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Weekly Open Thread: What Races Are You Interested In?

by: James L.

Fri Feb 05, 2010 at 8:48 PM EST


UPDATE (David): Check it out - every time you use bit.ly to create a short URL for a link here at the Swing State Project, you'll now get a link to our new "ssp.bz" (think "buzz") micro-domain, such as: http://ssp.bz/7se2hb. This is especially great for Twitter users - whenever you see an ssp.bz link, now you'll always know the source, regardless of who tweets it. This hotness is courtesy bitly.Pro, a free service which launched tonight.

P.S. You should follow @SwingState on Twitter.

UPDATE 2 (David): So I didn't have my explanation of bitly.Pro quite right. It turns out that for now, only the editors of SSP can create ssp.bz links. The ability to make that universal hasn't been rolled out yet. But even so, any time you see an ssp.bz link on Twitter or elsewhere, you'll know it's from us.

Also, since sapelcovits brought up the "What congressional district do you live in?" question, I thought I'd bring back this Frappr map we created when we first asked this question a couple of years ago. You can joint to show fellow SSPers where you're from (no personal information is revealed):

James L. :: Weekly Open Thread: What Races Are You Interested In?
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Weekly Open Thread: What Races Are You Interested In? | 181 comments
This is soooo of topic
But I heard that more democrats are Saints fans, while more republicans are Colts fans. Well I have to say that this Dem is a colts fan!!!!!!!

GO COLTS!!!!!

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  

Am I the only one...
... offended by the fact that PPP even conducted a poll to reveal this supposed data point? It really speaks volumes to the state of media-driven polarization in our political discourse today - honestly, what the heck is the point of attempting to artificially superimpose a partisan dimension to Americans' friggin' Super Bowl team preferences?

Sorry for going off, but crap like that really annoys me.

Male, 23, DC-At Large

[ Parent ]
I think the fact that there was a tangable difference was intresting
Not sure why the difference exists but it's probably not a coincidence.  May not have anything to do with political leanings but worth looking at at least.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Really?
This topic might be well fielded by political scientists and sociologists, but we all know today's pundits and headline writers have absolutely zero interest in conveying any sort of nuance or perspective to it. Instead, they create yet another superficial framework through which we as Americans label each other, and it seems to me that is the last thing this country needs.

Male, 23, DC-At Large
[ Parent ]
I really don't think this poll is going to help polarize the country more
Let's be honest: outside of Indiana and Louisiana no one's going to really care that much about this game in a month and it'll be forgotten.  Besides 46% of the country doesn't care right now: hardly deep polarization.  

Btw go Saints!  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
I kinda agree
I'm pretty sure there is no relation between political party and Super Bowl preference. Just coincidence.  
[ Parent ]
I agree
it was a stupid poll. Still can you blame them? The press loves reporting it, I read it on politico, and heard about it on hardball and countdown. They just wanted the attention, and honestly I really don't see the harm in having a little fun every once in a while. Plus speaking a Hoosier and a democrat I hate to see my party turning against me :)

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
Quinnipiac regularly polls this kind of question
With regard to Mets and Yankees. There were also some Giants/Eagles questions w/r/t the NJ-Gov race last year. (Sigh, no one respects the Jets. 'Twas ever thus.)

I actually think this kind of thing is interesting. And it's also smart marketing for PPP.

[ Parent ]
A (slightly) more sensible approach to polling football politics
I'm remembering a poll from a couple of decades ago - which corrolated a preference for defense and offense to the D and R parties, respectively.

I think the D preference for defense could be interpreted in a couple of ways:

1) a joy associated with the intricacies of the game, focused on players who are less celebrated

2) a tendency to always punt and be on defense, when we have all of the offensive advantages

[ Parent ]
I bet the reason
is because Obama likes backing the loser. Look at Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts...
[ Parent ]
It was the opposite
It was like Dems were 34-22 for the Saints, Repubs were 26-25 for the Colts.
WHO DAT!
[ Parent ]
not much
Those numbers don't show THAT much of a partisan difference.

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
Random but
out of curiosity what CDs do people here live in/have they lived in? I do have a sense of where SSP posters are from but I'm just curious. (especially for people who live in districts with interesting races :))

As for me, I'm from RI-01 but I go to college in IL-01.

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/

Washington, DC
DC-At Large, some day...

Male, 23, DC-At Large
[ Parent ]
I'm from NY-21 (Tonko), and attend college in NY-22 (Hinchey)


For daily political commentary, visit me at http://polibeast.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/polibeast
[ Parent ]
Please tell me
your name is Andy and you go to Cornell.

Oh the Office....

[ Parent ]
IN-9
I get the Hill vs. Sodrel battle year after year.

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
sweet.
there's a remote chance I will go to IU for grad school (although I assume by then Bloomington will have been moved out by redistricting).

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/
[ Parent ]
Yeah
I think they will probably get Ellsworth, and I think Hill (assuming he wins in 2010) will probably run for Governor. If you can go to IU, then do it! Honestly it is an amazing school and you will love it!  

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
I
live in NJ-8 represented by Bill Pascrell (D). Great Congressman!

17, Gay Male, Democrat, NJ-8  
[ Parent ]
Well of course
He is from New Jersey and has no dead bodies in his back yard, he must be doing something right :)

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
We did an open thread
Asking this very question a couple of years ago. We should do another one! (And please join our Frappr map while you're at it!)
[ Parent ]
I think it's fun :))
I added myself in Chicago. Kind of hoping I get redistricted into IL-02, I prefer Jackson to Rush :P

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/
[ Parent ]
Oh I didnt know about the Frappr map
I'll have to check it out.
[ Parent ]
I'd like to join that map
One question: It's asking for an email address. Will that address be visible to everyone looking at the map? I think not, but I'd still like to know what data will be visible.

"I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!"
--  Will Rogers  
[ Parent ]
I'm in that map
and emails don't show on it.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
Pretty sure just name and location
And you can always use a throwaway email address.
[ Parent ]
CA-32 and CA-42
I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley (Eastern LA County-area), a large chunk of which is currently represented by Judy Chu (D) (it was Hilda Solis when i was still there), but as of 2 years ago i've moved to the OC, and of course..got to know the conservative dealings that accompany it, with low-key and super-corrupt Gary Miller as my "congressman".

