Ballot Measure Roundup

Here’s one last topic that we haven’t paid much attention to in the last few months at SSP, but is of great importance in terms of shaping policy at the state level: major ballot initiatives and referenda. The use of the initiative is in some places, especially in the blue states of the West Coast where Democrats firmly control the legislatures but self-declared initiative kingpins have well-entrenched operations, the right wing’s last means of access to the levers of power. So vigilance is required… and unfortunately, this tends to be one of the few areas where we’re playing defense these days.

The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center reports that there are 153 measures, including 61 initiatives, on the ballot in 35 different states this year. This is actually down from 2004, when there were 162 measures (including 55 initiatives), a year where, in the opinion of some (but certainly not all), the initiatives made all the difference (via the inclusion of anti-gay initiatives in a variety of key swing states to motivate conservative GOTV). Rather than plow through all 153 of them, over the flip let’s focus on some of the ones getting the most attention…

One striking difference from 2004 is that fear of teh gays just doesn’t seem to be cutting it anymore, popping up only in a few states. The big initiative on this front, and probably the biggest of all initiatives this year in terms of media exposure and money spent, is California Proposition 8. This proposes to rewrite the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage (which is currently legal in California, thanks to a May state supreme court decision striking down an older anti-gay marriage initiative). Polling has bounced around all over the place as a blitz of advertising funded by primarily out-of-state money has pushed ‘yes’ (in favor of the ban on same-sex marriage) into the lead in some recent polls. The most recent Field Poll (from today) showed ‘no’ in the lead 49-44, down from a 17-point advantage in September. Troublingly, the majority of those who have already voted or absentee early have voted ‘yes’ (not necessarily what you’d expect, given the large Democratic margins among early votes in many other states, but perhaps explained that many early/absentee voters are older).

The gay marriage issue also makes an appearance in Florida Amendment 2, which seeks to preemptively amend the constitution to ban gay marriage and domestic partnership. This may be a case of overreach in Florida, where many elderly heterosexual couples would benefit from formation of domestic partnerships rather than remarrying, to avoid losing benefits. A South Florida Sun-Sentinel poll today shows 53% support for the measure; however, that’s not enough, as an amendment like this needs 60% support to pass.

Reproductive freedom issues show up in several states. For instance, California Proposition 4 tries once again to impose parental notification limits on abortion access. This measure proposes a ‘judicial bypass’ allowing girls from abusive households to seek judicial permission, but such measures have failed twice before.

South Dakota Measure 11 seeks to resurrect the strict abortion ban that was imposed by the legislature but struck down by citizen initiative in 2006. The replacement for it pretends to be less onerous, with exemptions for rape, incest, and the mother’s health, although exercising any of those involves jumping through multiple bureaucratic hoops. This one will be close: Research 2000 (for Daily Kos) sees ‘no’ (against the ban) winning 44-42, while the Argus-Leader sees a 42-42 tie.

Colorado Amendment 48 paves the way for who-knows-what, by going much further by declaring the ‘personhood’ begins at the moment of conception. This one is turning into a bit of a Waterloo for the anti-abortion forces, as it’s down in the polls by a whopping 68-27 margin. Part of the problem is that many anti-abortion groups like Focus on the Family haven’t gotten behind this, fearing that it goes so far it will be easily struck down by the US Supreme Court and set precedents even more difficult to overcome.

Also at issue is Colorado Amendment 46, one of only a few anti-affirmative action measures pushed by initiative kingpin Ward Connerly that actually made it onto the ballot this year. Connerly’s success at pushing initiatives like this may be dwindling, as establishment figures from governor Bill Ritter to the Denver Chamber of Commerce have piled on against this measure.

On the education front, it’s conservatives vs. the teachers’ unions on a number of fronts; a key example is Oregon Measure 60, an attempt by local initiative entrepreneur Bill Sizemore to impose merit pay on teachers based on classroom performance. A similar measure was rejected by 65% of voters in 2000, however. Oregon Measure 58, also from Sizemore, seeks to impose ‘English only’ requirements and eliminate bilingual education.

