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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...
By: Political Realm
Preliminary Results from the Kansas Republican Caucus: Huckabee Wins
2008-02-09 21:20:00 With 65% reporting, here are the results from the Kansas Republican caucus. I’ve called it for Huckabee: Huckabee 4,903 61% McCain 1,911 24% Paul 891 11% Romney 229 3% This actually surprises me a bit. I knew that most of Brownback’s supporters would ignore his endorsement and go for the similar Huckabee, but I figured that the endorsement would help ...
Prediction for the Republican Kansas Caucus & Louisiana Primary
2008-02-09 00:49:00 OK, well there really aren’t any good polls for either of these states (in fact not a single one for Louisiana). So, my prediction for the Kansas Caucus is: Huckabee 52% McCain 40% Paul 8% I think Huckabee will benefit a lot from Romney, but McCain will gain some points from Brownback’s endorsement. And my prediction for the Louisiana Primary is: Huckabee ...
Romney Wins Michigan, Democrats Get No National Delegates
2008-01-16 07:33:00 Mitt Romney won his childhood state of Michigan on Tuesday night where voter turnout was extremely low. Analysts estimated that about 20 percent of the 7.14 million registered voters would vote in Tuesday?s election. In some counties, that number was closer to 15 percent. According to the Associated Press, Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land estimated that fewer than 1.5 million people voted. Hillary Clinton was the only major candidate on the Democratic ticket because Obama and Edwards pledged to not campaign in Michigan if they moved their primary before February 5th. Senator Clinton barely held off the ?uncommitted? choice on the Democratic side to ?win? the state. Clinton will be awarded no delegates due to the fact that the Democratic National Committee has stripped the state of their delegates for violating party rules when they moved their primary date. Even with her name being the only major name on the list for Democrats, 45 percent of Democratic vo...
Republican Debate 11/28/07 CNN Youtube
2007-11-29 02:39:00 Editors Note: As soon as the streaming video file, transcript and podcast are availabe they will be posted hereWatch the Republican candidates answer YOUR questions on live TV!You've watched the candidates on YouTube. You've submitted your video questions. Now watch the Republican candidates answer your questions on LIVE TV this Wednesday night!Technorati Tags: GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE and Republican Presidential Debate or Orlando, Florida and CNN or Sam Brownback and Youtube or Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee or Duncan Hunter and John McCain or Mitt Romney or Ron Paul and Fred Thompson or Tom Tancredo and Rememberance Hanukkah 5768 and Andrew Jackson and Delft University of Technology rotates electron spin with electric field
What will YOU ask the REPUBLICAN presidential candidates? VIDEO
2007-11-24 03:06:00 Turn your question into a video and you could see it broadcast and answered on live TV!This is your country, and your presidential debate. Submit your video questions for the Republicans here through November 25th. The CNN political team will choose the most creative and compelling videos, and if yours is one of them, you may get the chance to fly to St. Petersburg Florida to watch the debate live and offer your reactions on video afterward.This is your chance to let your voice be heard -- grab a camera and get rolling.GUIDELINES* Be original -- choose your own approach.* Be personal -- your perspective is important.* Choose your focus -- you can address one or all of the candidates.* Keep it quick -- your question should be less than 30 seconds (and, in the language of your choice).* Make it look good -- speak loudly and keep that camera steady.* Provide context -- in your question or video description, include your name & home town.* Please note -- all videos are subject to t...
This Week In Political Endorsements...
2007-11-10 18:41:00 With Iowa voters set to caucus in less than two months, the battle for endorsements really heated up this week. When looking at these endorsements, there are several key points to consider:Not all endorsements are created equalEndorsements don't sway as many voters as they used toEndorsements help in other ways--building organization, acting as a surrogate, and serving as symbolic supportNearly every top tier candidate received some sort of "major" endorsement this week, so let's take a look.Mitt Romney kicked things off this week with an endorsement from Paul Weyrich. Who? Weyrich is a big name among social and religious conservatives, co-founding the Moral Majority in the late 1970s. While Weyrich is no longer one of the stars of the religious right (think Pat Robertson, James Dobson), his endorsement serves as a symbolic one for the Romney campaign. Romney has made a serious push to win over values voters and Weyrich's name adds some credibility to that effort.Perhaps the ...
