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Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-05-22 22:26:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings (updated: 5/20/08).ColoradoDemocratic Congressman Mark Udall (pictured) has opened a statistically significant lead for the first time according to a new Rasmussen poll. Udall leads former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer 47%-41% in the race to replace retiring Republican Wayne Allard. The poll finds Udall besting Schaffer by 12 points among unaffiliated voters, a crucial group to watch in a state where Republicans still outnumber Democrats. The poll also finds Democrats leading at the presidential level, with Barack Obama ahead of John McCain 48%-42% and leading among unaffiliated voters by 21 points. Though it has gone to the Democrats just once in the past 40 years, Colorado is certainly a state Obama will target in the fall. Democrats have had success in the state in recent years and if Obama can boost turnout and attract independent voters, that could tr...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Looking Down The Ballot
2008-05-14 19:31:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV. We now have 360 videos in our archives, with more than 50 subscribers!Gubernatorial Watch: MissouriHouse Republican Kenny Hulshof launched his first ad today with the release of "Blessed." It is generally an introductory spot in which Hulshof talks about his upbringing and values. Hulshof faces off against Treasurer Sarah Steelman for the right to face Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon in November. The primary is August 5th.Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocratic Congressman Mark Udall has hit the airwaves with the release of his first ad, "Stand." In the ad, Udall talks energy, seeking independence from foreign oil and the development of green jobs.Senate Watch: MinnesotaThe American Future Fund, which has already run ads this cycle supporting Republican Norm Coleman, is up with a new web ad, "Laugh Track," that attacks Democrat Al Franken. The spot hits Franken for supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants and failing to p...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Obama Talks Coal In Kentucky
2008-05-12 17:19:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonClinton's campaign released a televised version of the web ad they released this weekend in honor of Mother's Day. The ad features daughter Chelsea talking about her mother's values.Barack ObamaThe Obama campaign is airing a new ad, "Coal," in Kentucky, which holds its primary in two weeks. Obama appeals to blue collar coal workers in the ad, while offering clean coal as an alternative to the country's energy crisis.Senate Watch: New MexicoThe Republican primary is heating up in the race to succeed retiring Pete Domenici in New Mexico. Heather Wilson attacks House colleague Steve Pearce in her latest offering, "Fighting For New Mexico." The ad hits Pearce for voting against funding that would have benefited a military base in New Mexico.Meanwhile, the Club For Growth, a conservative group that has endorsed Pearce, is airing a new attack ad on Wilson. The ad hits Wilson for supporting the S-CHIP child he...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Can We Ask?
2008-05-11 06:58:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonClinton released a new ad in Oregon, "Strongest Plan," which features Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame touting Clinton's plan to end the Iraq War.The Clinton campaign also released a new web video in honor of Mother's Day that features Chelsea talking about her mother.John McCainMcCain's latest general election ad, "Accountable," is slated to run in the battleground state of Iowa. The ad focuses on the economy--creating jobs, addressing the mortgage crisis, and restructuring the tax code.Barack ObamaThe Republican Party has launched a new web site CanWeAsk.com that hits Obama for apparently avoiding votes on tough issues. The site allows voters to submit questions for Obama to answer. The accompanying web video attacks Obama for voting present on a number of issues while in the Illinois Senate, mentions his "bitter" comments, and implies he doesn't have the experience to be president.Senate Watch: KentuckyDem...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: McCain Courts Hispanics
2008-05-09 05:54:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.John McCainMcCain is courting Hispanic voters with the creation of a new Spanish language campaign site and the release of a new web video. In the video, McCain touts his Arizona background--a state with a large Latino population--while focusing on the economy and job creation. McCain also released a web video featuring his mother talking about his childhood in the days before Mother's Day. Gubernatorial Watch: IndianaRepublican Governor Mitch Daniels released two new ads this week. "Change That's Working" touts Daniels' economic record during his first term--noting job creation and economic growth without raising taxes."Done More" touches on much the same issues--job creation and low taxes--while painting the incumbent as a workhorse during his first three years in office.Senate Watch: KentuckyDemocrat Bruce Lunsford trumpets endorsements from various groups in his new ad, "Support."Senate Watch: MassachusettsJim Ogonows...
