VA
GOP SABOTAGES DAVIS; TOMMY FOR RUDY; HOBSON RETIRES; NH POLL;
YOUNG'S MONEY. VIRGINIA:
Former Governor Jim Gilmore (R) got some good news on Saturday
when the Virginia Republican State Central Committee voted 47
to 37 to hold a convention rather than a primary to select a US
Senate nominee next year. Congressman Tom Davis (R) is also looking
at the race. A convention would heavily favor the more conservative
Gilmore over the more centrist Davis, as Virginia GOP conventions
are routinely dominated by Religious Right activists. Davis was
pushing to have the decision made in a statewide primary. Based
upon this move, look for Davis to skip the Senate race and seek
re-election -- and allow Gilmore to be the party's sacrificial
nominee against former Governor Mark Warner (D). A Davis spokesperson
said the Congressman will make public his decision on the race
on November 6. Several recent independent polls show Warner holding
a landslide-sized lead over Gilmore. GIULIANI: Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson -- who
quit the GOP Presidential contest in August -- on Friday endorsed
Rudy Giuliani for President. Thompson said he believes Giuliani
is best positioned to defeat Hillary Clinton (D) in the general
election. OHIO: Another day, yet another GOP Congressional retirement.
On Sunday, Congressman Dave Hobson
(R) announced he would retire next year. "I wanted to go
out on top," explained Hobson, who said he had privately
considered retiring in 2006. His retirement was expected. Hobson,
a GOP moderate, was first elected to the House in 1990. His CD-7
seat is reliably Republican, so the real fight for this seat --
if any -- will likely be in the GOP primary. Hobson is expected
to support State Senator Steve Austria (R) as his successor. "My
plans are to run and to ... continue his projects. Dave has been
a mentor to me through my service in public office," said
Austria to the AP. NEW HAMPSHIRE: A new Marist College poll shows Hillary
Clinton and Mitt Romney continuing to lead in New Hampshire. The
DEM numbers: Clinton - 41%, Barack Obama - 20%, John Edwards -
11%. The GOP numbers: Romney - 26%, Rudy Giuliani - 20%, John
McCain - 17%, Fred Thompson - 10%. FLORIDA: Here's a sign that Congressman Bill Young (R)
may truly be contemplating retirement. Despite the fact that the
DCCC has expressed an interest in targeting his swing district
seat, Young only bothered to raise $28,500 in the most recent
quarter. Then again, Young is sitting on a cash-on-hand of $579,000
-- so he may not feel that pressured to raise more money until
a real opponent materializes.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.15.07 | Permalink
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Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.15.07 | Permalink
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FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
REGULA
RETIRES; YOUNG'S NEW FOES; P2008 NEWS; LA GOV POLL; McKINNEY TEASES;
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REDUX. OHIO: Congressman Ralph Regula
(R), 82, will announce his retirement on Friday. He becomes the
11th House Republican to announce his 2008 retirement. The DCCC
immediately said it will target the open seat, as President Bush
captured just 54% here in 2004 and Ted Strickland (D) carried
the district by a comfortable margin in the 2006 gubernatorial
race. Ashland County Commissioner Matt Miller (R) and State Senator
John Boccieri (D) were already announced candidates for the seat.
Former Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula (R) -- the Congressman's
son -- is reportedly looking at the race. Other potential candidates
include State Senator Kirk Schuring (R) and Canton City Councilman
Bill Smuckler (D). Note: The only two Dems leaving the House in
2008 are both seeking US Senate seats. ALASKA: Congressman Don Young (R) -- yet another Alaska
incumbent facing ethics problems -- got a double dose of bad news
this week. State Representative Gabrielle LeDoux announced she
will challenge Young in the GOP primary. Also, former State House
Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz -- the '06 Democratic nominee
for Lieutenant Governor -- jumped into the race on Wednesday.
Other announced candidates include former State Democratic Chair
Jake Metcalfe (D) and Alaska Native activist/'06 nominee Diane
Benson (D). BROWNBACK:
US Senator Sam Brownback (R) told the Kansas City Star he
will quit the Presidential race if he finishes worse than fourth
in the Iowa caucuses. PAUL: Congressman Ron Paul (R), appearing on CNN's Tucker,
insisted he does not plan to make a third party run for President
if he loses the GOP nomination race. "I have no intention
of doing that. That is not a very attractive thing to do,"
he said. The comment still leaves Paul some wiggle room. Conservative
columnist Robert Novak this week said Paul would consider continuing
his Presidential campaign in the general election as an Independent
-- but not as a third party nominee -- if he loses the Republican
contest. LOUISIANA: A Southeastern Louisiana University poll of
registered voters shows Congressman Bobby Jindal (R) holding a
massive lead in the October 20 gubernatorial primary. The numbers:
Jindal - 46%, State Senator Walter Boasso (D) - 10%, businessman
John Georges (Independent) - 9%, and State PSC Commissioner Foster
Campbell (D) - 6%. McKINNEY: Who knows if there is anything to this story
... but several leading Green blogs are reporting controversial
former Congresswoman Cynthia
McKinney (D-GA) is preparing to announce her candidacy for the
Green Party's Presidential nomination. Some of the blogs also
reported rumors that McKinney re-registered as a Green within
the past week. McKinney made an appearance at a San Francisco
Green Party event this week, but declined to answer direct questions
on the topic. McKinney sent the Green Party leaders a letter last
month saying she would not seek their nomination -- but then she
suddenly resurfaced on their radar within the past two weeks. THE ARMENIAN HOLOCAUST: A quick follow-up to yesterday's
story on the resolution rapidly gaining support in Congress to
condemn the Ottoman Turk genocide of 1915-23 that resulted in
the murder of 1.5 million Armenian Christians. In response to
the 27-21 vote in the House Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday
to denounce the Turkish actions as "genocide," the Turkish
government announced it recalled its Ambassador to the US for
"consultation" as a direct response. The resolution
is assured of House passage, but will face a close vote in the
US Senate in response to strong lobbying against the resolution
by the Bush Administration.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.12.07 | Permalink
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Posted
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THURSDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
NOBEL
PEACE PRIZE RAISES "DRAFT GORE" HOPES; TURKEY'S HISTORY OF ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE. GORE: Former Vice President Al Gore (D) continues to insist
he does not plan to jump into the Presidential race if he wins
the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize on
Friday. European newspapers report Gore
is viewed as the favorite to win the award for his international
educational efforts on behalf of global warming. Gore spokeswoman
Kalee Kreider said the former VP still "has no intention
of running for President in 2008. He is involved in a different
type of campaign -- one to educate Americans and people around
the world about the climate crisis." Several Draft Gore activists
still hope he can be convinced to change his mind. One group ran
a full-page ad in the New York Times urging him to run
as a Dem unity candidate. Another group has been collecting petition
