RHODE
ISLAND: CHAFEE NABS GOP ENDORSEMENT BY DEFAULT. US
Senator Lincoln Chafee this week killed rumors he planned to bolt
from the GOP to seek reelection as an Independent by filing for
reelection as a Republican. Further, conservative Cranston Mayor
Steve Laffey -- who is challenging Chafee in the GOP primary --
announced he will not compete with Chafee for the party's endorsement
at Thursday's state GOP convention. Laffey said the state's GOP
leaders secretly agreed to back Chafee when they accepted $500,000
last year from the national party. "The state party made
clear last September they prefer the insider candidate over the
reformer and I have no interest in participating in their charade
of a convention," said Laffey.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.30.06 | Permalink
|
ALABAMA:
SIEGELMAN CONVICTED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES.
Former Governor Don Siegelman (D) -- who was acquitted in 2004
on bid-rigging charges -- was convicted Thursday on federal charges
of bribery, conspiracy and obstruction of justice, and three counts
of mail fraud. Siegelman was acquitted on 26 other counts. Co-defendant
Richard Scrushy, former HealthSouth Corp. CEO, was convicted on
all counts. Former Siegelman Chief of Staff Paul Hamrick and former
State Highway Director Mack Roberts
were found not guilty of all charges. The evidence covered acts
that took place from Siegelman's 1994 election as Lieutenant Governor
through when he departed the Governor's Mansion after his 2002
re-election defeat. Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley defeated Siegelman
for Governor in the June 6 primary by a 60% to 37% vote -- as
Siegelman was forced to spend the final weeks of the campaign
sitting as a defendant in the courtroom.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.30.06 | Permalink
|
WISCONSIN:
EVERYONE TAKES SIDES ON GAY MARRIAGE BAN AMENDMENT.
In November, Wisconsin voters will decide a proposed
constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage
and, seemingly, civil unions. The amendment reads: "Only
a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized
as a marriage in this state. A legal status identical or substantially
similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not
be valid or recognized in this state." Governor Jim Doyle
(D) opposes the amendment, while his challenger Congressman Mark
Green (R) supports it. This week former Governors Pat Lucey (D),
Martin Schreiber (D), Lee Dreyfus (R) and Tony Earl (D) released
a joint statement saying the proposed amendment "runs contrary
to the values of freedom and fairness that make Wisconsin great."
Former Governor Scott McCallum (R) supports the ban, while former
Governor Tommy Thompson (R) has yet to offer any position. As
for me, you can
pretty much guess where I fall on the issue.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.30.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - (Quinnipiac
University):
Attorney General Charlie Crist - 41%, Congressman Jim Davis -
39%.
Davis (D) - 42%, State CFO Tom Gallagher (R) - 35%.
Crist (R) - 42%, State Senator Rod Smith (D) - 35%.
Smith - 39%, Gallagher (R) - 36%.
FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Davis - 32%, Smith
- 16%. (Quinnipiac University).
FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - GOP PRIMARY: Crist - 49%, Gallagher
- 21%. (Quinnipiac University).
FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - (Rasmussen Reports):
Attorney General Charlie Crist - 49%, Congressman Jim Davis -
35%.
State CFO Tom Gallagher (R) - 43%, Davis (D) - 39%.
Crist (R) - 46%, State Senator Rod Smith (D) - 36%.
Gallagher (R) - 44%, Smith - 36%. WASHINGTON - US SENATE: US Senator Maria Cantwell
(D) - 47%, insurance executive Mike McGavick (R) - 43%. (Strategic
Vision-R). WEST VIRGINIA - US SENATE: US Senator Robert
Byrd (D) - 59%, businessman John Raese (R) - 30%. (Charleston
State Journal/RMS).
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.30.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The US Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the military
commissions the Bush Administration created to try suspected terrorists.
The ruling sharply rejected President Bush's claim of executive
power upon which the military tribunals were based. "The
Executive is bound to comply with the Rule of Law," wrote
Justice John Paul Stevens.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.30.06 | Permalink
|
THURSDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
TEXAS:
SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS DeLAY CONGRESSIONAL REMAP.
A sharply divided US Supreme Court ruled that former House
Majority Leader Tom DeLay's (R-TX) controversial 2004 re-redistricting
was generally constitutional. In a very minor victory for the
Democrats, the Supremes said the CD-23 lines were unconstitutional
and needed to be redrawn because it disenfranchised Hispanic voters.
However, the Court's majority ruled a state may redraw district
lines as often as it wishes so long as it does so at least once
every ten years to comply with the Constitution's decennial reapportionment
requirements. DeLay's cynically strategic remap plan -- coming
just two years after the 2002 reapportionment -- enabled the Republicans
pickup six additional US House seats due to the redrawn boundaries.
