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Ad Wars: Outside Groups Take Aim In Colorado
2008-05-21 18:34:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Presidential Watch: John McCainThe left-leaning MoveOn.org has launched a new ad urging John McCain to fire aide Charlie Black. The ad attacks Black for lobbying for "the world's worst tyrants." Several other McCain campaign staffers have recently resigned due to their past lobbying work, which could undermine McCain's message of reform. Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocrat Mark Udall and Republican Bob Schaffer both launched their ad campaigns this week and now two outside groups are getting in on the act as well. Coloradans for Economic Growth, a group that seems to have been formed specifically to support Bob Schaffer, is up with a new ad, "Sources," which touts Schaffer's support for alternative energy.The League of Conservation Voters, a left-leaning environmental group, is airing its own ad, "Fingerprint," which attacks Schaffer for his associations with the oil and gas industry. Senate Watch: New HampshireFormer Democra...
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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% ...
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Gubernatorial Watch: News & Notes
2008-04-02 06:33:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from gubernatorial races around the country. Click here for our latest gubernatorial rankings.DelawareRepublican chances of taking Delaware's open gubernatorial seat continue to fade as another hopeful passed on the race this week. State Representative Donna Stone declined a bid, citing the difficulty in facing one of two well funded and well known Democrats. Though term limited Democratic Governor Ruth Ann Minner (pictured) earned just 51% of the vote in 2004, Republicans have failed to field a top tier candidate. Retired judge Bill Lee, who garnered 45% of the vote against Minner in 2004, passed on a rematch. Businessman Alan Levin, who spent months testing the water, announced in January that he would not run and longtime House Speaker Terry Spence also confirmed he would not seek the office. Republican leaders aren't excited about either of the two men currently in the race--Dave Graham and Mike Protack, both of whom ran in the primary...
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Senate Watch: News & Notes
2008-03-29 07:00:00 Let's take a look at the latest news from Senate races around the country. Click here for our latest Senate rankings.AlaskaHow much does Republican Congressman Don Young's political trouble reflect on Ted Stevens' chances for re-election in 2008? Young (pictured), often referred to as the state's third senator because he's been in office since 1973, is in the fight of his political life after becoming embroiled in the same bribery scandal that threatens Stevens. Several polls have shown Young, the state's lone representative, trailing his Democratic challengers and he recently drew a primary challenge from Lt. Governor Sean Parnell. Parnell's candidacy will test the clout of recently elected Republican Governor Sarah Palin, who ousted unpopular Frank Murkowski in a 2006 primary showdown. Republicans have dominated elections in Alaska and the party would probably stand a better chance without Young and Stevens on the ballot in 2008.So far, Stevens has drawn two primary ch...
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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...
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Ad Wars: Focus Turns To Ohio, Texas
2008-02-22 06:04:00 Hillary ClintonThe Clinton campaign has released this new ad featuring Henry Cisneros, H.U.D secretary during part of Bill Clinton's administration and a former mayor of San Antonio. The ad isn't flashy, but Cisneros is pushing hard for the Latino vote. This ad is running in both English and Spanish.Clinton supporters have formed a new 527 group, American Leadership Project, to boost her prospects going forward. The group has released its first ad, "Blueprint," in Ohio. The ad takes a shot at Barack Obama, suggesting that speeches aren't enough, focusing largely on Clinton's economic plan.Barack ObamaThe Obama campaign is airing this new Spanish language ad, "Como Padre," in Texas. The ad focuses on domestic policy, touching on health care and education.DSCCThe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has released this new web video, "Swear," attacking John McCain and tying him to President Bush and the Iraq War. The ad also seeks to tie Bush and the war to several potenti...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2008-02-19 00:18:00 ColoradoPolls continue to show an extremely tight open seat race in Colorado between Democratic Congressman Mark Udall (pictured) and former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer. The latest numbers show Schaffer with a 44%-43% lead--the very narrow margin is a growing trend in this contest. Though the race was initially pegged a likely Democratic pickup by most observers given the recent evidence (Democrats have picked up a House and Senate seat in recent years, adding the governor's office in 2006), we've rated the race a toss-up in our latest Senate rankings. That the race remains so close suggests that neither candidate has succeeded yet in defining his opponent. Schaffer and the Republicans will attempt to portray Udall as too liberal for the state, while Udall and the Democrats are making the opposite case for Schaffer. Though he trails in this most recent poll, Udall has a slight advantage due to his 2-to-1 edge in cash on hand.KansasAlready facing an uphill challenge in...