signatures to place Gore on the California Presidential primary
ballot. THE
ARMENIAN HOLOCAUST: One of the most contentious issues crawling
through Congress these days is a symbolic historical debate. House
Resolution 106 seeks to condemn as "genocide" the mass
killings of ethnic Armenian Christians in Turkey during World
War I. Most historians agree roughly 1.5 million Armenians were
murdered
in 1915-23 in a systemic campaign by the Muslim Ottoman Turks
of the fraying Ottoman Empire to drive Armenians out of eastern
Turkey. The Ottoman Empire evolved into the modern nation of Turkey
in 1923. The Turkish government now acknowledges "hundreds
of thousands" of Armenians died -- but they stubbornly insist
the deaths of entire Armenian communities were "war"
casualties and deny any allegation the deaths were caused by organized
acts of genocide. President Bush and every living former US Secretaries
of State are on record forcefully opposing the resolution, fearing
it would cause a rift in US-Turkish relations. The Turkish government
says it would be so offended by the Congressional condemnation
that it would "reconsider" its role in the War of on
Terror and possibly expel US forces from using air bases in southern
Turkey. The Turkish government severed military relations with
France last year after the National Assembly there took action
denouncing the Armenian killings as genocide. President Bill Clinton
and House Speaker Denny Hastert successfully worked together in
2000 to kill a similar resolution to avoid diplomatic problems
with Turkey. Turkey has also hired former House Majority Leaders
Bob Livingston (R) and Dick Gephardt (D) to lobby against the
resolution. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D), House Majority Leader Steny
Hoyer (D), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D), NRSC Chair John
Ensign (R), Senator Hillary Clinton (D), Senator Elizabeth Dole
(R) and Senator Sam Brownback (R) are among those on record supporting
the resolution. In fact, the resolution has 226 co-sponsors in
the House -- a majority of all House members -- ensuring it will
pass when it hits the House floor. On the Senate side, 32 Senators
are currently co-sponsors. Supporters of the resolution received
a boost on Wednesday, when the House Foreign Relations Committee
approved it by a 27-21 vote. Turkish President Abdullah Gul immediately
denounced the vote, telling his country's national news agency
the committee vote was "unacceptable."
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.11.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
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Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.11.07 | Permalink
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WEDNESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
PAUL,
TANCREDO DROP HINTS; DEMS BAIL ON MICHIGAN; HILL-SODREL ROUND
4. NO UNITY PROMISE: Congressmen Ron
Paul (R-TX) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) both said during Tuesday's
GOP Presidential debate they were both unable to make pledges
to support the eventual GOP nominee. Paul said he would not support
the Republican nominee "unless they’re willing to end
the war and bring our troops home ... I’m not going to support
them if they continue down the path that has taken our party down
the tubes. I mean, we’ve lost credibility because of all
our spending, because we have violated the civil liberties of
all the American people, and we have adopted the Democrats’
foreign policy." Said Tancredo: "I am absolutely tired
and sick and tired of being forced to go to the polls and say
I’m going to make this choice between the lesser of two evils.
I really don’t intend to do that again. I am hoping, of course,
that whoever we nominate will be the principled flag carrier for
the Republican Party. But if that is not the case, no, then I
will not support them." In related news, Tancredo said Monday
he will quit the White House race if he doesn't finish at least
third in Iowa or New Hampshire. Tancredo also said he'll announce
his true re-election plans on the day after whenever the current
baseball season ends for the Colorado Rockies. The Paul and Tancredo
comments -- probably intentionally -- kicked the doors wide open
to Paul seeking the Libertarian nomination and Tancredo seeking
the Constitution nomination for President in the general election. PROFILES IN COURAGE: In response to Michigan's move to
advance its Presidential primary date to January 15, Barack Obama,
John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Joe Biden and Dennis Kucinich all
met Tuesday's deadline to file paperwork removing their names
from the primary ballot. "Today's decision reaffirms our
pledge to respect the primary calendar as established by the DNC
and makes it clear that we will not play into the politics of
money and Republican machinations that only serve to interfere
with the primary calendar," said Biden campaign manager Luis
Navarro to CNN. While Hillary Clinton and Chris Dodd agreed to
abide by a prior pledge to not campaign in the state for breaking
the DNC's calendar, both said they would keep their names on the
Michigan ballot. Biden's campaign blasted Clinton and Dodd for
having "abandoned Democrats in Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire
and South Carolina." In related news, US Senator Bill Nelson
(D-FL) and Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) filed a lawsuit last
week in federal court to block the DNC from imposing any sanctions
against Florida for advancing the primary to January 29. The two
claim the sanctions are illegal as they violate the Voting Rights
Act by disenfranchising protected minority voters by nullifying
their votes in the Presidential nomination process. Not only are
the Dem Presidential candidates boycotting Florida, all of them
are also prohibiting their spouses from campaigning in the Sunshine
State. INDIANA:
Call it "Baron Hill versus Mike Sodrel: Round 4." Former
Congressman and trucking executive Mike Sodrel (R) announced Tuesday
evening he will seek yet another rematch against Congressman Baron
Hill (D). Sodrel's own press release describes the coming battle
as a "historic 4th bid." Here is the history of the
CD-9 seat. In 2002, Congressman Hill narrowly defeated challenger
Sodrel. In 2004, Sodrel ousted Hill. In 2006, Hill ousted Sodrel
to regain the seat. Now, Sodrel is seeking to recapture it. Just
to make the rematch complete, 2006 Libertarian nominee Eric Schansberg
also jumped in to ensure all three men enjoy a November 2008 ballot
reunion. Expect a close race yet again, with Hill holding a slight
advantage.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.10.07 | Permalink
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by Ron Gunzburger - 10.10.07 | Permalink
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TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
NO
SEIU ENDORSEMENT; IOWA CAUCUSES ON JAN 3; FRED DEBUTS; EARLY START
FOR TN '10 GOV. LABOR: The SEIU -- possibly the nation's most politically
active labor union -- announced Monday it would not endorse
any Presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination at the
national level. Instead, the SEIU leadership decided to allow
local SEIU locals to endorse Presidential candidates on a state-by-state
basis. John Edwards was initially favored to win the nomination,
but
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were able to peel away enough
support to block Edwards from capturing the big prize. IOWA: The Iowa Republican Party leadership announced January
3 will be the date for their Presidential caucuses. Iowa Democrats
have yet to decide on a date, and were reported to be favoring
January 5 -- wants more distance from the New Year's holiday.