Well, it isn’t all bad; there are a few progressive measures here and there. California Proposition 7 is a good example. This measure requires all utilities (not just private electrical companies, who are all subject to this requirement) to generate 20% of their power from renewables by 2010 (and up to 50% by 2025). Unfortunately, this is another race where heavy spending (by state private utilities) seems to be driving numbers the wrong way; while it had 63% in a July Field Poll, the most recent Field Poll sees it failing 39-43. (UPDATE: Several commenters point out that a number of environmental groups are opposed to Prop 7 for being written in a way that excludes small-scale energy producers; see the Calitics explanation. Opposition from the left may explain its sudden decline in popularity.)

The most heated ballot measure in the Evergreen State is Washington Initiative 1000, which proposes to bring physician-assisted suicide (currently legal only in Oregon) to the state. Polls have shown fairly widespread support for this measure, such as SurveyUSA recently giving it 49-32 support.

Montana Initiative 155 is an ambitious plan to provide health care coverage to the state’s uninsured children. Montana has one of the highest rates of uninsured children and big gaps in its SCHIP coverage; this measure proposes to extend coverage to 30,000 kids, partly through an insurance premium tax. Despite the state’s Republican lean, this radical redistributionist initiative is one of the most popular measures anywhere, with recent polling giving it 73% support.

Whew! This barely scratches the surface, but these are 10 of the biggest measures out there. Undoubtedly I’ve left out some measures with some passionate supporters or detractors here, so please feel free to chip in in the comments with what’s big in your state and how the odds of passage are looking.

NC-Sen, NC-Gov: North Carolina Omnibus

Along the lines of our New Hampshire compendium of polls, there’s so much new North Carolina material out today that we’re just going to give it to you in condensed form. What are the takeaways? The governor’s race is still too close to call but may be shading toward Perdue, while on the Senate side, it’s time for the Republicans to start practicing saying “Senator Godless.”

Research 2000 for Daily Kos:

Hagan 50 (49), Dole 45 (45)

Perdue 49 (48), McCrory 44 (43)

CNN:

Hagan 53, Dole 44

Elon:

Hagan 44 (37), Dole 37 (35)

Perdue 40 (33), McCrory 40 (37)

Civitas (R):

Hagan 45 (44), Dole 43 (41)

Perdue 45 (43), McCrory 43 (43)

PA-12: NRCC Makes Major Buy Against Murtha

The NRCC has just filed a $465,000 TV buy against Democratic Rep. John Murtha.

That ain’t chump change. Could we really see an upset here on Tuesday?

UPDATE: SSP is changing our rating of this race from Likely Democratic to Lean Democratic.

LATER UPDATE: The DCCC has responded with a $450K blast of their own.

My Finalized Predictions!

Alright!  So I’ll start out with a key to make sure we’re all on the same page.  Here’s an example:

1. New York-13*** (D+1) – – –  R2B (X)

Mike McMahon v. Robert Straniere

Total Raised — $1,156,000 v. $123,000

Cash On Hand — $285,000 v. $11,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

First, I have the district.  In this case it is New York’s 13th distict.  When I talk about “Total Raised” I include self-funding and transfers from state parties/etc.  The numbers I am using are all Pre-General numbers fundraising numbers that just add the first two weeks of October to the big 3Q fundraising rundown SSP did.  Obviously I point out CQ Politics and Cook’s ratings of every race, then I tag my personal rating to the race.  I also divide my rankings with a long line of dashes, to signify a change in rankings.  I appropriately always put the Democrat on the left, and the Republican on the right!

*** = Retired Incumbent

(X) = I expect this race to flip from the holding party

(-) = I expect the current holding party to retain this seat

If you have any questions regarding my ratings, please feel free to ask!  My ratings move from Senate Republicans, to House Republicans, and then House Democrats.  