By: Political Realm
Former Brownback SC Chair Endorses McCain
2007-11-09 19:01:00 After his boss dropped out of the presidential race, David Barron, Brownback?s former South Carolina Chair, is now endorsing John McCain for President citing McCain's track record as a consistent conservative."Sam is backing Sen. McCain and so will I. There is no viable alternative for conservatives now. Hope I'll see y'all on the trail. Sure would be good to fight the good fight with you.?Other members of Brownback?s former campaign are backing other candidates.A former member of Brownback?s steering committee, Kevin Bryant, will back Mitt Romney.
Pat Robertson Endorses ? Giuliani????
2007-11-08 09:44:00 OK, I’m not following this one. What’s going on here? Ultra-conservative Pat Robertson just endorsed the most socially liberal Republican candidate. This coming days after Sam Brownback endorsed McCain. I’m sorry - but what’s goin on? Nothing personal against Giuliani (although he’s not my candidate) - but why did Roberston do this? I mean, I know ...
Sam Brownback Endorses McCain
2007-11-08 08:06:00 John McCain and Sam Brownback talk before a presidential debate in New Hampshire. (Photo by REUTERS). On Wednesday, Sam Brownback announced that he was endorsing Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Sam Brownback was the family values conservative candidate of the Republican presidential campaign before he dropped out from the race on October 19, 2007. This was the second major conservative endorsement of the day on Wednesday, after Pat Robertson announced his support for Giuliani. However, this endorsement made some sense. John McCain is a pro-life candidate and is only on his second marriage. McCain dragged Brownback around to every campaign event possible in Iowa Wednesday in order to use the endorsement as much as possible. Brownback was well liked in Iowa and had a lot of support among evangelical Christians. Brownback called McCain, ?The best pro-life candidate to beat Hillary Clinton.? McCain told supporters that, ?We Republicans mus...
Brownback Endorses McCain
2007-11-08 06:11:00 Sam Brownback has once last thing to do in this presidential campaign and that is an endorsement.In other good news, McCain has edged out Fred Thompson for the number two spot on RCP averages with 16.4%, still far behind Giuliani who comes in at 30.1%. Fred Thompson has fallen from 23% to 16%, while Huckabee registers at 8.1%.
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...
By: Political Realm
Good And Bad
2007-10-28 21:56:00 Let's take another look at the political stock market.Good? Ron Paul: Though talk of Ron Paul was banned (for new users, at least) on the prominent conservative website Redstate this week, we're guessing that it garnered the campaign more attention than it would have otherwise gotten and provided more fuel for his passionate supporters. Paul has been stockpiling campaign cash for much of the year and the campaign is beginning to put it to good use. Five new ads will be airing in New Hampshire over the next several weeks--see the first two here.? Mike Huckabee: The former Arkansas governor received a lot of positive buzz this week (and the corresponding response from several anti-Huckabee fiscal conservatives). Huckabee appears to be on the rise in Iowa, where he campaigned this weekend, and his campaign is actually bragging about its fundraising for once.? Hillary Clinton: While her rivals continue to grow more aggressive in attack her alleged electability problem and her re...
By: Political Realm
Republican Debate Orlando Florida 10/21/07 VIDEO
2007-10-23 04:34:00 Republican Debate LINE all the Latest News Updated 24/7/365 (Right click to open stories in new window)RELATED: Republican debate Dearborn, Michigan 10/09/07 VIDEO - The Republican presidential candidates met in Dearborn, Mich., for their first debate in a month, their sixth major debate overall.Republican Presidential Debate 09/05/07 VIDEO - REPUBLICAN DEBATE FOX NEWS SEPTEMBER 05, 2007Republican presidential Debate MANCHESTER 06/05/07 VIDEO - Republican presidential Debate MANCHESTER, New Hampshire 06/05/07, FULL STREAMING VIDEORepublican presidential debate 05/15/07 VIDEO - Republican presidential debate Columbia, S.C 05/15/07Technorati Tags: GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE and Republican Presidential Debate or Orlando, Florida and Fox News or Sam Brownback and Jim Gilmore or Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee or Duncan Hunter and John McCain or Mitt Romney or Ron Paul and Fred Thompson or Tom Tancredo and Native American Heritage Month Maricopa Tribe and Nanotube forests grown on silico...
