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Elizabeth Dole Loses Her Seat in NC: Smear Tactics Cause Backlash
2008-11-05 02:35:00 Elizabeth Dole, long a favorite pol in North Carolina, my home state, ran a senatorial campaign as dirty and smear-ridden as McCain's. She got burned by it, though, as North Carolinians voted in her challenger Kay Hagan, revolting against the dreadful "Godless" campaign ads. Hurray!
By: Tumerica
Elizabeth Dole: Playing the God Card
2008-11-01 15:09:00 This election season, the Republican party seems to have found a specialty; it goes like this: “Look who my opponent has associated with in the past.” Now that IS a valid question . . . AND a valid test of character! A person does choose his/her friends and associates among those who reflect the qualities that ...
Ad Wars: Clinton's Final Push
2008-05-30 06:25:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonClinton is making perhaps her final ad push, launching a new ad, "Only One," in Montana. The ad strikes a familiar economic message, touting her record and appealing to middle class voters.The pro-Clinton American Leadership Project has also launched new ads in the three remaining contests. In Puerto Rico, the group is touting Clinton's health care plan.The group is airing "Squeezed" in Montana and South Dakota, which focuses on Clinton's plan to reduce the economic burden on middle class families.Gubernatorial Watch: MissouriRepublican Congressman Kenny Hulshof touts his background as a prosecutor, while hitting rival Sarah Steelman for being too Jefferson City (Missouri speak for 'too Washington'). It's an odd claim from a candidate who's spent the past twelve years in Washington. Steelman has served as Missouri's treasurer for four years after six years as a state senator. The primary is August 5th....
By: Political Realm
Race Baiting Lefties at Crooks and Liars Team Up with Firedoglake To Petiti
2008-04-30 14:00:00 This would almost be humorous if the American left wasn't such the pile of donkey manure that it has become. The associations that Barack Obama makes and the people he has the audacity to model his image after are very much fair game, relevant and important. Only an ignorant fool would pretend otherwise.
By: Webloggin
Ad Wars: Down The Ballot
2008-04-10 06:24:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Barack ObamaObama released another new ad in Pennsylvania today, "Billy," that again attacks politics as usual. The ad tells the story of Louisiana Republican Billy Tauzin, who went to work in the pharmaceutical industry after working on the Medicare Prescription Drug Bill just two months earlier.Gubernatorial Watch: DelawareWith Governor Ruth Ann Minner term limited, two major Democrats, Lt. Governor John Carney and Treasurer Jack Markell, are vying to succeed her. Markell has begun airing his first ad, "Tubby Raymond." The ad features the former University of Delaware football coach talking about Markell's character and leadership.Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaDemocrat Jill Long Thompson, in a close primary with Jim Schellinger, has released her second ad of the cycle. "Leader" appeals to middle class voters, focusing on job creation and taxes.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaRichard Moore, who has narrowed the gap in the Democr...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-03-19 21:58:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings.ArkansasFirst-term Democrat Mark Pryor (pictured) will go without a Republican challenger in his bid for re-election. The situation has to be a huge disappointment for Republicans, who have had little success at the state level despite going twice for President Bush. Republicans have won just one Senate race since the late 1800's--Tim Hutchinson in 1996, who Pryor defeated in 2002. Democrats also control the governor's office and three of the state's four House seats. Republican hopes for mounting any challenged faded completely when former Governor Mike Huckabee, fresh off his presidential bid, again confirmed that he would not jump into the race. The inability to compete in Arkansas against a first-term senator will only further GOP woes in 2008. The party has 23 seats to defend to just 12 for the Democrats, while only one Democratic incumbent appears vulne...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-03-01 00:27:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country.AlaskaRepublican Ted Stevens (pictured), the 84 year old veteran lawmaker, officially filed for re-election last week. The move puts to rest any speculation that Stevens would step aside in light of an active FBI investigation into his ties to an oil contractor. Ordinarily elected by landslide margins, Stevens faces danger from Democrats and from within his own party in 2008. Jerry Heikes and David Cuddy, who challenged Stevens in 1996, are already in the race. Should Republicans feel Stevens' presence on the ballot endangers their chances to keep the seat, pressure could be increased for him to retire or more prominent challengers could emerge. In 2006, unpopular Republican Governor Frank Murkowski finished third to now-Governor Sarah Palin in the primary. Of course, Murkowski doesn't have the same clout that Stevens carries within the state--he's been in office since 1968, routinely brings pork spe...