What I would deem “Upset Picks” in the house are Glenn Nye in VA-02, Michael Montagano in IN-03, and Bob Lord in AZ-03.  

Senate Republicans

1. Virginia*** (X)

Former Governor Mark Warner v. Former Governor Jim Gilmore

Total Raised — $12,891,000 v. $2,026,000

Cash On Hand — $3,642,000 v. $85,000

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

(Safe Democratic Pick-up)

2. New Mexico*** (X)

Representative Tom Udall v. Representative Steven Pearce

Total Raised — $6,683,000 v. $4,082,000

Cash On Hand — $935,000 v. $397,000

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

(Safe Democratic Pick-up)

3. Colorado*** (X)

Representative Mark Udall v. Former Representative Bob Schaffer

Total Raised — $10,791,000 v. $6,981,000

Cash On Hand —– $470,000 v. $1,518,000

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

(Safe Democratic Pick-up)

———————————————————————

4. New Hampshire (X)

Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen v. Incumbent Senator John Sununu

Total Raised — $7,119,000 v. $8,394,000

Cash On Hand – $1,763,000 v. $2,425,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pick-up)

5. Alaska (X)

Mayor Mark Begich v. Incumbent Senator Ted Stevens

Total Raised — $3,519,000 v. $4,501,000

Cash On Hand — $629,000 v. $833,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

———————————————————————

6. Oregon (X)

State Speaker Jeff Merkley v. Incumbent Senator Gordon Smith

Total Raised — $5,606,000 v. $8,302,000

Cash On Hand – $1,139,000 v. $815,000

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

(Lean  Democratic Pickup)

7. North Carolina (X)

State Senator Kay Hagan v. Incumbent Senator Liddy Dole

Total Raised — $6,244,000 v. $15,546,000

Cash On Hand — $503,000 v. $2,803,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

———————————————————————

8. Minnesota (X)

Al Franken v. Incumbent Senator Norm Coleman

Total Raised — $17,005,000 v. $17,907,000

Cash On Hand —- $182,000 v. $3,996,000

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

(Toss Up)

9. Kentucky (-)

Bruce Lunsford v. Incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell

Total Raised — $7,700,000 v. $14,065,000

Cash On Hand — $165,000 v. $3,723,000

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

(Toss Up)

10. Georgia (RO -)

Jim Martin v. Saxby Chambliss

Total Raised — $3,030,000 v. $7,662,000

Cash On Hand —- $585,000 v. $836,000

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

(Toss Up)

11. Mississippi-B*** (-)

Former Governor Ronnie Musgrove v. Representative Roger Wicker

Total Raised — $2,204,000 v. $5,479,000

Cash On Hand — $337,000 v. $683,000

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

(Toss Up)

———————————————————————

12. Maine (-)

Representative Tom Allen v. Incumbent Senator Susan Collins

Total Raised — $5,746,000 v. $7,281,000

Cash On Hand — $987,000 v. $2,101,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

House Republicans

1. New York-13*** (D+1) (X)

Mike McMahon v. Robert Straniere

Total Raised — $1,156,000 v. $123,000

Cash On Hand — $285,000 v. $11,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

2. New York-25***  (D+3) (X)

Dan Maffei v. Dale Sweetland

Total Raised — $2,016,000 v. $365,000

Cash On Hand — $351,000 v. $116,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

3. Virginia-11*** (R+1) (X)

Gerry Connolly v. Keith Fimian

Total Raised — $1,782,000 v. $1,762,000

Cash On Hand — $461,000 v. $655,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

4. Arizona-01*** (R+2) (X)

Ann Kirkpatrick v. Sydney Hay

Total Raised — $1,730,000 v. $433,000

Cash On Hand — $186,000 v. $91,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

5. Alaska-AL (R+14) (X)

Ethan Berkowitz v. Representative Don Young

Total Raised — $1,369,000 v. $1,278,000  

Cash On Hand —- $71,000 v. $158,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)  