However, the Dems are now likely to go with January 3 to avoid
confusion by holding the Presidential caucuses on two separate
evenings. This moves increases the odds that the New Hampshire
primary will now move forward to January 8. THOMPSON: Former US Senator Fred Thompson (R) will make
his debate debut at the CNBC/MSNBC/Wall Street Journal
debate on Tuesday from Dearborn, Michigan. The debate will be
broadcast live on CNBC at 4 PM ET, live streamed online at msnbc.com,
and re-broadcast on MSNBC at 9 PM ET. As for performance, Thompson's
campaign has set the expectations bar pretty low -- with most
pundits expecting a safe, low-charisma performance. In related
news, Thompson's campaign announced former US Senator George Allen
(R-VA) -- once himself a possible '08 Presidential hopeful before
unexpectedly losing his re-election race last year -- will serve
as Co-Chair of the Thompson campaign. Other national co-chairs
includes former US Senator Howard Baker (R-TN), VP daughter Liz
Cheney, and former US Senator Spence Abraham (R-MI). Baker was
himself a White House candidate in the 1980 primaries. Abraham,
defeated for re-election in 2000, subsequently served as Energy
Secretary in President Bush's Cabinet. TENNESSEE:
Congressman Lincoln Davis (D) announced this week he will be a
candidate for Governor in 2010 when incumbent Phil Bredesen (D)
is term-limited. Davis -- who served as Chair of former Congressman
Harold Ford Jr.'s US Senate campaign in 2006 -- clearly made the
early announcement in an attempt to deter Ford from running. Ford,
who currently served as Chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership
Council, is apparently very interested in the race. State Democratic
Chair Gray Sasser told the AP Ford is "seriously considering"
the race. Senior Ford advisor Tom Lee confirmed the interest,
but left open the possibility that Ford could defer to Davis.
"Congressman Davis is a great friend, a great Democrat and
a great Congressman. How the race ultimately shakes out two or
three years from now, we’ll have to see," said Lee.
"I don’t think [Ford] is going to run because Lincoln
Davis is going to run. I would imagine that if I’m in the
race, he’ll step aside," said Davis. Congressman Zach
Wamp (R) is also rumored to be interested in the race. NEW MEXICO: Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez (D) and wealthy
oil executive Spiro Vassilopoulos (R) both jumped into the open
US Senate contest, joining previously announced candidate Congresswoman
Heather Wilson (R). Several others are still looking at the race.
However, with new SurveyUSA polling out Monday showing Chavez
trailing either of the likely GOP nominees -- and showing Governor
Bill Richardson (D) cruising to an easy win against either of
the two same Republicans -- look for pressure to grow for Richardson
to jump in. Richardson can continue to sincerely deny any interest
in the race. However, since nearly everyone agrees the Dem nominee
will be be decided on or before the February 5 "Super-Duper-Mega
Tuesday" contests, Richardson would still have an opportunity
to jump into the race if someone else locks up the nomination
by then. Candidate filing for the New Mexico primary closes on
February 12, and other Dems would likely quit the Senate primary
in favor of Richardson if he decides to make a last-minute run.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.09.07 | Permalink
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Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.09.07 | Permalink
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MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
McGOVERN
BACKS CLINTON; MITT, HILL LEAD IN IOWA; ... AND MORE SENATE RETIREMENTS? P2008 - DEMS: 1972 Democratic Presidential nominee George
McGovern (D-SD) endorsed Hillary Clinton this
weekend at an event in Iowa. "She'll be a greater President
even than her brilliant husband," said McGovern, who also
praised John Edwards and Barack Obama. In South Carolina, State
Representative Fletcher Smith (D) switched horses in mid-stream.
Smith was state co-chair of the Bill Richardson campaign but he
so disagreed with Richardson's plan to withdraw US forces from
Iraq within six months that he quit as co-chair and endorsed Joe
Biden on Saturday. IOWA: The latest Des Moines Register/Selzer polls
show Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton leading in Iowa. The GOP
results: Romney - 29%, Fred Thompson - 18%, Mike Huckabee - 12%,
Rudy Giuliani - 11%, John McCain - 7%, Tom Tancredo - 5%, Ron
Paul - 4%, Sam Brownback and Alan Keyes tied with 2% each, and
Duncan Hunter - 1%. The DEM results: Clinton - 29%, John Edwards
- 23%, Barack Obama - 22%, Bill Richardson - 8%, Joe Biden - 5%,
and all others at 1% or less apiece. US SENATE: Are more GOP US Senators planning surprise retirement
announcements in the coming weeks? Apparently so. Check out this
comment from Idaho Governor Butch Otter (R) to Newsweek:
"We’ve now got five Republicans [retiring or resigning],
and I guess there’s a few more that may make a statement,
from what [US Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell’s
told me." Maybe McConnell thinks Ted Stevens (R-AK) is a
possible retirement ... but the comment referred to "a few"
more, not just one more.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.08.07 | Permalink
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Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.08.07 | Permalink
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WEEKEND
NEWS UPDATE.