2008Central.net?s Presidential Election Podcast (10/21/07)
2007-10-22 19:22:00 This week’s podcast covers: 1) Value Voters Summit; 2) Mike Huckabee’s Moment?; 3) Candidates from all parties attack Hillary Clinton, She responds… Download audio file (2008PresidentialElectionPodcas-t_10_21_07.mp3) Feel free to email us questions/suggestions for next week’s podcast (you can also email an audio file of your question and we’ll include it in the podcast). Subscribe to 2008Central.net’s Presidential Election ...
By: 2008 Central
Sam Brownback Makes an Exit from Presidential Campaign
2007-10-21 08:49:00 Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) signs books at a conservative family values group. Photo by REUTERS.On Friday, October 19, 2007, Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) announced that he had found an exit strategy, from the presidential campaign that is. The Republican Senator from Kansas tried to sell himself on being the true family values candidate but conservatives apparently were not interested. Brownback raised only $926,000 last quarter, which is fine if you are running for county clerk, but not for president. Brownback made his emotional announcement from Topeka, Kansas with his wife Mary and his family at his side. "Today I'm ending my candidacy. My yellow brick road just came short of the White House this time," Brownback said. Oh nice one, he?s from Kansas, a ?Wizard of Oz? reference. "We've really been held (back) early on by the media saying 'we don't think he can do it,'" Brownback said. Brownback?s support was waning and had sunk into the single digit...
Sam Brownback Pulls Out of GOP Presidential Race
2007-10-20 08:36:00 Sen. Sam Brownback of Kansas announced Friday afternoon that he is pulling the plug on his Republican presidential bid. The senator was not doing well in the polls and was heading into the primary season without enough campaign cash. The senator did not offer an endorsement of any of his presidential rivals, but he said he ...
By: The Hot Joints
So Long, Sam Brownback
2007-10-20 04:33:00 The announcement from Kansas Senator Brownback today that he was abandoning his presidential bid comes as little surprise to those who have tuned in to the campaign thus far. Brownback's message has failed to catch on with voters and has been overshadowed throughout this cycle.He had attempted to cast himself as the choice for Christian conservatives, an alternative to frontrunners Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Voters from the religious right failed to mobilize behind his candidacy, however, and Brownback has lagged in the polls since entering the race in January. His candidacy had effectively ended August 11, when he finished a disappointing third in the Ames Straw Poll--a key measuring stick for Republican presidential hopefuls."Today I'm ending my candidacy," Brownback told supporters in Kansas. He went on to blame poor fundraising and the negative media coverage, saying, "We've really been held [back] early on by the media saying, 'we don't think he can do it.'" Afte...
By: Political Realm
Brownback To Drop Out
2007-10-18 18:45:00 Despite the fact he was polling very low, this hurts Giuliani (thank God.) Brownback's supporters are NOT going to back Giuliani if they don't have to.Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee will benefit from this.
By: Nicks Notes
Brownback to Drop Out
2007-10-18 16:31:00 According to the AP, Sam Brownback will drop out of the presidential race.This is no surprise to me. Brownback has struggled throughout the entire year with fundraising and making a case for his candidacy to conservatives. His campaign took a blow in the August Ames poll, in which Huckabee came in second. Since then, he has had very little media attention and his chances at the nomination dwindled to almost nothing. Brownback has raised about $4 million for the entire year and has only $94,000 left on hand for his presidential bid. Failure does not even begin to describe his campaign."I know Senator Brownback enjoyed campaigning and meeting new people in talking about ideas for the future of America, but I think it came down to money," said one person close to Brownback, who requested anonymity because the candidate had not yet announced his plans.So, question is, would Brownback seek Sabelius? Governor?s seat and would Sebelius seek Brownback?s Senate seat?And, is Duncan Hunter next?
Sam Brownback ready to end his White House bid.
2007-10-18 16:02:00 His campaign will end tomorrow according to sources close to the campaign.read more | digg storyLiberty Central- Conservatism's Blog of Choice
Republican Money Report
2007-10-16 23:23:00 Financial filings were released yesterday by the FEC. Let's take a look at how the campaigns did during the third quarter (July-September), starting with the Republican contenders. The figures in parentheses represent totals from the previous quarter.Sam BrownbackMoney Raised: $925,745 ($1,425,767)Money Spent: $1,278,856 ($1,798,493)Cash On Hand: $94,654 ($460,236)Debt: $0 ($0)? Heavy spending towards an unimpressive finish in the Ames Straw poll coupled with poor fundraising have put Brownback's campaign on life support. With fewer than $100,000 available, it will be difficult for Brownback to make any serious move.Rudy GiulianiMoney Raised: $11,624,255 ($17,599,292)Money Spent: $13,300,650 ($11,222,806)Cash On Hand: $16,649,826 ($18,326,220)Debt: $169,256 ($0)? Giuliani's campaign has been increasing the spending of late, beginning to air advertisements in Iowa and New Hampshire, but the campaign remains the cash on hand leader. That financial advantage should help Gi...
