Get Weekly Updates on Upcoming WNDC Events
Candidate Watch
OBAMA COMES OUT After Long Evolution
  |
||
Go Barack! On Wednesday, the President announced the culmination of his slow evolution from defender of gay and lesbian civil unions to supporter of their marriage rights.
This momentous news has overshadowed Senator Dick Lugar's loss in the Indiana Republican Primary,
|
|
the of return of socialism in Europe, North Carolina's constitutional ban on gay marriage, the prayer meeting in the US Capitol's Statuary Hall, The Romney team's silly attacks on Obama, Romney taking credit for the auto bailout (and former Gov. of Michigan Jennifer Granholm's strong reprimand to him over his revisionist history on this matter) and the new breast Suzanne Somers is growing, thanks to advancements in stem cell research. More on all of this later. But first, back to gay marriage.
You already had the LGBT vote, so you didn't have to do this, Mr. President, but we're glad you did. Who else would they vote for? Romney? We know Mormons who left the fold and switched parties over that religion's support for Proposition 8 (against gay marriage) in California. So you may pick up a few ex-Mormon votes, but this is not exactly a big block. Best bet might be the "Millennial Generation"...
|
Hopefully, young voters will be more enthusiastic than they were recently on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show, where they showed more interest in beer than in national politics. |
|
|
|
What took you so long enough, Mr. President? |
|
|
Now on to other news where we got distracted, click on links above... Sure, big things are happening, nationally and internationally, but nothing potentially as big as Suzanne Somers' breast, which is truthfully what Sharron, Shelly and Linda pondered over the most during our high level meeting on pressing political issues of the day.
|
If Obama hadn't finally come out supporting marriage equality, this newsletter
would have been titled "Growing a Breast" and probably gotten a lot more people to open
and read it.
|
|
|
We know you're curious, but we don't know which of the above breasts is the newly grown one. What do you think? We also don't know if the new one will stop at 38C or keep growing indefinitely. Remember, this is all experimental medicine. We wonder about it a lot, though, and promise to keep up with all the latest research and report any new findings in the next issue of Candidate Watch.
As we departed our beloved Politics and Prose, we paid tribute to Maurice Sendak by leafing through the collection of his books on display.
We reminisced how Sendak's magical literature taught us all to embrace our
own imaginations. This hilarious
interview with Stephen Colbert in January is a treasure and a must-watch for Sendak admirers.
NOW, OFF TO THE RACES!
RACES WE ARE WATCHING:
BUT FIRST THIS! INSTANT REACTION to Obama's remarks from the Republican House came quickly Wednesday night. It happened to be working on a Justice Appropriations bill where amendments concerning legal issues could be offered. So......The Chamber voted 275-171 in a largely symbolic vote to accept a proposal by Republican Tim Huelskamp of KS that would force the Executive Branch to comply with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). 16 Dems voted for it, BUT 7 Repos voted against it. SIGH...
TUESDAY PRIMARIES:
WISCONSIN:
On Tuesday, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett won the Democratic nomination to challenge sitting Gov. Scott Walker in the June 5 recall election. Incredibly, A Rasmussen Reports poll released Thursday shows likely voters preferring Walker over Barrett 50 to 45 percent with a plus or minus 4.5 percent margin of error. Walker has reportedly raised over $25 million thus far for his recall campaign. Barrett, on the other hand, has raised a reportedly meager $1 million, so GOTV will be crucial to defeat Walker and the Koch Brothers' corporate interests. Click here to learn how YOU CAN HELP BARRETT BECOME THE NEXT GOVERNOR OF WISCONSIN.
INDIANA:
MSNBC outlined 5 reasons before Tuesday why Lugar will lose, and they proved pretty much on the mark. Tea Party Darling Richard Mourdock will face Dem. Representative Joe Donnelly in November, and the latter will need all the help we can muster. Want to know how Mourdock stands on issues now vs. where he was in the 90's? If you were to look up "Flip Flopper" in the dictionary, you would likely see two photos: One of Romney and one of Mourdock. Grab a martini, as it eases the pain, and read here.
NORTH CAROLINA:
Walter Dalton, the state's lieutenant governor, captured the Democratic nomination for governor after using his fundraising advantage to mount a television ad blitz in the closing weeks of the campaign. Dalton will face Republican Pat McCrory, a former seven-term Charlotte mayor, in the November general election. The winner will succeed Democratic Governor Bev Perdue, who surprised supporters by announcing she would not seek a second term. The "Charlotte Observer" notes that this is the first time in modern NC history that a Republican begins the campaign as a frontrunner; on the other hand, Dalton has an edge in Democratic registration and expects a large voter turn-out due to efforts of President Obama.
Redistricting in the state hit Democratic House chances in a big way. According to "Roll Call," Republicans could pick up as many as four seats currently held by Dems. Two Democratic congressmen, Brad Miller and Heath Shuler, chose to retire rather than run in redrawn districts that favor Republicans.
