Swing State Project

MyDD’s Jonathan Singer recently had an excellent pair of posts chronicling the ethics controversies currently swirling around two of Alaska’s Republican federal statewide officeholders: Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens.  While the FBI is sniffing around Stevens and his son, Young has been catching heat for inserting a $10 million dollar earmark in a 2006 transportation bill that just so happened to boost the fortunes of a local real estate developer–and Don Young fundraiser–over the objections of local officials:

The Republican congressman whose district does include Coconut Road says he did not seek the money. County authorities have twice voted not to use it, until Mr. Young and the district congressman wrote letters warning that a refusal could jeopardize future federal money for the county. […]

Mr. Young’s role, first reported by The Naples Daily News, has escalated objections to the project. Environmentalists say the interchange would threaten wetlands. And a Republican commissioner of Lee County, Ray Judah, is campaigning against the interchange, calling it an example of Congressional corruption that is “a cancer on the federal government.”

“It would appear that Don Young was doing a favor for a major contributor,” Mr. Judah said.

With former Governor Tony Knowles having flamed out in two successive elections, Democrats are setting their eyes on recruiting who they believe will be their party’s next great hope to take on one of these highly-entrenched incumbents next year:

With a trio of stories today involving ethical allegations against Alaska Republicans, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich’s phone started ringing early with calls from Capitol Hill.

Begich, a popular mayor who won his second three-year term a year ago, is being courted to challenge one or the other of Alaska’s longtime Republican incumbents, who have more than 73 years of combined congressional experience. He’s the son of the late Rep. Nick Begich (D-Alaska), who died in a 1972 plane crash with the late Rep. Hale Boggs (D-La.), in a remote part of the Frontier State. Begich, now 44, was 10 at the time.

Facing a term limit in the spring of 2009, Begich is in a minor bidding war between the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee — which wants him to challenge Rep. Don Young (R), who took his father’s seat after the crash — and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee — seeking a challenger to Sen. Ted Stevens (R), 83, the longest-serving Republican in Senate history.

Now, if you were Begich, which race would you prefer to take a crack at?  Barring a retirement by either of these geezers (which is not outside the realm of possibility), I’d lean in favor of a Begich vs. Young match-up.  Both Young and Stevens are institutions within Alaska, but Stevens moreso, what with his seniority and his curious tie collection.  And while Young has cruised to comfortable re-election margins after a couple of scares in the early 1990s, the luster was removed after his relatively humble performance against little-known Democrat Diane Benson in 2006, where Young only won by a 57-40 margin despite outspending Benson by a nearly 10-to-1 ratio.  (Compare that to his 2002 and 2004 wins of 75-17 and 71-23, respectively.)

On top of that, the potential negative campaign narrative against Young could be devastating.  The last time I checked, Alaska and Florida are on polar opposite ends of the United States, and that could be especially damning if Begich and the DCCC slam Young for being “the unofficial representative of Florida.”   “Don Young (FL-AL)” has a pretty good ring to it, wouldn’t you say?

Race Tracker: AK-Sen | AK-AL

(Bumped – promoted by DavidNYC)

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.  Or so they say.

Anyway, let’s take a break from our usual weekly grind of horse race open threads, and instead turn to summer reading material.  What’s on your reading list this summer?  I’ve recently read The Thumpin’: How Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats Learned to Be Ruthless and Ended the Republican Revolution by Naftali Bendavid and World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks.  Both were excellent reads, but alas, only the former mentioned the Swing State Project in its text.

The Hotline picks up on an article written by FindLaw’s Vikram David Amar exploring the constitutionality of a state legislature’s ability to constrain the Governor’s choices for a U.S. Senate vacancy, such as in Wyoming, where Democratic Gov. Dave Freudenthal must select one of three options presented to him by the state Republican Party in the wake of Republican Sen. Craig Thomas’ recent passing:

He notes that the U.S. Constitution only says that state legislatures may “empower” govs to make SEN appointments. This raises the question whether 1). A legislature can force a governor to appoint a senator if a governor choses to leave a SEN vacancy, and 2). Whether the legislature, once it’s empowered the governor to make an appointment, can give itself or a state party any ability to shape that appointment.

Amar notes that the phrase “”as the legislature may direct”, which appears elsewhere in the Constitution, does NOT appear in the relevant SEN appointment section, which might lead one to conclude that a legislature may only give its governor no power or total power regarding a SEN appointment.

