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Ad Wars: Count The Votes
2008-06-01 15:46:00 Check out our entire video library at Political Realm TV.Presidential Watch: Michigan And FloridaA new group, Count The Votes Casts PAC, aired this ad in Washington, DC and on CNN nationally urging members of the the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee to seat all the full delegate slates from Michigan and Florida. The ad features several older Democrats who insist the contests were valid, reference the Florida recount in 2000, and suggest disaster lies ahead should the party not count the votes.Senate Watch: ColoradoDemocratic Congressman Mark Udall has launched his second ad of the cycle, "Worth." Udall focuses on national defense in the ad, calling for the creation of a new army division, improving veterans care, and finding Osama bin Laden. "Isn't there a better way to protect America?" Udall asks.Senate Watch: New MexicoRepublican Congressman Steve Pearce decries attacks from House colleague Heather Wilson in his latest ad, "We Can Do Better And We Deserve Better." The Republica...
By: Political Realm
McCain Takes Flip-Flopping and Pandering to New Level
2008-05-30 05:14:00 John McCain lost his ?maverick? status within the Republican senate a long time ago but on Thursday he removed all doubt. John McCain had been a strong advocate for reducing carbon emissions and has said he would make it an important part of his administration. Senator John Warner (R-Virginia) and Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Connecticut) have sent a bill to the senate that would mandate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. John McCain initially supported the legislation but is now saying that he opposes the bill and will not be there to vote on it. According to the Huffington Post, only three weeks ago John McCain said about the bill ?I hope it will pass.? John McCain was voted the most absent member of the senate in 2008 and this pattern continues with him missing a critical vote on global warming. When McCain did bother to show up and vote he voted with Bush 100 percent of the time in 2008. McCain?s would be vote on this bill is no different. Bush a...
Lieberman-Warner Environmental Act Could Kill Economy
2008-03-28 00:50:00 The Hill is reporting that the Lieberman-Warner act could cost far more than Democrats are willing to let on. In fact, even after most of the up front expenses are taken care of, the EPA predicts that the bill would cost the U.S. economy $983,000,000,000 in a singe year (estimate for 2030). All this for a contrived ...
By: Tundra Politics
The Links: Debate Night
2008-02-26 23:22:00 Here's what we're following as the Democrats prepare for tonight's Ohio debate:Joe Hallett has a debate preview.Howard Fineman wonders if the debate is Clinton's last stand?Insisting that there is still a race on the Republican side, Mike Huckabee has challenged John McCain to a debate. McCain says he'll think about it.A widely rumored potential vp pick, former Ohio Congressman Rob Portman officially endorsed John McCain today.The Clinton campaign plans to throw the kitchen sink at Obama.Though many believe he is getting favorable coverage, Politico writes today about Obama's distance from the press.Virginia Senator John Warner is in the hospital.McCain had to apologize at an event today after a previous speaker, radio host Bill Cunningham, continually harped on Obama's middle name, Hussein. McCain: "I will make sure nothing like that ever happens again."Marc Ambinder ponders whether or not Clinton can truly come back.The Clinton camp has a Latino song. Strange.Will Obama...
By: Political Realm
The Links: Inaugural Edition
2008-02-23 18:42:00 Here's what we're reading this weekend:Maybe a bomb from conservative enemy #1 (The NY Times) is all McCain needed to unite the base. The Right is rallying to McCain in the wake of the allegations of impropriety.The Times stands by the article, responding to reader questions about a number of issues.The Washington Post isn't dismissing the story, noting a hitch in the McCain camp's defense.Barack Obama won the Democrats Abroad primary, the results of which were announced a few days ago.Does the Obama campaign need to do more to quiet the furor in some circles over Michelle Obama's "proud" comments? Jonathan Martin says it is unwise to ignore the freak show. Michelle Obama clarifies.The AP jumps on the bandwagon: Superdelegates Jump To Obama. In the past two weeks, Obama has picked up support from 25 supers, while Clinton's total is actually down two.Texas Governor Rick Perry suggests it's time to invoke the mercy rule with Mike Huckabee.President Bush has picked Southern...