By: Political Realm
2008Central.net?s Presidential Election Podcast (10/14/07)
2007-10-15 02:52:00 This week’s podcast covers: 1) Gore gets the nobel peace prize and what it means for presidential politics; 2) Republicans debate economic issues, Fred Thompson gets shut out of the campaign by Giuliani and Romney, McCain campaign still has some life left in it; 3) Barack Obama makes waves in Iowa, most Democrats pull out ...
By: 2008 Central
Republican debate Dearborn, Michigan 10/09/07 VIDEO
2007-10-10 04:11:00 (editor's note: MSNBC and CNBC are not making online streaming files available. The debate was streamed Live at 4:00 pm on CNBC and is repeated on TV on MSNBC at 9:00 pm. As soon as recorded files, images, mp3 and video are available they will be posted here. Find full text transcript below).Republican presidential debateRepublican presidential debate. LIVE VIDEO: Watch live coverage of CNBC's Republican presidential debate (follow image or text link left), focusing on economic issues, and hosted by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo and MSNBC's Chris Matthews from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET 10/09/07.October 9, 2007 - Dearborn, Michigan, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal,and the University of Michigan-Dearborn will host a Republican debate in Dearborn, Michigan at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center.The Republican presidential candidates met in Dearborn, Mich., for their first debate in a month, their sixth major debate overall. The Wall Street Journal/CNBC/MSNBC debate, focused on the econo...
Daily Briefing (October 9, 2007)
2007-10-09 16:51:00 Here’s what’s news today… GOP Debate sponsored by CNBC/MSNBC/The Wall Street Journal. This debate will be moderated by Chris Mathews and will focus on economic issues. It’ll be Fred Thompson’s first debate. It will air on CNBC at 4PM ET and on MSNBC at 9PM ET. Chris Matthews warns candidates that they better not suggest that he ...
By: 2008 Central
Mitt Romney: Not A Fan Of Medical Marijuana, Prefers ?Alternatives?
2007-10-09 03:12:00 On Saturday (10/6/07), while at a campaign stop in New Hampshire, Mitt Romney was confronted about Medical Marijuana by a current user who suffers from muscular dystrophy. Clayton Holton, who is confined to a wheelchair, claims that he and his doctors believe that he demonstrates some of the advantages of medicinal marijuana. The ...
By: 2008 Central
Primary Calendar Clearing Up
2007-10-02 18:29:00 For a while, not a day would go by without one state leap-frogging another to jump to the head of the primary voting pack. It seems things have finally cooled down and the primary calendar has begun to sort itself out. So let's take a look at where things stand and how the calendar may affect the nomination battle. First, let me state that several of these dates are not yet official, but this does appear to be the most likely calendar scenario.January 3 or 5: Iowa CaucusesJanuary 5: Wyoming Caucuses (Republicans Only)January 8: New Hampshire PrimaryJanuary 12: Nevada CaucusesJanuary 15: Michigan PrimaryJanuary 19: South Carolina PrimaryJanuary 29: Florida PrimaryThough the caucus date still officially stands on January 14, Iowa has made it known that they will preserve their first in the nation status. Governor Chet Culver has also said he does not want voters caucusing in December, so the state is left with a narrow window in the first week of January. With New Hampshir...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Iraq, Iran, And Health Care
2007-09-26 05:34:00 Sam BrownbackThe Brownback campaign has produced several videos in which the candidate addresses a variety of issues. In the video below, Brownback discusses the importance of marriage. For other videos, click here.Hillary ClintonAfter announcing a new health care plan, the Clinton campaign released a campaign ad touting the proposal. Now, the campaign has a new web video in which they respond to various questions from supporters about the proposal.The campaign has also released its first radio ad, playing on the "invisible" theme of its first television ad. The ad is running South Carolina.Larry CraigThe Physicians Committee For Responsible Medicine has a cute little ad out spoofing the Larry Craig situation and addressing childhood obesity. Barack ObamaNot about to let Hillary Clinton control the health care issue, Barack Obama is airing a new ad in which he discusses his mother's battle with cancer.Bill RichardsonRichardson is going after his Democratic rivals on the issue o...