If there's a place in dire need of gerrymandering, its here in the OC, really good gerrymandering to end the horror of being represented by right-wingers (though to be fair, it's not as bad as John Campbell and his birther lunacy, though he can be beaten).

16, Male, Democrat, CA-42/sometimes CA-32.

[ Parent ]
CA-28 and CA-17
   I am from the southeast San Fernando Valley, a neighborhood I like to call Squirming Oaks since the '94 earthquake but most people call Sherman Oaks, CA (part of the city of L.A.) Representative Brad Sherman calls it the best named city in America, but I live in the part of SO he doesn't represent; I should be in Berman Oaks  since Howard Berman is my Congressguy. Living near district borders we have been in Waxman's district in the '90s and Tony Beilenson's in the '70s (now Brad's district).

  My congressional voting highlight was the first time I voted as a freshman at UC Santa Cruz in what is now CA-17. I voted for Leon Panetta the first time he won his seat in the House. I liked him as a Representative; like Sherman and Beilenson (and unlike Berman) he went out into the district to do public meetings and be accessible to his constituents. The only time I lived in a GOP held district was the Fall Quarter of '76 before Panetta was elected. That district now has Sam Farr as Rep. He was in the Assembly when I lived there and replaced Leon when he left to join the Clinton Administration.

52, male, disgruntled Democrat, CA-28

[ Parent ]
Lived in CA-44 (San Clemente/Orange County)
Going to college in CA-12 (San Francisco)

Big difference, I can tell ya.

I really want Calvert booted :(

20, Male, Democrat, CA-44 (home) CA-12 (college)

[ Parent ]
Where in CA-12?
I'm from CA-15 pretty close to you and know the area fairly well.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Its essentially south SF/Daly city to San Mateo.


20, Male, Democrat, CA-44 (home) CA-12 (college)
[ Parent ]
I meant what part of CA-12 are you living in.
Just curiosity since I know the area.  Always fun to see another Bay Area resident (or soon to be resident) outside California.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Agreed


for more election analysis, visit  http://frogandturtle.blogspot....




17, CA-06,  

[ Parent ]
You should go brag to everyone in SF youre from The OC
See what happens ;). Im just kidding ;).

But in all seriousness I bet there are many from the OC who go to college in a very liberal area (or just simply a very liberal college) and will return home to help shape the future of the OC Democratic Party. Just as how im sure the same happened in former GOP suburbs of the Bay Area when they returned from school in Berkley, Stanford, etc.

[ Parent ]
Err Berkeley
Of course :). And theres Univ. of San Fran, too, right? Maybe thats where youre going.  
[ Parent ]
SW-MO
MO-7,
Joplin and Springfield.

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
I'm so sorry, man
Just kiddin'...I've spent time in Springfield.... I do love me some Bass Pro Shops.

Just moved from CA-36 (Jane Harman, ugh) to CA-27 (Brad Sherman...much better) but grew up in KS-03 (goodbye, Dennis Moore, I love you!)

Oh--and I lived in CA-34 (Lucille Roybal-Allard) for a cycle or two.

Kansan by birth, Californian by choice, and Gay by the grace of God.

[ Parent ]
Joplin
I live in the Joplin area, which is even more conservative than Springfield.  I am one of the few Republicans on this site so the areas politics do not bother me.  However, I am probably considered a moderate Republican here as most of my neighbors voted for Mike Huckabee in the primary while I voted for McCain.

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
Ah so youre in Roy Blunt's district
A coincidence since Im in his old leadership buddy Tom DeLay's district.

I wonder what the folks in Blunt's district really think of him. Is he a loved there, just liked, or do they not particularly care for him? In a way Im surprised his son, ex-Gov. Baby Blunt, isnt running for the open seat. Sure, most former Govs dont like to go to the House unless its an at-large district (and many of them even dont want to do that), but hes just so young and he may want to 'change his legacy'. And right now his legacy is a failed governor. If he won the primary hed certainly win the general and then hed probably be set there for life...and thus giving him a real chance to change the course of his political legacy. A 20+ year House career will do that, especially if you left the Gov. office after only one term, not guilty of corruption and were very young. But I guess he just doesnt want that for himself and really it kind of says even more about him because hes not obsessed with what others think of him. Although, for all I know, he may not have even won the primary in his own district.

[ Parent ]
Blunt
He is not loved but he will still win SW MO this November is a landslide because of opposition to Obama.

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
True, but did you see...
He'll definitely win the district, since it's like R+80bazillion. But....PPP did a Carnahan vs Blunt statewide survey and Blunt was least popular in the area code (417) he represents.

http://www.swingstateproject.c...

If he underperforms significantly in the most Republican district in the state, it will make it extremely tough for him to win statewide.  

Kansan by birth, Californian by choice, and Gay by the grace of God.

[ Parent ]
MO-5
KCMO, MO MO

26, D, MO-05, Hispanic
[ Parent ]
LA-03
open seat and no trace of anyone running yet
[ Parent ]
I'm right above ya
In LA-06, used to live in LA-01 until summer 08.  
[ Parent ]
Currently live in AZ-01
Grew up in AZ-08.
I'm actually moving for school in a few months, and the choices will (hopefully) be between AZ-07, WA-07, OR-05, & CO-01.  

22, Democrat, AZ-01
Peace. Love. Gabby.
[ Parent ]
Easy for me:
I'm a native of VT-AL and have had these three congressmen in my lifetime: Jim Jeffords (elected to Senate in '88), Peter Smith (defeated in '90), and Bernie Sanders (now Senator).

I moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in VA-08, in late 2006. I've got the infamous Jim Moran now.  

[ Parent ]
Just the last few
OR-03, NC-03, CA-09, CA-08, WA-01, VA-05...
[ Parent ]
IA-03
where Blue Dog Dem Leonard Boswell's staff insists he is not retiring.
[ Parent ]
UT-02
represented by Jim Matheson. Too moderate for me, but the only dem who could have won in 2002 and 2004.
[ Parent ]
Id love for SSP to have a map
Showing members names in their congressional district. Thatd be awesome.