It is unclear how the CD-23 lines can now be redrawn without a
significant impact on other districts, but the ruling opens the
doors to legislatures around the nation to start redrawing lines
anytime to gain a partisan advantage. The Supreme Court just opened
a Pandora's Box that should make many on both sides of the aisle
quite uncomfortable.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.29.06 | Permalink
|
MINNESOTA:
IS PAWLENTY COLLEGE PLAN A POLITICAL STUNT OR REAL DEAL?
Governor Tim Pawlenty (R), facing
a tough battle for re-election, this week announced a new plan
to provide two years of free college tuition at the state's public
colleges and universities to nearly all Minnesota high school
students who graduate in the top 25% of their class. Families
making up to an adjusted gross household income of $150,000 would
be eligible. The proposed program is estimated to cost the state
at least $56 million per year. According to the Minneapolis
Star-Tribune, Attorney General Mike Hatch (D) bashed the
proposal as merely a political stunt to distract attention away
from Pawlenty's record of "gashing" educational spending
for the past four years. Some private colleges in the state said
the proposal was unfair because it excluded them from participating.
Independent Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson said
the plan was "fabulous public policy improvisation. But is
this just the idea du jour because [Pawlenty is] running
for reelection?" University of Minnesota President Robert
Bruininks called Pawlenty's proposal an "admirable goal that
the University of Minnesota embraces." However, the conservative
Minnesota Taxpayers League denounced the concept as "a big
fat entitlement program" at odds with Pawlenty's claims of
fiscal conservatism.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.29.06 | Permalink
|
TEXAS:
WILL LAMPSON WIN CD-22 WITHOUT GOP OPPOSITION?
Former GOP Congressman Steve
Stockman (Independent) failed to qualify for the ballot in the
CD-22 race. The Secretary of State determined petitions submitted
by Stockman failed to produce the 500 valid signatures required
by state law. "Someone who couldn't find 500 people in a
[in a district of 600,000 residents] probably wasn't going to
have much of an impact," joked a spokesman for former Congressman
Nick Lampson (D). In related news, US District Court Judge Sam
Sparks has yet to rule whether or not the Republicans will be
allowed to replace resigned Congressman Tom DeLay on the ballot.
If the court finds DeLay intentionally "withdrew" from
the contest, the GOP will not be allowed to replace him -- and
then only Lampson and the Libertarian nominee will appear on the
November ballot. If DeLay, however, was found to have been "disqualified"
because of his move to Virginia, the GOP will be allowed to name
a new replacement nominee. Although the Judge did not yet rule,
during this week's hearing he openly remarked that DeLay apparently
"withdrew" from the race. Stay tuned.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.29.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - (Strategic
Vision-R):
Attorney General Charlie Crist - 49%, Congressman Jim Davis -
41%.
State CFO Tom Gallagher (R) - 40%, Davis (D) - 40%.
Crist (R) - 49%, State Senator Rod Smith (D) - 40%.
Gallagher (R) - 41%, Smith - 39%.
FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Davis - 39%, Smith
- 33%. (Strategic Vision-R).
FLORIDA - GOVERNOR - GOP PRIMARY: Crist - 53%, Gallagher
- 31%. (Strategic Vision-R).
FLORIDA - US SENATE: US Senator Bill Nelson (D) - 61%,
Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R) - 26%. (Strategic Vision-R). GEORGIA
- GOVERNOR - (Strategic Vision-R):
Governor Sonny Perdue (R) - 50%, Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor
(D) - 44%.
Perdue (R) - 53%, Secretary of State Cathy Cox (D) - 40%. GEORGIA - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Taylor - 46%,
Cox - 42%. (Strategic Vision-R). GEORGIA - LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR - GOP PRIMARY: Political
consultant Ralph Reed - 44%, State Sen. Casey Cagle - 41%. (Strategic
Vision-R). MARYLAND - GOVERNOR: Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley
(D) - 51%, Governor
Bob Ehrlch (R) - 40%. (Washington Post). MASSACHUSETTS - GOVERNOR - (WHDH-TV/Suffolk University):
Former US Assistant Attorney General Deval Patrick (D) - 38%,
Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey (R) - 25%, former State Turnpike
Authority Board Member Christy Mihos (Ind.) - 10%, Affordable
housing activist Grace Ross (Green) - 1%.
Attorney General Tom Reilly (D) - 40%, Healey (R) - 27%, Mihos
(Ind.) - 10%, Ross (Green) - 2%.