6. Illinois-11*** (R+1) (X)

Debbie Halvorson v. Martin Ozinga

Total Raised — $2,053,000 v. $1,624,000

Cash On Hand — $237,000 v. $207,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

7. Ohio-16*** (R+4) (X)

John Boccieri v. Kirk Schuring

Total Raised — $1,578,000 v. $1,162,000

Cash On Hand — $281,000 v. $84,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

8. Florida-24 (R+3) (X)

Suzanne Kosmas v. Representative Tom Feeney

Total Raised — $1,712,000 v. $1,990,000

Cash On Hand — $147,000 v. $711,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

9. North Carolina-08 (R+3) (X)

Larry Kissell v. Representative Robert Hayes

Total Raised — $1,106,000 v. $3,295,000

Cash On Hand —- $58,000 v. $752,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

10. New Jersey-03*** (D+3) (X)

John Adler v. Chris Myers

Total Raised — $2,610,000 v. $1,145,000

Cash On Hand — $834,000 v. $217,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

11. New Mexico-01*** (D+2) (X)

Martin Heinrich v. Darren White

Total Raised — $2,120,000 v. $1,630,000

Cash On Hand — $167,000 v. $515,000

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

(Likely Democratic Pickup)

———————————————————————

12. Minnesota-03*** (R+1) (X)

Ashwin Madia v. Erik Paulsen

Total Raised — $2,303,000 v. $2,426,000

Cash On Hand — $598,000 v. $717,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

13. Ohio-15*** (R+1) (X)

Mary Jo Kilroy v. Steve Stivers

Total Raised — $2,274,000 v. $1,988,000

Cash On Hand — $448,000 v. $417,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

14. Michigan-07 (R+2) (X)

Mark Schauer v. Representative Tim Walberg

Total Raised — $2,017,000 v. $1,699,000

Cash On Hand — $735,000 v. $412,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

15. Colorado-04 (R+9) (X)

Betsy Markey v. Representative Marilyn Musgrave

Total Raised — $2,182,000 v. $2,493,000

Cash On Hand — $225,000 v. $325,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

16. Nevada-03 (D+1) (X)

Dina Titus v. Representative Jon Porter

Total Raised — $1,445,000 v. $2,658,000

Cash On Hand —- $64,000 v. $134,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

17. Michigan-09 (R+0) (X)

Gary Peters v. Representative Joe Knollenberg

Total Raised — $2,220,000 v. $3,295,000

Cash On Hand — $116,000 v. $1,624,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

18. Florida-08 (R+3) (X)

Alan Grayson v. Representative Richard Keller

Total Raised — $2,549,000 v. $1,483,000

Cash On Hand — $425,000 v. $706,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

19. New Jersey-07*** (R+1) (X)

Linda Stender v. Leonard Lance

Total Raised — $2,408,000 v. $1,216,000

Cash On Hand — $304,000 v. $275,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

20. New Mexico-02*** (R+6) (X)

Harry Teague v. Ed Tinsley  

Total Raised — $3,223,000 v. $2,229,000

Cash On Hand — $401,000 v. $436,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

21. Louisiana-04*** (R+7) R2B (X)

Paul Carmouche v. John Fleming

Total Raised — $849,000 v. $1,007,000

Cash On Hand — $59,000 v. $16,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

22. New York-29 (R+5) (X)

Eric Massa v. Representative Randy Kuhl

Total Raised — $1,796,000 v. $1,359,000

Cash On Hand — $234,000 v. $209,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

23. Minnesota-06 (R+5) (X)

Elwyn Tinklenberg v. Representative Michele Bachmann

Total Raised — $2,411,000 v. $2,509,000

Cash On Hand – $1,591,000 v. $1,171,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

24. Pennsylvania-03 (R+2) (X)

Kathleen Dahlkemper v. Representative Phil English

Total Raised — $906,000 v. $2,261,000

Cash On Hand – $161,000 v. $286,000

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

(Lean Democratic Pickup)