For me, I live in TX-22, Pete Olson's district. I have lived in the Clear Lake area (in the SE Houston burbs) almost all my life. But because of Texas's vast redistricting changes over the years...i honestly dont know who my congressman was in the 90s! I was born in 82 and didnt start really, really following politics until around the time of Bush/Gore. In the 90s, up until about 03, the Clear Lake part I lived in was in Houston. Maybe DeLay represented it in the 90s or maybe it was in the Ron Paul/Laughlin district. Also, lived much of my childhood before the 90s in nearby Baytown (where most of my family is from) which is now split between Ted Poe and Gene Green. Who the hell knows which district was mine back then.  

[ Parent ]
there is look upthread n/t
[ Parent ]
I'm from MI-08, go to school in MD-07
I'm registered in MI-08, hoping that maybe someday my vote will help oust Republican Mike Rogers.

28, Male, MI-09 (home), MD-07 (school)
[ Parent ]
I live in IL-10
"Represented" by Mark Kirk (although hopefully soon I will get Dan Seals as an actual representative).

Go to school in NY-28, though, and represented there by Louise Slaughter, who more than makes up for Kirk.  

[ Parent ]
Currently TX-24 (Kenny Marchant (R)).
Here's a list of districts I've lived in, under their current boundaries. I have no idea which districts I lived in in the 80s (1983 on) or 90s.

CA-26 (Dreier (R))
AZ-08 (Giffords (R); in the 90s to 2007 Kolbe (R))
TX-10 (McCaul (R))
TX-06 (Barton (R))
TX-32 (Sessions (R))
TX-26 (Burgess (R))

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)

[ Parent ]
You mean Giffords (D)...
Don't you?  No need to senselessly slander the only Dem on that list.  :-P

28, Male, MI-09 (home), MD-07 (school)
[ Parent ]
Oops, typo. You're right.


My blog
Twitter
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
From CA-15, go to college and vote in LA-2
I consider CA-15 home (suburban San Jose as well as parts of that city) but I'm getting very involved in local politics in LA-2 (New Orleans!)

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Mayor
Who do you like for Mayor?
[ Parent ]
Australia no less n/t
[ Parent ]
Surely you have electoral districts
In Australia. :) What's your's called?
[ Parent ]
I'm not good with district numbers
But I grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which was represented by Ted Weiss, the Charlie Rangel and Carolyn Maloney (the boundary between the districts the latter two represented was often which side of West End you were on).

When I was in undergraduate school at SUNY at Purchase, it was in DioGuardi's district. When I was in grad school at Stony Brook (I lived out there from 1989-92 and finished my Doctorate in '94), I believe it was represented by Hockbrueckner and then Bishop. I maintained my voting registration on the Upper West Side the whole time, though.

I now live in the East Village, where I'm represented by Jerrold Nadler.

I'd say that the best Representatives I've been represented by were Ted Weiss and Jerry Nadler - good, essentially uncorrupt, honest, forthright, unapologetic liberals.

"I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!"
--  Will Rogers  

[ Parent ]
Those
are the kinds of liberals I like and respect the most.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
IL-15
I have Timothy Johnson (R) as my Congressman, and he's excellent - perhaps a bit too much to the right, but whatever.

Then again, I'm a Republican, so all these comments about how we're all wingnuts insult me.  

[ Parent ]
Grew up in MD-01, now live in VA-02

[ Parent ]
A decade ago
I lived in TX-22.  My parents found new jobs to move us back to MN where we moved to MN-6.  I went to college in MN-4 (St Paul) and now live in MN-5 (Minneapolis).  Ellison had already been one of my faves in Congress so having him as my representative now officially is awesome.  Im excited to get to vote for him in November!

Although maybe I'll be in school next semester (Im in my shitty 23-year old transition stage) so then I can vote back in MN-6.

[ Parent ]
Excellent
Another vote against the Queen of Crazy would be great. ;)

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/
[ Parent ]
Live
I live in NY-01.

29/D/Male/NY-01
[ Parent ]
fl-11
Love my congress critter Kathy Castor.

34, WM, Democrat, FL-11
[ Parent ]
FL-01 Tea Party country
For the last two years. Before that I lived in MO-05 (Cleaver), KS-04 (Tiahrt), and grew up in KS-01 (Moran). I'm a Democrat but I'm hoping Jerry Moran knocks off sleazy Todd Tiahrt.
[ Parent ]
Panhandler:
Have you seen any Tea Party demonstrations or events down where you are?

I have never been to the Panhandle but I hear it is uber-conservative. My parents have a vacation home in Davenport, in central Florida's Polk County (FL-12, Putnam) so they are in somewhat Democratic territory - I think.

[ Parent ]
Yup, the "Redneck Riviera".
We've had lots of discussions about it with Lawson's primary challenge to Boyd in neighboring FL-02. Panama City in the 2nd is especially conservative/teabaggy and went like 70-30 McCain.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
Panama City / Bay County is reflexively Republican
Allen Boyd lost in Bay County against a weak opponent in 2008 while winning the district 62-38.
[ Parent ]
Tea Parties
They've had them in Pensacola and other cities just outside the district (Mobile, Jacksonville). I worked with a guy who had attended a few (yeah, he got fired for poor performance). I believe McCain won this district 76-24. It is extremely conservative. In Fort Walton they had a sign across from the Walmart that read "January 20, 2009 Day of Darkness, Hussen ????. Almost as good as the "Obama Half-Breed Muslin" sign in Central Florida.
[ Parent ]
My aunt use to live in Panama City Beach
In the Redneck Riviera. Not sure if its in FL-1, though. I could see that area, especially Panama City Beach, Destin, Ft. Walton Beach, etc. getting alot of northern liberal retirees when the baby boom generation retires...but ive just seen no evidence that itll happen. The beaches and homes are certainly nice enough and probably more affordable than south FL...but politically and culturally theyd feel quite out of place. Id never move there, though...way too many hurricanes and i say that as someone who lives on the TX Gulf Coast and went through Rita! When i retire itll be to the mountains :).
[ Parent ]
CA-6
I am basically just the north of San Francisco, Pelosi's home. In our district, we are not as Liberal as San Francisco or Berkeley but we are definitely very Liberal, especially on the environment. There are a few enclaves with a more moderate tone (for Marin County.)  

for more election analysis, visit  http://frogandturtle.blogspot....




