Month: July 2008

Amazingly, Chris Smith Voted to Allow Unscreened Luggage and Cargo on Airplanes.

Chris Smith voted against airline security. In 2003, Chris Smith voted against stronger regulations that would have provided the highest possible level of funding for Homeland Security, preparedness and disaster response programs. The bill would have required screening of all air cargo that traveled on commercial passenger planes. In 2002, Smith even voted against enforcing faster deadlines for screening all passenger luggage for explosives. (2003 Vote# 514, 2002 Vote #362)

“Chris Smith has the wrong priorities. Why did he vote against the higher screening standards that are commonplace today? While Americans still wrestle with the economic impact of terrorism, Chris Smith tried to leave us more vulnerable.” said Josh Zeitz Campaign Manager Steve D’Amico.

More after the break.

For too long, the media have failed to recognize that Republicans are the party that has weakened our national security. Josh Zeitz understands that being safe at home means investing the resources to keep us secure at our most vulnerable points, including at airports. That’s why he’s running to defeat Chris Smith and bring a new, common sense voice to Congress.

To volunteer, please email ian_at_joshzeitz_dot_com, and please visit our website

So following up on the cash-on-hand rankings for House races, I’ve culled just the California ones from that list, and then used the massive fundraising round-up to add in some other California challengers, and then plowed through the FEC database to find the rest.  (I’ve put McClintock as the incumbent because he belongs to the same party as Doolittle.  Same for Duncan Hunter’s son.)

Cash figures are in the thousands of dollars.  Fundraising table after the fold.

Then I decided to look at some of our own incumbents that are deemed “safe”, just for comparison’s sake.  There are some incumbents missing from this list because their Republican challengers have raised so little, they haven’t even filed FEC fundraising reports.  I believe I’ve gotten every single race where the challenger has an actual FEC report for Q2.  Unlike above, which is ranked by the Cash Power Index, these are arranged by congressional district.

* Hayes’ Q2 number is actually Q1 and Q2 combined.

Notes: That’s not a misprint, Marta Jorgensen (D) has a total of $75 cash on hand.  And that’s not a misprint either, in CA-05, Paul Smith (R) officially raised a total of $0 in his challenge to Doris Matsui (D).

Christina Avalos (D) is a tricky matter.  I finally found her in the FEC database after quite a bit of searching.  But it doesn’t help that the last listed contribution to her is from the year 2002, and that her page doesn’t list anything after her statement of candidacy… in 2001.  Trying to search by her candidate ID to get fundraising numbers yields an SQL error 100 for some reason.

I almost feel a little embarrassed by listing some of those races in the first list on there.  It may be one of those cases where we’re almost better off not knowing just how bad the disparity is.

I was a bit surprised at how little money McClintock has left after the primary.  But beware, he was a fundraising monster in Q2, bringing in over $1.26 million.  What happened with the spending limits here?  There’s people like the Bloom family that gave McClintock $6,900 each.  Looks like Doug Ose triggered the Millionaire’s Amendment when he gave himself a whopping $2.8 million loan for his failed campaign.  But that was for the primary.  Now that we’re in the general, is McClintock only allowed to get a maximum of $2,300 from those people?  If so, hopefully we’ll see those Q3 numbers for McClintock drop significantly.  Because raising $1.2 million in one quarter for a House race is sick.

For those wondering about Cindy Sheehan’s independent bid against Pelosi, she never filed a final Q2 report, and whoever filled out that last report wrote that it goes through December 31, 2008.  It looks like they meant 2007, but their filings seem pretty disorganized.  They also got a stern letter from the FEC for not filing their Q1 report properly, and then another one for having several discrepancies in their filing.

As for Diane Watson, what’s going on with her fundraising?  Her Q2 report says that while she has a little under $18,000 in cash on hand, her campaign committee owes over $25,000 in debts and obligations.  WTF?

If you want to go by just the fundraising numbers, John Roberts (no, not the CNN anchor) would seem about as competitive against Joe Baca as Debbie Cook is against Dana Rohrabacher.  Of course, we’ve got the big advantage with the DCCC being able to spend much more than the NRCC.

With the end of July nearing and the election now only 99 days away, I thought it was appropriate to publish a review of the last month’s action in Oregon politics.  In addition, I preview what lies ahead in August and give updates on previous race ratings or other information I have talked about in my earlier diaries.

Cross-posted from Loaded Orygun: http://www.loadedorygun.net/sh…

Stock Watch:

Who is up and down in Oregon politics this month:

Up: Jeff Merkley.  Fresh off his best fund-raising quarter ever, Merkley erased a 9% deficit to Gordon Smith during the past month, even though Smith was on the air and Merkley largely was not.

Down: Gordon Smith.  Already flailing about, Smith appears desperate to show that he is really a centrist, despite all the evidence to the contrary.  His recent decision not to attend the RNC Convention proves he knows that John McCain is an anchor on his campaign.

Up: Oregon Democrats.  As you will see below, the Oregon Democratic Party has seen rating upgrades in a number of races and has not lost ground anywhere.  With a strong group of candidates at all levels, this could be a banner year for the DPO.

Down: Oregon Republicans.  Down, with no money and with rapidly fading chances at all levels, Oregon Republicans are flailing out wildly.  With the demise of a number of their prized legislative recruits for a number of reasons (Jeff Duyck violating residency requirements, Tony Marino turning out to be crazy) and with a huge cash disadvantage to the Oregon Ds, they are in trouble.

Up: Bill Sizemore.  As much as it pains me to say this, Sizemore had a good month in July.  He qualified all his initiatives and although most, if not all, are unlikely to pass, he still thumbed our noses in it again.

Down: Bill Bradbury.  Long one of my favorite Oregon politicians, Bill Bradbury has fallen hard in the last month.  With the revelation that Bradbury did not investigate potential signature fraud by conservative groups (info here: http://www.blueoregon.com/2008/07/citizens-begin.html) I honestly won’t be too disappointed when Kate Brown replaces him in January.  One of his most visible jobs is to enforce the signature laws and he appears he may not have done so, according to our dear friends at Our Oregon and other wonderful liberal interest groups.

Upcoming Deadlines and Interesting Dates:

August 2-All signature verification must be completed (already done), and ballot measure numbers are assigned.  See below for more.

August 26-Voter’s Pamphlet Statements Due.  A rough version will be posted soon after.

August 29-Last day to withdraw/replace a candidate.  All candidates on the ballot at that point are considered the final candidates.  The only exception is if a candidate dies in a non-federal race, under the state constitution the SOS may elect to postpone the election for a short period of time if necessary.

August 30-The seven day rule for campaign finance reporting goes into effect, requiring all contributions and expenditures made from this date to election day be reported within 7 days.  Currently, candidates have 30 days to report.  Violations are subject to progressively harsher penalties.

Measure by Measure, a Ballot Measure Update:

Assuming that Our Oregon is not successful in its lawsuit over possibly fraudulent signatures on Sizemore’s initiatives, here are the current initiatives for this year’s ballot, numbers to be assigned early next week:

Key:

S-Statutory

C-Constitutional

Numbers listed are initiative petition numbers.  Ballot measure numbers this year will begin with #54 and go sequentially from there.  The four legislative referrals will be first, followed by all the qualified citizen initiatives.

Qualified:

Legislative Referrals:

405-C-Corrects a bizarre flaw in the state constitution that prohibits citizens under 21 from voting in school board elections (a provision which is, of course, not in effect but should be removed anyways).

406-C-Minor fixes to the state’s redistricting process.

407-C-Repeals the Double Majority law requiring that 50% of registered voters cast ballots in an election for a bond measure to pass.

408-S-Proposes an alternative to Kevin Mannix’s (R-Of Course) property crime sentence minimum initiative.  Focuses state policy on treatment rather than prison for low level drug and property crimes.

Citizen Constitutional and Statutory Measures:

3-S-Makes federal income taxes fully deductible on state returns.  This measure largely benefits high wage earners and would blow a huge hole in the state’s budget.

19-S-This measure would require English immersion rather than ESL for children for whom English is not their primary language.

20-S-This would require “merit-pay” for teachers in public schools.

21-S-This measure would allow minor building changes without a permit.

25-S-Sizemore brings back an old and twice-failed idea to ban public-employee unions from using dues for political purposes.

40-S-This is Kevin Mannix’s draconian sentencing measure for property and low-level drug crimes.

41-C-Dedicates 15% of Oregon Lottery proceeds to crime fighting/prevention efforts.

109-S-Creates a Top-Two Open Primary in which all parties run their candidates on the same ballot and the top two, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election.

Failed to Qualify:

51-S-Limits contingency fee awards in lawsuits.  Your classic “lawsuit reform” measure.

53-S-Establishes penalties for “frivolous lawsuits.”

Race Rating Changes:

From my last update, posted here on July 10: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/10/12954/7313/791/549408.

US Senate: Upgraded from Lean Smith to Tossup.  With the new polling showing Merkley with a small lead, up from 9% down last month, this race has clearly moved to tossup territory.  GAME ON!

Oregon Legislature:

Oregon Senate: OR-14 (West Slope, my home district!), Mark Hass (R), upgrade from Likely Hass to Safe Hass.  Time was this was a competitive district, not anymore.  When last this seat was up, the registration gap was 3k, now its 10k.  With Michaels not raising nearly enough cash to make this competitive, this race goes off the competitive races board.

Oregon House:

OR-29 (Hillsboro), Riley (D) upgrade from Lean Riley to Likely Riley.  Jeff Duyck was the only real chance the OR GOP had in this district.  With him out of the way since it was revealed he didn’t actually live in the district, it’s hard to believe this one will be too close, especially with former GOOPer Terry Rilling running as an independent.

OR-35 (Tigard), Galizio (D) upgrade from Leans Galizio to Likely Galizio.  With Marino becoming more and more of a laughing stock every day, Galizio looks poised to win by far his biggest win of his three races here.

OR-38 (Lake Oswego), Garrett (D) upgrade from Lean Garrett to Likely Garrett.  I know Steve Griffith (R) personally, he’s a nice guy and I respect him a lot.  That being said, he’s going to get his ass kicked in this district as he has been seemingly unable to raise nearly the amount of $ required to be competitive.

OR-51 (Clackamas), Flores (R), upgrade from Lean Flores to Tossup.  With the large amount of cash Flores’s opponent Brent Barton (D) has managed to raise in this district, he has certainly made this one a close race.  It should be fun to watch.

Let me know what you think.

There’s plenty of senate race rankings on our numerous blogs but I’m tired of seeing at the top of every list #1 Virginia.  It’s a done deal for takeover.  So is #2 New Mexico for that matter.  But I wanna talk about this year’s marquee races.  The one’s that harken back to the ’06 races of Virginia (Allen/Webb), Missouri (Talent/McCaskill), Montana (Burns/Tester), Tennessee (Corker/Ford), etc.

The one’s where we didn’t know the results till the next day.  The one’s we’ll tell our grandkids about.  I remember on Election Night ’06 jumping up and down with excitement the second Jim Webb’s vote total flipped passed Allen’s.  So what races are revving your engine this year?  My personal picks:

1. Mississippi-B (Wicker/Musgrove)

2. Minnesota (Coleman/Franken): My pick for potential to get the dirtiest.

3. Oregon (Gordon/Merkley)

4. Alaska (Stevens/Begich): Conrad Burns Redux

5. Maine (Collins/Allen): Based on sheer money spent.

Others with potential to sneak up there in loose order: Colorado (Schaffer/Udall), Kentucky (McConnell/Lunsford), North Carolina (Dole/Hagan), New Hampshire (Sununu/Shaheen), Texas (Cornyn/Noriega), and Louisiana (Landrieu/Kennedy).

My mom’s inspiration for a new business came from her nonprofit management and fundraising classes.  The idea: to have charities use car magnets to energize their supporters and raise money and awareness of their causes. Car magnets, she thought, could transform people’s cars into forums for engaging their communities. So we set out to create affordable magnets whose convenience, production values, and image quality would blow bumper stickers out of the water.  When we started the business this year, everyone asked us, “why don’t you do political magnets too?”  So we did.  We designed a line of Barack Obama magnets – both with the campaign’s slogans and typefaces and with artists’ and designers’ original designs.  We’re reaching out to congressional candidates in competitive races now.  I think that car magnets can powerfully amplify the message of progressive causes, particularly for candidates running in expensive, uphill races.  I would love to have your feedback about how you think we could help progressive candidates and causes.

We are currently negotiating licensing agreements to create and sell magnets for some major nonprofit organizations, including a number of zoos, aquariums, and museums. Nonprofits and charities are still the keystone of our long-term plans. We also do custom magnets for just about anything, no matter how small the order – we’re creating lines of car magnets for local businesses and even a local children’s soccer team.  But everywhere we talked about our business, people asked us the same question: “why aren’t you making political stuff?” Good question!  The 2008 political scene, particularly Barack Obama’s campaign, is generating historic levels of political engagement.  So, in May, we threw ourselves into creating political magnets.  We focused on Obama, naturally.  We incorporated some of the campaign’s (non-copyrighted) themes, like Gothic font and “Change We Can Believe In.”  We also commissioned designers and artists to create original Obama artwork and designs.  And our stuff looks good, if I do say so myself.  

Now here’s why I think car magnets can really help progressive activists and causes.  Reaching out to voters through local volunteers is the best way to Get-Out-The-Vote (see Obama, Barack and http://www.prospect.org/cs/art…  The reason why is simple.  People trust their friends, their neighbors, and even their fellow commuters far more than any advertisement.  And authenticity and trust are the keys to winning someone over and generating enthusiasm – in politics, in nonprofit fundraising, in life.  Displaying a car magnet announces that you not only volunteered but paid to raise awareness about your favorite museum or charity or political campaign. That creates a real personal connection between you, the driver, and the viewer, your audience.  With the personal touch a car magnet gives your message, you can powerfully demonstrate the grassroots enthusiasm behind your favorite causes.

Moreover, car magnets’ physical qualities and communication style help them powerfully amplify a progressive message.  Most Americans spend over 15 hours a week in their cars – over two hours a day! And they pay attention to their surroundings.  A good car magnet can hit many thousands of viewers a day.  A car magnet never stops working – downtown, highways, arterials, parking lots, shopping centers, even at home.  And unlike a TV ad or a door-to-door salesman, a car magnet doesn’t invade people’s time or personal space, which people really appreciate. Plus, people tend to recoil from bumper stickers, fearing their permanence, low production values, and one-time-only use.  Car magnets have none of those problems – their easy-on, easy-off quality gives people huge possibilities for creativity.  People remember the written word well, but they remember an image-based message – a picture, a logo, an artistic design – even more well.  I think there is a huge, untapped demand for what car magnets can offer, and that they can contribute enormously to progressive causes.

Many of our hopes rest on creating viral and word-of-mouth enthusiasm.  Our Holy Grail demographic target is high-awareness voters, especially activists and political campaign donors. We want to reach these people through the Netroots.  We are also contacting high-intensity Congressional campaigns too, particularly those involving Netroots darlings like Scott Kleeb and Rick Noriega.  

So I would love to hear your comments and thoughts on our car magnet business.  I haven’t included our business’s name or website address in this diary because I didn’t want to violate online community etiquette.  So I have some questions for readers.  First, are people here interested in what our car magnet business can do for progressive causes?  How would people here react to me creating diaries discussing the car magnets (Obama, congressional candidates, etc.) that we sell on our website?  Would that be taboo?  If we bought advertising and became a sponsor of this blog, would we have more legitimacy in creating self-promoting diaries?  Are there any progressive, nonprofit, or charitable organizations that you support and care about that would benefit from promoting themselves by distributing car magnet to their supporters? We enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive reaction to our Obama magnets at places like our state Democratic Convention and the Obama “Unite for Change” house parties.  But we know that face-to-face and online work in different ways.  So any advice at all would be hugely appreciated.  

Here’s one last thing I would like your feedback on.  We sell car magnets of both Democrats and Republicans – McCain along with Obama, Republican candidates along with Democratic candidates.  Here’s our reasons why: first, we wish to encourage civic and community engagement for everyone – progressive, liberal, moderate, conservative, independent, or whatever – as long as it’s respectful and positive.  We think increasing civic engagement enriches our communities and our lives.  Second, we think that becoming a partisan website would endanger our ability to help nonprofits and charities.  Nonprofits and charities, above all else, must seem like honest brokers to fundraise effectively, and associating with partisan websites would alienate large segments of the population.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading so much.  I’ve always been impressed by the spirit of civic engagement expressed on Netroots websites like this one, and I’d love to hear what you have to say.  

Decatur7@gmail.com

In our series of SSP Cash Power Rankings, we previously looked at House challengers running against incumbents and the most competitive Senate races. Now it’s time to close the triangle and look at the cash-on-hand competitiveness of candidates running in open seat House races.

The one race that we’ve left out is MO-09. Due to a large primary field without a clear front-runner on both sides, that race would be difficult to place on our chart. In other races with undecided primaries, we’ve either included multiple candidates (e.g. WY-AL, NY-26, LA-04), or have decided to go with the clear front-runner only. The top-ranked race here is a special case, as Jamshad Wyne is the only GOP candidate to file a fundraising report in NY-13 so far — we don’t consider him to be the front-runner of anything (except for the loser’s sweepstakes, perhaps), but he was our only choice.

One of the coolest things about Public Policy Polling is that they periodically ask their readers to submit names of possible candidates to test in 2010 Senate match-up polls. Over at their blog, PPP is asking for names to test against GOP crumb-bum Sen. Mel Martinez in a new poll to be conducted later this week.

Last month, they matched up Martinez with Florida CFO Alex Sink and Congressman Robert Wexler, and found the incumbent Senator’s numbers lagging. If you feel so inclined, I suggest dropping them a card and leaving the names of candidates you’d like to see tested against Martinez.

Personally, I’d be inclined to line up Martinez against Reps. Ron Klein and Kathy Castor, but you’re encouraged to put forth your own suggestions.

Here is my personal rundown, a word document almost copy and pasted for how I see the senate races.  

Notes:

– All the numbers, names, and codes can be rather mind-numbing.  If you see any spelling or numerical errors, please tell me.  

-If you think one race should be rated more competitive than another, or less competitive than another, feel free to make your case.  I think I have a good setup, but it isn’t perfect.

-This is a more liberal prediction, how the races will be on election day.  (For example, NY25, Dan Maffei will raise and spend about two million dollars, while his opponent, who isn’t an incumbent, will raise and spend around $500,000 & The DCCC will spend money here if they think it is necessary to pickup this seat.)

– *** = Retired Incumbent

– I round fundraising down to the nearest thousand.

Republican Held Seats:

1-7 = Likely Democratic Pickup

8-14 = Lean Democratic Pickup

15-24 = Toss up

25-37 = Lean Republican Retention

38-49 = Likely Republican Retention

50-68 = Race to Watch

Democratic Held Seats:

1-3 = Toss Up

4-14 = Lean Democratic Retention

15-27 = Likely Democratic Retention

House Republicans

1. New York-25*** (D+3) – – –  R2B

Dan Maffei v. Dale Sweetland

Total Raised — $1,309,000 v. $133,000

Cash On Hand – $961,000 v. $107,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for NY-25

2. New York-13*** (D+1) – – –  R2B

Mike McMahon v. ???

Total Raised —- $498,000 v. $0

Cash On Hand – $470,000 v. $0

CQ Politics – “Democrat Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for NY-13

3. Arizona-01*** (R+2) – – –  R2B

Ann Kirkpatrick v. Sydney Hay

Total Raised —- $968,000 v. $293,000

Cash On Hand – $668,000 v. $257,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for AZ-01

4. New Jersey-03*** (D+3) – – –  R2B

John Adler v. Chris Myers

Total Raised —- $1,719,000 v. $626,000

Cash On Hand – $1,463,000 v. $155,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NJ-03

5. Virginia-11*** (R+1) – – –  R2B

Gerry Connolly v. Keith Fimian

Total Raised —- $937,000 v. $1,293,000

Cash On Hand – $275,000 v. $1,039,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for VA-11

6. Illinois-11***  (R+1) – – –  R2B

Debbie Halvorson v. Martin Ozinga

Total Raised —- $1,233,000 v. $810,000

Cash On Hand — $916,000 v. $669,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for IL-11

7. New Jersey-07*** (R+1) – – –  R2B

Linda Stender v. Leonard Lance

Total Raised —- $1,545,000 v. $385,000

Cash On Hand – $1,200,000 v. $80,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NJ-07

———————————————————————

8. New York-26*** (R+3) – – –  R2B

Jon Powers v. Chris Lee

Total Raised —- $869,000 v. $670,000

Cash On Hand – $488,000 v. $636,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NY-26

9. New Mexico-01*** (D+2) – – –  R2B

Martin Heinrich v. Darren White

Total Raised — $1,240,000 v. $905,000

Cash On Hand — $354,000 v. $634,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NM-01

10. Michigan-07 (R+2) – – –  R2B

Mark Schauer v. Representative Tim Walberg

Total Raised — $1,330,000 v. $1,208,000

Cash On Hand — $928,000 v. $855,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for MI-07

11. Minnesota-03*** (R+1) – – –  R2B

Ashwin Madia v. Erik Paulson

Total Raised — $1,052,000 v. $1,393,000

Cash On Hand — $738,000 v. $1,123,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for MN-03

12. Ohio-15*** (R+1) – – –  R2B

Mary Jo Kilroy v. Steve Stivers

Total Raised —- $1,559,000 v. $1,216,000

Cash On Hand – $1,163,000 v. $879,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for OH-15

13. Washington-08 (D+2) – – –  R2B

Darcy Burner v. Representative Dave Reichert

Total Raised —- $1,959,000 v. $1,487,000

Cash On Hand – $1,248,000 v. $916,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for WA-08

14. Ohio-16*** (R+4) – – –  R2B

John Boccieri v. Kirk Schuring

Total Raised — $1,081,000 v. $819,000

Cash On Hand — $531,000 v. $348,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for OH-16

———————————————————————

15. New York-29 (R+5) – – –  R2B

Eric Massa v. Representative Randy Kuhl

Total Raised — $1,158,000 v. $943,000

Cash On Hand — $652,000 v. $618,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NY-29

16. North Carolina-08 (R+3) – – –  R2B

Larry Kissell v. Representative Robert Hayes

Total Raised —- $610,000 v. $2,207,000

Cash On Hand – $231,000 v. $1,174,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NC-08

17. Illinois-10 (D+4) – – –  R2B

Dan Seals v. Representative Mark Kirk

Total Raised —- $1,988,000 v. $3,763,000

Cash On Hand – $1,175,000 v. $2,856,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for IL-10

18. Michigan-09 (R+0) – – –  R2B

Gary Peters v. Representative Joe Knollenberg

Total Raised —- $1,301,000 v. $2,547,000

Cash On Hand – $1,082,000 v. $1,891,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for MI-09

19. Ohio-01 (R+1) – – –  R2B

Steve Dreihaus v. Representative Steve Chabot

Total Raised —- $889,000 v. $1,356,000

Cash On Hand – $631,000 v. $1,311,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for OH-01

20. Nevada-03 (D+1) – – –  R2B

Dina Titus v. Representative Jon Porter

Total Raised —- $575,000 v. $2,038,000

Cash On Hand – $553,000 v. $1,277,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NV-03

21. Florida-24 (R+3) – – –  R2B

Suzanne Kosmas v. Representative Tom Feeney

Total Raised —- $1,142,000 v. $1,388,000

Cash On Hand — $936,000 v. $795,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for FL-24

22. Colorado-04 (R+9) – – –  R2B

Betsy Markey v. Representative Marilyn Musgrave

Total Raised —- $958,000 v. $1,661,000

Cash On Hand – $580,000 v. $1,155,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for CO-04

23. Florida-21 (R+6) – – –  R2B

Raul Martinez v. Representative Lincoln Diaz Balart

Total Raised —- $1,219,000 v. $1,485,000

Cash On Hand – $1,079,000 v. $1,456,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for FL-21

24. Connecticut-04 (D+5) – – –  R2B

Jim Himes v. Representative Chris Shays

Total Raised —- $2,055,000 v. $2,329,000

Cash On Hand – $1,444,000 v. $1,698,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for CT-04

———————————————————————

25. New Mexico-02*** (R+6) – – –  R2B

Harry Teague v. Ed Tinsley  

Total Raised —- $1,529,000 v. $1,091,000

Cash On Hand —– $75,000 v. $111,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for NM-02

26. Louisiana-04*** (R+7) – – –  R2B

Paul Carmouche v. Chris Gorman

Total Raised —- $481,000 v. $706,000

Cash On Hand – $388,000 v. $352,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for LA-04

27. Missouri-09*** (R+7)

Judy Baker v. Bob Onder

Total Raised —- $401,000 v. $495,000

Cash On Hand – $140,000 v. $349,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for MO-09

28. Florida-25 (R+4) – – –  R2B

Joe Garcia v. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart

Total Raised —- $824,000 v. $1,135,000

Cash On Hand – $700,000 v. $752,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for FL-25

29. Idaho-01 (R+19) – – –  R2B

Walt Minnick v. Representative Bill Sali

Total Raised —- $997,000 v. $656,000

Cash On Hand – $444,000 v. $250,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for ID-01

30. Alaska-AL (R+14) – – –  R2B

Ethan Berkowitz v. Sean Parnell

Total Raised —- $627,000 v. $291,000  

Cash On Hand – $398,000 v. $207,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”  

2006 Results for AK-AL

31. Missouri-06 (R+5) – – –  R2B

Kay Barnes v. Representative Sam Graves

Total Raised — $1,852,000 v. $1,902,000

Cash On Hand — $962,000 v. $936,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for MO-06

32. Wyoming-AL*** (R+19) – – –  R2B

Gary Trauner v. Mark Gordon

Total Raised —- $955,000 v. $723,000

Cash On Hand – $701,000 v. $69,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for WY-AL

33. Florida-13 (R+4) – – –  R2B

Christine Jennings v. Representative Vernon Buchanan

Total Raised — $1,499,000 v. $2,953,000

Cash On Hand — $578,000 v. $1,572,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for FL-13

34. Ohio-02 (R+13) – – – ER

Victoria Wulsin v. Representative Jean Schmidt

Total Raised — $1,090,000 v. $858,000

Cash On Hand — $378,000 v. $393,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for OH-02

35. Alabama-02*** (R+13) – – –  R2B

Bobby Bright v. Jay Love

Total Raised —- $399,000 v. $1,051,000

Cash On Hand – $280,000 v. $90,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for AL-02

36. California-04*** (R+11) – – –  R2B

Charlie Brown v. Thomas McClintock

Total Raised — $1,314,000 v. $1,596,000

Cash On Hand — $675,000 v. $117,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for CA-04

37. Virginia-02 (R+6) – – –  R2B

Glenn Nye v. Representative Thelma Drake

Total Raised —- $515,000 v. $1,334,000

Cash On Hand – $409,000 v. $682,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for VA-02  

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38. Texas-07 (R+16) – – – ER

Michael Skelly v. Representative John Culberson

Total Raised —- $1,465,000 v. $983,000

Cash On Hand – $1,050,000 v. $550,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for TX-07  

39. Kentucky-02*** (R+13) – – – ER

David Boswell v. Brett Guthrie

Total Raised — $219,000 v. $764,000

Cash On Hand — $45,000 v. $661,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for KY-03

40. Texas-10 (R+13)Larry Doherty v. Representative Mike McCaul

Total Raised —- $701,000 v. $975,000

Cash On Hand – $259,000 v. $489,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for TX-10

41. Nevada-02 (R+8) – – – ER

Jill Derby v. Representative Dean Heller

Total Raised —- $437,000 v. $1,169,000

Cash On Hand – $353,000 v. $984,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for NV-02

42. Florida-08 (R+3)

Charlie Stuart v. Representative Richard Keller

Total Raised —- $613,000 v. $986,000

Cash On Hand – $414,000 v. $935,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for FL-08

43. Maryland-01*** (R+10) – – –  R2B

Frank Kratovil v. Andrew Harris

Total Raised —- $789,000 v. $1,905,000

Cash On Hand – $454,000 v. $609,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for MD-01

44. Pennsylvania-03 (R+2) – – – ER

Kathleen Dahlkemper v. Representative Phil English

Total Raised —- $314,000 v. $1,579,000

Cash On Hand – $127,000 v. $786,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for PA-03

45. Arizona-03 (R+6) – – –  R2B

Bob Lord v. Representative John Shadegg

Total Raised — $1,065,000 v. $1,704,000

Cash On Hand — $706,000 v. $1,354,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for AZ-03

46. New Jersey-05 (R+4) – – – ER

Dennis Shulman v. Representative Scott Garrett

Total Raised —- $548,000 v. $983,000

Cash On Hand – $258,000 v. $649,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for NJ-05

47. Virginia-05 (R+6) – – – ER

Tom Perriello v. Representative Virgil Goode

Total Raised —- $910,000 v. $818,000

Cash On Hand – $519,000 v. $834,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for VA-05

48. West Virginia-02 (R+5) – – –  R2B

Anne Barth v. Representative Shelly Capito Moore

Total Raised —- $629,000 v. $1,143,000

Cash On Hand – $353,000 v. $974,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Republican”

2006 Results for WV-02

49. California-50 (R+5) – – – ER

Nick Leibham v. Representative Brian Bilbray

Total Raised —- $560,000 v. $879,000

Cash On Hand – $266,000 v. $528,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for CA-50

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50. Pennsylvania-15 (D+2) – – – ER

Siobhan Bennett v. Representative Charlie Dent

Total Raised —- $537,000 v. $1,161,000

Cash On Hand – $353,000 v. $686,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for PA-15

51. Alabama-03 (R+4) – – – ER

Josh Segall v. Representative Mike Rogers

Total Raised — $521,000 v. $906,000

Cash On Hand – $410,000 v. $1,119,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for AL-03

52. Pennsylvania-06 (D+2) – – – ER

Bob Roggio v. Representative Jim Gerlach

Total Raised —- $324,000 v. $1,814,000

Cash On Hand – $259,000 v. $761,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for PA-06

53. Florida-18 (R+4) – – – ER

Annette Taddeo v. Representative Ros-Lehtinen

Total Raised —- $475,000 v. $1,124,000

Cash On Hand – $457,000 v. $1,893,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for FL-18

54. Indiana-03 (R+16) – – – ER

Michael Montagano v. Representative Mike Souder

Total Raised —- $459,000 v. $556,000

Cash On Hand – $351,000 v. $323,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for IN-03

55. California-46 (R+6)

Debbie Cook v. Representative Dana Rohrbacher

Total Raised — $157,000 v. $319,000

Cash On Hand — $97,000 v. $387,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for CA-46

56.Virginia-10 (R+5) – – – ER

Judy Feder v. Representative Frank Wolf

Total Raised — $1,207,000 v. $1,403,000

Cash On Hand — $812,000 v. $849,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for VA-10

57. Indiana-04 (R+17)

Nels Ackerson v. Representative Steve Buyer

Total Raised — $395,000 v. $479,000

Cash On Hand – $177,000 v. $623,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Safe Republican”

2006 Results for IN-04

58. Illinois-18*** (R+5) – – – ER

Colleen Callahan v. Aaron Schock

Total Raised —- $227,000 v. $1,498,000

Cash On Hand – $155,000 v. $299,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for IL-18

59. California-26 (R+4)

Russ Warner v. Representative David Dreier

Total Raised —- $651,000 v. $918,000

Cash On Hand – $125,000 v. $1,903,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Safe Republican”

2006 Results for CA-26

60. Ohio-14 (R+2)

William O’Neill v. Representative Steven LaTourette

Total Raised — $345,000 v. $1,166,000

Cash On Hand — $46,000 v. $870,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Safe Republican”

2006 Results for OH-14

61. Illinois-06 (R+3) – – – ER

Jill Morgenthaler v. Peter Roskam

Total Raised —- $495,000 v. $1,770,000

Cash On Hand – $230,000 v. $1,213,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for IL-06

62. Florida-09 (R+4) – – – ER

John Dicks v. Representative Gus Bilirakis

Total Raised —- $354,000 v. $1,049,000

Cash On Hand – $323,000 v. $642,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for FL-09

63. Louisiana-07 (R+7) – – – ER

Don Cravins Jr. v. Representative Charles Boustany

Total Raised —- $107,000 v. $1,014,000

Cash On Hand – $104,000 v. $669,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Safe Republican”

2006 Results for LA-07

64. Ohio-07*** (R+6)

Sharen Neuhardt v. Steve Austria

Total Raised —- $363,000 v. $818,000

Cash On Hand – $108,000 v. $361,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for OH-07