What's Going on in the U.S. Senate Races?
The Candidate Watch Team lends much credence to the "Cook Political Report," so from time to time we like to share with you its most recent analysis of House and Senate ratings. As of this week, the following "toss-up" states could tilt the magical number of 4 needed by the Republicans to gain control of the Senate in November – or not, of course. Six months is a long time in an election year. Anything can turn on a dime.
Possible Democratic to Republican seats:
Nebraska -- Kerrey performing with lack-luster success thus far to replace Ben Nelson. 3 vying in Republican primaries May 15th. Solidly red state (rated Likely Republican)
North Dakota -- Dem. Heidi Heitkamp recruited to succeed Kent Conrad. June 12 primary between candidates. Solidly red state.
Missouri -- Sen. McCaskill's polling in low 40's. Affordable Care Act very unpopular in MO and money from superPACs cascading in to defeat her.
Montana – Dem. Sen. Tester v. Republican Rep. Rehberg. Obama is highly unpopular in state and Rehberg trying to take advantage of that.
Hawaii -- With Sen. Daniel Akaka's retirement, race will most likely pit Dem. Rep. Mazie Hirono against Republican Linda Lingle. Primary Aug. 11.
Wisconsin – Dem. Tammy Baldwin running to replace Herb Kohl. Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson likely winner of Aug. 14th primary.
New Mexico – Appears Martin Heinrich will be the Dem. Nominee against Republican Heather Wilson to fill retiring Jeff Bingaman's seat.
Virginia -- Kaine and Allen neck and neck.
Possible Republican to Democratic Seats:
Indiana – Democrat Joe Donnelly must win the southern part of the state, where he has been campaigning heavily, and Mourdock might be extreme enough to enable a Democratic win. Rated Lean Republican.
Maine – Independent Angus King may win and caucus with Dems to replace Snowe. He just stated on MSNBC he intends to vote for President Obama's re-election.
Massachusetts – Warren and Brown neck and neck. According to a recent nonpartisan Mass INC Polling Group, Warren had a slight edge; but among registered Catholic voters, Brown led by 7 points.
Nevada – Rep. Sen. Heller and Dem. Rep. Shelley Berkley in tight race which many feel will hinge on how well Obama and Romney do in this battleground state.
Upcoming Events:
Senior-to-Senior Obama Postcard Project. Sponsored by Leisure World Democratic Club, volunteers are asked to hand write postcards and provide stamps for each card. For more information visit "The Obama Postcard Project" Click here for more information and find out how you can help re-elect the President!
Women On the Road to the Senate, Reception sponsored by the Women's Senate Network and the DSCC, Thursday, May 17th, 6:30 p.m., @ W Hotel, 515 15th St., NW, D.C. Contact Andrea Porter at porter@dscc.org
Take Back the American Dream, June 18-20th, 2012, Washington Hilton, Conference sponsored by Campaign for America's Future. Register here.
OWL meeting on health care, May 16th, 12:30-2:30. If you missed Dr. David Rabin speak at WNDC recently on health care at a lower cost, hear him at 4301 Willow Lane, Chevy Chase. No reservations needed.
Candidate Watch Team recommends the following TV and radio sources for information:
Current TV, located on Direct TV 358 and Comcast 107:
Bill Press -- Full Court Press, 6:00 a.m.
Stephanie Miller -- Talking Liberally, brings humor and snappy political wit, 9:00 a.m.
Eliot Spitzer -- Viewpont, takes place of Keith Olbermann's Countdown, 8:00 p.m.
Jennifer Granholm -- The War Room, brings focus and analysis to the 2012 Election and news of the day with informative and inspiring in-studio commentary, 9:00 p.m.
Radio and Link TV and Free Speech TV
Democracy Now with Amy Goodman, daily independent global news hour:
FM Radio, WPFW, dial 89.3, 8:00 a.m.
Link TV (Direct TV 375), 6:00 p.m.
Free Speech TV (Direct TV 348), 8:00 a.m.
SHORT-TAKES: Trouble Brewing for Democratic Control of US Senate
We have been reminded over and over that Republicans need to pick up just 4 of the
23 seats Democrats are defending in November for the worst to happen. Today's
edition of Politico Newspaper predicts that "if voting closed today, Republicans
would net three pickups in the Senate – one shy of a takeover." The newspaper goes
on to identify those states as: Missouri, Nebraska and North Dakota. (This recent
prediction is from Politico's Senate Monthly 10, a rolling assessment of the most
competitive races in the US Senate.)
To make things worse, one Super PAC alone – Karl Rove's "American Crossroads" is currently spending
$1.2 million in a one-week span in just 5 battleground states on ad blitzes slinging thick gooey mud
at Democratic candidates. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) breakdowns this
spending as follows:
Read details about this spending here.