17, CA-06,  

I live in OH-13, but go to college in OH-18.
I am registered in OH-13.
That's Sutton and Space...
I really like Sutton.  Space is more moderate, but considering the tilt of this seat we could (and have) done worse.
[ Parent ]
Apparently
Dan Coats loves North Carolina better than Indiana.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

This guy keeps giving Bayh and the DSCC plenty of ammo to use against him. I know the national climate is crap for Democrats, but if Bayh loses to Coats it will be because Bayh runs a Coakley like campaign.  

19, Male, Independent, CA-12

Coats
When are we going to see some numbers?  

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
I'm sure
Rasmussen is going to release a poll giving Coats a 5+ point lead over Bayh. Though it's possible that Bayh screws this up like Coakley has. He hasn't had to run a real campaign since he was first elected governor in 1988.

19, Male, Independent, CA-12
[ Parent ]
I
predicted that Rass would have it be Coats 47 Bayh 41. Although it would be nice if PPP would poll it first. I have seen very little positive press about Coats since his suprise announcement, mostly coverage on his lobbying, the fact he lives in Virginia, and would rather retire in NC over In. So I would say that Bayh is fairly safe. Although I would say that if he see's a poll showing him down he may get scared and run.    

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
Maybe he already polled it
And didn't like the result. He rushed everything else out.
[ Parent ]
Should have R2K nums
This coming week.
[ Parent ]
Thanks


Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
IA-Gov
Chet Culver (D) is stepping up his appearances around the state. He's had a very rough stretch the last several months, with lots of media attention on state budget problems. Compared to most other states, Iowa is in a strong fiscal position, but it doesn't seem that way when Iowa Republicans are continually pounding on Democratic "overspending" leading to a "huge" projected budget deficit. Culver had to cut current-year spending across the board by 10 percent in October because revenues fell below projections.

Terry Branstad and Bob Vander Plaats, the main Republican contenders, are on the campaign trail full time now. Branstad said some dumb things recently about same-sex couples that "should" hurt him in a GOP primary, but I don't think Vander Plaats will have enough money to make a strong case against Branstad, a former four-term governor.

Mike Huckabee is coming back to Iowa later this month to do a rally and fundraiser for Vander Plaats, who was Huck's Iowa chairman during the 2008 presidential race. What Vander Plaats really needs is for the national conservative netroots to go to war against Terry Branstad.

The Des Moines Register is coming out with a new Iowa poll on Sunday. I don't think it's going to be good news. I hope it shows a reasonably competitive GOP primary race at least, but I fear Branstad will be miles ahead.

Jonathan Narcisse, former Des Moines School Board member who supported Culver in 2006, is running for governor as an independent. He had considered challenging Culver in the Democratic primary. I don't see him getting a huge number of votes, but he has been a community activist for a long time and owns several small publications oriented toward AA or Latino readers. Narcisse is the second prominent African-American in Iowa to come out against Culver. The head of the Iowa/Nebraska NAACP chapter endorsed Vander Plaats in the fall, largely because of the gay marriage issue.

Grew up in MD-02
Go to college in MD-05, GF lives in MD-03, have family in DE-AL and PA-19.

21, Male, Democrat, MD-02 (home/registered), MD-05 (college)
NOLA Local elections
Here's how I'm voting Saturday:

Mitch Landrieu (Mayor)

Susan Guidry (City Council District A)

Arnie Fielkow (City Council At-Large)

Frank Minyard (Coroner)  I hadn't planned to vote in this one but after the utterly insane ad run by Minyard's opponent I can't wait.  Here's the ad for anyone who hasn't seen it: http://www.politico.com/blogs/...

I feel bad leaving the other spots blank but I really don't know anything about them and don't have the time to do informed research.  Though if any NOLA SSPers want to make the case for any of the things I'm not voting in (Assessor, Juvenile Court Judge) that would be cool.

I'm canvasing for Guidry and Landrieu (separately) for about 4 hours each.  Should be a fun day.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


lite gov
Any idea who will be the new Vice Gov of LA?

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
Bobby Jindal is advocating that the office be eliminated if Landrieu wins
and I think it's a good idea; Lt. Governor is a pointless office except in the few states that give him/her actual duties. It's easy enough for states to have the Secretary of State or Attorney General take over if the Governor resigns/dies/is impeached.
[ Parent ]
But
He could make an appointment until then. The legislature has to vote for it too, requiring 2/3rds of the vote in both houses, and then the voters have to vote for it. So, it could be a while before it happens.
SoS Jay Dardenne and Treasurer John Kennedy have been sucking up to Jindal lately, trying to win the appointment. The Democrats most mentioned are former Lt. Gov and former Gov. Kathleen Blanco (God, let it happen! make this an easy pick up for us!) who is still sitting on nearly 4 million dollars or Senate President Pro Tem Sharon Weston Broome.
Expect Country music singer Sammy Kershaw, who had said previously he would run again in 2011, to run too.  
[ Parent ]
I think Blanco wouldn't even be the top choice among Dems
As for abolishing the post: I think it's a good idea to have the person next in line for Gov actully be fully prepared for it.  You have situations like Arizona where Jan Brewer became Gov despite occupying an office that's job qualifications really don't have much to do with bring prepared to be Governor.  Obviously not everyone who runs for Lt. Gov is prepared for it (see Paterson, David) but I think it's the best system.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
I disagree
I think there should always be a statewide elected figure to take over in the event that the governor leaves or dies. if it doesn't seem like the lg does enough,  either make it part time like in vt, or give the position more power e.g. texas. in az por ejemplo, jan brewer was just secretary of state.  no one thought they were electing a potential governor and didn't have any firsthand experience in leading the government.  