Businessman Chris Gabrieli (D) - 42%, Healey (R) - 23%, Mihos
(Ind) - 7%, Ross (Green) - 1%. (WHDH-TV/Suffolk University). MASSACHUSETTS - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Patrick
- 31%, Reilly - 25%, Gabrieli - 22%. (WHDH-TV/Suffolk University). VIRGINIA - US SENATE: US Senator George Allen
(R) - 56%, former Navy Secretary Jim Webb (D) - 37%, businesswoman
Gail Parker (Ind. Green) - 2%. (WDBJ-TV/SurveyUSA).
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.29.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301. TODAY'S THANKS GO TO: Politics1 reader
Brian Scsavnicki, who sent a nice assortment
of campaign materials.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Have at it.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.29.06 | Permalink
|
WEDNESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
UTAH:
CANNON SURVIVES TOUGH PRIMARY CHALLENGE.
Five-term Congressman Chris Cannon successfully fought
off an aggressive GOP primary challenge on Tuesday from wealthy
developer and immigration reform advocate John Jacob by a 56%
to 44% margin. The challenger ran a one-issue campaign, repeatedly
bashing Cannon for being insufficiently conservative on immigration
reform. Jacob was backed by Congressman Tom Tancredo's (R-CO)
Team America PAC, which funded TV spots attacking Cannon for supporting
the guest worker plan to grant amnesty to some illegal aliens.
Cannon fought back with endorsements from President Bush and other
prominent conservatives. In the end, Jacob's bizarre comments
in the final days -- such as claiming he believed "dark forces"
and "Satan" were working against his campaign -- helped
derail his momentum. (And, FYI -- for those of you who like
to repeatedly claim Tancredo fully supports legal immigration
to the US and only wants to crack-down on illegal immigration
-- how do you explain this
photo of a smiling Tancredo posing with an "America Is
Full" t-shirt?)
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.28.06 | Permalink
|
SOUTH
CAROLINA & MISSISSIPPI: RUN-OFF RESULTS.
Tuesday was a low-key primary day in South Carolina. Republican
voters helped controversial, young Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer
score a 51% to 49% comeback over gubernatorial scion Mike Campbell.
Campbell placed ahead of Bauer in the June 13 primary. In Mississippi,
Democrats handed State Representative Erik Fleming -- a former
follower of political cult leader Lyndon LaRouche -- the honor
of getting destroyed by US Senator Trent Lott (R) in November.
Fleming won his primary by a wide margin over business consultant
Bill Bowlin.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.28.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. NEW JERSEY - US SENATE: US Senator
Bob Menendez (D) - 46%, State Senator Tom Kean Jr. (R) - 40%.
(Rasmussen Reports).
OHIO - GOVERNOR: Congressman Ted Strickland (D) - 50%,
Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (R) - 37%. (Rasmussen Reports). OHIO - US SENATE: US Senator Mike DeWine (R)
- 46%, Congressman Sherrod Brown (D) - 39%. (Rasmussen Reports). RHODE ISLAND - GOVERNOR: Governor Don
Carcieri (R) - 44%, Lieutenant Governor Charlie Fogarty (D) -
39%. (Brown University). RHODE ISLAND - US SENATE - (Brown
University):
Former Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse (D) - 38%, US Senator
Lincoln Chafee (R) - 37%. Whitehouse (D) - 55%, Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey (R)
- 25%. RHODE ISLAND - US SENATE - DEM PRIMARY:
Whitehouse - 60%, peace candidate Carl Sheeler - 8%. (Brown University).
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.28.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301. TODAY'S THANKS GO TO: attorney and
Navy veteran Bill
Winter, Democrat for Congress in Colorado's CD-6;
and the Log
Cabin Republicans.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The US Senate correctly rejected the Republican leadership's
foolish proposed constitutional amendment to ban flag burning.
A few weeks ago, the Senate sensibly rejected the Republican leaderships
hateful proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
It would be great if they spend some of their valuable time trying
to solve real problems, as we sure have enough of 'em. Health
care for all Americans? Nope, nothing going on with that.
Adopting a living wage for American workers? Nah! Ending
the Iraq War and bringing the soldiers home? Fuhgeddaboutit.
Real campaign and lobbying reforms to fix ethically-challenged
DC politicians? No f***ing way! Just pathetic.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.28.06 | Permalink
|
TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
UTAH:
CANNON FACES TOUGH PRIMARY CHALLENGE.
Five-term Congressman Chris Cannon is facing an aggressive
GOP primary challenge on Tuesday from wealthy developer John Jacob.