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-02-05 06:41:00 ColoradoSlowly, but surely Democratic Congressman Mark Udall (pictured) is increasing his financial advantage over former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer. Udall raised $1.1 million to end 2007, bringing his cash on hand total to $3.6 million. Schaffer raised $673,000 in the final quarter of the year, with $1.5 million available for the race. A $2 million deficit is not good news for Schaffer, who will likely appeal to national Republicans for support. With several endangered Republicans throughout the country, however, it's unclear how the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) will respond. The group was out raised by its counterpart, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), by nearly $25 million last year.IdahoRepublican Lt. Governor Jim Risch (pictured), the favorite for the Republican nomination in a large field, raised $236,000 in the fourth quarter, with $171,000 available. Risch's total bests the $166,000 brought in by Democrat Larry LaRocco, ...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2008-01-22 22:15:00 Our rankings are supersized this month, with blurbs about all 35 races across the country. Our top ten remains largely unchanged, with the open seat race in Mississippi joining the list for the first time. Mitch McConnell's race in Kentucky fell from the top ten after Democrats failed to get a top tier recruit to face the minority leader.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: Former Democratic Governor Mark Warner (pictured) continues to have smooth sailing on his way to the Senate. His likely opponent, former Governor Jim Gilmore, has drawn a challenge from Bob Marshall, that further complicates his chances. Gilmore should survive in a party convention, but Warner has shown no signs of slowing. Most polling gives him a lead of 15-20 points, but the Old Dominion is very much a swing state, so Warner shouldn't get too comfortable. VERDICT: Likely Democratic takeover2. New Mexico (Open-R) [3]: While Representatives Steve Pearce (pictured) and Heather Wilson duke it out in the Republican pr...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-01-17 23:12:00 It's time to check in again on the Senate races that are developing around the country. We will be out with new Senate rankings tomorrow. IdahoFormer Congressman Larry LaRocco (pictured) has released his fundraising figures, bringing in $165,000 during the fourth quarter. The Democrat has $172,000 in the bank. LaRocco will likely face Republican Lt. Governor Jim Risch in the race to succeed scandal-plagued Larry Craig. For his part, Craig is continuing to give Idaho Republicans headaches. Craig recently penned an editorial claiming that he remains an effective senator for the state, despite many of his Senate colleagues avoiding him like the plague. Craig, who initially planned to resign last fall, has decided to remain in the body through the end of his term.KentuckyIraq veteran Andrew Horne will have more company in the Democratic primary this May. Businessman Greg Fischer (pictured) announced his candidacy this week via a video posted on his campaign site. Should he be w...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-01-09 22:28:00 Due to the holiday break and the beginning of the primary season, we haven't touched on Senate campaign news for a while. So it's time to catch up.AlaskaRepublican Ted Stevens (pictured) earned a primary challenge this week in the midst of an ethics scandal that could drive the veteran lawmaker from office. Businessman David Cuddy, who challenged Stevens in 1996 and earned 27% of the vote, announced that he will again seek the Republican nomination. Since his appointment in 1968, Stevens has rarely faced a serious challenge, but this year he could be in trouble. Polling already shows him in a tight race against potential Democratic rival Mark Begich. Democrats, however, are likely hoping Stevens makes it through the primary. The scandal that surrounds him could propel them to a surprising win in this Republican state. KentuckyGreg Stumbo (pictured), once considered a likely challenger for Republican incumbent Mitch McConnell has confirmed that he will instead seek his old se...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2007-12-04 17:57:00 It's once again time to review our rankings of the 2008 Senate races. Though Democrats were disappointed by Republican Thad Cochran's decision to seek re-election in Mississippi, it has turned out that they'll get a shot at an open seat there after all. Trent Lott's decision to resign before the end of his term means another seat for Republicans to defend. Tom Udall's decision to run in New Mexico also provided a boost for Democrats this month. As things stand today, Democrats seem almost certain to gain at least two seats, a number that could easily swell to half a dozen depending on how the cards fall.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: Democrat Mark Warner (pictured) lost his first Senate try more than a decade ago--a surprisingly strong effort against now-retiring Republican John Warner. Since that time, however, Warner was elected governor, left office with high approval ratings that helped Democrats keep the seat in 2005, his party toppled Republican George Allen in 2006 and won...
