« ID-01: Startling Poll Results Show Grant (D) Leading | Main | 9/12 Primary Races Round-Up »
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Weekly Open Thread: What Races Are You Interested In?
Posted by James L.You know the drill.
So after seeing Who Killed the Electric Car? last night (it was excellent), and watching An Inconvenient Truth twice this summer, I'm on the cusp of becoming a full-blown environmentalist. Or, at the very least, I want one of these.
PS: Obviously, Tuesday is a big day with primaries in WI, NY, AZ, RI, MD and several other states. I plan on posting a primary race round-up later tonight.
Posted at 10:00 AM in Open Threads | Technorati
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.swingstateproject.com/mt/mt-track-ssp.cgi/2576
Comments
You should look into the specs on those Smart cars, their MPG wasn't as good as I thought. If I remember correctly, there is a Toyota that gets better MPG, and the mini-Cooper is close, and both of those cars have much more passenger room.
At least, that is what I read. I am no car expert.
Posted by: skipos ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.swingstateproject.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at September 9, 2006 07:28 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'm amazed at the Republicans' inept handling of the Bolton confirmation, and I wonder if it's as bad for Chafee as it looks. Surely Chafee could have expressed his concerns to Frist before the committee vote was scheduled, and the vote could then have been set for after the Rhode Island primary. Was Frist assuming that Chafee would knuckle under and vote yes regardless?
So now Chafee has torpedoed Bolton's confirmation on the eve of the primary. That can't be good for Chafee's chances. I'm surprised at the lack of comment in the major right-wing blogs (RedState, Instapundit), but presumably they're ignoring the issue in the hope that Chafee can squeak through. Atlas Shrugs, the crazed blog that Bolton gave a personal interview to, has been excoriating Bolton under the headline "Chafee Laps Up Arab $$, Does Their Bidding".
Posted by: KCinDC at September 9, 2006 09:31 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Roger Sharpe's race agaist right wing uber-extremist Virginia Foxx is sometimes termed quixotic. But Sharpe thinks he can beat her in this deep red district. He'll be today's Blue America live guest at Firedoglake-- 2PM (EST). Join us to get to know Sharpe and the dynamics of a really tough race-- and for a chance to win free Nina Simone and John Rich CDs.
There's an advance at Down With Tyranny. What pushed Roger into deciding to get down into the political trenches and run against Foxx was a very personal moment. When Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, it was second nature for Roger to do what he did and second nature for Foxx to do what she did. Roger immediately went to his church to volunteer and, with many of his neighbors, went to Mississippi to work at a Lutheran-Episcopalian relief site. Meanwhile, the KKK couldn't even get a dozen of its most loyal congressional supporters to vote against giving aid to the striken communities of the Gulf Coast. Most Americans-- Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated-- were mortified at the picture of despair coming out of the region. But to the KKK caucus in the Congress... well... you know. Virginia Foxx joined the 10 other most vicious bigots in the entire House to vote "no." The 11 worst-- and Virginia Foxx thought she was representing North Carolina values!
Posted by: DownWithTyranny at September 9, 2006 10:54 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
One of the most competitive primaries in the country is on September 12 in NY-19 (Sue Kelly). Three of the four Democrats - Ben Shuldiner, John Hall, and Judy Aydelott - have a shot to win the nomination. I'm voting for Shuldiner, but I hope everyone in district and in the blogosphere rallies around whomever emerges as the candidate to take down Sue.
Posted by: NYPopulist at September 9, 2006 01:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Aside from that brief foray into thinking about Rhode Island, I'm focused on Tuesday's DC primary right now, though I'm paying some attention to the primary in neighboring Maryland the same day as well (especially rooting for Donna Edwards' challenge to Al Wynn and Jamie Raskin's state senate challenge to Ida Ruben, as well as hoping they'll finally get rid of embarrassing old coot William Donald Schaefer, the state comptroller).
But in DC my main focus is on trying to keep Republicanish, well-funded, slick K Street lawyer A. Scott Bolden (whose campaign strategy is partly to make sure certain people see his photo so they know he's black) from ousting soft-spoken, detail-oriented, liberal Phil Mendelson from his at-large council seat.
After Tuesday it's back to thinking about Webb.
Posted by: KCinDC at September 9, 2006 03:14 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I predicted long ago, before I even moved to Iowa, that the Iowa Governor's race had the potential of a photo finish. Nearly every poll has shown Democratic golden boy Chet Culver with a small lead, but Culver's support in a mile wide and an inch thick. The conventional wisdom (which I share) is that Culver is not-quite-ready-for-primetime and will flameout in a slugfest with seasoned pol Nussle. On top of that, Nussle's geographic advantage (having represented the most Democratic part of Iowa for 15 years in Congress) represented an unusually stiff challenge for Culver. From the beginning, I gave Nussle the edge in this race, but now I'm wavering.....