Top ten signs you're an SSPer #1: your favorite song is "Panic At Tedisco" and no one understands what you mean.
[ Parent ]
Sure, there should be someone to take over
But that can easily be satisfied by the Attorney General or Secretary of State in nearly every state. I don't see what experience a Lt. Governor would have in running the state, especially if he's a different party from the Governor.
[ Parent ]
But...
Then who will try to seize power every time the Governor leaves the State?
[ Parent ]
Council at-large
Do you get to vote for 2 in this? I know Fielkow is likely to win today, and then go to Clarkson and Lewis. I hope Clarkson wins! I love that lady!
I'm secretly rooting for Landrieu, b/c of LT. Gov and I think he'd be a great mayor. Rob Couhig is my 2nd choice. I hope whoever it is makes NOLA great again. I'd love to live in Lakeview when I move back down.  
[ Parent ]
I can vote in two at-larges
I was only planning to vote for Fielkow since I didn't know enough about the others and voting once would help him more (if fewer votes are cast then he gets closer to the 25% he needs to get to skip the runoff). But I was convinced to vote for Clarkson too so I am.

And I'm voting for Mitch.  Perry is the only other candidate I really liked and if the impossible happened (Perry getting to the runoff but not Mitch). I'd volunteer for Perry.  Really hoping if there is a run-off we face Georges instead of Henry: Henry has played the race guard and while I think Landrieu would beat him it would be an ugly month and reopen lots of racial divisions.    

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
I like Perry too
Absolutely DESPISE Henry. NO has had enough racial tension without another mayor that adds to it. Henry is Nagin 2.0. Perry is probably the most liberal in the race, but I can get over that. He is probably the one who cares the most about the people in New Orleans. He will not care how bad it hurts him, but he will do the right thing. I like most of the people, except for Henry. I was disappointed when Leslie Jacobs dropped out.  
[ Parent ]
Pretty much sums me up too
I didn't know much about Jabobs but had heard only good things.  Henry is awful and Georges isn't too great either.  The fact Georges switched from a Republican to an Independent to a Democrat in five years doesn't help, and the whole "fire Jim Letten" thing was just weird.  I don't have a strong opinion about Ramsey or Couhig.   But I hope Perry sticks around in politics: I think he has a bright future ahead of him.  Maybe not as mayor for a while but I could see him on the city council in the near future.

I have to admit I admire Ed Murray for doing his best to avoid a racial contest.  That may not have been the reason he dropped out but his refusal to play the race-card is admirable.  If only Troy Henry would stop then we could have a cleanish campaign.  But I dream...

Off to go vote!  I'll post any tidbits about turnout that I gain.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Very low turnout at Tulane's precinct (Ward 14 precinct 13)
I voted at about 1:50 CST.  I was voter #123 and when I asked how that compared to previous elections I was told it was very low.  The precinct was moved a block and a half due to construction so that may have a little to do with it but I'm guessing the Superbowl, Carnival, and general apathy had more to do with it.  

For historical comparison: in the first round of the 2006 Mayors race in this precinct Mitch won 41%, Ron Forman 32%, Couhig 12%, and Nagin just 8%.  In the second round Mitch won 81% to Nagin's 19%.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Georges
I liked him when I thought he'd run as an Independent. When he said he was a Democrat, he lost me. He only changed to run for Mayor. I wonder where Perry lives? He could be a potential candidate to fill Karen Carter Peterson's house seat if she wins the Senate election tonight.
There are rumors Murray may run for LA-02 next year as an Independent now.
A note on turnout-
Most people probably cast absentee ballots with the Super Bowl.  
[ Parent ]
NC-05
Billy Kennedy will be filing on Monday to challenge Virginia Foxx.  He represents the first serious challenge that Virginia Foxx has had.  He's a strong populist and provides a stark contrast to the bigot that currently represents the district.  If he can get his message out in this district that has been hit hard by the economy he has a chance to unseat her.  You can check out his filing day schedule here:

http://www.facebook.com/event....

districts i've lived in
NC 4 - David Price, Fred Heineman

CO 4 - Wayne Allard, Bob Shaffer, Marilyn Musgrave

GA 2 - Sanford Bishop

CO 4 - Betsy Markey

CO 3 - John Salazar

Mel Watt
falls somewhere in there too
[ Parent ]
2012 Races
Anyone care to make any predictions on the 2012 races?

50, straight white male, Democrat(Dan Boren/Gene Taylor 2012!), AL-7(born in AL-5)
The Republicans will in all likelyhood get the Senate back in 2012
Kohl & Byrd are likely to retire. Both Nelsons could draw serious Challengers.

For example: Rep. Connie Mack IV (R-FL) could run against Bill Nelson while NE Governor Dave Heineman (R-NE) who will likely win in November could challenge Ben Nelson.

In MO Steelman, Emerson or Talent will challenge McCaskill.

Tom Davis could run against Webb in Virginia

Rehberg could run against Tester in Montana.

Many other Seats could be Open too.

[ Parent ]
That is really positive thinking


Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
No it's reality
Even if Obama wins a second Term he CAN'T save all competitive Seats. Democrats have to defend 22 Sests, Republicans only have to defend 10.

That's why this year is sooo important. To have any real chance to hold the Senate in 2012 Democrats must have 55 Seats or higher after the Midterms to offset 2012 losses.

[ Parent ]
while 2012 is at best a wash senate wise
obama would have to lose in a landslide for the senate to fall (unless repubs get us down to 50-53).  in the 20th century, landslide presidential RE-ELECTIONS have resulted in either losses for the presidents party, breaking evem or a slight win.  during reagan's and nixon's LANDLSIDE re-elections, democrats gained two seats.  during clinton's quasi landslide re-election republicans gained two seats.  eisenhower's re-election was a wash in the senate, and republicans gained during fdr's 2nd re-election (3rd term, 1940) and 3rd re-election.  landslide re-election's result in losses for the president's party more often than not.  CLOSE re-elections however are another story.  Truman barely won, yet democrats won 9 seats in the senate.  Bush's re-election netted his party 4 seats.  

there a number of reasons for this.  one might be the use of party resources.  republicans were so focused on the presidency in 1948 that they neglected the congress.  another is popularity of the executive.  truman was unpopular, but congress more so, considering how many seats they lost in both houses.  during 84 and 72 democrats focused more on the senate and house than the presidency b/c it was a lost cause.  

the worst type of election for us would be the elected in a landslide outsider.  that's what obama had, reagan in 80, fdr in 36, harding in 20.  their respective party made enormous gains in both houses.  if obama loses in a landslide, the republicans are set up to make enormous gains in the senate due to how many seats are in that cycle.  I'm not saying this will happen, but that it's possible.