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
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: Opportunity Knocks
2007-10-05 06:51:00 New Mexico Republican Senator Pete Domenici announced his retirement today, ending speculation over his political future after being implicated in a Justice Department scandal earlier this year. The 75 year old veteran lawmaker becomes the fourth Republican to opt against re-election, joining Wayne Allard of Colorado, John Warner of Virginia, and Chuck Hagel of Nebraska. As with those open seats, New Mexico is sure to become a prime target for Democrats looking to build on their narrow majority.Domenici suggested health concerns were the primary reason for his decision, revealing he has a form of dementia. The on-going Senate ethics investigation, however, certainly made Domenici's decision all the easier. It is alleged that Domenici called former US Attorney David Yglesias to pressure him about political sensitive indictments. Yglesias was later fired as part of a Justice Department purge that critics suggest was politically motivated. Weary of a potentially bruising re-ele...
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
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...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Warner Enters Race
2007-09-13 18:38:00 As expected, Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner has announced he is running for the Senate today. Warner has established a website for his campaign, where he made the video announcement. In the video, Warner talks about his accomplishments as governor, portrays himself as moderate willing to work with both sides, saying, "We brought folks together, focused on getting results, and together we accomplished some great things. Six years ago, we brought a bipartisan agenda of change to Virginia and it's time to bring that same approach to Washington and our nation." Warner suggested he will make a formal announcement this fall after state elections in November.The Virginia seat opened when Republican John Warner announced he would not seek another term two weeks ago. Republicans Tom Davis and Jim Gilmore are considered Warner's most likely opponents. The state GOP has already created a website labeling Warner as a liberal with an agenda of raising taxes. The site features a vid...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: Virginia
2007-09-11 23:15:00 When Republican Senator John Warner announced his retirement a week ago, few were surprised. The veteran lawmaker and former naval secretary turned 80 in February, had done raised only a few thousand dollars for his re-election bid, and was doing little to quiet retirement speculation. Warner's announcement did, however, open the field in what is likely to be one of the highest profile Senate races in the country.On the Democratic side, the field seems clear. Mark Warner, the popular former governor, is said to be considering a run. Term limits (no one can serve consecutive terms as governor in Virginia) forced him from office in 2006, yet Warner was seen as one of the rising stars in the Democratic Party. He ruled out a presidential run in late 2006, but remains a potential running mate for the eventual Democratic nominee. With no guarantees to get on the ticket, however, Warner seems inclined to abandon such aspirations for a Senate run. The bid wouldn't be Warner's firs...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-09-07 19:34:00 Idaho? Republican Congressman Mike Simpson has withdrawn his name from consideration to replace scandal-plagued Senator Larry Craig, who's set to resign at the end of the month. Simpson lashed out at Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for his treatment of Craig. "I hope I never stub my toe and they throw me under the bus," Simpson said. He noted that he has no intention of leaving the Republican Party, but simply does not want to serve in the Senate."If that's how they treat their own," Simpson said, referring to Senate GOP leaders' quick push for Craig to resign, "that tells me they?re more interested in party than individuals, and the party is made up of individuals. How you treat them says a lot about your party."Simpson pointed a finger at Craig's leaders for staying mum on the legal and personal jeopardy facing other GOP senators, including Alaskan Ted Stevens, now under federal investigations, and Louisianan David Vitter, who has admitted contacting an escort se...
By: Political Realm
John Warner to Retire
2007-09-01 16:42:00 Republican Senator John Warner of Virginia put to rest months of speculation on Friday by announcing that he would not seek a sixth term next year, becoming the second senator to announce his retirement next year. Rumors that Warner, 80, would retire were fueled by FEC campaign financial reports indicating he'd raised essentially no new money for his reelection campaign. The Rothenberg Political Report has reclassified this open-seat race as a Toss-Up. It is anticipated that Democrat Mark Warner, a former governor who flirted with a presidential run this cycle, and Republican Tom Davis, who represents VA-11 in Congress, will run for the seat and they would have to be considered the early favorites to win their respective parties' nominations. Republican Jim Gilmore, a former governor who was in the presidential race for several months, may also run.
By: Coldheartedtruth
John Warner Will Retire
2007-08-31 20:21:00 Senator John Warner announced today he will retire after thirty years in the Senate, leaving behind a long and well respected record.Senator Warner served as Secretary of the Navy under the Nixon Administration and first ran for the Senate in 1978. He was Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee from 1995-1999 and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee from 1999-2001.What does this mean? It means Virginia will once again be a top battleground state in 2008 not only for the Senate but for its electoral votes in the presidential election. Democrats are actively seeking former Governor Mark Warner (no relation) to run for the seat, who is still very popular with voters. Republicans Tom Davis and former presidential candidate and former Governor Jim Gilmore has expressed interest in running for the seat. Either way, this is going to be a race to watch. Republicans have 22 seats to defend in the 2008 election cycle. With Warner gone, it means a much harder race in Virginia than Re...