[…]

But let’s say Freudenthal doesn’t want to feel obligated to pick one of the WY GOP’s 3 nominees? As Amar points out, he simply could appoint a Dem or GOPer of his own choice, at which point the U.S. Senate (the “Judge of the … Qualifications of its own members”) would have to determine if it accepts the new member or not. Of course, a SCOTUS case could also easily ensue from such a move.

As a Dem in such a deep-red state such as WY, one wonders if Freudenthal would really pursue such an “in-your-face” move as simply trying to appoint his own selection, on the assumption he wants to preserve good relations with the GOP legislature and his own political viability. Ultimately, there’s a good chance he’ll simply appoint one of the 3 GOP nominees presented him. And yet, one wonders if it’s not out of the question that he might attempt to dangle the threat of a peremptory appointment as a bargaining chip. Perhaps he would send word to the GOP central cmte regarding which candidates he would prefer or dislike, hinting that he might force the constitutional question if they fail to comply?

Perhaps he might insist on a compromise whereby he appoints a GOPer if the legislature agrees to pass a special election bill that would elect a new senator in November 2007 (when a Dem might have a better chance of winning, with no presidential coattails to worry about)? Who knows?

Of course, the major caveat is that we’re talking about Dave Freudenthal here, a guy who is probably the least partisan Democratic Governor in the country.  Who could forget his 11th hour support of Gary Trauner, even as he cruised to an easy re-election?  Or his dismissal of Howard Dean and the national party as ‘too liberal’ and ‘out of touch’?

It’s pretty hard to imagine Freudenthal playing hardball with the state GOP.  But, who knows?  He’s term-limited, and perhaps if the choices presented to him are that bad, maybe his passions will be stirred into provoking a constitutional battle?

UPDATE: Rollicking DailyKos discussion here.

Race Tracker: WY-Sen

Republican Sen. John Cornyn’s first announced opponent, Mikal Watts, is bringing the noise:

San Antonio trial lawyer Mikal Watts has launched his bid for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination by donating and loaning his campaign fund a total of $3.8 million — an amount equal to Republican incumbent Sen. John Cornyn’s cash on hand.

“I took John Cornyn’s first-quarter report and matched it to the penny,” Watts said.

“We’re going to start with a level playing field, and then we’re going to start raising money and see what the people of Texas have to say.”

Watts, 39, donated $1.9 million to his exploratory committee and loaned it another $1.9 million. He formed the committee June 1, and its paperwork was available Wednesday.

And Watts won’t have much trouble raising money, if his $1.1 million fundraiser for the DSCC back in April is any indication.  Altogether a shrewd move by Watts — you’ve got to believe that some of Watts’ potential primary opponents would think twice about going up against that kind of money.  And, as Burnt Orange Report commenter colin argues, if you’re going to partially self-fund, you might as well do it early to stave off “sluggish fundraising” narratives.

UPDATE: State Rep. Rick Noriega, another potential entrant in the Democratic primary, responds:

Noriega said Thursday: “I am seriously looking at the race, but whether or not I get in or not, I have no intention of getting into a back and forth with a bank account. I do not want to reinforce the unhealthy idea that a candidate is judged solely on money.

“My focus would be the people of the state of Texas and whether (GOP U.S. Sen. John) Cornyn’s rubber stamp support for Bush, and the national leadership that has failed to provide a clear mission for our involvement overseas, is good for Texas.

(H/T: BOR)

Race Tracker: TX-Sen

When I was a 17-year-old high school student in Austin, I volunteered for Congressman Jake Pickle, the legendary Texas Congressman who held the CD-10 seat for 31 years, from 1963 until he retired in 1994. Back then CD-10 was known as “LBJ’s District” because a young Lyndon Johnson had held it. LBJ used the seat to lead implementation of FDR’s New Deal, and his efforts brought electricity to central Texas.

Congressman Pickle was a worthy heir to the LBJ legacy. His work to reorganize Social Security has kept the program solvent and functioning into the present. He also brought a great deal of research and technology investment to the area, and was a strong and effective advocate for higher education and the University of Texas.

Now I’m running for that seat myself. And though the district has changed dramatically (thanks to Tom DeLay and his partisan allies), the promise of public service I learned in Congressman Pickle’s office still holds true today: honor the past and imagine the future.

Washington used to do a better job of addressing the needs and values of our citizens, thanks to public servants like Mr. Pickle. Not a perfect job, but a better one.

