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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
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
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...
By: Political Realm
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
2007-10-23 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: 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
Pete Domenici Will Be Hard to Replace
2007-10-04 07:32:00 DOMENICI TO RETIREPete Domenici is going to retire. I've heard that it has been confirmed. He will make the ...
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
2007-09-07 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
Cartoon Monday
2007-07-16 15:53:00 Let's take a look at the best political cartoons from the week that was. As always, click on the cartoon for the full-sized image. Cartoonist Doug Marlette died in a car accident this week and he is honored in the first cartoon. He drew the Kudzu strip and had won a Pulitzer Prize. Borrowed from here, here, here, here, and here.
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
Plutonium Pit Party Points a Path to the Past
2007-07-06 20:28:00 On Monday, July 2, Senator Pete Domenici, Representative Heather Wilson and others gathered at Los Alamos National Laboratories to ?celebrate? the production of the first plutonium ?pit? certified for use in the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile since the Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Rocky Flats facility in Colorado in 1989. Noticeably absent were 1) a clear vision for the future of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, 2) a sustainable vision for the future of the national laboratories, and 3) the application of the best science and technical expertise to the real problems urgently facing the United States.At the event, Senator Domenici reportedly said:?The only thing that would keep [Los Alamos] from being the permanent pit manufacturing center would be if we don't get the physical facilities.? But bricks and mortar are not the only consideration in scoping the future of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, as Sam Nunn and other national leaders have argued, an informed and careful national ...
By: Nukes on a Blog
2008 Tidbits
2007-05-17 19:48:00 It's time again to take a look at how various races are shaping up across the country.? The 2008 presidential field contains at least ten millionaires according to documents given to the FEC. Among the more surprising elements in the reports is Giuliani's assets set at $30 million. During divorce proceedings just six years ago, he claimed to have only $7,000 worth of assets under his control. Much of his wealth accumulated since leaving office comes from speeches he's given around the globe and his partnership in a law firm. John Edwards' campaign reports his net worth near $30 million as well, with nearly $500,000 coming from his somewhat controversial work for the Fortress hedge fund company. Mitt Romney is expected to report the greatest net worth, possibly as much as $350 million according to some reports. Romney, along with Hillary Clinton and John McCain, has been granted a filing extension by the FEC.? Florida has moved its primary to January 29th, a shift that could furt...
By: Political Realm
Good Reads
2007-03-06 19:17:00 Tom Curry: For '08 Race, Is It Too Much Information?Sen. Joe Lieberman ? stalwart supporter of the invasion of Iraq ? as the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee?Unthinkable? In retrospect, yes, but according to the Gallup Poll of 438 Democrats in April 2003 ? at a point about where we now are in the 2008 presidential campaign cycle ? Lieberman was the Democratic frontrunner. What a difference a few months can make. This piece let's us know that we shouldn't buy too much into the current polling information.Susannah Meadows: A Would-Be Knight For The Religious RightMike Huckabee is in an unusual situation for a politician. He doesn't have to pander to his base. A former Southern Baptist preacher, he starts his 2008 presidential bid well to the right of his party?s most serious contenders. His long-held pro-life, pro-gun, and anti-gay marriage agenda would seem to be music to the ears of conservatives unhappy with the fact that social-issue moderates like John McCain, Rudy Giulia...
By: Political Realm
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