65. Minnesota-02 (R+3) – – – ER

Steve Sarvi v. Representative John Kline

Total Raised — $251,000 v. $1,075,000

Cash On Hand — $98,000 v. $647,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for MN-02

66. North Carolina-10 (R+15) – – – ER

Dan Johnson v. Representative Patrick McHenry

Total Raised —- $341,000 v. $1,031,000

Cash On Hand – $218,000 v. $410,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for NC-10

67. Minnesota-06 (R+5) – – – ER

El Tinklenberg v. Representative Michele Bachmann

Total Raised —- $531,000 v. $1,932,000

Cash On Hand – $225,000 v. $1,297,000

CQ Politics – “Republican Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for MN-06

68. Nebraska-02 (R+9)

James Esch v. Representative Lee Terry

Total Raised —- $246,000 v. $957,000

Cash On Hand – $140,000 v. $616,000

CQ Politics – “Safe Republican” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Republican”

2006 Results for NE-02

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House Democrats

1. Texas-22 (R+15)

Representative Nick Lampson v. Pete Olson

Total Raised — $1,635,000 v. $1,068,000

Cash On Hand – $1,148,000 v. $261,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for TX-22  

2. Kansas-02 (R+7)

Representative Nancy Boyda v. Jim Ryun

Total Raised — $1,227,000 v. $1,649,000

Cash On Hand — $892,000 v. $223,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for KS-02  

3. Florida-16 (R+2)

Representative Tim Mahoney v. Hal Valeche

Total Raised — $2,497,000 v. $1,054,000

Cash On Hand – $1,172,000 v. $828,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for FL-16

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4. New Hampshire-01 (R+0)

Representative Carol Shea-Porter v. Jeb Bradley

Total Raised — $919,000 v. $714,000

Cash On Hand – $748,000 v. $475,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for NH-01  

5. Oregon-05*** (D+1)

Kurt Shrader v. Michael Erickson

Total Raised — $382,000 v. $1,963,000

Cash On Hand – $231,000 v. $400,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for OR-05  

6. Alabama-05*** (R+6)

Parker Griffith v. Wayne Parker

Total Raised — $572,000 v. $431,000

Cash On Hand – $351,000 v. $73,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for AL-05  

7. Georgia-08 (R+8)

Representative Jim Marshall v. Richard Goddard

Total Raised — $1,169,000 v. $767,000

Cash On Hand – $1,372,000 v. $488,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for GA-08  

8. Kentucky-03 (D+2)

Representative John Yarmuth v. Anne Northup

Total Raised — $1,456,000 v. $1,081,000

Cash On Hand – $1,001,000 v. $819,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for KY-03  

9. Pennsylvania-10 (R+8)

Representative Chris Carney v. Chris Hackett

Total Raised — $1,648,000 v. $2,010,000

Cash On Hand – $1,149,000 v. $174,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for PA-10  

10. Pennsylvania-04 (R+3)

Representative Jason Altmire v. Melissa Hart

Total Raised — $2,122,000 v. $823,000

Cash On Hand – $1,574,000 v. $624,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for PA-04  

11. Louisiana-06 (R+7)

Don Cazayoux v. Bill Cassidy

Total Raised — $1,833,000 v. $212,000

Cash On Hand — $271,000 v. $195,000

CQ Politics – “Toss Up” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for LA-06  

12. Mississippi-01 (R+10)

Travis Childers v. Greg Davis

Total Raised — $1,315,000 v. $1,345,000

Cash On Hand — $160,000 v. $53,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for MS-01  

13. Arizona-08 (R+1)

Representative Gabrielle Giffords v. Tim Bee

Total Raised — $2,499,000 v. $1,146,000

Cash On Hand – $2,077,000 v. $687,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for AZ-08  

14. New York-20 (R+3)

Representative Kirsten Gillibrand v. Alexander Treadwell

Total Raised — $3,602,000 v. $2,693,000

Cash On Hand – $2,802,000 v. $1,269,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for NY-20    

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15. California-11 (R+3)

Representative Jerry McNerney v. Dean Andal

Total Raised — $2,130,000 v. $798,000

Cash On Hand – $1,375,000 v. $663,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Toss Up”

2006 Results for CA-11  

16. Pennsylvania-11 (D+5)

Representative Paul Kanjorski v. Lou Barletta

Total Raised — $1,513,000 v. $517,000

Cash On Hand – $2,174,000 v. $321,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for PA-11  

17. Arizona-05 (R+4)

Representative Harry Mitchell v. David Schweikert

Total Raised — $1,717,000 v. $681,000

Cash On Hand – $1,372,000 v. $514,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for AZ-05  

18. Connecticut-05 (D+4)

Representative Chris Murphy v. David Cappiello

Total Raised — $2,272,000 v. $763,000

Cash On Hand – $1,901,000 v. $710,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for CT-05  

19. Wisconsin-08 (R+4)

Representative Steve Kagen v. John Gard

Total Raised — $1,410,000 v. $812,000

Cash On Hand — $926,000 v. $649,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for WI-08

20. Texas-23 (R+4)

Representative Ciro Rodriguez v. Lyle Larson

Total Raised — $2,164,000 v. $534,000

Cash On Hand – $1,193,000 v. $279,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for TX-23  

21. Illinois-14 (R+5)

Representative Bill Foster v. Jim Oberweis

Total Raised — $3,459,000 v. $4,660,000

Cash On Hand — $442,000 v. $547,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for IL-14

22. Indiana-09 (R+7)

Representative Baron Hill v. Mike Sodrel

Total Raised — $1,734,000 v. $664,000

Cash On Hand – $1,160,000 v. $379,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Lean Democrat”