CONGRESSWOMAN
DAVIS DIES AT AGE 57; RISCH SEEKS IDAHO US SEN SEAT. VIRGINIA: Congresswoman JoAnn Davis (R) died Saturday of
breast cancer at age 57. She was first diagnosed with the disease
in 2005, but it appeared to be in remission due to treatment --
until a recent reoccurrence was detected. Davis was an announced
candidate for re-election in 2008 and remained active
in Congress until her health took a sharp decline within the past
week. First elected in 2000, Davis faced an aggressive challenger
for her CD-1 seat last year but still captured 63%. Governor Tim
Kaine (D) said he intends to call a special election for the seat
sometime in December 2007. IDAHO: Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch (R) said Friday he
will be a candidate next year for retiring US Senator Larry Craig's
(R) open seat. Risch is the presumptive frontrunner to capture
the seat. Former Congressman Larry LaRocco is the likely Democratic
nominee.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.06.07 | Permalink
|
FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
CRAIG
TO RETIRE, NOT RESIGN; WILSON IN, UDALL OUT IN NM SEN RACE; RUDY
WINS GOP MONEY RACE. IDAHO: US Senator Larry Craig (R) lost
his legal challenge in a Minnesota District Court on Thursday,
as a judge ruled he could not withdraw his July guilty plea to
a misdemeanor count from arising from his arrest in an airport
bathroom police sex sting operation. "I am extremely disappointed
with the ruling issued today. I am innocent of the charges against
me. I continue to work with my legal team to explore my additional
legal options." However, in some expected but unwelcome news
for the Republican Party, Craig announced he has abandoned his
plans to resign the seat. "I will continue my effort to clear
my name in the Senate Ethics Committee -- something that is not
possible if I am not serving in the Senate. When my term has expired,
I will retire and not seek reelection. I hope this provides the
certainty Idaho needs and deserves," explained Craig. NRSC
Chair John Ensign (R-NV) called on Craig to resign on Thursday,
while US Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) offered Craig some public words
of support for his decision. NEW MEXICO: On
the same day six-term US Senator Pete Domenici (R) announced his
retirement and said he was suffering from the early signs of a
progressive brain disease that causes dementia, Congresswoman
Heather Wilson (R) put out the word she will seek the open seat.
Wilson will make her formal announcement on Friday afternoon.
Based upon recent FEC reports, Wilson starts with nearly $600,000
cash-on-hand. In related news, the Albuquerque Journal reports
Congressman Tom Udall (D) has decided to not seek the Senate seat.
Udall purportedly does not want to forfeit his seniority on the
House Appropriations Committee. Governor Bill Richardson's Presidential
campaign again confirmed he will not seek the seat. However, Lieutenant
Governor Diane Denish, former Attorney General Patricia Madrid
and Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez each acknowledged Thursday
they were looking at seeking the Democratic nomination for the
Senate seat. P2008: The GOP fundraising numbers are in from the first-tier
guys. Rudy Giuliani won the contest, with $10.5 million collected
in 3Q-07. Mitt Romney was next with $9.5 million, followed by
Fred Thompson with $9.3 million. Giuliani also has $16 million
cash-on-hand, versus Romney's $9 million cash-on-hand. Important
to note: $8.5 million of Romney's cash-on-hand came from yet another
loan the wealthy candidate recently made to his own campaign.
Including this recent infusion of cash, Romney has already pumped
over $17 million of his own money into his campaign coffers. ROMNEY: The Log Cabin Republicans -- the national gay GOP
group -- is very annoyed with Mitt Romney's abandonment of his
past support for gay rights. In fact, so much so that they've
financed a rather clever attack spot bashing Romney with Romney's
own past words. And done in the guise of being a positive spot
for Romney. Pretty funny. Check
it out here.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.05.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
A bit of editorializing again. An Iowa reporter this week asked
Barack Obama why he -- unlike nearly every other politician in
America -- does not wear a US flag pin on his lapel. The answer:
"You know, the truth is that right after 9/11 I had a pin.
Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we're talking about
the Iraq war, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism,
which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our
national security, I decided I won't wear that pin on my chest,
instead I'm gonna try to tell the American people what I believe
what will make this country great and hopefully that will be a
testimony to my patriotism." Let me echo those comments,
as I'm one of those who stopped wearing my flag pin and peeled
my flag sticker off my car bumper in 2003 when I felt patriotism
and the flag were being abused by the Bush-Cheney Administration
to advance an unjust, pointless war in Iraq and the curtailment
of our constitutional protections. Now ... if only Obama could
adopt Bill Richardson's great plan for a quick end to US involvement
in Iraq, I'd be really thrilled.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.05.07 | Permalink
|
WANNA
TRADE?
I'm interested in building up my collection of Canadian campaign
buttons. If you've got Canadian political uttons to trade (both
federal and provincial), I'm interesting in swapping
with you (and will also trade your Canadian
buttons for some of my great US pins). Please
drop me a note! Also interested in buying Canadian pins, if
you're not interested in trading.
THURSDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
DOMENICI
TO RETIRE; RON PAUL RAISES $5 MILLION IN 3Q, HUCKABEE COLLECTS
JUST $1 MILLION. NEW MEXICO: In
a major surprise, six-term US Senator Pete Domenici (R) will reverse
course on Thursday and announce his retirement plans for 2008.
He previously said he would seek re-election next year. President
Bush recently headlined a Domenici
re-election fundraiser in the state. However, the 75-year-old
Domenici now apparently feels his health has recently deteriorated
due to arthritis, leg pain and age to the extent he no longer
has the stamina to wage an aggressive race for re-election. He
was also a target of a Senate Ethics probe related to his role
in the political firing of former US Attorney David Iglesias.