———————————————————————

25. Ohio-01 (R+1) (X)

Steve Driehaus v. Representative Steve Chabot

Total Raised — $1,256,000 v. $2,125,000

Cash On Hand — $216,000 v. $481,000

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

(Toss Up)

26. Idaho-01 (R+19) (X)

Walt Minnick v. Representative Bill Sali

Total Raised — $2,299,000 v. $1,019,000

Cash On Hand — $226,000 v. $167,000

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

(Toss Up)

27. Connecticut-04 (D+5) (X)

Jim Himes v. Representative Chris Shays

Total Raised — $3,226,000 v. $3,329,000

Cash On Hand — $282,000 v. $1,180,000

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

(Toss Up)

28. Florida-21 (R+6) (X)

Raul Martinez v. Representative Lincoln Diaz Balart

Total Raised — $1,767,000 v. $2,069,000

Cash On Hand — $693,000 v. $1,315,000

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

(Toss Up)

29. Alabama-02*** (R+13) (X)

Bobby Bright v. Jay Love

Total Raised — $893,000 v. $2,032,000

Cash On Hand — $43,000 v. $78,000

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

(Toss Up)

30. Florida-25 (R+4) (X)

Joe Garcia v. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart

Total Raised — $1,481,000 v. $1,634,000

Cash On Hand — $235,000 v. $810,000

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

(Toss Up)

31. Illinois-10 (D+4) (X)

Dan Seals v. Representative Mark Kirk

Total Raised — $3,022,000 v. $4,853,000

Cash On Hand — $269,000 v. $885,000

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

(Toss Up)

32. Washington-08 (D+2) (X)

Darcy Burner v. Representative Dave Reichert

Total Raised — $3,505,000 v. $2,403,000

Cash On Hand — $194,000 v. $585,000

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

(Toss Up)

33. Arizona-03 (R+6) (X)

Bob Lord v. Representative John Shadegg

Total Raised — $1,510,000 v. $2,231,000

Cash On Hand —- $94,000 v. $529,000

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

(Toss Up)

34. Maryland-01*** (R+10) (-)

Frank Kratovil v. Andrew Harris

Total Raised — $1,542,000 v. $2,743,000

Cash On Hand — $174,000 v. $586,000

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

(Toss Up)

35. Kentucky-02*** (R+13) (-)

David Boswell v. Brett Guthrie

Total Raised — $675,000 v. $1,102,000

Cash On Hand – $138,000 v. $424,000

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

(Toss Up)

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

Judy Baker v. Blaine Luetkemeyer

Total Raised — $1,253,000 v. $1,440,000

Cash On Hand — $100,000 v. $28,000

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

(Toss Up)

37. California-04*** (R+11) (X)

Charlie Brown v. Thomas McClintock

Total Raised — $2,010,000 v. $2,791,000

Cash On Hand — $225,000 v. $66,000

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

(Toss Up)

38. Virginia-02 (R+6) (X)

Glenn Nye v. Representative Thelma Drake

Total Raised — $1,004,000 v. $1,890,000

Cash On Hand — $269,000 v. $508,000

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

(Toss Up)

39. Nebraska-02 (R+9) (-)

James Esch v. Representative Lee Terry

Total Raised — $686,000 v. $1,447,000

Cash On Hand – $111,000 v. $330,000

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

(Toss Up)

———————————————————————

40. Indiana-03 (R+16) (X)

Michael Montagano v. Representative Mike Souder

Total Raised — $681,000 v. $863,000

Cash On Hand —- $3,000 v. $251,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

41. Ohio-02 (R+13) (-)

Victoria Wulsin v. Representative Jean Schmidt

Total Raised — $1,637,000 v. $1,125,000

Cash On Hand — $180,000 v. $158,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

42. Texas-10 (R+13) (-)

Larry Doherty v. Representative Mike McCaul

Total Raised — $1,048,000 v. $1,373,000

Cash On Hand —- $56,000 v. $300,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