Senator John Warner (R-VA) Will Not Run In 2008
2007-08-31 20:10:00 Senator John Warner announced today that he is not going to run for a 6th term in the US Senate. “My work and service to Virginia as a senator will conclude upon the sixth of January, 2009,” spoken at the University of Virginia today. His thirty year career will end on January 6, 2009. Can George Allen make comeback? Not likely… Tom Davis has a much better chance. t/b: Wizbang , Hot AirJohn Warner, U.S. Senate Bookmark to:
By: Stuck On Stupid
Senator John Warner Says...Goodbye...UPDATED
2007-08-31 20:07:00 UPDATED! I disagree with the defective "thoughts" and sad attempt at "spin". Here is the real deal. It isn't that the GOP is in a bind with Warner's departure as CNN opines. On the contrary, it is the DNC that is in a bind. Warner may as well have BEEN a member of the DNC seeing that he voted with the Leftinistra more often than he didn't. Warner was a friend of the DNC and their defective and "regressive" ways and means.The best thing the GOP can do at the moment is find a staunch Conservative to take his place. That is, IF they have the guts and moral fortitude to do so.Original post below......so long and farewell.The RINO says his work has come to end as a senator is finished as of the end of the 110th CONgress.Perhaps now we can get a non-RINO for a suitable replacement.We shall see.I even beat out The Hill! Warner will not seek reelection - By Aaron Blake Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) announced Friday that he will not seek a sixth term in th...
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-08-30 22:43:00 Alabama? Incumbent Republican Jeff Sessions continues to lead in his race against state Senator Vivian Figures, 59%-37%. Sessions appears to be a safe bet for re-election to a third term.Idaho? Embattled Republican Larry Craig has been removed from his his committee assignments at the request of the GOP leadership seeking to distance the party from the scandal. Support from Craig in his home state and among Republicans is already collapsing, with several senators calling for him to resign.? Mitt Romney, whom Craig endorsed for president, continues to distance himself from the veteran lawmaker. Romney called Craig's actions "very disappointing" and compared the situation to the scandals that surrounded former President Clinton and former Congressman Mark Foley.Louisiana? State Treasurer John Kennedy announced earlier this week that he will switch parties and become a Republican before he seeks re-election to his current post this fall. Many are interpreting the party switch as a...
By: Political Realm
Senate Watch: News And Notes
2007-08-24 19:44:00 Louisiana? Republicans are still searching for a candidate to challenge vulnerable Democrat Mary Landrieu. The incumbent has twice won extremely narrow victories, but the demographics in the state continue to trend Republican, perhaps expedited by the population displacement following Hurricane Katrina.? John Kennedy, the current state treasurer and a Democrat, is being recruited to challenge Landrieu. He recently announced that he would seek re-election to his current post in 2007, send mixed signals about his future plans. Kennedy ran as a Democrat for the Senate in 2004, but lost to David Vitter, the first Republican senator from the state since Reconstruction and who was recently involved in a sex scandal. Minnesota? CQ Politics writes that Al Franken is working hard to prove himself as a serious candidate in the race to challenge Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Franken has proven himself a strong fundraiser already and is airing web ads attacking Norm Coleman's associati...
By: Political Realm
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...
By: Political Realm
Ad Watch: Biden Hits The Airways
2007-08-20 20:48:00 Sam BrownbackBrownback's campaign has put together a compilation video of his travels across the Hawkeye State.Joe BidenThe Biden campaign is the latest to hit the airways in Iowa. His first spot is something of a biography, while the second discusses his experience in Iraq.Dick Cheney This clip of an interview with Dick Cheney in 1994 has been getting a lot of attention across the web this week. In it, Cheney suggests that invading Iraq would not be worth the trouble for the US, leaving the country in something of a quagmire. Gosh, that scenario sounds familiar. CongressA group defending American action in Iraq, Vets For Freedom, has begun airing ads supporting the Iraq War across the country. The first spot asks Republican Senator John Warner of Virginia not to surrender, while the second video is targeted at Minnesota Republican Senator Norm Coleman. Both face re-election in 2008. Those ads are being produced in response to anti-war ads targeting certain Republicans in...