Top ten signs you're an SSPer #1: your favorite song is "Panic At Tedisco" and no one understands what you mean.

[ Parent ]
You're wrong
There are Democrats who live in pretty Conservative States like Nebraska. Even if Obama garners 40 % of the vote there the Democrats could still lose the Senate Seat.
[ Parent ]
I agree with you
and unfortunately, I think the GOP will gain 7 or 8 Senate seats this year.
[ Parent ]
That's why Democrats must hope for missteps of GOP Candidates in NH & MO
but you could be right with 7-8 Seats.

In Wisconsin Kohl is almost a sure bet to retire. According to FEC reports he has only 24K CoH.

I'm assuming a Paul Ryan - Ron Kind Match-Up there.

In West Virginia Byrd will in all likelyhood retire too. The only hope Dems have is the Governor, Joe Manchin. Otherwise this could be tough to hold.

West Virginia could be 'The Arkansas' of 2012 with Mollohan & Rahall likely to retire.

[ Parent ]
Kohl never raises money for any race
As far as I know, he totally self-funds. There would be no reason for him to give his campaign $5 million two years before he needs it, but if he wants to run for re-election, he will have the money.
[ Parent ]
Just as how...
...right after the 2008 election it was wrong for people to talk about how the Republicans were the Gopasaurs and we'd be picking up seats in Alabama and Georgia it is wrong to judge 2012 right when 2010 is looking the darkest.

The big thing you get in 2012 over 2010 is turnout.  The African-American vote is what is going to REALLY screw us in 2010.  If African-Americans turned out in say in the New York City mayoral race the way they did for Obama Bloomberg would've not only lost, he would've been crushed.

We are in many ways like 1994 now and will be like 1996 come 2012.  The economy IS turning around but jobs growth will lag as will the ability for most people to actually feel any positive impact.  Once the Bush tax cuts expire (unless my congressman Michael McMahon has his way) like with the Clinton tax increase you're going to start seeing the deficit dramatically shrinking.

West Virginia is a state Democrats are strong in.  Just because Obama doesn't connect doesn't mean it stops being a strong union state hostile to Republican economics.  There is a strong bench in West Virginia for the Senate seat though Capito does worry me if she runs.

Kohl is a rich guy who enjoys his toys (Senate Seat, basketball team).

We do have a lot of seats in 2012 and are likely to lose some just on the pure mathetmatics.  The downside of having a historical majority is there is more room to go down than up.  But let's not take a probable bump in the road this year as armageddon.

However our majority is going down which is why our Senators and Congressman need to wake up and do something while they have a chance.  I wish we had the Byrd of 1990 rather than the Byrd of 2010.  He would've known how to ram things through using and abusing Senate rules while cuting the necessary deals to get things passed.

NY-13, Democrat. Blog @ http://infinitefunction.wordpr...

[ Parent ]
We never learn
Everyone was very surprised when Clinton won in 1992.

Everyone was very surprised when 1994 turned out to be a Dem wipeout.

Everyone was very surprised when Clinton came back from 1994 and won in 1996.

Everyone was very surprised when Clinton came back from impeachment and Dems did not do horribly in 1998.

Everyone was very surprised when Gore came back and nearly (well, actually...) won in 2000

Everyone was very surprised when Dems did not come back in 2002.

Everyone was very surprised when Bush managed to win in 2004.

Everyone was very surprised that Dems took the House and Senate in 2006.

Everyone was very surprised that Obama beat Clinton in 2008.

Everyone is now very surprised that Scott Brown won in MA, and that it looks like the GOP may win many seats in 2010. Though maybe we'll be surprised later and Dems won't lose a ton of seats in 2010.

The moral of the story... Things change on a dime.

[ Parent ]
Everything is certain...
...until everything changes.

NY-13, Democrat. Blog @ http://infinitefunction.wordpr...
[ Parent ]
The only thing in life (and politics) that is certain
is uncertainty. Just ask this biology major!

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
But are you certain of these uncertainties?
Because maybe they are, in fact, certain but you don't realize it yet :P

Politics and Other Random Topics

24, Male, Democrat, NM-01, Chairman of the Atheist Caucus, and Majority Leader of the "Going to Hell" caucus!

[ Parent ]
Some of these are a bit better than you paint them
In WV, Governor Manchin is expected to run for this seat and would be the prohibitive favorite.  Dems would be at least even money to retain Kohl's seat, too (Remember the last time Republicans won anything in WI?  And they're probably going to lose to Barrett in WI-Gov too).

I agree with you that both Nelsons are DOA.  McCaskill is also in very serious trouble, but she's a heck of a candidate and the names you mentioned aren't very strong.  I wouldn't bet against Webb or Tester -- they're populist centrists who are very popular in their swing states.

Other Republicans not on your list who might be particularly vulnerable are Kent Conrad, Sherrod Brown, Debbie Stabenow, and Maria Cantwell (probably in descending order of vulnerability).

On the other hand, Dems might pick up Lugar's seat if he retires and Ellsworth runs, plus Snowe, Scott Brown, and Ensign are all vulnerable.  In a good year, we could pick up seats.

The Crolian Progressive: as great an adventure as ever I heard of...

[ Parent ]
Steelman
Steelman wouls be strong in MO I think.  If she were the nominee this year against Blunt I think she would be much further ahead.

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
I mean
instead of Blunt

Libertarian secular Republican, MO-7
[ Parent ]
Long time until 2012
The Dems will have to play a lot defense in 2012 (and 2014) but until to we see what the national mood is and what incumbants decide to retire we really don't have a clue what will happen.

Just to think on the bright side here are some possible Dem Pickups in 2012 (plenty of discussion elswhere on Republican pickup oppertunities)

Massachusettes- Let's see if Scott Brown can win in a heavy turnout presidential year.

Nevada- John Ensign (if he runs) has to be vulnerable with his ethics problems.

Maine- Maybe it is wishfull thinking on Democrats part but I keep reading Olympia Snowe retirement rumors. Or it is possible she could get teabagged.

Indiana- Richard Lugar will be 80 in 2012. If he retires who knows? The state still leans republican but the right Democrat can win in Indiana.