Missouri: (congressional primary scheduled for Aug. 7th)
The latest Rasmussen poll shows Sen. McCaskill lagging 7 points behind the Republican front-runner and
Tea Party Favorite Sarah Steelman, who was caught on camera saying she was unfamiliar with the
Violence Against Women Act. In the same poll, McCaskill lags 5 points behind Todd Akin, who likened
government-funded student loans to "stage 3 cancer of socialism."
Nebraska: (congressional primary scheduled for May 15th)
In the race for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ben Nelson, former Sen. Bob Kerrey's comeback
is facing huge hurdles, including a recent poll showing Kerrey lagging far behind his Republican rivals.
If there is a silver lining, however, The Hill Newspaper reported on April 27th that the upcoming
Republican primary could turn into a "proxy war between conservatives and establishment Republicans
that could complicate efforts to wrest control of the Senate from Democrats."
North Dakota (congressional primary June 12th. In spite of the
Politico Newspaper prediction that this state would fall into Republican hands if vote
taken today, the DSCC on April 30th released its first independent expenditure ad for the 2012 election
cycle to counter "Crossroad's" spending in this state, in support of North Dakota Senate candidate Heidi
Heitkamp. The DSCC is spending about $76,000 for the ad, which targets Rep. Rick Berg (R-N.D.). The ad's narrator
accuses Berg of "doing things the Washington way," and criticizes him for supporting Rep. Paul Ryan's
(R-Wisc.) budget plan.
Democrats' Best Chances for Pick-ups are Too Close to Call
In Massachusetts, the nation's most costly Senate race (topping $30 million so far) continues to be a
toss-up. A Boston Herald story earlier this week revealed that Elizabeth Warren was listed as a minority
professor at Harvard, citing her Native American heritage. The Brown campaign pounced on this, saying
she was using this minority status to boost her status to get ahead in an Ivy League school. Meanwhile,
Sen. Brown, who has spoken against the Affordable Care Act, has used the act to insure his own daughter.
And, according to the Boston Globe "on Monday, a" record unearthed shows that Senate candidate Elizabeth
Warren has a great-great-great grandmother listed in an 1894 document as a Cherokee, said a genealogist
at the New England Historic and Genealogy Society. The latest shred of evidence could validate her claim
that she has Native American ancestry, making her 1/32 American Indian, but may not put an end to the
questions swirling around the subject."
In Nevada, Democratic candidate Rep. Shelley Berkley is spending more than Republican Senator Dean Heller,
and the most recent Public Policy Polling shows Berkley losing to Heller by 3 percentage points.
Diversion of the Day
Ann Romney sports T-shirt with price tag of $990!! Is it worth it? Judge for yourself by viewing "CBS
This Morning" video here.
Rallies, Protests and Mixed-Up Folks
 |
 |
 |
| As Shelly, Sharron and Linda met to prepare another Candidate Watch, Linda was high from having attended the historic Reason Rally down on the Mall last Saturday |
|
Imagine! There were over 20,000 secular humanists, atheists, agnostics and freethinkers gathered together to promote using reason and science to make decisions. Over two hundred of them had also been lobbying on Capitol Hill to encourage members of Congress to do the same.
Nice that someone is doing it; too bad that it's needed.
Shelly, meanwhile, had been up at the Supreme Court observing various Obama Health Care protests and rallies.
 |
|
She reported that some protesters were shouting "Kill the Bill" obviously not knowing that it had ceased to be a bill 2 years ago when it became a law.
She heard another guy say, "The Government is gonna plug information in their computers and decide if you die."
She was dismayed by a sign that said: "Keep death panels for liberals" ??
One confused gentleman was yelling both "Single payer now!" and "Eliminate the government!" Huh???
Some protesters were praying. For what? Shelly wondered, No health care?
A Eureka moment occurred when she saw hordes of people descend from their camp and surround the pro-ACA (Affordable Care Act) folks at the bottom of the Supreme Court steps, waving huge red hands chanting "Keep your hands off my health care!" Small print at the bottom of the signs boasted Americans for Prosperity as the underwriters – another Koch Brothers operation!
| This led to Sharron's Pearl of Wisdom for the day: |  |
Too many Americans are ....
|
Ill-Informed
|
MISinformed
|
Or UN-informed.
|
Unfortunately, it also led a perplexing question: How did that happen?
That question led to others: Do people not read enough? Are they reading the wrong things? Are they not reading at all and just hearing things from TV and talk radio? Are they just making up stuff on their own and then believing it? Or, are they being used as dupes by big-moneyed operations like Americans for Prosperity to do the bidding for its own self interests?
We're afraid the answer is "all of the above" and maybe even more disappointing choices that we haven't thought of.
|
It's a heavy weight on our shoulders
|
and a heavy fog before our eyes.
|
But we muddle through, hoping (not praying) that the Supreme Court rules wisely, and does not legislate or overlook the issue of "free riders" and that Justice Kennedy's questions suggesting skepticism are actually helping him clarify a positive position on the law.