By: Political Realm
Letter From Senator Elizabeth Dole
2007-11-03 13:11:00 I received a letter from Senator Elizabeth Dole (North Carolina) yesterday. The letter concerned Sen. Durbin's "DREAM" Act. [ S.774 Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors ] Senator Dole informs me that the Act is actually an amendment to the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act passed in 1996. As I stated, this Act would grant permanent resident status to unlawful aliens who have been admitted to an institution of higher learning, among other benefits, including federal funding of their education. Although this amendment has been defeated twice on the Senate Floor, as I said, this monster is not dead. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. It is not clear to me what the Committee is supposed to do with it ( I have some suggestions). Any way, it will be back, and Senator Dole will continue to oppose it. I think they are going to tweak it a little because the majority of the opposition appears to be in the funding aspect ...
By: Wildman's blog
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-11-02 21:18:00 AlaskaAnchorage Mayor Mark Begich, whose father served in the House of Representatives, was in Washington, DC this week. Begich, widely seen as a potential challenger to Republican Senator Ted Stevens, was heavily courted by Senate Democrats, including Senators Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer. Begich has yet to commit to the race and appears to be in no hurry to do so. Alaska, typically one of the most Republican states in the country, could elect Democrats to two of its three Congressional seats next year. Stevens and Congressman Don Young, both under federal investigation, appear vulnerable. A recent poll shows Young, who took over the House seat after the death of Begich's father in 1972, trailing Democratic challenger Ethan Berkowitz.MaineRepublican Senator Susan Collins out-raised Democratic Congressman Tom Allen during the third quarter, with Collins bringing in more than $1 million to Allen's $660,000. Collins also has a cash on hand advantage, holding $3.1 million in t...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2007-11-01 20:14:00 It's once again time to review our rankings of the 2008 Senate races. The top ranked seat is the one we believe most likely to flip control to the other party. The seat's previous ranking is listed in brackets. Democrats have had an up and down month, missing out on major opportunities in Nebraska and North Carolina, while picking up new prospects in New Mexico and Kentucky.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: The Virginia seat remains atop our rankings this month, even as Republicans avoided a potential bitter and divisive battle for their nomination. Congressman Tom Davis announced he would not seek the seat, though he had been seen for years as John Warner's preferred successor. Davis' decision, precluded by the party's choice to hold a convention over a primary, essentially gives the Republican nomination to former Governor Jim Gilmore. Though Gilmore has won statewide before, his more conservative views make him perhaps a less potent general election candidate to oppose Democrat...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-10-29 20:57:00 AlaskaRepublican incumbent Ted Stevens brought in $463,000 during the third quarter and has more than $1 million available for his re-election bid. That re-election remains in doubt, however, with Stevens under investigation by the FBI. That ethics controversy has led many to question whether the veteran lawmaker would seek another term. Stevens' fundraising, well ahead of his pace from the 2002 cycle, seems to suggest that he plans to be on the ballot next November. His presence could present an opening for Democrats, with Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich a possible opponent.ColoradoDemocratic Congressman Mark Udall raised $1.1 million during the third quarter, compared to $800,000 for likely opponent Bob Schaffer. Udall has an impressive advantage in cash on hand, with $3.5 million in the bank. Schaffer has $1.2 million available. Both are seeking the seat being vacated by Republican Wayne Allard.GeorgiaRecent polling shows Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss has a very comforta...