"Where free Unions and collective bargaining is forbidden, freedom is lost." - Ronald Reagan

[ Parent ]
Arizona could be competitive.
Especially if Giffords takes on Kyl.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
Everyone in Arizona GOP
headquarters must dread that scenario, which is probably why they're making a big push to beat Giffords before she decides to run statewide. I personally think Giffords will run if Kyl decides to retire in 2012.  

19, Male, Independent, CA-12
[ Parent ]
Why would he retire?
He'd only be 69 or 70 in 2012, and he's #2 in the Republican Senate leadership.
[ Parent ]
I'm thinking...
Solid Dem:
Caifornia
Delaware
Florida
Hawaii
Maryland
Minnesota
New Mexico
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin

Likely Dem:
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
Washington

Lean Dem:
Massachusetts
Ohio

Toss-up:
Connecticut
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Virginia

Lean GOP:
Arizona
Texas

Likely GOP:
Maine

Solid GOP:
Indiana
Mississippi
Tennessee
Utah
Wyoming

For daily political commentary, visit me at http://polibeast.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/polibeast

[ Parent ]
Ask me again in November
2011. Far too many variables.
[ Parent ]
Exactly
retirements, national environment...anything could happen.

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/
[ Parent ]
IA-01
Not that Bruce Braley has anything to worry about in his D+5 district, but he's got a new GOP challenger. Young lawyer type.
AR-Senate: Boozman officially enters
http://www.thecitywire.com/ind...

Say goodbye to Sen. Lincoln

OK, it's official
Scott Lee Cohen is a mole planted by the Republican Party to sabotage the Democratic gubernatorial ticket: http://politicalwire.com/archi...

Hello Governor Dillard or Brady. (just hope we get civil unions passed this year...)

21, dude, RI-01 (registered) IL-01 (college)
please help Japan. click "donate funds" in upper right and then "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami." http://www.redcross.org/

Brady
is too extreme for Illinois, he opposes abortion even if the mothers life is at risk. Now if Dillard is the nominee then they have a shot.  

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
Cohen may now be considering dropping out
Scott Lee Cohen (Ill.), the Democratic lieutenant governor nominee, is considering dropping his bid after opposition to his candidacy has risen, a Chicago television station reported Saturday.

A source told CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery Friday that Cohen wants to drop out and is "trying to figure out how to do it"

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-...

Trying to figure out how to do it?  

The answer is easy if you take it logically
We'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
There must be fifty ways to leave the ticket

Just drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free.

[ Parent ]
How
would a replacement be chosen in Illinois?  

17, Gay Male, Democrat, NJ-8  
[ Parent ]
Replacement choosing
I couldn't tell you how, but I hear that Drew Peterson is currently the heavy favorite.  
[ Parent ]
I would like to see
Tammy Duckworth get it, she seems like a good leader. Also that Raja guy that ran for Comptroller seems good. I would like to see Hynes get it, but I don't think that's going to happen.  

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
Red State Project
This is mainly addressed to the Republicans of the site. Is there a site similar to Swing State Project with the opposite political affiliation? Thanks a bunch
I really don't think there is
And we'd welcome such a development! But for a long time, it seems that there just hasn't been the same level of interest in the horserace on the right. I'd love to be wrong, though.
[ Parent ]
Here's A Libertarian Leaning Site I've thouroughly enjoyed
http://conservativestateprojec...

The mod on this site loves to post race rundowns and occasionally does a batch of news stories. Judging from what I've seen of him on other sites(Politics1 and PoliticalDog101), he comes off as a Paulist blowhard, so watch out.

50, straight white male, Democrat(Dan Boren/Gene Taylor 2012!), AL-7(born in AL-5)

[ Parent ]
Not really a race
but a technical question. Deleted draft diaries still show up in the drafts page.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
That sounds annoying
But I'm not sure there's anything I can do about it, unfortunately.
[ Parent ]
Holy Heck
I just took a look at your drafts folder (not something we'd ever normally do - we don't want to be snoopy - but you did mention a problem)... uh, why don't you email me to see if we can get what I suspect is your issue resolved.
[ Parent ]
TX-GOP Gov primary
Looks like Perry v KBH may be going to a run off, but just to make sure it does, I'm voting for KBH so she and Perry can have a shoot out for another month and drain their cash reserves while at it.

Naturally (as I hope most Texans with sense will realize), I'm voting for Bill White in the general.

Indepedent/Lean D. Dude.
All 5s (now TX-5; frmly VA-5 and CA-5)  

TX-Gov Runoff
If neither Kay nor Perry gets more than 50%, there will be a runoff. That makes Medina the best strategic voting choice for mischievous Dems looking to create a runoff, if you can stomach it.

Or just vote in the Dem primary!

[ Parent ]
vt-al at home
sd al at school.  quite the difference.

Top ten signs you're an SSPer #1: your favorite song is "Panic At Tedisco" and no one understands what you mean.
Regarding 2012 Senate Elections
Yes, we do have a lot of seats to defend.  But do not forget that even though they have only 10 to defend, half or more of those could likely become competitive.

MA-2012, very likely pick up for us.

IN-2012, if Lugar retires, the Republicans could have difficulty defending this seat.

ME-2012, if Snowe retires, this is an automatic pick-up.  I've heard rumors that she does want out, so this isn't that unliekly.

NV-2012, Nevada won't vote for Ensign again, and is likely to vote for a Democratic senator with Obama on the top of the ticket.

AZ-2012, Kyl had a close call last time, and if Obama does well in Arizona, he could be in trouble, especially cause he's such a douchebag.  If Giffords runs, he could be in trouble.

TX-2012, Hutchinson might retire after her disastrous governor run.  If Obama does well in Texas again, this could make things very difficult for the Republicans to hodl the seat.

TN-2012, could an entry from someone like Bredeson make things difficult for Corker?

Plus CT
[ Parent ]
I wonder if Snowe will retire
Her move to the right in the Senate to me says she is trying to position herself to win her GOP primary, which I think will be an extremely tall order for her regardless.
[ Parent ]
Daley doesn't want Cohen to step down

http://newsblogs.chicagotribun...