We fear Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's plan if the Supreme Court keeps the law and Republicans become the majority in the Senate: repeal it and replace it with nothing.
We are sick about the Trayvon Martin murder and the "Stand your ground" laws that currently exist in 31 states. Please consider taking action by supporting these causes supported by WNDC: Prosecute the Killer and Justice for Trayvon Martin.
On the campaign front, we are not surprised that the poorly informed voters in Louisiana gave Santorum a big win, but we are encouraged that Santorum is no longer the favorite among Republican primary voters in his more sophisticated home state of Pennsylvania. We admit that we don't really care if they've become well-informed or have simply been influenced by Romney's big-bucks advertisements.
RACES WE ARE WATCHING:
Missouri, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New York: 5 Races In Which Health Care Debate Will Matter: Take a look at 5 races in which Roll Call Newspaper says the health care issue will matter this election cycle.
April 3rd: Presidential Primaries in D.C., Wisconsin and Maryland and Congressional Primaries in D.C. and Maryland:
D.C.: The Washington Post calls Tuesday's primaries in 4 contested Democratic races as ones dominated by "character and ethics." New federal requirements mean that D.C. is conducting its primary for local representatives 6 months earlier than usual. At play are: a citywide full-term at-large seat and Council seats representing wards 4,7 and 8. Attention is heavily focused on the Democratic at-large contest. D.C. Council Member Vincent Orange, who was elected last year in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Kwame Brown (now Chairman) is facing 3 challengers: civic activist Sekou Biddle, Pastor E. Gail Anderson Holness, and organizational development consultant Peter Shapiro. Orange's campaign has been tainted by recent reports that his campaign received $26,000 in money orders and cashier's checks last year from entities tied to a city contractor.
Maryland: Incumbent Senator Benjamin Cardin is expected to win his primary challenge against state Senator and mega-church Pastor Anthony Muse on Tuesday. Muse voted against the Dream Act and is a leading opponent of marriage equality in Maryland. Further, he believes in abstinence only education and is anti-choice. In the 6th District, Incumbent Republican Rep. Roscoe Bartlett's seat is very much in play after redistricting. Watch for the outcome from 2 Democratic challengers: state Senator Majority Leader Rob Garagiola and businessman John Delaney. In the 1st district, 3 Dems are vying to take on Tea Party and anti-choice incumbent Andy Harris. They are physician John LaFerla (endorsed by NARAL and former moderate Republican Rep. Wayne Gilchrest), former Republican Wendy Rosen, and Kim Letke.
Other Race News:
Connecticut: Roll Call Newspaper reports that even through Christopher Shays is deemed to be the strongest general election candidate against a Democratic challenger for the Connecticut Senate race (either Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz or Rep. Christopher Murphy), World Wrestling Entertainment CEO Linda McMahon leads Shays in 2 recent polls. Wow! Primary date is scheduled for August 14th. (Note: In Connecticut, conventions are held by the Democratic and Republican parties prior to the primary. The Democratic convention date for U.S. Senate is May 12th, and the Democratic convention for U.S. House districts is May 14th. The Republican convention date for U.S. Senate and U.S. House is May 18th. -- source: FEC)
SHORT-TAKES ON ILLINOIS PRIMARIES
In one of the most closely-watched primary races in the country, 20-year veteran Republican
Representative Donald Manzullo was defeated 56%-44% by one-term Republican freshman Adam
Kinzinger in a newly-redrawn district pitting 2 GOP Members against each other. In an
interesting twist, the Republican Leadership favored Kinzinger, who ran with support from
the Tea Party but then once in office, aligned with the Leadership on many issues. This left
the Tea Party feeling betrayed, so it backed Manzullo. According to The Hill Newspaper, this
primary turned into "a proxy war between the House Republican leadership and the Tea Party."
The New York Times saw it as a contest testing "the durability of outside 'new'
conservatives versus older incumbents." The 16th is a safe Republican district.
In the 10th district, progressive favorite Democrat Ilya Sheyman lost to party-favorite Brad
Schneider. According to the Chicago Sun Times, Schneider garnered 47% of the vote, while
Sheyman lagged behind with 39%. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is expected
to put Schneider at the top of its Red to Blue Program sometime today. Schneider will face
freshman Republican Robert Dold in November. Dold kept this seat in GOP hands when he won
now-Senator Mark Kirk's House seat.
Just west of Chicago, Iraq War Veteran and former Veterans Affairs official Tammy Duckworth
was the victor for the Democratic nomination in the 8th district. In November she will face
freshman RepublicanJoe Walsh. To say that Walsh is an "outspoken" Tea Party member is an
understatement. The new progressive Democratic-leaning CREDO PAC calls him one of the most
"odious" members of Congress, and has targeted him along with several other members who are
"anti-woman, anti-science, hypocritical, bigoted, and have said and done things that are
downright crazy." Candidate Watch will keep you updated on Duckworth's great chances to win
this seat as well as Walsh's latest rants between now and November.