In last month's District Republican Convention, Jacob defeated
Cannon by a 52% to 48% vote. Jacob -- who espouses an immigration
position similar to the Frist/Tancredo line -- is largely running
a one-issue campaign attacking Cannon for purportedly supporting
amnesty for
illegal immigrants. Jacob, who is backed by Tancredo's Team America
PAC and other immigration reform groups, slams Cannon as the "King
of Amnesty." Cannon's campaign manager told the Deseret
Morning News that "Cannon is against any path to citizenship
for illegal immigrants." Cannon says he supports a guest-worker
program that would allow some illegal immigrants to remain in
the country for up to three years, possibly with some extensions,
but would not be eligible for US citizenship. Jacob says that
proposal is just another form of amnesty. Cannon is now firing
back with TV spots blasting Jacob and Team America for running
a "vicious smear campaign" against him. Cannon also
scored endorsements within the past week from both President Bush
and First Lady Laura Bush. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim
Sensenbrenner (R-WI) -- one of the most vocal critics of the Senate
amnesty bill -- recorded a spot for Cannon. "Long before
it was fashionable, Chris Cannon was working with me to stop illegal
immigration," says Sensenbrenner in the message. A Salt
Lake Tribune poll released Monday shows Cannon leading Jacob
by a 44% to 41% vote. A Deseret Morning News poll last
week showed Cannon holding a wider lead. Turnout is expected to
be very light, with a lower turnout seemingly favoring Jacob.
The CD-3 seat is safely Republican, so the winner of the Cannon-Jacob
primary should be a safe bet for November. Prediction: Cannon
squeaks out a slim primary win (setting himself up to be a major
primary target yet again in 2008).
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
SOUTH
CAROLINA & MISSISSIPPI: PRIMARY RUN-OFF DAY.
South Carolina Republicans vote in two statewide primary
run-offs on Tuesday. The most watched race is the contest between
embattled Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer and businessman and
gubernatorial scion Mike Campbell. Campbell placed first in the
primary, and appears likely to narrowly defeat Bauer again in
the run-off. Dems will pick a nominee in the largely meaningless
CD-1 contest. In Mississippi, Democrats will select nominees to
face US Senator Trent Lott (R) and Congressman Roger Wicker (R)
in November -- but those races are both Safe GOP seats in November.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
CONGRESS:
THE BIG PICTURE. National Journal's Hotline released its newly
revised list of the 50
"Most Vulnerable" US House seats on Monday. Of the
50 seats on the list, 40 are currently GOP-held seats. In fact,
of the "Top Ten" list, the top nine most vulnerable
are all GOP seats.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. PENNSYLVANIA - GOVERNOR: Governor
Ed Rendell (D) - 50%, retired pro football player Lynn Swann (R)
- 36%. (Rasmussen Reports). PENNSYLVANIA - US SENATE: State Treasurer Bob
Casey Jr. (D) - 52%, US Senator Rick Santorum (R) - 37%. (Rasmussen
Reports).
TEXAS - GOVERNOR: Governor Rick Perry (R) - 35%, musician/author
Kinky Friedman (Independent) - 21%, former Congressman Chris Bell
(D) - 20%, State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn (Independent)
- 19%. (KEYE-TV/SurveyUSA). Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
KANSAS:
GOP GOV PROSPECTS GROW DARKER WITH KNIGHT.
Former Wichita Mayor Bob Knight, a 2002 GOP candidate for
Governor, is tepidly jumping into the race against Governor Kathleen
Sebelius (D) as an Independent. Knight also formerly served as
the President of the National League of Cities. Knight told the
Wichita Eagle he authorized supporter to begin collecting
the 5,000 signatures needed to place him on the November ballot
as an Independent. "I've allowed them to test whether or
not there are other people in Kansas who are as frustrated as
I am with our political system today ... [because of] a general
frustration in the state with the federal, state and local decision-making,"
said Knight. Polls already show Sebelius holding comfortable leads
over any of the seven GOP primary candidates. With this latest
move more likely to siphon votes away from the GOP nominee, we'd
rate this contest as DEM Favored.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301. TODAY'S THANKS GO TO: newspaper publisher
and attorney Jerry
Brady, Democrat for Idaho Governor; and Congressman
Mark
Kennedy, Republican for US Senate in Minnesota.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Since it's been a few weeks since I made one of my entirely
gratuitous plugs for Senator Russ Feingold's likely 2008 Presidential
campaign, it thought it was time again. That said, Russ did a
great job on Meet the Press on Sunday. It's nice to see
a thoughtful, principled and articulate Democrat who espouses
the views of the "Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party."
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.27.06 | Permalink
|
MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
MARYLAND:
DUNCAN QUITS GOV RACE.