43. Missouri-06 (R+5) (-)

Kay Barnes v. Representative Sam Graves

Total Raised — $2,594,000 v. $2,371,000

Cash On Hand —- $32,000 v. $222,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

44. New York-26*** (R+3) (-)

Alice Kryzan v. Chris Lee

Total Raised — $713,000 v. $1,522,000

Cash On Hand — $89,000 v. $126,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

45. Texas-07 (R+16) (-)

Michael Skelly v. Representative John Culberson

Total Raised — $2,804,000 v. $1,536,000

Cash On Hand — $610,000 v. $219,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

46. Wyoming-AL*** (R+19) (-)

Gary Trauner v. Cynthia Lummis

Total Raised — $1,460,000 v. $1,084,000

Cash On Hand — $440,000 v. $124,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

47. Virginia-05 (R+6) (-)

Tom Perriello v. Representative Virgil Goode

Total Raised — $1,502,000 v. $1,488,000

Cash On Hand — $101,000 v. $697,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

48. Nevada-02 (R+8) (-)

Jill Derby v. Representative Dean Heller

Total Raised — $913,000 v. $1,538,000

Cash On Hand – $155,000 v. $309,000

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

(Lean Republican Retention)

49. West Virginia-02 (R+5) (-)

Anne Barth v. Representative Shelly Capito Moore

Total Raised — $1,099,000 v. $1,985,000

Cash On Hand — $227,000 v. $391,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

———————————————————————

50. Florida-13 (R+4) (-)

Christine Jennings v. Representative Vernon Buchanan

Total Raised — $1,729,000 v. $4,200,000

Cash On Hand — $218,000 v. $334,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

51. Pennsylvania-15 (D+2) (-)

Siobhan Bennett v. Representative Charlie Dent

Total Raised — $870,000 v. $1,771,000

Cash On Hand — $67,000 v. $489,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

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

Sharen Neuhardt v. Steve Austria

Total Raised — $656,000 v. $1,116,000

Cash On Hand — $83,000 v. $271,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

53. Alabama-03 (R+4) (-)

Josh Segall v. Representative Mike Rogers

Total Raised — $870,000 v. $1,306,000

Cash On Hand — $48,000 v. $431,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

54. Virginia-10 (R+5) (-)

Judy Feder v. Representative Frank Wolf

Total Raised — $1,933,000 v. $1,886,000

Cash On Hand — $362,000 v. $993,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

55. New Jersey-05 (R+4) (-)

Dennis Shulman v. Representative Scott Garrett

Total Raised — $994,000 v. $1,348,000

Cash On Hand – $127,000 v. $411,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

56. California-46 (R+6) (-)

Debbie Cook v. Representative Dana Rohrabacher

Total Raised — $332,000 v. $560,000

Cash On Hand — $14,000 v. $423,000

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

(Likely Republican Retention)

House Democrats

1. Florida-16 (R+2) (X)

Representative Tim Mahoney v. Tom Rooney

Total Raised — $3,128,000 v. $1,274,000

Cash On Hand — $304,000 v. $253,000

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

(Likely Republican Pickup)

———————————————————————

2. Pennsylvania-11 (D+5) (X)

Representative Paul Kanjorski v. Lou Barletta

Total Raised — $2,274,000 v. $1,068,000

Cash On Hand — $990,000 v. $103,000

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

(Toss Up)

3. Texas-22 (R+15) (X)

Representative Nick Lampson v. Pete Olson

Total Raised — $2,037,000 v. $2,033,000

Cash On Hand — $897,000 v. $278,000

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

(Toss Up)

———————————————————————

4. Kansas-02 (R+7) (-)

Representative Nancy Boyda v. Lynn Jenkins

Total Raised — $1,599,000 v. $1,563,000

Cash On Hand — $336,000 v. $362,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