Domenici, first elected to the Senate in 1972, has spent the last
22 years as either the Chair or ranking member of the Senate Budget
Committee. The announcement is very bad news for the Republicans,
who had a much better chance of holding the seat with the popular
incumbent running again. With Domenici out, centrist Congresswoman
Heather Wilson is viewed as the most likely Republican candidate
for the seat. Wilson is a Domenici protégé, and
he would certainly back her as his successor if she runs. Wilson
appears to be the strongest possible GOP candidate -- but the
race would still be rated a TOSS-UP if she runs. Congressmen Steve
Pearce (R) and Tom Udall (D), Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish
(D) and former Attorney General Patricia Madrid (D) are also expected
to look at the open seat race. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez
(D) told the Albuquerque Tribune he is "strongly considering"
the race. Governor Bill Richardson (D) quickly denied rumors he
would quit his White House race and seek the seat. Richardson's
spokesman told the Tribune Richardson is "running
for president and .... confident about winning." Wealthy
"green developer" Don Wiviott, former Congressional
aide Jim Hannon and peace activist Leland Lehrman are already
announced candidates for the Dem nomination. Also, if Wilson seeks
the Senate seat, her open CD-1 swing seat would immediately move
into the LEAN DEM category. PAUL:
Okay, here's another big surprise. Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX)
is clearly finding an audience in his libertarian anti-war and
anti-tax run for President. He reports raising nearly $5.1 million
in 3Q-07. To put this in perspective, that's five times more than
the $1 million raised by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
(R) in the same period -- and about half the amount raised by
several of the Republican frontrunners. Paul also has a very respectable
$5.3 million cash-on-hand, meaning he can wage a more serious
effort than some of the other second-tier GOP candidates being
treated as more serious contenders by the media and party leaders. NEW HAMPSHIRE: A new CNN/WMUR-TV poll shows US Senator
John Sununu (R) is now trailing for re-election against former
Governor Jeanne Shaheen (D) by a 54% to 38% vote.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.04.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Your daily open thread.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.04.07 | Permalink
|
WANNA
TRADE?
I'm interested in building up my collection of Canadian campaign
buttons. If you've got Canadian political uttons to trade (both
federal and provincial), I'm interesting in swapping
with you (and will also trade your Canadian buttons for some of
my great US pins). Please
drop me a note! Also interested in buying Canadian pins, if
you're not interested in trading.
WEDNESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
HILLARY'S
BIG BUCKS; FRED'S 12 COMMANDMENT; SENATE GOP LEADERS PRESSURE
CRAIG. CLINTON: Hillary
Clinton scored an impressive fundraising tally for 3Q-07, far
outpacing all of her Presidential rivals. Early media reports
over the weekend incorrectly indicated both Clinton and Barack
Obama were each going to come in around $19 million each. In reality,
Clinton will report raising $27 million this quarter versus $20
million for Obama, $7 million for John Edwards and $5 million
for Bill Richardson. THOMPSON:
Fred Thompson (R) sent a warning Tuesday he is preparing to launch
a bare knuckle attack campaign against his GOP White House rivals.
The move seemingly comes in response to Thompson's lackluster
launch of his campaign this past quarter, which posted decent
funraising totals and pushed him into the first tier -- but with
much less than the shock-and-awe start his backers expected. The
Politico asked Thompson -- in response to recent criticism
of his preparation and lobbyist past -- if he was an "11th
Commandment" Republican (i.e., Reagan's old adage to not
speak ill of other Republicans). Thompson's response: "I
am more of a 12th Commandment man: Don’t speak ill of them
until they speak ill of me. And then really speak ill of them." CRAIG: Senate Republicans are getting annoyed that US Senator
Larry Craig (R-ID) now appears to have indefinitely postponed
his plans to resign his seat over his bathroom sex scandal, according
to the Washington Post. Fearing Craig's continued presence
on Capitol Hill is hurting their electoral chances next year,
Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reportedly wants
to pressure Craig in quitting. The plan: "threatening to
notch up the public humiliation" by demanding a fully open
ethics investigation with public hearings to explore all of the
allegations of Craig's secret gay sex life. Question: Will they
do likewise with the recent allegations about Senator David Vitter's
(R-LA) history of hiring female prostitutes?
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.03.07 | Permalink
|
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TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
P2008:
NEW IOWA, NH, SC POLLS; RUDY BRUSHES OFF POSSIBLE RELIGIOUS RIGHT
REVOLT. IOWA: Here
is the latest American Research Group poll of likely Iowa caucus
participants. The DEM numbers: Hillary Clinton - 30%, Barack Obama
- 24%, John
Edwards - 19%, Bill Richardson - 10%, Joe Biden - 3%, and all
others at 1% or less apiece. The GOP numbers: Mitt Romney - 22%,
Rudy Giuliani - 21%, Fred Thompson - 16%, John McCain - 11%, Mike
Huckabee - 4%, and all others with 2% or less each. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Here's the new American Research Group poll
of likely NH primary voters. The DEM numbers: Hillary Clinton
- 41%, Barack Obama - 22%, John Edwards - 10%, Bill Richardson
- 8%, Joe Biden - 3%, and all others at 2% or less apiece. The
GOP numbers: Mitt Romney - 24%, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain
tied with 20% each, Fred Thompson - 8%, Mike Huckabee and Ron
Paul tied with 3% each, and all others with 2% or less each. SOUTH CAROLINA #1: One more American Research Group poll,
this one of likely SC primary voters. The DEM numbers: Hillary
Clinton - 41%, Barack Obama - 30%, John Edwards - 7%, Bill Richardson
- 5%, Joe Biden - 2%, and all others at 1% or less apiece. The
GOP numbers: Mitt Romney - 26%, Rudy Giuliani - 23%, John McCain
- 15%, Fred Thompson - 10%, and all others with 2% or less each.
SOUTH CAROLINA #2: Here's a new Rasmussen Reports poll
of possible SC primary voters. The DEM numbers: Hillary Clinton
- 43%, Barack Obama - 30%, John Edwards - 10%, and all others
at 2% or less apiece. The GOP numbers: Fred Thompson - 24%, Rudy
Giuliani - 20%, Mitt Romney - 15%, John McCain - 11%, Mike Huckabee
- 3%, and all others trailed farther behind. GIULIANI:
Despite confirmed reports that group of powerful Religious Right
leaders met this past weekend in Utah to discuss a strategy to
oppose Rudy Giuliani's Presidential candidacy -- even in a general
election -- Giuliani says he's not spending any time worrying
about it. "I'm working on one party right now: the Republican
Party. This is a long primary, and once there are nominees on
either side, we'll figure that out," he explained to NBC
News. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, one of the
participants in the weekend meeting, said the organizers are prepared
to back a third party candidate in the general election if Giuliani
wins the GOP nomination. They are dissatisfied with Giuliani's
generally pro-choice and pro-gay rights record. Giuliani got some
good news on Monday when the conservative Club for Growth issued
a letter reaffirming their approval of Giuliani's record fiscal
discipline as NYC Mayor.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.02.07 | Permalink
|
STATES:
SANTORUM PLOTS COMEBACK; EX-REP FITZPATRICK BAILS ON REMATCH. PENNSYLVANIA
#1: Former US Senator Rick Santorum (R) -- who was defeated
for re-election by a lopsided 18-point margin last year -- told
the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he is "seriously mulling"
a run for Governor in 2010. Incumbent Governor Ed Rendell (D)
is term-limited. However, Democrats would be heavily favored to
hold the office if the conservative Santorum becomes the GOP nominee.