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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, ...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-11-13 01:57:00 Polls, polls, and more polls--nearly every competitive 2008 Senate race was polled at least once last week, so today we will focus on those numbers and what they mean going forward.ColoradoPolling gives Democratic Congressman Mark Udall a 48%-41% lead over former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer in the battle to replace retiring Republican Senator Wayne Allard. The poll also shows that Udall is better known by Colorado voters, with just over half familiar with Schaffer. These numbers should allow Colorado Democrats to breathe a little easier after an earlier poll showed the race neck and neck.KentuckyAnother poll shows that Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will face a serious re-election test in 2008. He leads potential rivals Greg Stumbo 48%-41% and Crit Luallen 49%-39%. McConnell has seen his approval rating fall as he has become the target of several Democratic groups tying him with President Bush and the Iraq War. Kentucky Democrats also had an impressive showin...
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Weekend Notes
2007-11-03 16:11:00 White House Or BustColorado Republican Tom Tancredo confirmed this week that he will not seek another term in Congress. Tancredo, currently running back in the Republican presidential pack, held off the announcement until after the Colorado Rockies ended their run in baseball's postseason. "It's the fact that I really believe I have done all I can do in the House, especially about the issue about which I care greatly," Tancredo told reporters, referring to his work on the issue of immigration. Tancredo has used the issue to rise to prominence.Colbert Bid HaltedSteven Colbert's presidential bid apparently came to a crashing halt this week when South Carolina Democrats announced they would not place his name on their primary ballot. The state party's executive board voted 13-3 to leave Colbert off the ballot, suggesting he did not meet their criteria for inclusion. Colbert did not pursue a place on the Republican primary ballot due to the high cost.Colbert's reaction to the d...
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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...
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Ad Wars: Halloween Politics
2007-11-01 05:13:00 CongressThe Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has a new web ad that goes after six potentially vulnerable Republican senators. The ad asks supporters which Republican senator facing re-election in 2008 is the scariest--Mitch McConnell, Norm Coleman, Jame Inhofe, John Sununu, Susan Collins, or Gordon Smith?The National Republican Congressional Committee has it's own new web ad attacking the tax plan proposed by Democrat Charlie Rangel in the House. The ad warns of the "mother of all tax hikes."John McCainThe McCain campaign has another new ad in New Hampshire. In "Guts," McCain suggests he is the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, who can limit spending and eliminate corruption.
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Ad Wars: McCain Endorses Romney
2007-10-17 19:14:00 Mitt RomneyJohn McCain has been attacking Mitt Romney almost nonstop of late, especially after Romney's suggestion that he represents the "Republican wing of the Republican Party" (Romney's jab was actually directed at Rudy Giuliani). So it should come as some surprise that John McCain has endorsed Mitt Romney... in 2002. In the video, McCain suggests that Romney is "prepared to serve" and a man of "unimpeachable integrity and decency and honor." The video, however, is nothing more than a cute campaign ploy and it won't have any real impact.Romney also began airing yet another television advertisement, this time focusing on taxes. In the ad, "Not Fair," Romney suggests that he will lower taxes "across the board" and decries the so-called "death tax."Senate: NebraskaFormer Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns recently announced his intentions to seek the Republican Senate nomination via a web video. Unfortunately, this is perhaps the worst campaign web announcement we've seen--Jo...
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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...