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-10-23 20:52:00 Maine? A new poll shows Republican incumbent Susan Collins begins her re-election battle with an impressive lead over Democratic Congressman Tom Allen. Collins leads Allen, 56%-33%. It has been clear for months that Allen would be Collins' likely opponent, so it should be a little disheartening for Maine Democrats to see him trailing so badly. Allen is hoping to make the race about Iraq and President Bush, while tying Collins to national Republicans. Collins, however, has built a moderate reputation and appears to be controlling the race's message thus far. Things have been fairly quiet in Maine thus far, but look for Allen to step up his attacks soon.Nebraska? The Nebraska race has also been fairly quiet, as Republicans prepare for a primary battle and Democrats wait on former Senator Bob Kerrey's decision. Kerrey suggested a decision would be announced "soon," but weeks have passed and little has been reported. Kerrey was in the news this week after noting that he would ...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-10-18 06:56:00 New Mexico? Republican Congressman Steve Pearce has decided to run for the seat being vacated by Senator Pete Domenici. Pearce will face fellow Republican Representative Heather Wilson in a primary battle. Pearce is seen as the more conservative and may have an edge, because Wilson brings a tainted reputation to the race. Wilson was involved in the same Justice Department scandal that surely contributed to Domenici's decision to retire. Pearce is giving up a fairly safe House seat, while Wilson has been a perennial target for Democrats.? Wilson begins the race with a slight financial edge over Pearce. Wilson has $756,000 in the bank, while Pearce has $582,000 available for the race.? Former state Attorney General Patricia Madrid has decided against running for the Senate. Madrid narrowly lost to Congressman Heather Wilson in 2006, following a disastrous closing month on the campaign trail. She may pursue that seat again in 2008, with Wilson running for the Senate.North Carol...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-10-09 23:38:00 Colorado? Congressman Mark Udall raised more than $1 million during the last quarter and has more than $3 million available for his Senate bid.? The Colorado seat, being vacated by Republican Wayne Allard, is considered one of the top pickup opportunities for Democrats in 2008. A new poll, however, shows that the race is likely to be competitive--both Udall and Republican Bob Schaffer poll in the mid-30s, with over 20% undecided. We hold firm in our belief that Udall is the favorite, though the poll confirms that any suggestions that the race would be a runaway are premature. Idaho? Republican Lt. Governor Jim Risch, the man many believed would be appointed to replace Larry Craig, has announced his intentions to run for the seat in 2008. Despite failing in his attempt to reverse a guilty plea to a sex charge this summer, Craig noted that he will serve out the remainder of his term rather than resign as he had previously suggested.Minnesota? Al Franken narrowly out-raised Republi...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2007-10-01 23:51:00 Welcome to our first rankings of the 2008 Senate contests around the country. These rankings will appear at the beginning of each month through November 2008. The top ranked seat is the one we believe most likely to flip control to the other party. As you will notice, the landscape sets up rather nicely for Democrats looking to increase their small majority. Republicans have more seats to defend and (at least right now) fewer resources to help defend them. Democratic recruiting efforts have yielded strong results, while the jury is still out for Republicans. The bottom line is that Democrats have far more opportunities in 2008 and, while they won't pick up every seat they target, a gain of at least a few seems likely at this point.1. Virginia (Open-R): The retirement of John Warner dealt a devastating blow to Republicans. The seat that would have been easily defended had he opted for re-election has now become the Democrats' best pickup opportunity. Popular former Governo...