In a surprising development,
Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan (D) abruptly ended his
race for Governor on Thursday. Duncan divulged he had recently
been diagnosed as suffering from clinical depression. "For
people who have not suffered from this illness, or lived with
a love one who does, they may not understand just how difficult
this can be. It is difficult. And it is difficult for me to announce
today that I will no longer be a candidate for Governor of Maryland,
but it is the right decision for me, my family and for the Democratic
Party," he explained. Duncan immediately endorsed Baltimore
Mayor Martin O'Malley for the Democratic nomination to face Governor
Bob Ehrlich (R) in November. Duncan's move significantly helps
O'Malley by avoiding a costly and divisive September primary.
Peace activist Ed Boyd (Green) is also running. Race rating: Toss-Up.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.26.06 | Permalink
|
NEW
MEXICO: GOP SWITCHES GOVERNOR NOMINEES.
In another unexpected campaign
development last week, GOP gubernatorial nominee J.R. Damron quit
the race to apparently allow his party an opportunity to field
a stronger candidate. Damron, a physician and political unknown,
had zero-chance of defeating Governor Bill Richardson (D) in November.
The state party leadership immediately substituted former GOP
State Chair and businessman John Dendahl as the new nominee. Dendahl
-- who lost the GOP primary for Governor in 1994 -- is known for
a combative and negative campaign style exhibited during his subsequent
eight years as State Chair. Dendahl acknowledges a need to change
his image for this year's race. Speaking this weekend to the AP,
Dendahl vowed he would be "likable personally [as a candidate],
and put forward some ideas that are good." Acknowledging
Richardson's $7.5 million campaign treasury, Dendahl described
the race as "a huge uphill battle." While Dendahl has
little chance against the incumbent, the challenge will cause
Richardson to spend a bit more money and time campaigning in New
Mexico instead of stumping nationally to promote his likely 2008
Presidential run.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.26.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. ALABAMA - GOVERNOR: Governor
Bob Riley (R) - 51%, Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley (D) - 40%.
(WKRG-TV/SurveyUSA).
ALABAMA - GOVERNOR: Riley (R) - 54%, Baxley (D) - 40%.
(Rasmussen Reports). KANSAS
- GOVERNOR - (Rasmussen Reports):
Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) - 51%, former State House Speaker
Robin Jennison (R) - 31%.
Sebelius (D) - 49%, State Senator Jim Barnett (R) - 36%.
MAINE - GOVERNOR: Governor John Baldacci (D) - 45%, State
Senator Chandler Woodock (R) - 43%. (Rasmussen Reports).
MAINE - US SENATE: US Senator Olympia Snowe (R) - 66%,
liberal activist Jean Hay Bright (D) - 26%. (Rasmussen Reports).
MASSACHUSETTS - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Former US Assistant
Attorney General Deval Patrick - 36%, Attorney General Tom Reilly
- 31%, businessman Chris Gabrieli - 23%. (WBZ-TV/SurveyUSA). MISSOURI - US SENATE: State Auditor Claire McCaskill
(D) - 49%, US Senator Jim Talent (R) - 43%. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch).
MICHIGAN - GOVERNOR: Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) -
44%, businessman Dick DeVos (R) - 42%. (Rasmussen Reports).
NEW JERSEY - US SENATE: US Senator Bob Menendez (D) -
42%, State Senator Tom Kean Jr. (R) - 38%. (Rutgers Univ.).
SOUTH CAROLINA - GOVERNOR: Governor Mark Sanford (R)
- 51%, State Senator Tommy Moore (D) - 39%. (Rasmussen Reports).
VIRGINIA - US SENATE: US Senator George Allen (R) - 51%,
former Navy Secretary Jim Webb (D) - 41%. (Rasmussen Reports). WISONSIN - GOVERNOR: Governor Jim Doyle (D) -
49%, Congressman Mark Green (R) - 37%. (Wisconsin Policy Research
Institute/Diversified Research). Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.26.06 | Permalink
|
SITE
OF THE DAY.
Our Politics1 Site of the Day winner is Team
Minnesota, the official website of the Independence
Party's endorsed ticket of statewide candidates. While this site
is somewhat derivative of Peter Hutchinson's old campaign site
we recognized last year, we wanted to honor this revamped version
as a great example of a third-party effort. Also, a cool design
and unique use of colors.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.26.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301. TODAY'S THANKS GO TO: businessman and
former State Turnpike Authority Board Member Christy
Mihos, Independent for Massachusetts Governor; graduate
school student and progressive activist John
Stellmacher, Democrat for Wisconsin State Representative;
and veterinarian and philanthropist Ford
Bell, Democrat for US Senate in Minnesota.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Happy 75th birthday wishes today to my Dad.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.26.06 | Permalink
|
WEEKEND
OPEN THREAD.