By: Political Realm
Jeff Merkley and Steve Novick on Immigration
2008-05-07 00:38:00 Immigration is the 3rd rail of politics, especially for Democrats. One is guaranteed to be name called and attacked if any attempts to have a controlled immigration policy are made. In the Oregon Senate Democratic Primary, not surprisingly, finding out where the candidates stand is a hard, long dig. Like stepping through a mine field, one false move is guaranteed to be targeted by some special interest group. Let's go past the name calling hype and try to find out where they really stand and why these positions are vital to US workers. Steve Novick on Immigration: [flash http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DmExdWhcVxg] First, Novick talks about the small business owner getting wiped out by the competition through use of cheap illegal labor. Yet in the very next sentence, he endorses the failed Comprehensive Immigration Bills! The comprehensive immigration bills were opposed by the AFL-CIO because they were loaded with guest worker Visas and were anti-labor. Jeff Merkl...
By: NoSlaves.com
Ad Wars: Down Ballot Races Heating Up
2008-05-06 02:12:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Gubernatorial Watch: North CarolinaDemocrat Bev Perdue talks about improving educational to open up better job opportunities, fueling the economy in her latest ad, "Jobs And Education."Republican Bill Graham portrays himself as the outsider who can change Raleigh in his new ad, "We Can Do It."Republican Pat McCrory says he's running for governor to change the politics as usual and end corruption in Raleigh in his new spot, "A Change Is Coming."Senate Watch: ColoradoAn outside group, Campaign Money Watch, is airing a new ad in Colorado noting Republican Bob Schaffer's ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.Senate Watch: GeorgiaDemocrat Josh Lanier, a Vietnam veteran and something of a long shot in the field, has produced a new web video that will please a number of left-leaners. The ad, "Boomerang," attacks Saxby Chambliss for failing to support American troops. The ad is an homage to a now infamous attack ad Chambliss use...
By: Political Realm
Jeff Merkley and President McCain
2008-04-23 17:13:00 Jazz and I will be talking to Oregon US Senate candidate Jeff Merkley on Mid Stream Radio this morning at 10:00 PDT. You can call in at 646-595-3963. It has become even more important that Senator Gordon Smith be defeated in November since it appears that the Republicans have nominated the only Republican who could possibly win and that the Democrats will nominate one of the only two candidates who could possibly lose.I don't believe that Hillary Clinton can win at this point. She was carrying a lot of baggage going into this campaign and has picked up a lot more. And is the US ready for a black president? Looking at the results of first Ohio and now Pennsylvania I suspect the answer is no. Obama will simply not get the vote of the white working class voter. I would like to blame Hillary's Rovian campaign for this but I can't. The Republicans would have played the card in the general election.The only salvation for this country is for John McCain to have a very hostile House and ...
Ad Wars: Let's Get Ready To Rumble!
2008-04-23 00:44:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.All three candidates took the opportunity to reach out to wrestling fans on last night's WWE Raw broadcast. Ridiculousness ensued...Hillary ClintonThe Clinton campaign plays heavily on the politics of fear in its latest ad, "Kitchen." Though it doesn't mention Obama by name, the ad features images of Osama bin Laden, Pearl Harbor and Hurricane Katrina, while implying that he doesn't have what it takes to be commander-in-chief. The ad finishes with, "Harry Truman said it best--if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. Who do you think has what it takes?"Clinton addresses the economy in "Spoke Out," which highlights her early warnings of a recession.Clinton appeals to middle class voters in "For People," which features voters talking about Clinton's dedication and resolve.Clinton focuses on "jobs, jobs, jobs" in her new Indiana ad, appropriately titled, "Jobs."In North Carolina, Clinton continues her "Ask Me" series wi...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Bitter Impact
2008-04-15 17:54:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonThe Clinton campaign has released three new ads in the upcoming primary states. "Jewel" will air in North Carolina and features a supporter talking about Clinton as a fighter."Tammie" will also air in North Carolina and is a continuation of Clinton's "NC Ask Me" ads. Clinton addresses a question from a North Carolina voters about rising gas prices.Finally, the Clinton campaign is airing a new ad in Pennsylvania that attacks comments from Barack Obama. The ad features Pennsylvania voters suggesting the comments were insulting and out of touch, while noting that Hillary Clinton understands Pennsylvania. John McCainMcCain has released his second general election ad of the cycle, "Ignite." The ad touts McCain's initiatives on health care, the economy, education, and energy. The ad, like most of McCain's policy outlines thus far, is pretty thin on specifics. Progressive Media USA, a left leaning group, has released a ...