In spite of some ethics problems, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. bested his former House colleague
Debbie Halvorson by a margin of 71%-29%. Roll Call Newspaper predicts this win will
virtually ensure he is elected to a ninth term in the 2nd district.
Further down south in an open seat created by Democrat Jerry Costello's retirement, Regional
Superintendent of Schools Brad Harriman was the victor in the Democratic primary. He will
face Republican businessman Jason Plummer in November for this House seat in the 12th
district.
Health care worker Cheri Bustos was the victor in the Democratic primary in the 17th
district. She will take on Republican Rep. Bobby Schilling in November. Dems hope to pick up
this seat and to add another woman's voice to pro-women issues.
Welcome to the Sanitarium
Has the world gone crazy?
It sure seemed like it, as Shelly, Linda and Sharron met at Politics & Prose to
try to make some sense out of the current Republican attack on women's rights
and Obama's theology. Sharron is ready to hit the button. Shelly is concerned
and angry, but thinks this could all play to Obama's advantage. Linda hopes
it's a silly distraction that will blow over.
We felt like we were adding to the din of confusion and questions about what
this all means, but we couldn't help ourselves.
Why is Rick Sanitarium Santorum going on this way? Do Republicans really want to
focus this election on contraception and vaginal probes (of the ultrasound variety)?
If so, why?
Are they so bummed about Obama being helped by the improving economy that they're
giving in to their inner caveman, trying to keep women barefoot and pregnant?
Or is Obama behind all of this??
Perhaps his advisors have cleverly maneuvered the discourse to make the Republicans
look like antediluvian nut jobs.
Then again, perhaps this madness is primarily a media invention, as the pundits leap
on wacky stories lines and then keep them alive just to have something entertaining
to write about. In the Washington Post, Dana Milbank revives Santorum's Nazi visions,
Kathleen Parker reminds us of his 2008 remarks about Satan setting his sights on the US
and Gene Robinson expounds on the dangers of Santorum's ultra-social conservatism.
Even conservative George Will, "Santorum is repelling people who want politics
unmediated by theology."
Over at the NY Times, Maureen Dowd notes all of the above, calling him a
"small-town mulla." In the Huffington Post, Mike Lux wonders what bible Santorum is
reading and Franklin Graham doubts Obama's faith while praising Santorum's.
Meanwhile, the three of us, a Jew, a Christian and an atheist, don't want to hear
another word during this election about theology, biblical interpretations or works of
the devil. We all remember learning about freedom of religion and secular government
in high school civics classes long, long ago and we have had it with this stupid focus
on religion in politics.
ENOUGH!
Speaking of "long, long ago" and "stupid," though it's been a while
since Shelly, Linda or Sharron have had to worry about birth control, we decided to
give old codger Super-Pac donor Foster Friess' method a whirl.
With three aspirins graciously provided by Linda, we each put one between our knees.
Given how difficult it was even to walk that way, we have no doubt this technique would
have been a very effective abstinence measure had we known about it in our younger days.
Still, we prefer the wisdom of an even older source – a 19th century activist who never
joked around about contraception, Magaret Sanger.
Here are two not-so-publicized avenues for action:
You can support Catholics for Choice (CFC), "...founded in 1973 to serve as a voice for
Catholics who believe that the Catholic tradition supports a woman's moral and legal
right to follow her conscience in matters of sexuality and reproductive health."
You can sign this petition: sponsored by Steve Uhl, a former Catholic priest who knows
how important it is to "...keep politicians and celibate males in long dresses out of
women's bedrooms..." and to "...clear up the present brouhaha about freedom of choice
and freedom of religion."
And on a lighter and decidedly more melodious note, we'll end our rant with the
President's latest foray into singing, this time with Mick Jagger and B.B. King. Keep
it up, Mr. President, we appreciate your authentic warmth and sense of fun.
MEANWHILE, BACK TO SOME RACES WE ARE WATCHING...
MORE WOMEN LOOKING AFTER WOMEN NEEDED IN CONGRESS
We at Candidate Watch are convinced more than ever that recent assaults in state
legislatures, the U.S. Congress, and on the campaign trail, have reinforced the
immediate need for more numbers of principled pro-women in elected office. Here
are a few races to watch:
NEW PRO-WOMEN IN THE SENATE
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02)
is running for the U.S. Senate being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka, and has been
endorsed by both Emily's List and Women's Campaign Fund. Former Republican
Governor Linda Lingle, closely aligned with Sarah Palin, has announced her
candidacy. While the DSCC polling shows Hirono in the lead, the Cook Political
Report deems this race to be in the "Toss Up" category.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (WI-02) is vying for the open seat
left by departing Sen. Herb Kohl. She was the first woman elected to Congress
from Wisconsin and has been an outspoken advocate for universal health care.