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
I'm back from Toronto -- a bit later than planned -- and
here's a new open thread for you while I wade through all of the
emails, news, etc.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.23.06 | Permalink
|
THREADS
TO KEEP YOU BUSY WHILE RON IS ON VACATION.
A
Brief Message.
First, you can find my Friday, June 16, postings below.
Now I'm now off to Toronto for a vacation -- and, as I previously
mentioned, Dana and I are getting legally married there next week
on our 19th anniversary. I'll be back online with new postings
on Friday, June 23. Until then, use these open threads to update
each other on (and argue about and spin) the political news of
the day, but save one for each new day (including this one for
weekend). Oh yeah, and be sure to shun whomever jumps in days
early with the insipid "first" posting.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.17.06 | Permalink
|
OPEN
THREAD FOR MONDAY, JUNE 19
>>>>>>
OPEN
THREAD FOR TUESDAY, JUNE 20
>>>>>>
OPEN
THREAD FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21
>>>>>>
OPEN
THREAD FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 22
>>>>>>
FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
THE
HOTTEST MAN IN US POLITICS: MARTIN HEINRICH. An
astounding 3,661 of you cast votes in our entirely superficial
(but fun) poll to name the "Hottest Man in US Politics."
On the last day, different folks organized different strategies.
Bolstered by news stories Thursday in Roll Call and the
Wall Street Journal Online, we got lots of new visitors.
Conservatives over at Free Republic actually used a message board
there to organize an effort to "Freep the poll" for
US Senator John
Thune (R-SD) -- and it moved him up a notch to fourth place
before the voting closed. Congressional candidate Scott
Kleeb (D-NE) saw his cowboy look push him to an early lead,
although he eventually slipped into third. 26-year-old DC City
Council candidate Sam
Brooks (D-DC) stayed in second place throughout. That brings
us to our 2006 winner: Albuquerque City Council President
Martin Heinrich
(D-NM). Click here to view the complete
results. Stay tuned, as early next month we'll do a new
version of our "Worst Hair in Congress" poll.
Use this thread to nominate your favorite comb-overs, cheap hairpieces
and overall tonsorial nightmares in the House and Senate.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.16.06 | Permalink
|
BY
THE NUMBERS: LATEST INDEPENDENT NUMBERS. MICHIGAN - GOVERNOR: Businessman
Dick DeVos (R) - 48%, Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) - 40%. (EPIC/MRA).
MICHIGAN - US SENATE: US Senator Debbie Stabenow (D)
- 48%, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard (R) - 34%. (EPIC/MRA).
NEVADA - GOVERNOR - DEM PRIMARY: Henderson Mayor Jim
Gibson - 43%, State Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus - 34%, liberal
activist Leola McConnell - 5%. (KVBC-TV/SurveyUSA). NEVADA - GOVERNOR - GOP PRIMARY: Congressman
Jim Gibbons - 50%, State Senator Bob Beers - 18%, Lieutenant Governor
Lorraine Hunt - 15%, Others - 2%. (KVBC-TV/SurveyUSA). NEW JERSEY- US SENATE: US Senator Bob Menendez
(D) - 43%, State Senator Tom Kean Jr. (R) - 36%. (Quinnipiac Univ.).
RHODE ISLAND - GOVERNOR: Lieutenant Governor Charlie
Fogarty (D) - 41%, Governor Don Carcieri (R) - 40%. (Rasmussen
Reports).
TEXAS - GOVERNOR: Governor Rick Perry (R) - 38%, singer/author
Kinky Friedman (Ind) - 20%, State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn
(Ind) - 19%, former Congressman Chris Bell (D) - 14%. (Rasmussen
Reports).
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.16.06 | Permalink
|
CONNECTICUT:
LIEBERMAN-LAMONT FIGHT HEATS UP. Wealthy businessman and peace candidate Ned
Lamont (D) is making rapid gains in his Dem primary fight against
US Senator Joe Lieberman. Lamont has a solid base of anti-war
voters who criticize the centrist incumbent for being too friendly
with the Bush Administration. Lieberman counters that his record
is one of results gained through bipartisan cooperation. In a
blow to Lieberman, the state's two big teacher unions -- AFT-CT
and the Connecticut Education Association -- both endorsed Lamont.
The groups never endorsed Lieberman in the past, but neither actively
worked against him before. There's lots of buzz now about Lieberman
seeking reelection as an Independent -- but this is nothing new.