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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...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-09-19 16:29:00 Connecticut? A new poll shows that independent Senator Joe Lieberman would lose a rematch of his 2006 race were the voting held today. Ned Lamont, the anti-war candidate who upset Lieberman in the Democratic primary, would beat Lieberman 48%-40%. Lieberman left the party after losing the primary and ran in the general election as an independent. In the Senate, he caucuses with the Democrats, but typically sides with Republicans on foreign policy votes. The news probably pleases anti-war Democrats, but the results have little significance since Lieberman's term will not expire until 2012.Idaho? New polling shows that Democrats will have a difficult time capturing the seat being vacated by scandal-plagued Larry Craig. The Republican incumbent is resigning after it was revealed he was arrested on sex-related charges in a Minneapolis airport this summer. Larry LaRocco, the likely Democratic nominee, loses match-ups against all of his potential Republican rivals.Nebraska? Former C...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-09-14 18:58:00 Minnesota? Polling shows Republican incumbent Norm Coleman continues to hold a narrow lead over his two Democratic challengers, Al Franken and Mike Ciresi. Coleman leads Franken 46%-41% and his lead over Ciresi is 46%-42%. Coleman's is viewed favorably by 54% of the population, up slightly from last month. Both challengers have made significant gains on Coleman compared to surveys earlier this year that showed Coleman with a comfortable lead. Ciresi has had to overcome low name recognition, while Franken is seeking to prove he is a serious candidate, despite his background in entertainment. Both have seen their favorable numbers rise as well.Nebraska? Chuck Hagel confirmed Monday what had been widely rumored over the weekend--he would not seek a third term in the Senate. Hagel also will not seek the presidency in 2008. Republicans chances to hold the seat remain strong, though it presents a further challenge to Senate Republicans having to defend another seat once thought sa...
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Senate Watch: Recruitment Troubles
2007-08-22 21:37:00 In a recent column over at The Fix, Chris Cillizza wrote:Recruiting is the main task of both parties in the year before an election. It's an arduous process that involves not only trying to find the best candidate and convince him or her to run, but also navigating tricky local political waters to make sure not too many toes are stepped on. A good recruiting program, it should go without saying, is crucial to making gains (or preventing losses) at the ballot box. Without a competent challenger who can make a strong case for change, even the weakest of incumbents has a fighting chance to be reelected.At this still-early point in the '08 cycle, it's hard to overlook the dearth of top-tier Republican candidates in potentially competitive Senate races. The best recruit on the board for Republicans at the moment is Bob Schaffer, a former congressman who is running for the Colorado Senate seat being vacated next year by Wayne Allard. The GOP cupboard is all-but-bare elsewhere. No serio...
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And then there were two?
It has nothing to do wit...
2007-08-07 12:57:00 And then there were two?It has nothing to do with the visual arts, but much ado has been made of the fact that Bill Richardson is a "Hispanic" candidate for the Presidency. I'm still mulling his "Hispanicity," a label that most of you know I have some issues with...I recently heard on some radio show that Mitt Romney's parents were born in Mexico, not from Mormon missionaries who were visiting Mexico as part of their Mormon mission, but born from Mexican-born Mormons who had been living in a Mormon colony called Colonia Juarez, which his great-grandfather had helped to create 122 years ago.South Americans by the millions who are of Italian, Japanese, or German ancestry are still labeled "Hispanics" because they're born in a Spanish-speaking country. Thus we have Alberto Fujimori (former Peruvian President and son of Japanese immigrants) and Alfredo Stroessner (former Paraguayan strongman and son of German immigrants) as "Hispanics."I know it's silly, but I didn't make the rules...
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-08-01 21:46:00 Alaska? Federal agents raided the home of Republican Senator Ted Stevens on Monday. Stevens, the longest serving Republican in Senate history and a candidate for re-election in 2008, is being investigated for his ties to Bill Allen, a wealthy oil contractor. Allen, who's already admitted to bribing Alaskan government officials, oversaw a renovation project on Stevens' home.? Because the Alaska Democratic Party is in such weak state, it's difficult to believe they will be able to take advantage of the situation. Stevens may opt against a re-election bid, but the seat would likely remain in Republican hands.Kentucky? Attorney General Greg Stumbo has filed papers to challenge Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for the Senate. ? McConnell is considered somewhat vulnerable due to the national mood favoring Democrats and the low approval numbers for both President Bush and the Iraq War. Democrats are hoping for a repeat of 2004, when their Senate leader, Tom Daschle, was up...