No more. The partisan zealots who have seized control have us headed in the wrong direction. There is a dangerous disconnect in the foreign policy they pursue under our name, and a mean-spirited push to do away with, rather than improve, vital services here at home.

We need a change in Washington. Now.

From Iraq to immigration to health care, Mike McCaul is neither honoring the past, nor imagining a future that makes sense. Simplistic, moralistic stands taken by poll-tested politicians haven’t made things better, nor has his rubber-stamping the failed Bush administration’s every policy.

It won’t be easy to make a fresh start. But with your help we can. Please come to my web site at www.dangrantforcongress.com today and sign up or contribute if you can. We’re especially looking for volunteers from the district – Ted Ankrum ran a great campaign last time and I’m looking to build on those efforts.

I know if you help send me to Washington, D.C. we’ll have a representative that everyone in the district can be proud of. I saw Congressman Pickle at work first hand, and I’ll work hard to honor the past and imagine the future.

Democrat Bob Lord has drawn national attention by challenging Republican incumbent John Shadegg in Arizona CD-3 and beating the second-term Congressman at fundraising in the first quarter by an amazing amount. Now that the Lord campaign has captured the attention and support of Democrats nationally, it’s critical that this momentum continue if Lord is to defeat an incumbent Republican.

A group of large donors have agreed to match, dollar-for-dollar, every dollar that the Lord campaign raises in the next week up to $10,000. If they can raise $10,000 from the public at large, the effect will be to raise $20,000 for the campaign.

Please visit Bob Lord’s website and contribute what you can.

A 2nd strong quarter of fundraising will demonstrate that this campaign is for real and that Democrats have a realistic chance at picking up another seat in the Arizona Congressional delegation.  Last election Democrats picked up two seats from Republicans with Harry Mitchell defeating Republican incumbent J.D. Hayworth and Gabby Giffords winning the seat vacated by Republican John Kolbe.  Let’s turn Arizona blue! 
 

Let’s get the word out on the internet, on talk radio, and by word of mouth, and we’ll be on our way to winning this race.  At very least, we’ll force the Republicans to spend money defending what, up until now, they had regarded as a safe seat.  Shadegg is low on money now because he gave away the money he raised last election to other Republicans because he did not face a strong well-funded challenger.  This time will be different!

The breakdown of CD-3 by voter registration is 45 percent Republican; 30 percent, Democratic; and 25 percent, independent, but it is winnable by a Democrat with strong crossover appeal like Bob Lord.

This congressional district is actually quite politically moderate; not only are one quarter of voters registered independents, but Democratic candidates like Governor Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Terry Goddard have carried this district in recent years.  With your help, Bob Lord can win in CD-3 too!

I am actually quite fond of this one minute, introductory commercial: Boasso covers the issues; he announces his party affiliation; the commercial is playful but substantive; Boasso outlines a biography of success, Louisiana style; and it is organized and coherent.  What do all of you think?  What are your impressions of Walter Boasso? 

Here is the link:

http://link.brightco…

Watch the video entitled “Big Challenges.”

Bethany Hafer, daughter of former Pennsylvania State Treasurer (and gubernatorial candidate) Barbara Hafer, has thrown her hat into the ring against U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy.  See here. 

From The Pittsburgh Channel…

MOUNT LEBANON, Pa. — Bethany Hafer — the daughter of former auditor general and state treasurer Barbara Hafer — says she plans to run for Congress next year.

Her target, U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, is in his third term in the 18th Congressional District.

Hafer, a Democrat, lives in Mount Lebanon. She used to teach science in the Moon Area School District, but the 35-year-old is now vice president of her mother’s Harrisburg consulting firm, Hafer & Associates.

[Cross-posted on DailyKos and MyDD.]

Greetings to the national Netroots.  I’m Steve Marchand and I’m running for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire to challenge John Sununu in 2008.

I’m writing today because I want to extend the dialogue I’ve begun with our New Hampshire Netroots to the national level.  As a longtime reader of national blogs like DailyKos, MyDD and Swing State Project, I value the open forum you’ve created, a forum that enables some of the most productive progressive dialogue in America today.

I’m running for U.S. Senate because we need a change in our nation’s direction. In my recent New Hampshire Democratic State Convention speech, I spoke about my experience and my vision for America.  You can watch the video of that speech on my website.