We reported on Lieberman openly speculating about the Indy option
back as early as April 10. The
whole thing is starting to look much more likely these days with
Lamont's rising poll numbers and Lieberman's campaign chair unabashedly
insulting Lamont supporters as "left-wing weirdos."
Lamont says he'll endorse Lieberman if Lieberman wins the primary,
but Lieberman won't make the reciprocal pledge. Polls show Lieberman
would win the general in a landslide if he runs as an Independent,
a move that was bolstered this week when US Senator Chuck Schumer
(D-NY) said the DSCC would support Indy Lieberman over Dem Lamont
in a general election. Forgotten amid the Dem crossfire is former
State Rep. Alan Schlesinger (R), who is proving to be a total
non-factor in the race.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.16.06 | Permalink
|
FLORIDA:
UNUSUAL TACTIC TO BLOCK ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT.
Religious Right groups are actively working to collect
the signatures needed to place an proposed state constitutional
amendment on the ballot to ban same-sex marriage in Florida. The
language of the amendment also appears to possibly ban civil unions,
domestic partner recognition, and anything else bestowing rights
similar to marriage. Now a liberal religious group -- Christ Church
of Peace -- is wading into the fight with a very unusual tactic.
Under Florida law, the certified names of valid ballot petition
signatories are a matter of public record. Christ Church launched
a new website -- KnowThyNeighbor
-- which posted online a searchable list of all the names and
home addresses of everyone who signed the gay marriage ban petitions.
Supporters of the amendment say it is an unfair intimidation tactic.
Christ Church counters their move merely adds accountability so
people can know what their friends and neighbors really believe.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.16.06 | Permalink
|
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
Here's my open offer for every campaign (and campaign supporter):
send me a button or pin from the Governor, US Senate, Congressional,
Statewide Office, etc., campaign you are involved in -- feel free
to add a sticker and brochure -- and I'll place a link to official
campaign site here on our homepage in a daily "thank you"
note. My address: Ron Gunzburger, 409 NE 17 Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
FL 33301. TODAY'S THANKS GO TO: investment consultant
and attorney Jack
Carter, Democrat for US Senator (Nevada); and State
Auditor Claire
McCaskill, Democrat for US Senator (Missour).
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Your place for the rest of the news.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 06.16.06 | Permalink
|
US
Senator Lincoln Chafee this week killed rumors he planned to bolt
from the GOP to seek reelection as an Independent by filing for
reelection as a Republican. Further, conservative Cranston Mayor
Steve Laffey -- who is challenging Chafee in the GOP primary --
announced he will not compete with Chafee for the party's endorsement
at Thursday's state GOP convention. Laffey said the state's GOP
leaders secretly agreed to back Chafee when they accepted $500,000
last year from the national party. "The state party made
clear last September they prefer the insider candidate over the
reformer and I have no interest in participating in their charade
of a convention," said Laffey.
SEND
A PIN = GET A FREE PLUG HERE.
facing
a tough battle for re-election, this week announced a new plan
to provide two years of free college tuition at the state's public
colleges and universities to nearly all Minnesota high school
students who graduate in the top 25% of their class. Families
making up to an adjusted gross household income of $150,000 would
be eligible. The proposed program is estimated to cost the state
at least $56 million per year. According to the Minneapolis
Star-Tribune, Attorney General Mike Hatch (D) bashed the
proposal as merely a political stunt to distract attention away
from Pawlenty's record of "gashing" educational spending
for the past four years. Some private colleges in the state said
the proposal was unfair because it excluded them from participating.
Independent Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson said
the plan was "fabulous public policy improvisation. But is
this just the idea du jour because [Pawlenty is] running
for reelection?" University of Minnesota President Robert
Bruininks called Pawlenty's proposal an "admirable goal that
the University of Minnesota embraces." However, the conservative
Minnesota Taxpayers League denounced the concept as "a big
fat entitlement program" at odds with Pawlenty's claims of
fiscal conservatism.
Steve
Stockman (Independent) failed to qualify for the ballot in the
CD-22 race. The Secretary of State determined petitions submitted
by Stockman failed to produce the 500 valid signatures required
by state law. "Someone who couldn't find 500 people in a
[in a district of 600,000 residents] probably wasn't going to
have much of an impact," joked a spokesman for former Congressman
Nick Lampson (D). In related news, US District Court Judge Sam
Sparks has yet to rule whether or not the Republicans will be
allowed to replace resigned Congressman Tom DeLay on the ballot.
If the court finds DeLay intentionally "withdrew" from
the contest, the GOP will not be allowed to replace him -- and
then only Lampson and the Libertarian nominee will appear on the
November ballot. If DeLay, however, was found to have been "disqualified"
because of his move to Virginia, the GOP will be allowed to name
a new replacement nominee. Although the Judge did not yet rule,
during this week's hearing he openly remarked that DeLay apparently
"withdrew" from the race. Stay tuned.