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Senate Watch: 1st Tier Races
2007-07-30 23:47:00 After picking up six seats in 2006, Democrats seized control of the Senate with a razor-thin majority. With Senator Joe Lieberman declaring himself an "Independent Democrat" and Senator Tim Johnson remains absent while recovering from brain surgery, Democrats have found it difficult to move their agenda forward. The 2008 Senate races have become all the more significant for Democrats, seeking to build a more workable majority, and for Republicans, hoping to take back control.In 2008, 34 seats will be up for grabs--22 Republican-held seats and 12 Democrat-held will face voters. Those numbers along with the current political environment--low approval for President Bush and increasing dissatisfaction over Iraq--create a landscape that will be challenging for Republicans. Democrats were able to defeat six Republican incumbents in 2006 and it seems likely that they could increase their majority in 2008.We have ranked the following contests as 1st tier races--meaning that we believe t...
By: Political Realm
Good Reads
2007-07-30 19:43:00 Rick Klein: Mid-Summer DreamsYou weren't dreaming -- but that doesn't mean the presidential candidates aren't. Former senator John Edwards really is having nightmares where "they" are out to silence him. Gov. Bill Richardson truly is fantasizing about filling out his Cabinet (while saying -- with a straight face -- that Iowa is high on al Qaeda's hit list). Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton actually wants you to give her campaign money because a Washington Post reporter noticed an inch of her cleavage. Former governor Mitt Romney is indeed disassembling three-legged stools on stage (even while imparting lessons learned from Hezbollah). Alberto Gonzales sincerely is still the attorney general of the United States. (Whose dream-come-true is that?)Best Of The Rest? The Renegade Returns: McCain is once again campaigning as the insurgent, but can he duplicate the magic of the 2000 campaign?? Can Sununu Hold On In New Hampshire?: Reid Wilson profiles the challenges for Republican Senator...
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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...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-07-10 06:36:00 Michigan? Democratic Senator Carl Levin may find himself facing a familiar opponent in 2008. Republican Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski, the former state representative that Levin easily beat in 2002, is considering another challenge. Minnesota ? Al Franken has reportedly raised $1.9 million in the second quarter, bringing his fundraising total to more than $3 million. Franken has $2 million in the bank. He is set to face Minneapolis lawyer Mike Ciresi, who raised $750,000 with $625,000 in the bank. Ciresi, like Franken, also has a significant amount of personal wealth to rely on for campaign support. Chris Cillizza notes, "The most important thing that Franken's fundraising does for him is that it sends a signal to the activist community that Franken is serious about this race and would be ready for Coleman if he winds up being the party's nominee. And it has the added bonus of reducing doubt in regular voters' minds about Franken's electability."? Republican incumbent Norm Coleman r...
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Senate Watch: New Hampshire
2007-06-26 19:14:00 Following huge Democratic victories in 2006, New Hampshire Republican Senator John Sununu became one of the biggest targets for Democrats looking to pick up Senate seats in 2008. The incumbent will be challenged by the recent Democratic tilt of the state and his association with an unpopular president and war. The state has been a battleground on the local and national level--it went for Kerry in 2004 after giving Bush its electoral votes in 2000--and Sununu will look to avoid the fate many of his fellow Republicans realized in 2006.Sununu is the son of former George H.W. Bush chief of staff and New Hampshire Governor John H. Sununu. After being elected to the House in 1996, he defeated Republican incumbent Bob Smith in a 2002 primary to become the Senate nominee--Smith had left the Republican Party during an ill-fated 2000 presidential run. Sununu went on to narrowly defeat Democratic Governor Jeanne Shaheen--his victory likely aided by the pro-Republican landscape that cycle (Bush...