Endorsements include Emily's List and Planned Parenthood "Women are Watching"
Action Fund. The Cook Political Report rates this race as a "toss up." The
August 14 primary will determine her Republican opponent from a field of three:
former Governor and Bush cabinet member Tommy thompson, Tea Party favorite
former Rep. Mark Neumann, and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald.
ENSURING STABENOW AND MCCASKILL STAY IN THE SENATE
Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan is up for re-election in November, and
with an eye on a Senate takeover, the Republicans have recruited former
Representative Pete Hoekstra to run for this seat. While this seat is deemed
to remain safely in the Dem's hands, we can't take this race for granted,
given Hoekstra's ties to powerful D.C. special interests.
Senator Claire McCaskill's (MO) strong stand in support of women's health has
incurred the wrath of the right. According to the Kansas City Star, the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove's Super Pac have spent several million dollars
on negative advertising against her. The Cook Political Report rates this race
as a "toss up." Republicans vying for the nomination to be determined on August
7th include former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman, Congressman Todd Akin, and
businessman John Brunner.
WOMEN IN THE HOUSE
Kyrsten Sinema, running for Arizona's new 9th District House seat based in
Phoenix, Tempe and the East Valley, was named by Time Magazine as one of the
"rising stars of American politics" and one of its "40 under 40" in 2010.
She is endorsed by the Women's Campaign Fund, "On the List" at Emily's List,
and Human Rights Campaign. She was elected to Arizona's state senate in 2010,
representing a large portion of central and eastern Phoenix, which overlaps
the new Congressional District 9. Prior to her senate service, she served in
the AZ House of Reps.
Former CT state representative Elizabeth Esty is running for the open seat
(CT-5) vacated by Rep. Chris Murphy, running for the US Senate, and has been
endorsed by Emily's List. She faces two well-connected and well-funded
primary opponents, both males.
Tarryl Clark took on Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010, when Bachmann's war chest
proved too deep. She is now running in a new district -- MN-08. In 2010,
Tea Party candidate Chip Cravaack won an upset over longtime incumbent Dem.
Rep. Jim Oberstar. According to Emily's List, Tarryl faces multiple primary
opponents, and Bachmann herself is giving beacoup bucks to Cravaack from her
PAC to ensure Tarryl never makes it to Congress. This race is included in
the DCCC's Red to Blue Program.
Christie Vilsack is running in Iowa's 4th district to unseat Republican Steve
King. Planned Parenthood says correctly that King is about as hostile to women's
health as you can get. Vilsack, the former First Lady of Iowa, is a champion
for women's health. She is also included in the DCCC's Red to Blue Program,
and is endorsed by Feminist Majority, Emily's List and Women's Campaign Fund.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Gerry Connolly (Dem VA-11). Join all Leprechauns, Shamrocks,
Shillelaghs and honorary Irish for his 18th annual St. Patrick's Day Fete --
Food drinks and entertainment on Friday, March 16th. Find out more.
http://gerryconnolly.com/fete
Darcy Burner. Join Celinda Lake, Gloria Totten and others at an evening reception
on Wednesday, March 7th at the Mott House, 122 Maryland Ave., N.E. Darcy is
running for the newly-redrawn 1st District in Washington State, formerly held by
Dem. Jay Inslee, now running for Governor. Minimum suggested donation is $100.
RSVP to Katie at Katie@DarcyBurner.com NOTE: WNDC PAC hosted fundraiser for
Darcy in 2006 when she ran to unseat Republican Rep. Dave Reichert in Washington's
8th District.
Dan Maffei Join Special Guest Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday, March 13th
at a reception for Dan Maffei, seeking the Democratic nomination to run for his
old seat in NY's 25th District, now held by Republican Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle.
This is one of the DCCC's Red to Blue Candidates, and the WNDC PAC endorsed and
supported him in 2006 when he ran to unseat Republican Jim Walsh. Time is 6-7:30
p.m., and location is 19 D Street, S.E. Contact Jennifer Cyr at 202 488-1445 for
more information.