GEORGIA
- GOVERNOR - (Strategic Vision-R): 
SOUTH
CAROLINA & MISSISSIPPI: RUN-OFF RESULTS.
for
illegal immigrants. Jacob, who is backed by Tancredo's Team America
PAC and other immigration reform groups, slams Cannon as the "King
of Amnesty." Cannon's campaign manager told the Deseret
Morning News that "Cannon is against any path to citizenship
for illegal immigrants." Cannon says he supports a guest-worker
program that would allow some illegal immigrants to remain in
the country for up to three years, possibly with some extensions,
but would not be eligible for US citizenship. Jacob says that
proposal is just another form of amnesty. Cannon is now firing
back with TV spots blasting Jacob and Team America for running
a "vicious smear campaign" against him. Cannon also
scored endorsements within the past week from both President Bush
and First Lady Laura Bush. House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim
Sensenbrenner (R-WI) -- one of the most vocal critics of the Senate
amnesty bill -- recorded a spot for Cannon. "Long before
it was fashionable, Chris Cannon was working with me to stop illegal
immigration," says Sensenbrenner in the message. A Salt
Lake Tribune poll released Monday shows Cannon leading Jacob
by a 44% to 41% vote. A Deseret Morning News poll last
week showed Cannon holding a wider lead. Turnout is expected to
be very light, with a lower turnout seemingly favoring Jacob.
The CD-3 seat is safely Republican, so the winner of the Cannon-Jacob
primary should be a safe bet for November. Prediction: Cannon
squeaks out a slim primary win (setting himself up to be a major
primary target yet again in 2008).
development,
Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan (D) abruptly ended his
race for Governor on Thursday. Duncan divulged he had recently
been diagnosed as suffering from clinical depression. "For
people who have not suffered from this illness, or lived with
a love one who does, they may not understand just how difficult
this can be. It is difficult. And it is difficult for me to announce
today that I will no longer be a candidate for Governor of Maryland,
but it is the right decision for me, my family and for the Democratic
Party," he explained. Duncan immediately endorsed Baltimore
Mayor Martin O'Malley for the Democratic nomination to face Governor
Bob Ehrlich (R) in November. Duncan's move significantly helps
O'Malley by avoiding a costly and divisive September primary.
Peace activist Ed Boyd (Green) is also running. Race rating: Toss-Up.
campaign
development last week, GOP gubernatorial nominee J.R. Damron quit
the race to apparently allow his party an opportunity to field
a stronger candidate. Damron, a physician and political unknown,
had zero-chance of defeating Governor Bill Richardson (D) in November.
The state party leadership immediately substituted former GOP
State Chair and businessman John Dendahl as the new nominee. Dendahl
-- who lost the GOP primary for Governor in 1994 -- is known for
a combative and negative campaign style exhibited during his subsequent
eight years as State Chair. Dendahl acknowledges a need to change
his image for this year's race. Speaking this weekend to the AP,
Dendahl vowed he would be "likable personally [as a candidate],
and put forward some ideas that are good." Acknowledging
Richardson's $7.5 million campaign treasury, Dendahl described
the race as "a huge uphill battle." While Dendahl has
little chance against the incumbent, the challenge will cause
Richardson to spend a bit more money and time campaigning in New
Mexico instead of stumping nationally to promote his likely 2008
Presidential run.
KANSAS
- GOVERNOR - (Rasmussen Reports):
An
astounding 3,661 of you cast votes in our entirely superficial
(but fun) poll to name the "Hottest Man in US Politics."
On the last day, different folks organized different strategies.
Bolstered by news stories Thursday in Roll Call and the
Wall Street Journal Online, we got lots of new visitors.
Conservatives over at Free Republic actually used a message board
there to organize an effort to "Freep the poll" for
US Senator 
Ned
Lamont (D) is making rapid gains in his Dem primary fight against
US Senator Joe Lieberman. Lamont has a solid base of anti-war
voters who criticize the centrist incumbent for being too friendly
with the Bush Administration. Lieberman counters that his record
is one of results gained through bipartisan cooperation. In a
blow to Lieberman, the state's two big teacher unions -- AFT-CT
and the Connecticut Education Association -- both endorsed Lamont.
The groups never endorsed Lieberman in the past, but neither actively
worked against him before. There's lots of buzz now about Lieberman
seeking reelection as an Independent -- but this is nothing new.
We reported on Lieberman openly speculating about the Indy option
back as early as 