Nussle might have overstepped his bounds by saying he'd vote for an abortion ban like the one that passed in South Dakota, making no exceptions for rape or incest. Now Iowa is a pro-life state, with residents citing by a 61-25 margin that abortion is "usually morally wrong". Even Democrats in Iowa, particularly the large demographic of Catholics, have an inclination towards the pro-life position, but Nussle's position is way outside the mainstream. If the burgundy-red voters of South Dakota are balking at the prospect of forcing young women and girls to give birth to their rapist's spawn, the moderate voters of Iowa would almost certainly want no part of it. If Culver can't batter Nussle bloody over his support for South Dakota's abortion law, he doesn't deserve to be Governor.
Posted by: Mark at September 9, 2006 03:48 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
PS: Obviously, Tuesday is a big day with primaries in WI, NY, AZ, RI, MD and several other states. I plan on posting a primary race round-up later tonight.
NH is one of those "several other states" - Come on - it's important too!!
I sincerely hope that the Democratic party and netroots will keep the buzz going for the winners of Tuesday's primary. We need to fight every race to win - even the "long shots".
I'm going be working in Manchester tomorrow to work on the GOTV effort for Jim Craig. Jim's a lifelong resident of Manchester, and 8 year member of the state legislature and he is presently the Democratic Leader of the House. He's an awesome candidate who truly cares about people. I hope he wins, because he will fight like hell for this seat.
The Cook report has this race down as "leans Republican" - but I think that after Tuesday the winner can emerge as strong opponent to Jeb Bradley. Bradley is sleazy and the people of NH are ready for a change!!
Also - There was an article in the Portsmouth paper today about a push poll targeting Jim Craig. It looks like the Rs think that Craig is the toughest candidate to face in the general election. Bradley says he has nothing to do with it, but come on, he must know who is paying for it. TPM Muckrakers had a story about it the other day, too.
Push polling is illegal in NH!
Posted by: leftydem at September 9, 2006 04:06 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I am also intrested in the NY-19th and hope to take down Ms. Kelly when the primary is over.
I also want to find some pooling info on this race because i have been unable to find it so far.
Posted by: MrMacMan at September 9, 2006 05:42 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Ah yes, NY-19. I lived many years in this District, the Lower Hudson River Valley, beautiful place. Although I have family & friends there, they are either die-hard republicans or lazy-voting Dems, I've noticed a dearth of press/buzz on the Dem Primary campaign in a District ripe to replace an incumbent Republican. Cong. Kelly at one point was facing a challenge from a Log Cabin Republican. Sue Aydelott, Attorney and former Gop'er has the bucks and a NY Times endorsement. John Hall, former Ulster County Legislator and member of the band "Orleans" has a number of County Dem Organ endorsements and a host of progressive and labor organization endorsements (Sierra Club, AFL-CIO). Aydelott comes from the most republican section of the District.
Darren Rigger, Political Consultant and Ben Shuldiner, School Principal round out the field with no notable endorsements on their websites nor sunstantial cash per reports. It is possible that Aydelott can pull off a primary win and general against Kelly, I also feel the same about my preference, John Hall. Did locate a website (with blog)dedicated to jettisoning Kelly, they don't seem to be taking sides in the Dem primary based on an initial cruise of the site:
http://take19.org/
Posted by: Predictor at September 9, 2006 06:43 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
MMM - there hasn't been any independent polling of the race thus far and probably wont be until after the primary.
Hall certainly does have the majority of endorsements, but will those endorsements equate to votes is what I'm wondering. I get the feeling that any muscle these orgs will provide will not be until after the primary, but that is just a hunch and I could be wrong.
I strongly think that the primary will be won on the ground in which case it is not wise to discount Ben Shuldiner, who is who I'm supporting in the primary. He has a strong team of volunteers and staff, has been in the race the longest, and has run a very smooth and efficient campaign. And money is irrelevant if you're not willing to spend it, as seems to be the case with John Hall. This race will be close.
Posted by: NYPopulist at September 9, 2006 07:34 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
"61-25 margin that abortion is 'usually morally wrong'"
Just because someone thinks abortion is "morally wrong" does not mean they are anti-choice.
Posted by: skipos at September 9, 2006 09:17 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I'm watching AZ-08, where we have an interesting primary on Tuesday, and the R's have a bloodbath. The RNCC has poured in aid to Steve Huffman, whom it perceives as its best candidate, pissing off every other R candidate. The crisis? Anti-immigrant candidate Randy Graf held a bid lead in a recent R primary poll.