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
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...
By: Political Realm
Will John Warner Retire?
2007-06-27 22:00:00 Will John Warner retire? Speculation arose this week about the possibility that the long time Senator will not run for a sixth term in 2008. If that's the case, Congressman Tom Davis will become a top contender for the Republican nomination, while Schumer will likely pressure Mark Warner, former Governor of Virginia, to make a run for the office.With such a close Allen vs. Webb race last year, this seat could be highly contested if left open.
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
Where's The Beef? Part II
2007-06-27 01:07:00 This morning I discussed Richard Lugar's come to Jesus moment on Iraq and expressed some doubts that it really had any significance. Well the WH must see some significance as Lugar has been invited to a secret bunker for some re-education if not water boarding. But that didn't stop Sen. George Voinovich from delivering another meatless burger.Another GOP Senator Urges Pullout Sen. George Voinovich said Tuesday the U.S. should begin pulling troops out of Iraq, joining Richard Lugar as the second Republican lawmaker in as many days to suggest President Bush's war strategy is failing.He said the Iraqi people must become more involved and "I don't think they'll get it until they know we're leaving."But where it the beef? "We must not abandon our mission, but we must begin a transition where the Iraqi government and its neighbors play a larger role in stabilizing Iraq," Voinovich wrote in a letter to Bush.Lugar and Voinovich said they were still not ready to insist on a timetable f...
Where's The Beef?
2007-06-26 18:50:00 We have already had Senators Chuck Hagel, Gordon Smith and even John Warner talk the talk when it came to Iraq but none of them have walked the walk. Well Senator Richard Lugar has become the latest to take the walk.Lugar urges Bush to change course soon in Iraq WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican support for President Bush's Iraq war policy suffered a significant crack Monday evening when Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana urged the president to change course in Iraq "very soon."The well-respected GOP voice on foreign affairs took to the Senate floor to urge Bush to avoid further damage to America's military readiness and long-term national security."Our course in Iraq has lost contact with our vital national security interests in the Middle East and beyond. Our continuing absorption with military activities in Iraq is limiting our diplomatic assertiveness there and elsewhere in the world," he said.Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also sou...
2007/2008 Tidbits
2007-05-03 01:57:00 ? South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson was released from the hospital this week and will continue his recovery efforts from home. He suffered a brain hemorrhage in December and has been absent from the Senate since that time. He does face re-election in 2008, should he decide to run again. While no Republican challenger has emerged, the South Dakota GOP has begun polling for possible matchups. Republican Governor Mike Rounds, who is facing term limits and will leave office in 2010, is considered a strong possible candidate.? Its possible that almost all of the GOP field will be excluded from the next major presidential debate to be held in two weeks. In order to be included, the rules state that candidate must be show at least 1% support in state or national polling. Recent information proves that only John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, and Mitt Romney easily clear that hurdle, though I would expect the organizers to be fairly lenient and allow any candidate that is close to the mark to partic...
By: Political Realm
Good Reads
2007-05-02 14:45:00 Charlie Cook: The Thompson EffectIf the 'inside the Beltway' conventional wisdom is to be believed, actor and former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson will jump into the Republican presidential nomination fight before too long, filling a vacuum that many have long sensed in the GOP race.So if Thompson does enter the race, who would it hurt?Nathan L. Gonzalez: GOP Back To Square OneRepublicans are back to square one with black voters. And they don?t have an aggressive plan to reach out again anytime soon.As head of the Republican National Committee for the past two years, Ken Mehlman made a concerted and aggressive push to reach out to the black community. While his efforts did not result in immediate results at the ballot box, they served as a foundation to rebuilding credibility and trust between black voters and the GOP.Best Of The Rest? The Sounds Of Silence From Democrats On The Hot-Button Issues? Keeping It Between Friends? Waiting For Godot... Or Hagel, Warner, Cochran And Craig?...
By: Political Realm
2008 Tidbits
2007-03-15 18:06:00 ? Here's a video courtesy of the Washington Post, highlighting the candidates yesterday at a forum yesterday sponsored by the International Association of Firefighters. ? Good news from the office of Senator Tim Johnson. His staff has released the first pictures of Johnson since his brain hemorrhage--showing that he is on the way to recovery. Johnson is having to re-learn a lot of physical skills and his possible return to the Senate is still far off on the horizon.? Former Senator John Breaux will reportedly decide soon whether or not he will run for governor in Louisiana. Bobby Jindal, the likely Republican nominee, has said that Breaux does not meet the residency requirements to run for governor--Breaux owns property in Maryland and Louisiana. It was believed that Governor Kathleen Blanco, whose political chances were damaged because of the mishandling of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, would step aside in favor of a stronger Democratic candidate. Blanco, however, now suggests t...