By: Political Realm
Tonight?s Debate Matters
2007-09-17 21:16:00 Comments from the candidates on their reason for not showing, read after the post. Tonight the Republican candidates (most) will be facing off at the AFA Values Voter 2008 Presidential Debate. Several candidates have refused to show, those include; John McCain, Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson. I’m sure these folks have better things ...
Giuliani Attacks Clinton Over MoveOn Ad
2007-09-16 05:32:00 This controversy started last week when Moveon.org ran this ad in the New York Times in advance of Gen. Petraeus and Amb. Crocker testifying to Congress. (More on the ad here) Republicans immediately responded (full list of responses is after the jump), in past substantively to the ad, and in part in response to this article ...
By: 2008 Central
It is on!
2007-09-16 05:23:00 So, after Hillary joined the peanut gallery (moveon.org) with their attack ad on General Petraeus, Rudy replied with his own little ad and video. Not surprisingly Hillary has fired back, starting what seems to be the first bipartisan fight of the upcoming election. Sure each party has attacked their own people but it’s always more ...
Republican Debate from New Hampshire (9/5/2007)
2007-09-14 18:37:00 (Right) Mike Huckabee gives Rudy Giuliani a ?peck? on the cheek following the debate in New Hampshire on September 5, 2007. (Left) John McCain leans in to get in on the action. Photo by REUTERS. Brit Hume hosted the fifth Republican presidential debate in New Hampshire at the University of New Hampshire on September 5th, 2007. Fred Thompson was the only candidate not on hand. Thompson took the night to appear on Jay Leno and announce his inevitable presidential campaign and did not make it to the debate. Fred?s absence did not go unnoticed by the candidates on stage and the other candidates briefly discussed his entrance to the race. Most of the candidates welcomed him into the race while joking about why he was not there in person talking with the people of New Hampshire. John McCain commented that it was a decision for Thompson to make on his own whether or not to be there and joked that maybe they were up past his bedtime. Rudy Giuliani suggested...
Republican Presidential Debate 09/05/07 VIDEO
2007-09-07 03:07:00 REPUBLICAN DEBATE FOX NEWS SEPTEMBER 05, 2007Technorati Tags: GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE and Republican Presidential Debate or New Hampshire and Fox News or Sam Brownback and Jim Gilmore or Rudy Giuliani and Mike Huckabee or Duncan Hunter and John McCain or Mitt Romney or Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo or Fred Thompson I'm In Campaign Ad and Easter Island Moai and Nanogels That enable controlled delivery of carbohydrate drugs
Debate Scorecard
2007-09-06 21:01:00 WinnersJohn McCain: New Hampshire has become make or break for McCain's presidential campaign. After months of weak fundraising, staff shuffling, and unpopular positions (most recently, immigration reform), McCain fell out of the top tier. He has reorganized his campaign and has put the focus again on New Hampshire, the state that made him a household name in 2000. Last night, McCain presented a presidential image--both through his performance and how he was lauded by many of his rivals as heroic, honorable, and right on the Iraq War. A Fox News focus group confirmed McCain's strong performance. He certainly still has an uphill climb, but last night's performance proved McCain isn't done yet.Mike Huckabee: Huckabee is clearly the most eloquent of the Republican candidates and it shows in his continued strong showings in these debates. Without saying who won the argument, his exchange with Ron Paul was the highlight of the debate. Huckabee was able to note that Iraq has ...
By: Political Realm
SAM BROWNBACK SPEAKS TO EMPTY ROOM
2007-09-05 15:52:00 Sen. Sam Brownback Is Black Dog's 'Saddest Man Of The Day'
By: BLACK DOG PRESS
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
Brownback Touts Foreign Policy Experience
2007-08-18 23:01:00 After finishing behind Romney and Huckabee in the Iowa Straw Poll, Sam Brownback is trying to gain ground by focusing on his foreign policy experience: Republican presidential candidate Sam Brownback on Tuesday criticized President Bush and two GOP rivals, saying the presidency isn?t a foreign policy classroom. Brownback?s criticism that governors often do not have the foreign ...