And a new poll was released on Thursday. In the Dem primary, Giffords leads Weiss 45-28. In the R primary, Graf still leads Huffman 33-24. The poll also includes the general election (m/e 3.5%). Giffords leads Graf by 10 and leads Huffman by 3. Weiss leads Graf by 10 and Huffman by 2. In short, a toss-up with Huffman and "lean dem" with Graf.
Link http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/politics/145555
Although it's a bit like rooting for the devil, I'm pulling for Graf on Tuesday.
Posted by: hilltopper at September 9, 2006 09:39 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Thanks, NYPopulist and Predictor --
I just came up to the Poughkeepsie area (as a college student) being a life long democract and pretty-avid campaigner (every 2 years since 1998, lol) and wanted to know how i could affect the local area's political scene. The NY-19th seems like the place to be once the primary finishes and even on my campus it doesn't seem too many are paying attention. (Young Campus Republicans have started their club this year :-/ )
Back home all the local political races were dominated usually blow outs besides when the dems finally took control of Nassau (well besides massive underdog Suozzi). Anyway i am checking out take19 and http://dailygotham.com/blog/daniel_millstone right now.
Apparently the WFP which Sue Kelly was (and has?) got their party line off the ballot has endored Hall in the race, but still its anyones game as it has been said.
--MrMacMan
Posted by: MrMacMan at September 9, 2006 10:56 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Well, NYPopulist & MrMacMan keep up the good work in helping turn over this CD. And Mr MacMan don't be too disheartened by the College Republicans organizing, when I was in college I was Chair of my college republicans , by the time I graduated I had become a Democrat and ended up as a Dem County Chair and Prez Convention Delegate (it gave me good experience to kick gop ass).
Thanks for that link which provided current fundraising info. To date on the fundraising there:
As of June 30. Aydelott -$634,000 in receipts, $344,000 cash on hand, and Hall:$422,000 in receipts, $221,000 in cash on hand. From July 1 – Aug 23rd:
money raised and cash on hand:
Hall- raised: $194,413, cash on hand: $245,955
Aydelott – raised: $57,778, cash on hand: $152,061
Shuldiner- raised: $11,763, cash on hand: $92,370.
No figures on Kelly's warchest but I assume it is substantial and the winner of the Dem primary (and we) will have to work hard to make-up the difference.
Voter registration in this District is Republican - 36 percent to 32 percent Dem; 25% not declared, and the remainder (7%) are registered with the Working Families Party, the Conservative and Independence parties
Posted by: Predictor at September 10, 2006 01:33 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
I think there's going to be a lot of critical races. I realized that, even though I live in DC, I don't know much about the candidates in the area. I was kind of thinking about what I would like to see in a candidate, especially in a time which can really determine where we're headed. I found out a lot about Jamie Raskin on this site. http://www.21stcenturydems.org/candidates/profile/raskin_jamie. It's this PAC that is dedicating itself to making sure that the Democrats get GOOD candidates elected as opposed to just getting as many as possible. The site talks about Raskin and why he needs to be elected. Check it out...the other candidates they show are amazing, and seem like they are actually worthy...
Posted by: ChristinaWA at September 10, 2006 07:01 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
There was an incident this past Saturday that, as word spreads, could well change the dynamic in MI-11. The GOP incumbenmt, Thaddeus McCotter, made a rare public appearance at HIS OWN CHURCH (St. Edith's in Livonia) to talk about, of all things, the Dennis Kucinich-sponsored Department of Peace bill.
Naturally, McCotter was opposed to the bill on strictly ideological grounds, but it didn't stop there. Over the course of his visit, Thaddeus was increasingly rude, dismissive and condescending to the 100 or so people in attendance. It was, not to put too fine a term on it, a near-meltdown. When he left exactly one hour after he arrived, no one applauded him. And I repeat that this was the church he claims to be a member of. He has sent his children to the school there. Afterwards there was universal agreement that it was a terrible performance (my only regret is the lack of video evidence).
Combine McCotter's personal abrasiveness with a non-existent record -- no legislation where he was primary sponsor, no federal funds or projects delivered to his district -- and an energized battalion-sized group of Democrat volunteers working for Tony Trupiano, and we have the recipe for a complete turnaround in the 11th.
All we need is a little more national attention.
Posted by: helzapoppn at September 12, 2006 11:41 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
CA-04 You may want to check out a poll by Benenson Strategy Group on this race (I think you've reported their polls before)
Charle Brown-D = 39%
Cong. DOOLITTLE-R = 41%
Undecided = 17%
MOE- 4.9%
Caveat: "Before Message Testing"
NOTE:After Message Testing Results: Brown 45%,Doolittle 38%, Neither/Don't Know 18%
Posted by: Predictor at September 12, 2006 06:02 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment