because he...

Katherine Harris, Fruit Loop

What Part of "Medical" and "Malpractice" Don't You Understand?

2006-07-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

WHAT PART OF "MEDICAL" AND "MALPRACTICE" DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?....Ezra Klein's burgeoning pundit empire continues to grow, this time with an article in Slate about medical malpractice:The Republican answer to runaway health-care spending is to cap jury awards in medical malpractice...

What Part of "Medical" and "Malpractice" Don't You Understand?

The New Liberal CW

2006-07-15T07:05:00.001-07:00

THE NEW LIBERAL CW....After a lull following the 2004 election, liberal blogs are suddenly front page news again. Steve Benen comments:On Thursday, the Washington Post's David Broder rejected "liberal bloggers," claiming that "the blogs I have scanned are heavier on...

The New Liberal CW

Tick Tick Tick

2006-07-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

TICK TICK TICK....I just realized today that the Connecticut primary isn't until August 8. That means we're in for another full month of 24/7 screeching in the liberal blogosphere about the myriad personal deficiencies of Joe Lieberman, Ned Lamont, and...

Tick Tick Tick

In Georgia, Reed Slipping Behind

2006-07-14T07:06:00.001-07:00

A new Insider Advantage tracking poll shows Ralph Reed (R) slipping behind Casey Cagle (R) in their primary battle for lieutenant governor. Cagle now leads 41% to 36% with 21% undecided.
Pollster Matt Towery told WXIA-TV that "Cagle is literally pulling Reed supporters over to him. Now, Reed can pull them back, I believe, but he can't do it simply by telephone calls and the like."
Meanwhile, a Texas Indian tribe has filed a civil fraud lawsuit against several people including Reed claiming they Reed "conspired with disgraced Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff and others in a campaign to shut down the tribe's casino while hiding the fact that they were working for another tribe with competing casinos."
Hat tip to The Aging Hipster .

In Georgia, Reed Slipping Behind

The DSCC's Glass House

2006-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fired off an indignant press release Thursday on the heels of a Philadelphia Inquirer story detailing the work history of Christopher Lyon, a opposition researcher for New Jersey Senate nominee Tom Kean, Jr. (R).
Lyon's work experience includes research for the 1988 Willie Horton ad, which effectively demonized Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis, and some anonymous mailings in a 2000 New Hampshire gubernatorial race in which claimed that the wife of an opponent was involved in a strange sex cult. But Democrats are most upset about Lyon's involvement in an upcoming documentary about Sen. Bob Menendez's (D) political past.
"It's ironic that the Party that is supposedly good on values is so quick to violate the ninth commandment," DSCC spokesman Phil Singer said in the release, "The only way this environment is going to change is by voting for Democrats come November."
While Lyon's reputation and resume is certainly colorful, it is not criminal, and the DSCC is hardly the messenger to preach about standards in campaign research.
Last summer, two DSCC researchers, Lauren Weiner and Katie Barge, illegally obtained Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele's (R) credit report in their effort to dig up information on the future Senate candidate. Weiner used Steele's personal information, including his social security number, to impersonate the candidate, obtained his credit report, and used Barge's DSCC credit card to pay for it. The two staffers resigned soon after the incident.
In March, Weiner pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of fraud in connection with computers, but Barge was never charged. Until Lyon is convicted of a criminal charge, it might be wise for the DSCC to refrain from judging the GOP's research methods.
And even if you don't view the DSCC's rhetoric as hypocritical, you have to question the committee's political strategy. No candidate has lost a race because of a consultant's record. It's a waste of time and energy to take issue with a consultant and only meant to drum up anger within the party faithful. The average voter doesn't have any idea who the consultants are and won't be thinking about them on Election Day.
-- Nathan L. Gonzales is political editor of the Rothenberg Political Report .

The DSCC's Glass House

Wolf Beholden to Big Oil, Democrat Feder Says

2006-07-13T07:03:00.002-07:00

Democrat Judy Feder of McLean launched her campaign against U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.) yesterday by painting him as an ally of oil interests who she said bears blame for the nation's dependence on oil, high gasoline prices and war in the Middle East.