5. New Hampshire-01 (R+0) (-)

Representative Carol Shea-Porter v. Jeb Bradley

Total Raised — $1,326,000 v. $1,102,000

Cash On Hand — $172,000 v. $190,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

6. Louisiana-06 (R+7) (-)

Don Cazayoux v. Bill Cassidy

Total Raised — $2,514,000 v. $932,000

Cash On Hand — $153,000 v. $312,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

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

Parker Griffith v. Wayne Parker

Total Raised — $1,294,000 v. $1,081,000

Cash On Hand —- $65,000 v. $147,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

8. Wisconsin-08 (R+4) (-)

Representative Steve Kagen v. John Gard

Total Raised — $1,888,000 v. $1,420,000

Cash On Hand — $193,000 v. $487,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

9. Pennsylvania-10 (R+8) (-)

Representative Chris Carney v. Chris Hackett

Total Raised — $2,191,000 v. $2,407,000

Cash On Hand — $313,000 v. $281,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

10. Kentucky-03 (D+2) (-)

Representative John Yarmuth v. Anne Northup

Total Raised — $2,064,000 v. $1,617,000

Cash On Hand — $435,000 v. $469,000

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

(Lean Democratic Retention)

———————————————————————

11. Georgia-08 (R+8) (-)

Representative Jim Marshall v. Richard Goddard

Total Raised — $1,598,000 v. $1,108,000

Cash On Hand — $835,000 v. $278,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

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

Kurt Shrader v. Michael Erickson

Total Raised — $1,156,000 v. $2,330,000

Cash On Hand — $126,000 v. $22,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

13. Pennsylvania-04 (R+3) (-)

Representative Jason Altmire v. Melissa Hart

Total Raised — $2,756,000 v. $1,266,000

Cash On Hand — $596,000 v. $656,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

14. Mississippi-01 (R+10) (-)

Travis Childers v. Greg Davis

Total Raised — $1,724,000 v. $1,510,000

Cash On Hand — $107,000 v. $173,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

15. Arizona-08 (R+1) (-)

Representative Gabrielle Giffords v. Tim Bee

Total Raised — $3,167,000 v. $1,748,000

Cash On Hand — $949,000 v. $170,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

16. New York-20 (R+3) (-)

Representative Kirsten Gillibrand v. Alexander Treadwell

Total Raised — $4,571,000 v. $6,905,000

Cash On Hand — $886,000 v. $1,326,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

17. California-11 (R+3) (-)

Representative Jerry McNerney v. Dean Andal

Total Raised — $2,886,000 v. $1,289,000

Cash On Hand — $792,000 v. $271,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

18. Arizona-05 (R+4) (-)

Representative Harry Mitchell v. David Schweikert

Total Raised — $2,216,000 v. $1,287,000

Cash On Hand — $223,000 v. $116,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

19. Texas-23 (R+4) (-)

Representative Ciro Rodriguez v. Lyle Larson

Total Raised — $1,723,000 v. $734,000

Cash On Hand — $619,000 v. $99,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

20. Illinois-14 (R+5) (-)

Representative Bill Foster v. Jim Oberweis

Total Raised — $4,792,000 v. $4,998,000

Cash On Hand — $275,000 v. $212,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

21. Indiana-09 (R+7) (-)

Representative Baron Hill v. Mike Sodrel

Total Raised — $2,095,000 v. $895,000

Cash On Hand — $480,000 v. $120,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

22. Minnesota-01 (R+1) (-)

Representative Tim Walz v. Brian Davis

Total Raised — $2,677,000 v. $1,008,000

Cash On Hand — $730,000 v. $266,000

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

(Likely Democratic Retention)

Current Breakdown

1 Republican President

28D-22R Governors

51D-49R Senators

236D-199R Representatives

Projected Outcome

1 Democratic President

29D-21R Governors

59D-41R Senate

269D-166R Representatives

By what margin will Bob Shamansky win?