Candidate Watch Team:
Linda LaScola, Editor
Shelly Livingston, Contributor
Sharron Caplan, Contributor
What Makes You Vomit?
 |
This was the question that vexed Shelly, Sharron and Linda as we discussed this issue of the Candidate Watch at the charming Politics and Prose Coffee Shop, where the cognoscenti go to discuss important affairs of the day.
| Linda vomits thinking of Rick Santorum vomiting over JFK's campaign speech on separation of church and state. |  |
| Sharron vomits when she imagines Rush Limbaugh bloviating about birth control. |
|
| Shelly vomits when she thinks about the ridiculous power Super-Pacs have to affect election outcomes, and how the Republican candidates have used them to make a joke out of an already revolting primary campaign season. Super PAC monies are obscene, especially in the light of national poverty. Talk about a distorted vision! Power is bought and sold to the detriment of the majority of American citizens. |
|
| Mitt Romney in his Mom Jeans made us all vomit |
|
| Our vomitus conversation got so loud and intense, that it began to have a bad effect on the Washington cognoscenti seated around us. |  |
|
So, rather than ruin everyone's lunch, we changed the subject to Shelly's obsession about the possible connection between Romney's Bain Capital and Rush Limbaugh's advertisers. Apparently, there's some buzz that Bain Capital owns a majority of Clear Channel Communications, which broadcasts mostly right-wing shows, including Limbaugh's.
Could this be the reason Romney is so hesitant to condemn Limbaugh's insulting and sexist remarks about the Georgetown law student who wants the University's health insurance to cover birth control? Sharron and Linda doubted the story would gain traction. Still, Linda had heard Chris Cillizza saying on the Diane Rehm show that Romney and his campaign might decide in a few days "...that a stronger condemnation is in order." So keep your ears open. Shelly may be on to the first big Romney-centered scandal of the Republican primaries.
| Sharron was put off by Romney trying to cozy up to Tennessee voters by singing the words to Davey Crockett. [see the YouTube for yourselves.] It sullied our wonderful childhood memories of singing it, while wearing our ultra-cool coon-skin caps. |
|
Like the TV commentators we had all watched on Super-Tuesday, we thought our conversation this time was somewhat disjointed and low on relevancy. The Republicans are bumbling along. Romney, Santorum and Gingrich all won a few races. Romney gave an uninspiring, disconnected post-election speech. What else is new?
Well, there was low turnout, but that's not news.
Santorum and Gingrich are staying in the race. Ditto.
Romney is hinting that they should go. ZZZZZZZZZZ.
We do have some hope that the departure of moderate Republican Olympia Snowe of Maine could mean a new seat for Democrats and a serious conversation about the need for bipartisanship.
We approved of the fine array of Washington Post columns about the primaries. Here are some of them:
Dear Mitt Win or lose, please be yourself, Kathleen Parker
A black eye for Romney Primary battles have dealt him lasting damage, Ruth Marcus
Embracing K Street - Obama overcomes an aversion to lobbyists, Dana Milbank
Super Tuesday's winner - The result is already in, in favor of big-money politics, Katrina Vanden Heuvel
And we feel strengthened as Democrats by Harold Meyerson's words about Republican weakness in his March 8th Post column: "At bottom, the weakness of this year's Republican field is chiefly a refraction of the weakness of the Republican electorate. Republicans want a candidate who channels their rage at Obama and the unfamiliar America — economically stagnant and increasingly multi-racial — over which he presides. They want a candidate who will turn the clock back to the economics, demographics and verities of an earlier — if needs be, mythic — time. These are not tasks that serious leaders embrace. In the absence of serious leaders, we have Romney, Santorum, Gingrich and Paul."
Now let's turn to Races to Watch.
Be prepared for a blast from the past, as old Republican icons, "Mean Jean" Schmidt and "Joe the Plumber," muted since 2008, are making political noise again. Read on.
|
Jean Schmidt |
"Joe the Plumber" |
OHIO CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY NEWS
Overshadowed by the GOP presidential voting in 10 states on Super Tuesday were outcomes from several congressional primaries in Ohio on the same day.
OTHER CONGRESSIONAL RACE NEWS
In Maine, the buzz is all about Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree's decision to opt out of the Senate seat to be vacated by retiring Senator Olympia Snowe and whether any viable Dem will run for this seat. A poll released on Tuesday showed Dems could have trouble winning a 3-way contest, so it's possible that they may throw their support behind Independent Angus King, a popular former governor. As to potential Republican candidates, the race could be among 3 state officials. Rumors also are flying about a possible run by Republican fund-raiser and cosmetic giant Georgette Mosbacher after the New York Post ran an article. The hurdle: She will need to establish residency in Maine by the March 15th filing deadline.
On a very sad note for all of us, Democratic Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.), 12-term member of the House and former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, is being mourned across party aisles after his sudden death from colon cancer on Tuesday. Speculation is that his seat will remain vacant until November. The 10th District is deemed to be a safe Democratic seat, and the 2 names most often discussed as candidates are Newark Council President Donald Payne, Jr. and Newark Councilman Ron Rice.
Upcoming Events
Join Senators Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow, along with Representatives John Dingell, John Conyers et al at a luncheon in honor of Dan Kildee, Democratic Candidate for Congress in Michigan's 5th Congressional District. This seat is held by Dan Kildee's uncle, U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, (D-Flint), who is retiring. Thursday, March 22nd at noon, National Democratic Club Townhouse, 40 Ivy Street, S.E., D.C. Contact Lori at lorilafave@aol.com for more info.