Wolf Beholden to Big Oil, Democrat Feder Says

Good News Fails to Boost Bush

2006-07-13T07:03:00.001-07:00

"A spate of good news at home and abroad has so far failed to boost how Americans feel about President Bush's job performance. Bush's approval rating slipped to 35% in a Time poll taken this week, down from 37% in March... Only 33% of Americans in the survey said they approved of Bush's handling of the situation in Iraq, vs. 35% in March... His management of the U.S. economy lost supporters, too, as 36% approved, compared with 39% three months earlier."
"Asked whether they would be more likely to vote for the Republican or Democratic candidate in the district where they live if the election were held today, 47% said Democrat and 35% said Republican, a two-point improvement for Democrats."

Good News Fails to Boost Bush

Who Won the Debate?

2006-07-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

Connecticuts political class engaged in combat throughout Friday to convince mostly one another and any innocent bystanding voter that their candidate had won Thursday nights Lieberman and Lamont debate . Two themes emerged: Lamont looked startled at various times during the debate and Lieberman appeared angry throughout. It was the rare debate that both candidates seem not to want to be at.
The aesthetics of Lamonts performance distracted from his substantive presentation in what is always a stilted format. Proving what Connecticut denizens have long known, the richer they are the worse their clothes fit, Lamont appeared to have borrowed a suit several sizes too large. Its jerky movements kept viewers eyes flitting as his jacket appeared ready to slip off him with any sudden movements. Overlooked was Lamonts role as the sole candidate to lift his performance with some humor.
As long as Lieberman is in the race, Lamont can not be accused of being the candidate of every angry Democrat. Lieberman revealed a side of his personality that hes kept hidden from voters: haughty and offended that anyone would dare to challenge him. Supporters called it passion and said it would inspire the campaign. Detractors say it as fear and believed it would put off leaners and juice Lamonts troops.
Supporters of each candidate grumbled that their man lost opportunities to put the the other away. Not likely. A debate wont solve the intense issues of war and peace that propel this race. The battle now returns to the phone banks and paid airwaves, where no manners at all will be in evidence.
-- Guest contributor Kevin Rennie is a columnist with the Hartford Courant .

Who Won the Debate?

An Indication of McCain's Appeal

2006-07-12T18:30:00.002-07:00

In a testament to Sen. John McCains (R-AZ) strong bipartisan support, the Arizona senator is beating two of the Democrats leading presidential contenders in Massachusetts, the bluest of blue states, according to a new Rasmussen Reports poll . McCain currently tops both Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Al Gore (D) by one point in a 2008 Bay State showdown, 44% to 43%. For these numbers to come from not only the home of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), but also the sole state that went for George McGovern (D) in his 1972 presidential run, illustrates McCain's strong potential as a national candidate.
However, if Rudy Giuliani (R) were the Republican nominee, Democrats do a little better. Clinton would win Massachusetts 50% to 42% and Gore would carry the state 50% to 41%.

An Indication of McCain's Appeal

First 2008 Debate Planned

2006-07-12T18:30:00.001-07:00

The South Carolina Republican Party is planning a presidential debate in May 2007 for GOP candidates running for the White House, according to CNN's Morning Grind newsletter. Specific details for this forum are still being worked out.
Said the state GOP executive director: "Since 1980, no candidate has ever lost the (South Carolina) primary and gone on to be elected president. We believe it is a great test for Republican candidates."
Hotline On Call : "Recall that in 2003, ABC's George Stephanopoulos hosted the first-in-the-nation debate for Democrats in South Carolina."

First 2008 Debate Planned

Will Bush Support Lieberman?

2006-07-12T18:30:00.000-07:00

President Bush appears on Larry King Live tonight and Washington Wire says Bush will be asked whether he would support Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) in an independent bid for U.S. Senate.
The correct answer should be that he supports the Republican candidate, but Bush also knows could wreck havok with the Democratic primary if he says nice things about Lieberman.

Will Bush Support Lieberman?

In TX-22, Two Scenarios Provide Different Prospects

2006-07-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

The recent news in Texas 22 doesn't change the outlook for the seat in Novemberyet.
With former House majority leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) on the ballot, the race would immediately move to at least a toss-up race, if not closer to Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) in the lean takeover category. Ney is in all sorts of trouble, but hasn't been charged with a crime. DeLay has been indicted and his underwhelming primary showing indicates some problems within his electoral base.
Without Tom DeLay on the ballot, it's an open seat race in a district that went for President Bush 64% to 35% in the 2004 presidential election. As much as Democrats don't want it to be so, we learned from the special election in California 50 that it is very difficult to transfer the sins of a former member of Congress to another candidate. Duke Cunningham (R-CA) was incarcerated and Republican Brian Bilbray still won. An open seat race in Texas 22, at a minimum, leans Republican, and open seats like Illinois 6, Minnesota 6, Wisconsin 8, and even Nevada 2 all appear to be better Demcoratic takeover opportunities.
Republicans are appealing the court's decision in an effort to make the latter scenario a reality. The drawn out legal battle is not ideal for Republicans, but it doesn't change the partisanship of the district. Many voters are not engaged in the race right now anyway, but if the legal fight spills over past Labor Day, then Republicans should be more concerned.
Texas 22 is not a must-win for Democrats on their roadmap to a majority, but every seat helps. And for many Democrats, defeating Tom DeLay, while he is on the ballot, would simply be a dream come true.
-- Nathan L. Gonzales is political editor of the Rothenberg Political Report .

In TX-22, Two Scenarios Provide Different Prospects

Quote of the Day

2006-07-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

"Luckily, those people are getting older and theyre dying."
-- Rhode Island Senate candidate Stephen Laffey (R), quoted by the Providence Journal , on the Rhode Island Republican leadership after they endorsed his opponent, Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), in the September primary. Laffey later apologized for the comment.

Quote of the Day

In Alabama, Siegelman Found Guilty

2006-07-06T07:29:00.002-07:00

Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman (D) was found guilty of six of the 32 criminal charges against him -- single counts of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, plus three counts of mail fraud, the Mobile Press-Register reports.
"The verdict marks the apparent end of the Siegelman's almost 30-year political career, though many would argue it was already over, given the pounding he took from Lt. Gov. Lucy Baxley in the June 6 Democratic gubernatorial primary."

In Alabama, Siegelman Found Guilty

Ney Loses Top Staffers

2006-07-06T07:29:00.001-07:00

Rep. Bob Ney's (R-OH) top three aides "are leaving, or already have left, the Ohio Republicans office, the latest sign that Neys legal and ethical troubles stemming from the Jack Abramoff scandal are growing worse with each passing day," Roll Call reports.
"Ney has denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Abramoff, but the Ohio Republican was implicated in several recent plea agreements obtained by the Justice Department, including that of Neil Volz, his longtime chief of staff and close personal friend. Volz pleaded guilty on May 8 to conspiracy to commit fraud and violating the one-year ban on lobbying by former top Congressional aides. Volz already has testified for the government during the recent trial of former Bush administration aide David Safavian, who was convicted two weeks ago of making false statements and obstructing an investigation into his own relationship with Abramoff."
"Ney also was implicated in Abramoffs own plea agreement with Justice, as well as the plea agreements of Tony Rudy and Mike Scanlon, both former aides to ex-Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX)."

Ney Loses Top Staffers

Fraud Charges Inside Homeland Security

2006-07-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

A midlevel manager at the Homeland Security Department was charged with immigration document fraud. Court papers indicated his conduct had been questioned for years.

Fraud Charges Inside Homeland Security

England v. Portugal

2006-07-04T07:29:00.001-07:00

ENGLAND v. PORTUGAL....Excellent. A 0-0 tie that will be decided by penalty kicks. This is what makes soccer the greatest game in the world! UPDATE: OK, I have to admit that was pretty nerve wracking. Good stuff, even though it...

England v. Portugal

World Cup Miscellany

2006-07-04T07:29:00.000-07:00

WORLD CUP MISCELLANY....Oddly enough, both my World Cup picks on Friday came through. On a pretty much random basis, I had picked both Germany and Italy. Needless to say, though, I remain appalled at the whole penalty kick thing for...

World Cup Miscellany

VIRGINIA BRIEFING

2006-07-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

In one of his few direct remarks on the issue, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said yesterday that he would support building the Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport below ground through Tysons Corner if it is found that the benefits would outweigh the costs.

VIRGINIA BRIEFING

In Utah, Cannon Prevails in Primary

2006-07-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) won yesterday's Republican primary in Utahs 3rd Congressional District by a comfortable margin, CQ Politics reports, "thwarting a determined effort by challenger John Jacob and some activist opponents of illegal immigration to cast him out because of his relatively moderate position on that hot-button issue."
Cannons win -- by 56% to 44% -- "also was a political pick-me-up for President Bush, with whom Cannon is allied in supporting a nuanced approach on immigration." Bush publicly endorsed Cannon.
Cannon told the Salt Lake Tribune he was surprised by the margin of his victory. "I would have called it much closer than this," he said.

In Utah, Cannon Prevails in Primary

Lieberman Faces Serious Test From Lamont

2006-07-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

National Democratic insiders arent pulling many punches when it comes to Sen. Joe Liebermans (D-CT) primary in Connecticut against businessman Ned Lamont. They are saying that Lieberman could lose.
The senator is having considerable problems with older white men, and his allies are counting on strong support in the minority community and from women to squeeze out a victory over the anti-war challenger.
But Republicans did Lieberman no favor this week with recent floor votes on Iraq, and the senator stayed true to his principles by voting against both Democratic resolutions. That undoubtedly gave Lamont and the anti-Lieberman crowd more ammunition to make their "hes out of touch with us" argument.
Liebermans refusal to say that he will abide by the results of the primary and rule out an Independent bid is also giving Lamonts folks just what they want -- evidence that Lieberman isnt a "real" Democrat.
In fact, many observers believe that Lieberman could win a three-way general election more easily than a two-way Democratic primary, and the senator apparently is trying to keep his options open. Given the uncertainty of the primary, thats a wise course, even if it also hurts him in the Democratic race, since his ultimate goal is winning another six-year term to represent Connecticut in the Senate.
As in many contests, turnout will be critical. Nobody is certain whether the timing of the primary, August 8, when many people are on vacation and out of the state, will help one candidate or the other.
Many insiders seem to believe that allies of Lieberman will begin a petition drive to get him on the ballot as an Independent sooner rather than later, just in case thats the only way for him to appear on the ballot in the fall. So even though the Democratic left could score a victory in the primary in August, Lieberman might still have the last laugh in November.
-- Stuart Rothenberg is editor of the Rothenberg Political Report .

Lieberman Faces Serious Test From Lamont

Keeping It Real

2006-07-01T20:08:00.001-07:00

KEEPING IT REAL....Yesterday I had a party for a bunch of local liberal bloggers (plus Susie Madrak, who was in town), and an interesting question arose. It's not a new question, mind you, but still an interesting one. Here it...

Keeping It Real

Two Queries

2006-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

TWO QUERIES....Question for the masses. Jason Zengerle of The New Republic is getting skinned alive in the liberal blogosphere for refusing to burn the source who gave him a fabricated email allegedly from Steve Gilliard. Now, in principle, I agree...

Two Queries

Mirugi the politician was no stranger to controversy

2006-06-30T14:20:00.001-07:00

The ill-fated flight in which Mr Mirugi Kariuki died was his latest foray into Marsabit in search of peace, a mission he began as an assistant minister following the Turbi massacre.

Mirugi the politician was no stranger to controversy

In Maine, Baldacci and Woodcock Neck-and-Neck

2006-06-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

According to new Rasmussen Reports survey , Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) holds a statistically-insignificant two-point lead over Chandler Woodcock (R), 45% to 43%.
The close margin "may prove to be mostly a post-primary bounce for the Republican, but Baldacci has been struggling all year and is not in a good position for an incumbent. Both the governor's social agenda and his fiscal stewardship -- which included the imposition of a quickly dropped fee for taking a walk in the woods -- have provoked wide controversy."

In Maine, Baldacci and Woodcock Neck-and-Neck

Court upholds Kansas' death penalty

2006-06-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court upheld Kansas' death penalty law Monday with a 5-4 decision that offers further proof of how deeply at odds the justices remain over the issue.

Court upholds Kansas' death penalty

Rush Limbaugh Detained With Viagra

2006-06-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Rush Limbaugh could see a deal with prosecutors in a long-running prescription fraud case collapse after authorities found a bottle of Viagra in his bag at a Florida airport. The prescription was not in his name.

Rush Limbaugh Detained With Viagra

Transportation Secretary Resigns

2006-06-27T08:26:00.002-07:00

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has announced his resignation. Mineta, the only Democrat in President Bush's Cabinet, will step down next month.

Transportation Secretary Resigns

Transportation secretary resigns

2006-06-27T08:26:00.001-07:00

Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, the only Democrat in the Bush Cabinet, is resigning next month.

Transportation secretary resigns

Levin: Finish Iraq pullout before 2008

2006-06-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

The senior Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee said Tuesday he favors a phased redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq beginning by the end of 2006 and finishing by the end of 2007.

Levin: Finish Iraq pullout before 2008

Permanent Bases

2006-06-26T05:59:00.001-07:00

PERMANENT BASES....Matt Yglesias:I'm continually baffled, however, as to why Democrats don't seem to want to make a bigger deal out of the permanent bases question. That, I would think, is an issue the party could be fairly unified on.Sadly, the...