PENNSYLVANIA #2: Former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (R)
is apparently not planning to seek a rematch next year against
freshman Congressman Patrick Murphy (D). Republican hopefuls had
all deferred to Fitzpatrick, whom everyone presumed was going
to run again next year for the CD-8 swing seat. Instead, Fitzpatrick
indirectly tipped his hand this a few days ago when he introduced
Colonel Thomas Manion (R) -- a USMC Reservist and father of a
Marine killed in Iraq -- at an event as "a good prospective
candidate" for the seat. The district leans Dem, as President
Bush captured 48% here in 2004. Murphy is well-financed to hold
off a challenge, as he had already raised over $800,000 as of
June 30. Other potential GOP challengers include State Representative
Bernie O'Neill and college professor David Denoon.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.02.07 | Permalink
|
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MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
P2008:
ROMNEY, OBAMA LEAD IN IOWA; NH EDGES DATE FORWARD; GINGRICH OUT,
WON'T ENDORSE. IOWA: A
new Newsweek poll shows Mitt Romney (R) and Barack
Obama (D) leading in their respective contests among likely caucus
participants. On the Democratic side, Obama lead with 28%, followed
by Hillary Clinton at 24%, John Edwards - 22%, Bill Richardson
- 10%, Joe Biden - 5%, and all others at 1% or less apiece. This
reflects a drop for Edwards, who led in Iowa just a few months
ago. Also, various news reports indicate Clinton and Obama will
each report nearly identical fundraising totals of around $19
million each for 3Q-07. On the GOP side, Romney holds a somewhat
wider lead. The Republican numbers: Romney - 24%, Fred Thompson
- 16%, Rudy Giuliani - 13%, Mike Huckabee - 12%, John McCain -
9%, Ron Paul - 5%, Tom Tancredo - 3%, Sam Brownback - 2%, and
Duncan Hunter - 1%. NEW HAMPSHIRE: Secretary of State Bill Gardner is still
coy about picking a date for the influential New Hampshire primary,
but he is starting down that road. On Friday, Gardner moved the
state's Presidential primary filing period forward. It will now
open on October 15 and close of November 2. That move leaves Gardner
the option of placing the primary any time in December or January.
"This allows us to be prepared," said Gardner. He's
still looking at January date, but said there still was "a
chance" it could be held in December. GINGRICH:
Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) announced Saturday he
would not be a candidate for President in 2008. The abrupt decision
came just one day after Gingrich held a press conference to say
he would launch a Presidential exploratory website this coming
week to try to raise $30 million in pledges. Speaking Sunday,
Gingrich explained the change of plans was due to restrictions
in the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law. "Yesterday
morning we learned from our attorneys that under the McCain-Feingold
law, it is a criminal penalty if I had retained any communication
with [my] American
Solutions [PAC]. I could go to jail, and the idea that you're
on the turn-of-the-dime kill this program in order to obey the
McCain-Feingold Act which I think is an unconstitutional, frankly
destructive bill, was crazy. And I just said if we have to choose,
then it's irresponsible to not finish building up American Solutions,"
he told ABC News. Besides, Gingrich added, "I think the odds
are 80% that Sen. Clinton is the next President." He said
he would not endorse any GOP candidate until one is nominated
next summer at the national convention.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.01.07 | Permalink
|
CONGRESS:
CRAIG MAY RENEGE ON RESIGNATION; FILING CLOSES IN OHIO CD-5 SPECIAL. IDAHO:
Embattled US Senator Larry Craig (R) now seems to looking for
a way to entirely evade his earlier promise to resign his seat
over a sex scandal. First, Craig explained he had only announced
he "intended" to resign on September 30. Then Craig
said he would hold off any resignation until whenever the judge
rules on his motion to vacate his guilty plea. Last
week Craig's attorney implied the Senator is now looking to complete
the remainder of his term. "I think [Craig completing his
term is] conceivable, especially if he gets some type of relief
in Minnesota. But I don't think it depends on [getting the guilty
plea set aside]," said attorney Stan Brand on Wednesday.
"The only thing I can predict right now is that Larry Craig
will not be running for the Senate seat in 2008," said Craig's
press secretary on Saturday to the Lewiston Morning Tribune.
However -- as Craig is a guy who clearly looks for every loophole
-- the Tribune noted Craig has yet to directly confirm
he will not seek re-election next year. Governor Butch Otter (R)
has said he is already prepared to name a replacement if or when
Craig resigns, but Otter has not tipped his hand as to the identity
of the replacement. OHIO: Filing closed on Friday for the CD-5 special election
to replace the late Congressman Paul Gillmor (R), with six Republicans
and three Democrats qualifying for the ballot. On the GOP side,
State Senator Steve Buehrer and State Representative Bob Latta
are the frontrunners. Latta is the son of former Congressman Del
Latta (R), who held the seat for 30 years until his retirement
in 1988. On the Dem side, think tank official Robin Weirauch --
the '04 and '06 nominee against Gillmor -- is favored to win her
primary. Because of the district's demographics, the winner of
the GOP primary will be heavily favored in the general election.
The primary is November 6 and the general election is December
11.