By: Political Realm
Senator John Warner Rebukes General Pace
2007-03-13 22:34:00 I have to wonder think hope that Log Cabin Republicans helped get Senator Warner (R-VA) to make this strong statement of support for gays and lesbians serving in the military. The ranking Republican of the Senate Armed Services Committee sharply rebuked the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Tuesday, taking issue with General Peter Pace’s ...
By: GayPatriot
The Good News For McCain
2007-03-05 17:45:00 While he lags in most national polling and many (yes, us) have begun to wonder whether his campaign was in real trouble, the Hotline runs down the reasons why John McCain is still the force to be reckoned with:Why does Sen. John McCain sit atop our '08 race rankings when he's the two-to-one underdog in national polls?-- He continues to lead most polls in NH and all of them in SC. He's running strong in IA, too, despite stepping away from the '00 caucuses. He's leading in MI, and was leading in the last GOP poll we saw in CA. McCain has the strongest teams in IA, NH and SC bar none.-- While voters fawn over Rudy Giuliani, they continue to like McCain quite a bit. His fav/unfavs are very strong. Romney's favs are ok among conservatives, but among Republicans, generally, they're even with his favorables.-- When was the last time you read a "McCain Panders To the Right" story?-- He'll probably wind up raising more money this quarter than any other candidate, although Romney migh...
By: Political Realm
2008 Tidbits
2007-02-28 18:12:00 According to the Washington Post, Mark Warner is giving a challenge of John Warner more consideration than it initially appeared. Its believed that neither Warner wants to run against the other, but the piece says that both seem to be open to the rematch of their 1996 battle. Chuck Schumer did a very good job of recruiting the right candidates in 2006, but he'll still have to do a lot of convincing--Warner probably has pretty high hopes of being selected as a VP candidate. If Mark Warner does get in, it seems like that should be enough to drive John Warner from the race. Rudy Giuliani actually has plans to campaign in Iowa?! He's been able to build a big lead nationally without visiting the first caucus state or hiring any major staffers there. The Des Moines Register reports that both are about to change, as he's hired a state political director and plans to visit in a few weeks. I still believe that Rudy will be a tough sell for Iowa conservatives and that Newt Gingrich, ...
By: Political Realm
Weekend Wrap
2007-02-26 19:38:00 ? Virginia Senator John Warner has endorsed the presidential bid of John McCain. Warner, one of the more moderate members of the GOP Senate caucus, serves with McCain on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Link: AP? The Rothenberg Political Report has released its first 2008 House Ratings.? The FEC will reportedly allow Barack Obama to keep his fundraising options open for the general election. Obama is raising money for the general election, but he will be allowed to return funds later if he opts for public support. Link: CNN? Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel says that if he runs, it will be as a Republican, but he also seems open to a unity ticket. Link: USA Today, Unity 08? The Politico has a nice profile of Libertarian favorite Ron Paul, who is apparently seeking the Republican nomination.? Is the influence of our nation's governors waning? For the Democrats, Bill Richardson is the only serious candidate who has served as a governor. On the Republican side, Mitt Romney is d...
By: Political Realm
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
Good Reads
2007-02-09 19:30:00 Matthew Spieler: Virginia's 2008 Senate RiddleVirginia?s Democratic Party, like its counterpart in most other Southern states, had been losing ground for years as this decade began. But the once-dominant state party hit a low point in 2002, when it failed to field a challenger to Republican Sen. John W. Warner.Yet as Warner?s seat comes up for election in 2008, just six years later, Democrats are eagerly assessing their chances for a takeover. They almost certainly would go all out if Warner, who turns 80 on Feb. 18, were to retire. And the five-term senator is unlikely to enjoy an effortless victory this time if he does run, which he has indicated he is leaning toward doing.The Democrats are trying to build on recent successes by their statewide nominees, such as Tim Kaine?s victory in the 2005 governor?s race and Jim Webb?s dramatic come-from-behind 2006 victory over Republican Sen. George Allen, which clinched the Democrats? takeover of Senate control.As they try to maintain th...
By: Political Realm
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