By: 2008 Central
Iowa Straw Poll Winners and Losers
2007-08-16 04:03:00 Iowa straw poll winners and losers. Anyone can blog first, but taking a step back, who really won? Winners: Mitt Romney: The obvious to start with, seeing as though he actually won. Romney may not have exceeded expectations, but he got the win he needed to have. Seeing as though a loss would have crippled his campaign, ...
By: 2008 Central
Tommy Thompson Withdrawals Presidential Bid After Straw Poll
2007-08-14 08:06:00 Tommy Thompson waits to be introduced by the Iowa Straw Poll in Ames, Iowa. REUTERS/Joshua Lott Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson withdrew from the presidential race on Sunday after a disappointing sixth place finish in the Iowa Republican straw poll. Thompson bet it all on the straw poll hoping a decent finish there would be a sign that his campaign was turning around but he lost that bet. The poll on Saturday placed him ahead of candidates who decided either not to show up to the event or they have not even entered the race yet. Duncan Hunter and John Cox also finished behind Thompson with less than 1% which is about where they have been polling. Thompson said if he did not finish in the top two in Saturday?s straw poll that he would withdrawal from the race. ?I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as governor of Wisconsin and secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as president, but I respect t...
Farewell, Tommy Thompson
2007-08-13 19:32:00 Tommy Thompson didn't beat around the bush when assessing the strength of his presidential campaign. It was Iowa or bust for Thompson, the former Wisconsin governor who visited each of Iowa's 99 counties leading up to the GOP straw poll in Ames this weekend. Thompson acknowledged that he would need a first or second place finish in the event to continue his campaign, but after a disappointing sixth he announced it was over. His debate performances have been unimpressive, his fundraising equally poor, and his message simply failed to catch on. The straw poll results proved to be a predictable tipping point."I have no regrets about running. I felt my record as Governor of Wisconsin and Secretary of Health and Human Services gave me the experience I needed to serve as President, but I respect the decision of the voters. I am leaving the campaign trail today, but I will not leave the challenges of improving health care and welfare in America," Thompson said in a campaign statement ...
By: Political Realm
Iowa Straw Poll: A Candidate By Candidate Analysis
2007-08-13 01:11:00 (image: sptimes) So I thought it would make for a fun exercise to examine the implications of the recent Iowa Straw Poll. Why do I care about this every 8 years tradition? It’s the first time we start to see candidates out of the race. #1 Mitt Romney: First off, kudos. Romney’s speech was fantastic. Not necessarily ...
By: postpolitical
Iowa Republican Debate YouTube Videos
2007-08-12 23:09:00 On August 5, 2007, the Republican candidates, minus Fred Thompson who has not yet become an official candidate, debated in Iowa. Iowa is the first primary caucus state and Drake University played host to this important debate for Republican candidates in Des Moines, Iowa. George Stephanopoulos was the moderator for the debate with the ABC News ?This Week? Sunday morning show hosting the event. Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani are leading the polls currently in Iowa with Mitt Romney coming in first in the non-binding straw poll on August 11th. Here are all of the videos from the debate: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9
Parsing The Straw Poll
2007-08-12 17:10:00 More than 14,000 ballots later, let's take a look at the results of the Ames Straw Poll.A win is a win--or at least that's the story the Romney campaign is trying to sell. I suppose that's true--a win is better than a loss, but how much is that win worth? He did what he needed to do, but a win over absent rivals Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and Fred Thompson would have been far more valuable. The win does reflect Romney's strength in the state--he's been on the air for months, he has a solid campaign infrastructure, and he's been leading in the polls here since May. He's the clear frontrunner now in Iowa, but it's unclear if the victory will give him a bounce nationally, where he is running fourth. In the end, national polling may not matter if Romney is able to convincingly take the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, where he also holds a lead, and use that momentum to surge to victories elsewhere as John Kerry in 2004.Romney garnered a slightly higher percentag...
By: Political Realm
Romney Wins Iowa Poll
2007-08-12 05:44:00 Helps when the top three frontrunners choose not to take part.Romney won decisively, followed by Mike Huckabee, Sam Brownback, Tom Tancredo and Ron Paul.Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson finished a disappointing sixth, followed by no-shows Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani. Even Duncan Hunter beat John McCain.