2006 Results for IN-09

23. Minnesota-01 (R+1)

Representative Tim Walz v. Brian Davis

Total Raised — $1,941,000 v. $490,000

Cash On Hand – $1,210,000 v. $377,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for MN-01

24. New York-19 (R+1)

Representative John Hall v. Kieran Lalor

Total Raised — $1,821,000 v. $226,000

Cash On Hand – $1,267,000 v. $150,000

CQ Politics – “Democrat Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for NY-19

25. Ohio-18 (R+6)

Representative Zach Space v. Fred Dailey

Total Raised — $1,809,000 v. $272,000

Cash On Hand – $1,141,000 v. $12,000

CQ Politics – “Democrat Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for OH-18

26. Georgia-12 (D+2)

Representative John Barrow v. John Stone

Total Raised — $1,725,000 v. $134,000

Cash On Hand – $1,109,000 v. $8,000

CQ Politics – “Lean Democrat” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for GA-12

27. Indiana-08 (R+9)

Representative Brad Ellsworth v. Greg Goode

Total Raised — $1,246,000 v. $144,000

Cash On Hand — $779,000 v. $9,000

CQ Politics – “Democrat Favored” / Cook Political Report – “Likely Democrat”

2006 Results for IN-08

Total # of Red to Blue Candidates: 38

Total # of Emerging Races Candidates: 21

Current Breakdown: 236D-199R

Prediction: 25-35 Democratic pickups in the US House

Earlier this summer, we wrote about GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan getting hit with a consumer fraud lawsuit by ex-employees of his various auto dealerships in Florida. Things have gotten even more interesting in recent days, as two ex-employees behind the lawsuit are detailing additional allegations that they faced pressure to donate to Buchanan’s congressional campaign in 2006, and were offered cash gifts and other favors as inducements:

Bell, the former finance director at Venice Nissan Dodge, said the day he made a $1,000 donation to the Buchanan campaign, he was given $1,000 in cash from his boss at the auto dealership.

Bell gave the Herald-Tribune bank records, which included copies of a canceled check dated Sept. 17, 2005, to the Buchanan campaign for $1,000 and a cash deposit made to his account the same day for $960. He said he took the rest as spending money.

“I was told I was going to be reimbursed,” Bell said. “I either had to do this, or I was told I wouldn’t be considered a team player. I took it as a threat. There was no gray area.”

This sort of thing is, of course, very illegal:

Federal election law prohibits “using coercion, such as the threat of a detrimental job action, the threat of any other financial reprisal, or the threat of force, to urge any individual to make a contribution or engage in fundraising activities on behalf of a candidate or political committee.”

The law also prohibits a candidate’s giving cash or other reimbursements to a donor in exchange for a contribution.

There’s more:

Kezer, the former finance director at another Buchanan dealership, Sarasota Ford, wrote a $2,000 check to the Buchanan campaign after he said he was told it was important to support the candidate. In exchange for the donation, Kezer said, Buchanan personally promised him a week at Buchanan’s Vail, Colo., resort home. Buchanan sold the home last month for $6.5 million.

“He put his arm around me and promised I could use his house in Vail if I donated,” Kezer said.

Kezer, 50, said he never went to Buchanan’s Colorado home because he feared it was a violation.

Buchanan’s camp is pushing back aggressively against the chargest, but it’s unclear what, if anything, will come of all this. One thing is certain: this isn’t exactly the kind of press that Buchanan wants to have as he heads into the final months of his first re-election campaign.

SSP currently rates this race as Likely Republican.

Sean Tevis is running for state representative in Kansas, and he’s used an incredibly funny homage to webcomic xkcd to get his name out online.  And boy, has it worked!

More after the fold.

I mean, a verbal Rick Roll??  Heady.

Oh yeah, he went there.  A 300 parody.

So just how well did it go?  Well, a mere 37.25 hours after posting that comic on his webpage, they did it.

He’s now got almost 5,300 donors.  This has become so popular online, he’s had to post a message asking people overseas NOT to contribute (because they’re not allowed to) unless they’re U.S. citizens living abroad.  He’s already had to return $1,800 worth of donations to non-Americans who felt inspired enough by the comic to contribute.  🙂

On Reddit, Tevis stopped by to respond to quite a few comments (even to trolls) about him breaking the 3,000 donor mark.  And as the comic shows above, no person running in the history of the Kansas state legislature had ever had more than 644 donors.  Until now.

Tevis points out that his opponent receives almost nothing but PAC money.  And just who is this opponent he’s trying to kick out?  Republican Arlen Siegfreid.  This is what’s actually written on his “Meet Arlen” page.  Check out the number of spelling errors.  Wow.

CNN Money Magazine announced Olathe as #13 in the Top 25 Best Plces (sic) in America to Live — 2006. Kudos to not only the city government and elected officials, but to Olathe’s wonderful citizens that have continued, year after year, to perosnally (sic) commit, build, and establish a city of pride.

Olathe has been my home for the past 35 years. During that time, I have raised five children and appreciated the safety and excellence of our public schools. Although having the distinction of the most rapid (?????) of any city in the state, Olathe continues to maintain an utmost quality of life embraced with traditional family values. I am proud to call Olathe my home, and you, my friend and neighbor.

The greatest privilege of my life is being your elected State Representative for the 15th District. I am committed to forging ahead in helping build an economic development and business environment that will guarantee good, high paying jobs for our citizens. Improvements, or problems, can be remedied temporariliy (sic) or for the long term. I will continue to make decisions based on what is best not only for today, but also for the future. If our children and generates (sic) to come cant’ (sic) trust us, whom can they trust?

It’s our move. We can do it together.

A real winner there.