Permanent Bases

Iran Issue Looms Large For Bush Trip

2006-06-26T05:59:00.000-07:00

President Bush is off to Europe Tuesday - his 33rd foreign trip since assuming office. CBS News White House correspondent Mark Knoller reports the continuing dispute with Iraq will top the agenda as Mr. Bush meets with European allies.

Iran Issue Looms Large For Bush Trip

Morris Says Lieberman Will Lose

2006-06-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

Political Wire asked Dick Morris for his thoughts on the U.S. Senate race in Connecticut:
"I think Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) will lose the primary and will be so crippled by the defeat and Ned Lamont (D) so empowered, that he will lose the general election as an independent. Sen. Jacob Javits (R-NY), in 1980, could have avoided defeat by not fighting the Republican Primary against Sen. Al D'Amato (R-NY) and running as an independent. But D'Amato was so empowered by the primary win and Javits so disempowered that he won the general election with Javits running a poor third.
"Lieberman's correct course of action is to withdraw from the primary and run as an independent. It is the only way he can get re-elected."
Meanwhile, the Norwich Bulletin says that if Lieberman decides to to petition his way onto the November ballot as an independent "he will publicly announce his plans prior to the Aug. 8 primary."

Morris Says Lieberman Will Lose

In South Dakota, Abortion Measure on Ballot

2006-06-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

"South Dakota voters will decide in November whether they agree that life begins at conception and that the state should outlaw most abortions," according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader . "A petition to refer the new abortion law to a public vote has enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, making official a matter that is expected to dominate political debates this year."
"The ban, passed by the 2006 Legislature and signed by Gov. Mike Rounds on March 6, was slated to become law July 1. The successful petition drive puts the law on hold until after November's vote."

In South Dakota, Abortion Measure on Ballot

Conviction Keeps Scandal Alive

2006-06-22T21:42:00.001-07:00

Washington Wire : "The conviction of former Bush administration official David Safavian in a Capitol Hill influence-peddling scandal is likely to have broad legal and political effects. The guilty verdict, handed down by a federal jury, could pressure more congressional aides to cooperate with the investigation, and complicate the re-election bids of a handful of Republican legislators named during the trial."
One possible focus is Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH), "whose role in Abramoff lobbying projects was mentioned in the Safavian trial and the previous guilty-plea agreements." Ney's former chief of staff has laready pleaded guilty and was "the star witness in the Safavian trial."
Others metnioned: Reps. Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
The Washington Post notes that "the effectiveness of Volz's testimony" is seen "as a strong indication that other Abramoff-related indictments or plea agreements are probably imminent."

Conviction Keeps Scandal Alive

In New York, Clinton Has Little to Worry About

2006-06-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

In the New York Republican primary to challenge Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), a new Quinnipiac poll finds the race a virtual tie, with 27% for Kathleen McFarland (R), 24% for John Spencer (R) and 43% undecided.
However, in the general election Clinton has a huge lead over either challenger, beating McFarland, 58% to 31%, and topping Spencer, 57% to 33%.
Said pollster Maurice Carroll: "It's a stand-off for the Republican right to lose to Sen. Clinton."

In New York, Clinton Has Little to Worry About

Primary Results

2006-06-21T07:27:00.002-07:00

In Virginia , James Webb (D) defeated Harris Miller (D) for the right to challenge Sen. George Allen (R-VA) this fall, the Washington Post reports. "Turnout was light. Only about 3 percent of the 4.5 million registered voters in the state went to the polls to choose between Miller, 54, a former high-tech industry lobbyist, and Webb, 60, a decorated Vietnam war veteran, novelist and former Republican. The primary was open to all voters regardless of party affiliation."
Hotline On Call : "In what may be a first in a VA Dem primary, it appears that Webb will easily win the primary while losing every single majority-minority locality in the commonwealth... If Webb is to beat Allen this fall, he will need to pile up huge numbers in the black community to offset Allen's rural strength. One way to ensure this would be to pick up the support of VA's most prominent black politician -- ex-Gov./Richmond Mayor Doug Wilder (D). The ever-wily Wilder stayed neutral in the primary and has a warm relationship with Allen."
Official results are here .
In South Carolina , Gov. Mark Sanford (R) "easily won his party's nomination Tuesday, but a little-known and poorly funded challenger was able to grab enough of the vote to send a message to the incumbent," the AP reports.
Official results are here .

Primary Results