By: Political Realm
Preparing For The Ames Straw Poll
2007-08-10 21:44:00 Several thousand Iowans will gather tomorrow for the Ames Straw Poll, sponsored by the Iowa GOP, which has traditionally been an early measuring stick for support. The event reflects both organization and money (plus the willingness to spend it) in first voting state. Critics charge, however, that the event is not a true reflection of support in Iowa--a fair claim. The event gauges the strength of a campaign operation more than the strength of the candidate. Supporters are often given free tickets (there is a $35 fee to attend--it's an Iowa GOP fundraiser), free transportation, free food, and entertainment once they arrive.This will be the fifth time the event has been held, with two of its previous winners going on to win the caucuses and the nomination (Bob Dole in 1996 and George W. Bush in 2000). Though its outcome may not forecast the eventual nominee, the straw poll is almost certain to winnow the Republican field. After poor results in 1999, Lamar Alexander and Dan Qua...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-07-18 20:07:00 Alabama? Republican Jeff Sessions appears to be on a smooth path to re-election. Sessions raised more than $1.5 million during the past three months and has around $3 million available. He has yet to receive an official challenger.Arkansas? Democratic incumbent Mark Pryor raised over $1 million in the second quarter and has brought in nearly $4 million this year for his re-election effort. Pryor defeated incumbent Republican Tim Hutchinson in 2002--a race in which the men combined to raise $9 million. Pryor's impressive fundraising this early in the cycle could deter possible challengers from entering the race.Colorado? Colorado Congressman Mark Udall raised more than $1 million in the second quarter and has nearly $2.5 million in the bank. Udall appears to have a clear path to the Democratic nomination for Senate.? Bob Schaffer, Udall's likely opponent, apparently has some Colorado Republicans worried that he may not be able to keep up with Udall's strong fundraising. Such sugge...
By: Political Realm
Congressional News And Notes
2007-06-27 18:54:00 ? Republican John Barrasso, a surgeon and state senator, was seated as the new senator from Wyoming this week, assuming the seat vacated by the death of Craig Thomas. He was selected by Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal to fill the seat until a special election in November of 2008. Wyoming's other senator, Republican Michael Enzi, is also expected to seek re-election at that time. Barrasso was defeated by Enzi in a Republican Senate primary in 1996.? Democrat Bob Kerrey, former governor and senator, is considering a bid to get his old job back in Nebraska. Kerrey, a decorated Vietnam veteran, served two terms in the Senate before retiring in 2001. He has suggested that he would not challenge Republican incumbent Chuck Hagel, but it is increasingly unlikely that Hagel will seek another term. Several Republicans, including Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning, have expressed interest in running. Kerrey, who currently lives in New York, has said his family will decide soon whether...
By: Political Realm
Open Letter to Senators Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole
2007-06-07 12:00:00 Dear Senators Burr & Dole: As a natural-born American citizen and excellent customer of the Internal Revenue Service, I am writing to ask for your assistance. I have contacted the Department of Homeland Security in an effort to determine the process for becoming an illegal alien and they referred me to you. My primary reason for wishing to ...
By: GayPatriot
2008 Congressional Election Notes
2007-02-21 17:43:00 SENATE? New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici is reportedly running for a seventh term. The soon to be 75 year old was considered a strong retirement possibility, however, he told the Associated Press, "I'm running."Had Domenici elected to retire, Democrats would have made a very strong push to pick up the seat in an area that is increasingly competitive.Link: CQ Politics? It is now believed that Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) will seek another term after suffering a brain hemorrhage on December 13th. Johnson was reportedly transferred out of the hospital to a private rehabilitation facility. He has increased his workload in recent weeks, asking aides to bring the work to his hospital room.Johnson, who narrowly defeated now Senator John Thune in 2002, could face a strong challenge from Governor Mike Rounds in this red state. Should Johnson opt out of the race, the Democrats could field Rep. Stephanie Herseth, who represents the entire state. It hasn't been mentioned much, but Tom Daschle c...
By: Political Realm
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