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
NY-20, for both questions
Apparently, my Assemblyman Marc Molinaro is thinking of running against Murphy. Molinaro's a pretty talented politician. I'd be somewhat surprised if he actually went through with it though, given that he seems to be more interested in state politics, and because he can't exactly "tailor his views for his audience" as much with the scrutiny on the national level.
When are we going to see some New Orleans results?


Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
Polls close 8:00 central
I'd recomend the LA secretary of state for results.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Results here:
http://staticresults.sos.louis...

Polls just closed, so probably nothing for another half hour.

[ Parent ]
A little
off topic question here. Is there anyway the Republicans in the senate can prevent the entire senate from taking a vote on Obama's budget this year? Seeing their tactics on trying to stall HCR last year and their willingness to place holds on Obama's nominees to get more earmarks, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to stop the budget from being voted on. From we've seen also, it wouldn't hurt the Republicans either.

19, Male, Independent, CA-12
Super Bowl
How many are watching the Super Bowl tomorrow and why? I'm watching mainly for the halftime show, but I'm rooting for the Saints.

50, straight white male, Democrat(Dan Boren/Gene Taylor 2012!), AL-7(born in AL-5)
Then I hope you like loss!!!!!!!
GO COLTS!!!
GO COLTS!!!
GO COLTS!!!
GO COLTS!!!

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
Haha
I don't care who wins cause I'm not a sports enthusiast. The main event for me is unarguably the HALFTIME SHOW!!!

50, straight white male, Democrat(Dan Boren/Gene Taylor 2012!), AL-7(born in AL-5)
[ Parent ]
Well
I'm not that much of one either, but being Hoosier I always cheer on my home team.  

Proud member of the Indiana Democratic Party from IN-9.  
[ Parent ]
I'm not rooting for anyone.
I just watch sports for the enjoyment.

My blog
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28, New Democrat, Female, TX-03 (hometown CA-26)
[ Parent ]
Watching for commercials
And if Saints win my first class is canceled.  I was rooting for them before but here's another reason.

If Mitch Landrieu wins tonight without a runoff, the city council candidate I'm volunteering for gets into a runoff, and the Saints win this will be the perfect weekend.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
NOLA Open Thread
We need an open thread for the NOLA mayors race results.
Results link-
http://www.fox8live.com/conten...
A diary would be cool
I'd make one but I won't be able to update it in two hours.  

For people on Twitter: "The_Gambit" is doing good work covering and interpreting things.  Worth a follow.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Gambit calls it for City Councilman At-Large Arnie Fielkow
No surprise but good news.  Fielkow is one of the best people on the city council  and has done a good job standing up to Ray Nagin.  

Early voting numbers also look good for Landrieu.  He's getting a lot of support from African Americans.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
SoS site has the early voting totals up:
http://staticresults.sos.louis...

Landrieu has 64%, Henry at 19%.

[ Parent ]
News outlets beginning to call it for Mitch, no runoff
Gambit already has, station WWLT about to.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Well, that was anti-climactic.

[ Parent ]
A bit but I'm very glad to see it happening
I'm also following some other races.  Very interested in the fate of the guy who ran this ad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Looks like he's getting thumped
59-41 with 10% of precincts in.
[ Parent ]
Not surprised. Hope the gap gets a lot bigger though!
Except for Troy Henry no one running for anything in NOLA disgusted me more.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
If you're looking for a good race with a Republican versus a Democrat, look at District A
I volunteered for the Dem, Susan Guidry, running for city council.  She's running against GOPer Jay Batt, the former councilman.  If his last name sounds familiar he's the brother of Mad Men star Bryan Batt.  Guidry's the underdog but has a good lead now.  Still, only about a third is in, so I'm still keeping fingers crossed.

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Argh
We totally forgot to do this, sorry.
[ Parent ]
You usually don't for most mayors races, right?
I don't remember one for Detroit or Atlanta.  NYC got one but that was a big night anyway.

Besides considering how quickly this one ended it's all for the best.  I may be fascinated by the city council races but I doubt most outside the Greater New Orleans region would be interested.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
Anyone remember Karen Carter?
She lost the 2006 run-off to soon-to-be indicted incumbent Bill Jefferson.  We'l she's wound up a lot better then him: Karen Carter Peterson as she's now called has just won an election to the state Senate.  

21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


And I can't spell today at all


21, male, CA-15 (home and voting there), LA-2 (college)


[ Parent ]
IA-03: Boswell staffer says he is running for re-election
Iowa Republicans are still trying to stir up retirement rumors about Leonard Boswell (IA-03), but his spokeswoman told me emphatically on Friday that he is running for re-election. He had nominating petitions out at our off-year caucuses on January 23.

The filing deadline is in March, so if Boswell did retire now, he wouldn't be leaving other Democrats much time to organize a campaign and collect petition signatures.

IA-Sen
Roxanne Conlin is tying Chuck Grassley to Richard Shelby's political extortion (putting hold on all Obama nominees until he gets Alabama pork).
Here's a good read from Slate.com
Food for thought
Our inability to address long-term challenges makes a strong case that the United States now faces an era of historical decline. Our reluctance to recognize economic choices also portends negative effects for the rest of the world. To change this story line, we need to stop blaming the rascals we elect to office and start looking to ourselves.

I do think, though, that what the voters as a whole care most about is that the government works for them. They want the government to protect them from terrorist attacks and make sure they have a good chance at a decent job and home, and they respect action. If the Democrats do these kinds of things, they will be successful. If they don't, they will lose big.

"I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!"
--  Will Rogers  

[ Parent ]
During the week--Dark Blue CO-01
My parents house is in CO-06 just across the border (represented by the slightly-less-odious-than-its-former-occupant-Tom-Tancredo-Rep. Mike Coffman). I went to college in CO-05 at Colorado College (Go Tigers!), as my handle indicates.

30, male, Democratic, CO-01
John Murtha has died.
It has just been reported that John Murtha has passed away.

Fight global warming & help disaster relief efforts by raising money for Music for Relief when you search the web! Click here for more info:
http://searchmfr.swagbucks.com...
RIP
I hesitate to say so but that means a nasty special election.
[ Parent ]
Weekly Open Thread: What Races Are You Interested In? | 181 comments

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