By: Nicks Notes
Ames Straw Poll Results
2007-08-12 04:05:00 The Iowa Ames Straw Poll was not all good times and barbecue. Instead, there was a little Florida nostalgia when a voting machine malfunctioned, sending 1,500 ballots to be hand counted, resulting in a delay in the results. Optical scan machines from Diebold, rented by the state party, were recently decertified by the state of California for the 2008 election. Nevertheless, after an hour delay, and a lower turnout than expected, the results came in as follows:As expected, and no real shocker, Mitt Romney came out on top, winning over 4,500 votes of the 14,302 votes casts. Watching the news today, all attention was on who will be number two, which is to say the number two candidate gets the momentum. Despite Brownback?s push to pull out a strong showing in the poll, Mike Huckabee came in second, edging him out by a few hundred votes. It is a blow to the Brownback campaign who went into this event fighting for the top stop only to once again fail by the charm of the former Governor of...
Preparing For The Ames Straw Poll
2007-08-10 21:44:00 Several thousand Iowans will gather tomorrow for the Ames Straw Poll, sponsored by the Iowa GOP, which has traditionally been an early measuring stick for support. The event reflects both organization and money (plus the willingness to spend it) in first voting state. Critics charge, however, that the event is not a true reflection of support in Iowa--a fair claim. The event gauges the strength of a campaign operation more than the strength of the candidate. Supporters are often given free tickets (there is a $35 fee to attend--it's an Iowa GOP fundraiser), free transportation, free food, and entertainment once they arrive.This will be the fifth time the event has been held, with two of its previous winners going on to win the caucuses and the nomination (Bob Dole in 1996 and George W. Bush in 2000). Though its outcome may not forecast the eventual nominee, the straw poll is almost certain to winnow the Republican field. After poor results in 1999, Lamar Alexander and Dan Qua...
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: More Crazy Gravel
2007-08-09 20:51:00 Mike GravelThe campaign has a new video noting Gravel is different from the typical candidate, but that unique profile means he will bring change. It's an interesting move, but I don't know if voters are ready to go for someone as radical as Gravel has seemed.Barack ObamaObama has a new ad airing in Iowa similar to the other profile ads that also show clips from his famous 2004 Democratic Convention speech. Romney Girls?We've seen Obama Girl, Giuliani Girl, Clinton Girl, even Brownback Girl. We present now the Romney Girls. Will it never end?YouTubeYouTube has a new page available for voters that allows them to see video of all the candidates addressing various issues. Check it out.
By: Political Realm
Ad Wars: Republican Straw Poll Push
2007-08-08 17:08:00 Sam BrownbackBrownback was on the offensive last week, suggesting that Mitt Romney's pro-life position is in question. After Romney denied the claims, Brownback posted this response video.CongressSenate Democrats are airing new ads across the country trumpeting their accomplishments.Mike HuckabeeThe Huckabee campaign has a new campaign bus and he urges supporters to help him come up with a name for the bus.John McCainAfter neglecting his campaign's YouTube page for more than a month, McCain has posted a variety of videos over the past few days. In this video, McCain talks about his plans for success in Iraq.Ron PaulPaul's campaign is airing a new ad in Iowa profiling the candidate and urging voters to support him at the Ames Straw Poll.Mitt RomneyRomney also has a new ad in Iowa asking for straw poll support.
By: Political Realm
Brownback Welcomes Roe but Shuns Romney: Hypocritical or Reasonable?
2007-08-07 20:00:00 The Brownback campaign has been butting heads with the Romney campaign for months. It came to a head in the recent debate: You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video This has been going on for quite a while. Back in January, David Brody quoted Brownback as saying: ?I think you have to look ...
By: 2008 Central
Afternoon Brief
2007-08-06 20:33:00 ? The US Senate is moving to reform the primary system used to select nominees for the two major parties. A bill introduced by Senators Joe Lieberman, Amy Klobuchar, and Lamar Alexander would create a rotating regional primary system. The country would be divided into four regions and each region would vote one month apart beginning in March. The order of the regions would be determined by lottery. Iowa and New Hampshire would maintain their spots as the first caucus and primary states before the regional primary voting would occur.? A ballot proposal could disrupt Democratic control over California's 55 electoral votes by awarding electoral votes to the winner of each Congressional district. President Bush would have gained 22 electoral votes in 2004 under such a system. If adopted, the measure would significantly hamper the chances of any Democratic nominee. Currently, only Maine and Nebraska award electoral votes based on the winner of each Congressional district.? Marc A...
By: Political Realm
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