More below the fold

In my speech, I said what I strongly believe: we need to end the Iraq War right now.  We need to end it because it was fought under false pretenses and has been conducted with reckless leadership by the Bush Administration.

I applaud those members of Congress (including New Hampshire’s own Rep. Paul Hodes and Rep. Carol Shea-Porter) that stood up to the administration and refused to issue them a blank check for this war with a NO vote on the recent Iraq funding bill.  We need to see real withdrawal progress–right now–or we need to stop funding failed policies.

There are other battles, however, that we also must not lose sight of.  We need to guarantee affordable, quality healthcare coverage for every American, rich or poor.  As someone who has lived through the consequences of the national healthcare crisis, I understand what lack of coverage can mean.  Let me explain a bit more.

I grew up on the working-class West Side of Manchester, New Hampshire.  My father, a carpenter, and my mother, a millworker, came to this country from Quebec to build a better life for their children.  We didn’t have much, but more than anyone, they helped me understand the value and the power of hard work.

In the early 1990’s, however, New Hampshire’s economy was hit hard and our housing market crashed.  My father was left with a home that he couldn’t sell.  My family went without income for an entire year.  In this time of crisis, my parents did what millions of Americans have been forced to do: they dropped their expensive health insurance so that they could afford to feed their family.

And then, in her late thirties, my mother suffered a heart attack.

We were lucky; she recovered and is still well today.  But my Mom and Dad were forced to declare bankruptcy just to keep their home. These are the consequences of not having healthcare coverage when you need it most.

So when John Sununu says that we need to “stop complaining about healthcare,” well, I dare him to tell that to my parents and the millions of Americans without healthcare coverage living paycheck to paycheck.

We also need a Senator who knows that global warming is a problem and that we need real solutions to it–right now.  As Mayor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I’ve fought to make sure that our city is taking important, meaningful steps to become more green.  We aren’t waiting for the federal government to take the lead.  We’ve built the only Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED)–certified public building in New Hampshire, our new public library.  We’ve converted our city fleet to biodiesel.  And we’ve begun energy audits of all public buildings so we can make real changes to our energy use. 

The best part is, these changes in Portsmouth are saving taxpayers money.  Indeed, I’ve gained a statewide reputation for earning the trust of taxpayers by delivering value for their tax dollars.  We’ve shown that you can be fiscally responsible and socially progressive at the same time.  Those are values that I will take with me to the U.S. Senate.

And finally, as the recent Supreme Court decision shows, we cannot take Roe v. Wade for granted.  As the only 100% pro-choice candidate in this race, Democrat or Republican, I will always defend a woman’s right to make her own choices about her own body.

I look forward to being actively engaged with you here and in our New Hampshire blogs.  I appreciate your consideration, welcome your feedback, and encourage you to learn more about my campaign at my website, www.stevemarchand.com.  Together, we can bring real change to the U.S. Senate.

(While I’m reticent to call Bruning the “early favorite”, this has the potential to be one of the quirkiest Senate races of the cycle. – promoted by James L.)

As expected, Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning (R) is ready to officially get in the race this week.

Omaha World-Herald:

It looks like Jon Bruning’s days of exploring a 2008 U.S. Senate bid are coming to an end.

Bruning, who has printed campaign posters touting “Bruning, United States Senate,” plans to hold a press conference Thursday at the State Capitol to talk about his political future.

All signs – including recent public comments from Bruning – indicate that the second-term attorney general will officially get into the race, setting the stage for a possible primary challenge against fellow Republican and incumbent Sen. Chuck Hagel.

Hagel, who has angered many rank-and-file party members with his Iraq war criticism, has not announced whether he will run for a third term. He plans to make his decision later this fall.

Bruning, however, has given strong indications that he will run since forming an exploratory committee earlier this spring.

He has hired several campaign workers and his campaign office in Lincoln has been busy, raising money and calling supporters.

Bruning has to be the early favorite to get the Republican nomination – perhaps even if Hagel decides to run. The longer Hagel waits, the more support he will drain. His March 12 press conference was a huge strategic blunder.

Meanwhile, the rumblings of a potential Bob Kerrey Senate bid are getting stronger. Outside of Iraq – where Kerrey managed to piss off quite a few Democrats in the last couple of weeks – Kerrey’s actually a very good Democrat for Nebraska. What’s more, in a race against Jon Bruning, I’m fairly certain that he would win quite handily.

June 23rd, Kerrey is headlining the Nebraska Democrats’ annual Morrison-Exon dinner.