Posted
by Ron Gunzburger - 10.01.07 | Permalink
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VIRGINIA:
Former Governor Jim Gilmore (R) got some good news on Saturday
when the Virginia Republican State Central Committee voted 47
to 37 to hold a convention rather than a primary to select a US
Senate nominee next year. Congressman Tom Davis (R) is also looking
at the race. A convention would heavily favor the more conservative
Gilmore over the more centrist Davis, as Virginia GOP conventions
are routinely dominated by Religious Right activists. Davis was
pushing to have the decision made in a statewide primary. Based
upon this move, look for Davis to skip the Senate race and seek
re-election -- and allow Gilmore to be the party's sacrificial
nominee against former Governor Mark Warner (D). A Davis spokesperson
said the Congressman will make public his decision on the race
on November 6. Several recent independent polls show Warner holding
a landslide-sized lead over Gilmore.
Hobson
(R) announced he would retire next year. "I wanted to go
out on top," explained Hobson, who said he had privately
considered retiring in 2006. His retirement was expected. Hobson,
a GOP moderate, was first elected to the House in 1990. His CD-7
seat is reliably Republican, so the real fight for this seat --
if any -- will likely be in the GOP primary. Hobson is expected
to support State Senator Steve Austria (R) as his successor. "My
plans are to run and to ... continue his projects. Dave has been
a mentor to me through my service in public office," said
Austria to the AP. 
Regula
(R), 82, will announce his retirement on Friday. He becomes the
11th House Republican to announce his 2008 retirement. The DCCC
immediately said it will target the open seat, as President Bush
captured just 54% here in 2004 and Ted Strickland (D) carried
the district by a comfortable margin in the 2006 gubernatorial
race. Ashland County Commissioner Matt Miller (R) and State Senator
John Boccieri (D) were already announced candidates for the seat.
Former Stark County Commissioner Richard Regula (R) -- the Congressman's
son -- is reportedly looking at the race. Other potential candidates
include State Senator Kirk Schuring (R) and Canton City Councilman
Bill Smuckler (D). Note: The only two Dems leaving the House in
2008 are both seeking US Senate seats.
BROWNBACK:
US Senator Sam Brownback (R) told the Kansas City Star he
will quit the Presidential race if he finishes worse than fourth
in the Iowa caucuses.
Cynthia
McKinney (D-GA) is preparing to announce her candidacy for the
Green Party's Presidential nomination. Some of the blogs also
reported rumors that McKinney re-registered as a Green within
the past week. McKinney made an appearance at a San Francisco
Green Party event this week, but declined to answer direct questions
on the topic. McKinney sent the Green Party leaders a letter last
month saying she would not seek their nomination -- but then she
suddenly resurfaced on their radar within the past two weeks.
Gore
is viewed as the favorite to win the award for his international
educational efforts on behalf of global warming. Gore spokeswoman
Kalee Kreider said the former VP still "has no intention
of running for President in 2008. He is involved in a different
type of campaign -- one to educate Americans and people around
the world about the climate crisis." Several Draft Gore activists
still hope he can be convinced to change his mind. One group ran
a full-page ad in the New York Times urging him to run
as a Dem unity candidate. Another group has been collecting petition
signatures to place Gore on the California Presidential primary
ballot.
Ron
Paul (R-TX) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO) both said during Tuesday's
GOP Presidential debate they were both unable to make pledges
to support the eventual GOP nominee. Paul said he would not support
the Republican nominee "unless they’re willing to end
the war and bring our troops home ... I’m not going to support
them if they continue down the path that has taken our party down
the tubes. I mean, we’ve lost credibility because of all
our spending, because we have violated the civil liberties of
all the American people, and we have adopted the Democrats’
foreign policy." Said Tancredo: "I am absolutely tired
and sick and tired of being forced to go to the polls and say
I’m going to make this choice between the lesser of two evils.
I really don’t intend to do that again. I am hoping, of course,
that whoever we nominate will be the principled flag carrier for
the Republican Party. But if that is not the case, no, then I
will not support them." In related news, Tancredo said Monday
he will quit the White House race if he doesn't finish at least
third in Iowa or New Hampshire. Tancredo also said he'll announce
his true re-election plans on the day after whenever the current
baseball season ends for the Colorado Rockies. The Paul and Tancredo
comments -- probably intentionally -- kicked the doors wide open
to Paul seeking the Libertarian nomination and Tancredo seeking
the Constitution nomination for President in the general election.
INDIANA:
Call it "Baron Hill versus Mike Sodrel: Round 4." Former
Congressman and trucking executive Mike Sodrel (R) announced Tuesday
evening he will seek yet another rematch against Congressman Baron
Hill (D). Sodrel's own press release describes the coming battle
as a "historic 4th bid." Here is the history of the
CD-9 seat. In 2002, Congressman Hill narrowly defeated challenger
Sodrel. In 2004, Sodrel ousted Hill. In 2006, Hill ousted Sodrel
to regain the seat. Now, Sodrel is seeking to recapture it. Just
to make the rematch complete, 2006 Libertarian nominee Eric Schansberg
also jumped in to ensure all three men enjoy a November 2008 ballot
reunion. Expect a close race yet again, with Hill holding a slight
advantage.
but
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were able to peel away enough
support to block Edwards from capturing the big prize. 
TENNESSEE:
Congressman Lincoln Davis (D) announced this week he will be a
candidate for Governor in 2010 when incumbent Phil Bredesen (D)
is term-limited. Davis -- who served as Chair of former Congressman
Harold Ford Jr.'s US Senate campaign in 2006 -- clearly made the
early announcement in an attempt to deter Ford from running. Ford,
who currently served as Chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership
Council, is apparently very interested in the race. State Democratic
Chair Gray Sasser told the AP Ford is "seriously considering"
the race. Senior Ford advisor Tom Lee confirmed the interest,
but left open the possibility that Ford could defer to Davis.
"Congressman Davis is a great friend, a great Democrat and
a great Congressman. How the race ultimately shakes out two or
three years from now, we’ll have to see," said Lee.
"I don’t think [Ford] is going to run because Lincoln
Davis is going to run. I would imagine that if I’m in the
race, he’ll step aside," said Davis. Congressman Zach
Wamp (R) is also rumored to be interested in the race.
George
McGovern (D-SD) endorsed Hillary Clinton this
weekend at an event in Iowa. "She'll be a greater President
even than her brilliant husband," said McGovern, who also
praised John Edwards and Barack Obama. In South Carolina, State
Representative Fletcher Smith (D) switched horses in mid-stream.