View Results

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AK-Sen, AK-AL: End of the Line

Research 2000 for Daily Kos (10/28-30, likely voters, 10/14-16):

Mark Begich (D): 58 (48)

Ted Stevens (R-inc): 36 (46)

(MoE: ±4%)

Ethan Berkowitz (D): 53 (50)

Don Young (R-inc): 44 (44)

(MoE: ±4%)

Ted Stevens and Don Young have a combined 75 years of congressional seniority, but it looks like Alaskans are poised to blow that up and start over. Most notably, Stevens’ conviction accounted for a 20-point swing since the previous poll two weeks ago. But some of the spirit of cleaning-house seems to have even transferred over to Berkowitz, whose numbers jumped a little as well.

McCain still has a big advantage at the presidential level, 58-39, but this poll also sees Sarah Palin’s favorables dropping back to somewhat earthbound levels (65-35) after two months of constant airing of her dirty laundry.

GA-Sen: Runoff Seems Likely

Rasmussen (10/30, likely voters, 10/22 in parens):

Jim Martin (D): 43 (45)

Saxby Chambliss (R-inc): 48 (47)

Allen Buckley (L): 7 (1)

(MoE: ±4.5%)

That’s a big surge for Buckley, who perhaps got a boost from his recent debate performances — or perhaps this is mostly just noise.

Research 2000 (for the Great Orange Satan) has a different picture (10/28-30, likely voters, 10/14-15 in parens):

Jim Martin (D): 46 (45)

Saxby Chambliss (R-inc): 47 (47)

Allen Buckley (L): 5 (5)

(MoE: ±4%)

Among those who have already voted (12% of the sample), Martin leads by 56-39. The good news for Martin is that he’s running ahead of Obama in the early vote — albeit just slightly (Obama leads McCain 55-40 among these voters, and trails McCain 47-44 overall). For Martin to have a shot at coming ahead of Chambliss on November 4th (or even taking 50% plus one), he’d need to run ahead of Obama here — and earlier polls from SurveyUSA were suggesting the opposite in the early vote.

A small chance exists that Martin could come out on top without a runoff on Tuesday, but I wouldn’t place my money on it.

UPDATE: A new CNN/Time poll has Chambliss leading Martin by 53-44 among likely voters (his best margin in quite some time), but only by 48-47 among registered voters. The problem with this poll? It didn’t include Buckley.

NH-Sen, NH-Gov: New Hampshire Omnibus

Every pollster you can think of, and every pollster’s dog as well, just released New Hampshire numbers. There aren’t any particular surprises (there’s major improvement in Strategic Vision and Suffolk, but that just brings them in line with everyone else), so I’m just going to throw them all out there in a somewhat more space-saving format:

Rasmussen: Shaheen 52 (52), Sununu 44 (46)

SurveyUSA: Shaheen 53 (48), Sununu 40 (40)

Lynch 65 (67), Kenney 28 (24)

Strategic Vision (R): Shaheen 48 (47), Sununu 41 (45)

Lynch 67 (68), Kenney 24 (23)

Suffolk: Shaheen 48 (41), Sununu 39 (40)

Lynch 67 (61), Kenney 15 (16)

Research 2000 for Concord Monitor:

Shaheen 52 (50), Sununu 42 (43)

Lynch 64 (60), Kenney 32 (34)

Shea-Porter 49 (48), Bradley 42 (43)

Hodes 55 (49), Horn 38 (35)

Also, as always, UNH has its daily tracker, which covers all these races plus the presidential and the two congressional races, if you’re a big fan of tiny sample sizes.

CT-04: Cheesecake Blogging

Finally, some cheesecake photos at SSP. No, not those kind of cheesecake photos. I’m talking the real thing:

Those of you who’ve read The Thumpin’ know that Rahm Emanuel loves to send cheesecakes as inspiration to campaigns. (More on that here.) This particular cake was sent to the Himes campaign, and below, you can see delighted staffers with the confection – presumably moments before they devoured it:

Maybe I need to start personalizing the babkas I’ve been sending!