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-04-13 00:42:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings--look for a fresh set of rankings next week. AlabamaThe latest polling continues to show Republican Senator Jeff Session (pictured) with a commanding lead in his bid for a third term. Sessions leads state Senator Vivian Figures 57%-36%. Three-fourths of the electorate hold a favorable view of the incumbent, while only 39% view Figures favorably. Figures, who isn't well known outside of her own district, doesn't appear to pose a serious threat to Sessions.AlaskaNew numbers out of Alaska confirm that Republican Senator Ted Stevens, in office since 1970, is facing the toughest challenge of his political career. Elected by landslide margins in every election since he assumed office, Stevens (pictured) holds a narrow 46%-45% lead over Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. In trouble largely because of a federal corruption investigation, Stevens earns support from just 71% ...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Clinton Takes To The Air In Indiana
2008-04-08 04:58:00 Check out our video library at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonThe Clinton campaign has released its first ad in Indiana, "Steel." The ad features Clinton support and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. Bayh, also the state's former governor and a top veep prospect, talks about Clinton's record on the economy and suggests she has the experience to be commander-in-chief.The Clinton campaign has also released another new ad in North Carolina that calls for voters to submit questions on the Clinton website. Clinton aired a similar ad last week in the state.John McCainMcCain's campaign has released yet another web video in concert with McCain's biography tour. "Tolerance" calls for a respectful political discourse.Republican PartyThe RNC has produced this new web video attacking comments from Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama about withdrawing troops from Iraq. The video comes before General David Petraeus testifies before Congress about the progress in Iraq this week.The Natio...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Rankings
2008-03-19 05:27:00 Our latest rankings paint a rosy picture for Democrats, who find only one of their incumbents on our list of the ten seats most likely to flip hands in 2008. After picking up six seats and winning a thin 51-49 majority in 2006, they appear poised to expand their holdings, but fall short of a filibuster-proof 60-seat advantage.1. Virginia (Open-R) [1]: As a former business executive and governor, Mark Warner (pictured) simply doesn't come across as a legislative branch kind of guy. Widely considered a potential 2008 presidential candidate before he surprisingly put such speculation to rest in October 2006, Warner does little to scuttle the notion that he has ambitions that lie beyond the Senate. A term in the Senate, which seems all but assured at this point, could help fill out the foreign policy portion of his resume for a presidential run in 2012, 2016, or beyond. At this point in 2006, however, another former governor was also prepping for an apparently easy Senate race befor...
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
Ad Wars: Clinton Continues Ad Push
2008-02-02 06:33:00 Find these videos and more at Political Realm TV.Hillary ClintonHoping to counter the endorsements of Ted and Caroline Kennedy for rival Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton's latest ad, "Bobby," features Robert Kennedy, Jr. He portrays Clinton as the heir to his father's legacy--giving a voice to those without one.Similar to the previous ad, this one, "Dignity," includes an appeal to Hispanic voters with the grandson of Cesar Chavez.Finally, Clinton reminds Arkansas voters of her roots with this new ad, "Arkansas."John McCainMcCain is appeal to conservative Republicans with his latest ad, "True Conservative," which will air in February 5 states across the country. McCain presents himself as the heir to Ronald Reagan.Senate Watch: OregonJeff Merkley's latest web ad makes light of the recent car accident he was in while campaigning around the state.
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
A bad day for al-Qaeda
2007-12-18 07:06:00 If bin-Laden and al-Qaeda really hate us because of our freedoms they had a bad day today.Democrats Delay a Vote on Immunity for Wiretaps WASHINGTON ? In a setback for the White House, Senate Democrats on Monday put off until at least next month any decision on whether to give legal protection to the phone carriers that helped with the National Security Agency?s eavesdropping program.The Bush administration had pushed for immediate passage of legislation to grant immunity to the phone companies as part of a broader expansion of the N.S.A.?s wiretapping authorities. But that will not happen now.After daylong debate in the Senate on the wiretapping issue, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, announced at the end of the day that there would not be time to consider the legislation this week as he had hoped. With a dozen competing amendments on the issue and an omnibus spending bill separately awaiting consideration, Mr. Reid said he believed it would be difficult to give t... |
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