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Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-06-15 06:48:00 ? Bob Olson is the latest Democrat to join the race as a potential challenger to Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman. Olson is a bank owner, lawyer, and alternative energy activist who joins Al Franken and Mike Ciresi seeking the Democratic nomination. Coleman's seat is one of the top targets for Democrats in 2008. ? Coleman may find his path to the nomination not as easy as once thought. Retired Lt. Colonel Joe Repya, an advisor to Coleman's 2002 Senate campaign, is considering a challenge. Repya recently lost his race to become the chair of the Republican Party in Minnesota.? Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning is moving forward, as expected, with his Senate bid. Incumbent Republican Chuck Hagel has yet to announce his future plans, which include a possible presidential run, Senate re-election, or retirement. Bruning has been increasingly critical of his fellow Republican's outspoken nature regarding Iraq.? New Hampshire Senate hopeful Steve Marchand confirmed last week that...
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Gonzales No Confidence Vote Unsuccessful
2007-06-12 09:32:00 Attorney General Alberto Gonzales leaving after a speech in Miami, Florida on June 11, 2007 at the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism conference. REUTERS/Carlos Barria Democrats in the Senate tried unsuccessfully on Monday June 11, 2007, to end debate on a resolution showing no confidence in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and they were not able to vote on the resolution. The resolution was one line saying "that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales no longer holds the confidence of the Senate and of the American people." Democrats needed 60 votes to invoke cloture on the resolution so that they could end the Republican filibuster and bring it up for a vote on the floor but it fell 7 votes shy of the 60 they needed. A roll call vote netted 53 in favor of invoking cloture and 38 not in favor of cloture. There were 7 Republicans who broke with the administration and refused to support the attorney general who has been intensely criticized for his de...
Gonzales Avoids No Confidence Vote
2007-06-12 07:04:00 Senate Republicans were able to block an attempt by Democrats to hold a no-confidence vote on embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Democrats had hoped such a vote would force Gonzales to step down under public pressure, though any measure passed would have been non-binding. Since assuming control of Congress in January, Democrats have actively investigated Gonzales and the Justice Department on issues ranging from hiring practices to wire-tapping and secret prisons.Needing 60 votes to end debate and move forward with the no-confidence vote, the effort fell seven votes short, 53-38. All Democrats voted to move forward, along with seven Republicans--Susan Collins of Maine, Norm Coleman of Minnesota, Gordon Smith of Oregon, Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Olympia Snowe of Maine, and John Sununu of New Hampshire. Collins, Coleman, Smith, and Sununu all face strong challenges for re-election in 2008. Click here to see the full vote.Several Republicans sugg...
By: Political Realm
The Good And Bad
2007-06-08 22:46:00 How's the political stock market shaping up this week?Good? Mike Huckabee: The former Arkansas Governor has performed well in every GOP debate so far. It hasn't happened yet, but look for at least a slight bump from Huckabee in polling, perhaps up to the 7-9% range. It's a shame he had such a poor first quarter fundraising effort or he could back up his showing with advertisements or other voter outreach to maximize his bounce. In the least, he's definitely upped his vp profile.? Joe Biden: Biden again was strong (almost too much so) in the second Democratic debate. He was the only candidate to vote in favor of the Iraq funding bill and his explanation was forceful, yet reasonable. His Iraq plan seems to be a road the Democrats are willing to travel down, but he'll need to show that he's about more than just Iraq. Like Huckabee, Biden had a disappointing first quarter fundraising haul (probably due to his gaffe about Obama being the first articulate black candidate). His secon...
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2008 Tidbits
2007-06-06 21:40:00 ? Democratic Representative William Jefferson was indicted this week on bribery charges, after investigators found money in his freezer in a raid of his home in 2005. Despite the suspicion, Jefferson was re-elected by New Orleans voters in 2006. He has temporarily resigned his position on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, but Republicans are seeking for his ouster from the House. After running against Republican corruption in 2006, Democrats would be wise to distance themselves from Jefferson. Though Jefferson appears unwilling to give up his seat, Democrats may want to push for expulsion to move past the scandal quickly and show that they remain tough on corruption.? Wesley Clark, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, suggested in an interview with The Politico that he's still open to a run in 2008. Clark backers shouldn't get their hopes up. A late start helped derail his chances in 2004, so it seems unlikely that he'd be willing to repeat that mistake. Clark remains a...
By: Political Realm
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