Smith was state co-chair of the Bill Richardson campaign but he
so disagreed with Richardson's plan to withdraw US forces from
Iraq within six months that he quit as co-chair and endorsed Joe
Biden on Saturday.
lost
his legal challenge in a Minnesota District Court on Thursday,
as a judge ruled he could not withdraw his July guilty plea to
a misdemeanor count from arising from his arrest in an airport
bathroom police sex sting operation. "I am extremely disappointed
with the ruling issued today. I am innocent of the charges against
me. I continue to work with my legal team to explore my additional
legal options." However, in some expected but unwelcome news
for the Republican Party, Craig announced he has abandoned his
plans to resign the seat. "I will continue my effort to clear
my name in the Senate Ethics Committee -- something that is not
possible if I am not serving in the Senate. When my term has expired,
I will retire and not seek reelection. I hope this provides the
certainty Idaho needs and deserves," explained Craig. NRSC
Chair John Ensign (R-NV) called on Craig to resign on Thursday,
while US Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) offered Craig some public words
of support for his decision.
first-tier
guys. Rudy Giuliani won the contest, with $10.5 million collected
in 3Q-07. Mitt Romney was next with $9.5 million, followed by
Fred Thompson with $9.3 million. Giuliani also has $16 million
cash-on-hand, versus Romney's $9 million cash-on-hand. Important
to note: $8.5 million of Romney's cash-on-hand came from yet another
loan the wealthy candidate recently made to his own campaign.
Including this recent infusion of cash, Romney has already pumped
over $17 million of his own money into his campaign coffers.
Domenici
re-election fundraiser in the state. However, the 75-year-old
Domenici now apparently feels his health has recently deteriorated
due to arthritis, leg pain and age to the extent he no longer
has the stamina to wage an aggressive race for re-election. He
was also a target of a Senate Ethics probe related to his role
in the political firing of former US Attorney David Iglesias.
Domenici, first elected to the Senate in 1972, has spent the last
22 years as either the Chair or ranking member of the Senate Budget
Committee. The announcement is very bad news for the Republicans,
who had a much better chance of holding the seat with the popular
incumbent running again. With Domenici out, centrist Congresswoman
Heather Wilson is viewed as the most likely Republican candidate
for the seat. Wilson is a Domenici protégé, and
he would certainly back her as his successor if she runs. Wilson
appears to be the strongest possible GOP candidate -- but the
race would still be rated a TOSS-UP if she runs. Congressmen Steve
Pearce (R) and Tom Udall (D), Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish
(D) and former Attorney General Patricia Madrid (D) are also expected
to look at the open seat race. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez
(D) told the Albuquerque Tribune he is "strongly considering"
the race. Governor Bill Richardson (D) quickly denied rumors he
would quit his White House race and seek the seat. Richardson's
spokesman told the Tribune Richardson is "running
for president and .... confident about winning." Wealthy
"green developer" Don Wiviott, former Congressional
aide Jim Hannon and peace activist Leland Lehrman are already
announced candidates for the Dem nomination. Also, if Wilson seeks
the Senate seat, her open CD-1 swing seat would immediately move
into the LEAN DEM category.
THOMPSON:
Fred Thompson (R) sent a warning Tuesday he is preparing to launch
a bare knuckle attack campaign against his GOP White House rivals.
The move seemingly comes in response to Thompson's lackluster
launch of his campaign this past quarter, which posted decent
funraising totals and pushed him into the first tier -- but with
much less than the shock-and-awe start his backers expected. The
Politico asked Thompson -- in response to recent criticism
of his preparation and lobbyist past -- if he was an "11th
Commandment" Republican (i.e., Reagan's old adage to not
speak ill of other Republicans). Thompson's response: "I
am more of a 12th Commandment man: Don’t speak ill of them
until they speak ill of me. And then really speak ill of them."
John
Edwards - 19%, Bill Richardson - 10%, Joe Biden - 3%, and all
others at 1% or less apiece. The GOP numbers: Mitt Romney - 22%,
Rudy Giuliani - 21%, Fred Thompson - 16%, John McCain - 11%, Mike
Huckabee - 4%, and all others with 2% or less each.
GIULIANI:
Despite confirmed reports that group of powerful Religious Right
leaders met this past weekend in Utah to discuss a strategy to
oppose Rudy Giuliani's Presidential candidacy -- even in a general
election -- Giuliani says he's not spending any time worrying
about it. "I'm working on one party right now: the Republican
Party. This is a long primary, and once there are nominees on
either side, we'll figure that out," he explained to NBC
News. Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, one of the
participants in the weekend meeting, said the organizers are prepared
to back a third party candidate in the general election if Giuliani
wins the GOP nomination. They are dissatisfied with Giuliani's
generally pro-choice and pro-gay rights record. Giuliani got some
good news on Monday when the conservative Club for Growth issued
a letter reaffirming their approval of Giuliani's record fiscal
discipline as NYC Mayor.
Barack
Obama (D) leading in their respective contests among likely caucus
participants. On the Democratic side, Obama lead with 28%, followed
by Hillary Clinton at 24%, John Edwards - 22%, Bill Richardson
- 10%, Joe Biden - 5%, and all others at 1% or less apiece. This
reflects a drop for Edwards, who led in Iowa just a few months
ago. Also, various news reports indicate Clinton and Obama will
each report nearly identical fundraising totals of around $19
million each for 3Q-07. On the GOP side, Romney holds a somewhat
wider lead. The Republican numbers: Romney - 24%, Fred Thompson
- 16%, Rudy Giuliani - 13%, Mike Huckabee - 12%, John McCain -
9%, Ron Paul - 5%, Tom Tancredo - 3%, Sam Brownback - 2%, and
Duncan Hunter - 1%.
GINGRICH:
Former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R) announced Saturday he
would not be a candidate for President in 2008. The abrupt decision
came just one day after Gingrich held a press conference to say
he would launch a Presidential exploratory website this coming
week to try to raise $30 million in pledges. Speaking Sunday,
Gingrich explained the change of plans was due to restrictions
in the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform law. "Yesterday
morning we learned from our attorneys that under the McCain-Feingold
law, it is a criminal penalty if I had retained any communication
with [my] 