Welcome to the Sanitarium
Has the world gone crazy?
It sure seemed like it, as Shelly, Linda and Sharron met at Politics & Prose to
try to make some sense out of the current Republican attack on women's rights
and Obama's theology. Sharron is ready to hit the button. Shelly is concerned
and angry, but thinks this could all play to Obama's advantage. Linda hopes
it's a silly distraction that will blow over.
We felt like we were adding to the din of confusion and questions about what
this all means, but we couldn't help ourselves.
Why is Rick Sanitarium Santorum going on this way? Do Republicans really want to
focus this election on contraception and vaginal probes (of the ultrasound variety)?
If so, why?
Are they so bummed about Obama being helped by the improving economy that they're
giving in to their inner caveman, trying to keep women barefoot and pregnant?
Or is Obama behind all of this??
Perhaps his advisors have cleverly maneuvered the discourse to make the Republicans
look like antediluvian nut jobs.
Then again, perhaps this madness is primarily a media invention, as the pundits leap
on wacky stories lines and then keep them alive just to have something entertaining
to write about. In the Washington Post, Dana Milbank revives Santorum's Nazi visions,
Kathleen Parker reminds us of his 2008 remarks about Satan setting his sights on the US
and Gene Robinson expounds on the dangers of Santorum's ultra-social conservatism.
Even conservative George Will, "Santorum is repelling people who want politics
unmediated by theology."
Over at the NY Times, Maureen Dowd notes all of the above, calling him a
"small-town mulla." In the Huffington Post, Mike Lux wonders what bible Santorum is
reading and Franklin Graham doubts Obama's faith while praising Santorum's.
Meanwhile, the three of us, a Jew, a Christian and an atheist, don't want to hear
another word during this election about theology, biblical interpretations or works of
the devil. We all remember learning about freedom of religion and secular government
in high school civics classes long, long ago and we have had it with this stupid focus
on religion in politics.
ENOUGH!
Speaking of "long, long ago" and "stupid," though it's been a while
since Shelly, Linda or Sharron have had to worry about birth control, we decided to
give old codger Super-Pac donor Foster Friess' method a whirl.
With three aspirins graciously provided by Linda, we each put one between our knees.
Given how difficult it was even to walk that way, we have no doubt this technique would
have been a very effective abstinence measure had we known about it in our younger days.
Still, we prefer the wisdom of an even older source – a 19th century activist who never
joked around about contraception, Magaret Sanger.
Here are two not-so-publicized avenues for action:
You can support Catholics for Choice (CFC), "...founded in 1973 to serve as a voice for
Catholics who believe that the Catholic tradition supports a woman's moral and legal
right to follow her conscience in matters of sexuality and reproductive health."
You can sign this petition: sponsored by Steve Uhl, a former Catholic priest who knows
how important it is to "...keep politicians and celibate males in long dresses out of
women's bedrooms..." and to "...clear up the present brouhaha about freedom of choice
and freedom of religion."
And on a lighter and decidedly more melodious note, we'll end our rant with the
President's latest foray into singing, this time with Mick Jagger and B.B. King. Keep
it up, Mr. President, we appreciate your authentic warmth and sense of fun.
MEANWHILE, BACK TO SOME RACES WE ARE WATCHING...
MORE WOMEN LOOKING AFTER WOMEN NEEDED IN CONGRESS
We at Candidate Watch are convinced more than ever that recent assaults in state
legislatures, the U.S. Congress, and on the campaign trail, have reinforced the
immediate need for more numbers of principled pro-women in elected office. Here
are a few races to watch:
NEW PRO-WOMEN IN THE SENATE
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02)
is running for the U.S. Senate being vacated by Sen. Daniel Akaka, and has been
endorsed by both Emily's List and Women's Campaign Fund. Former Republican
Governor Linda Lingle, closely aligned with Sarah Palin, has announced her
candidacy. While the DSCC polling shows Hirono in the lead, the Cook Political
Report deems this race to be in the "Toss Up" category.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (WI-02) is vying for the open seat
left by departing Sen. Herb Kohl. She was the first woman elected to Congress
from Wisconsin and has been an outspoken advocate for universal health care.
Endorsements include Emily's List and Planned Parenthood "Women are Watching"
Action Fund. The Cook Political Report rates this race as a "toss up." The
August 14 primary will determine her Republican opponent from a field of three:
former Governor and Bush cabinet member Tommy thompson, Tea Party favorite
former Rep. Mark Neumann, and state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald.
ENSURING STABENOW AND MCCASKILL STAY IN THE SENATE
Senator Debbie Stabenow from Michigan is up for re-election in November, and
with an eye on a Senate takeover, the Republicans have recruited former
Representative Pete Hoekstra to run for this seat. While this seat is deemed
to remain safely in the Dem's hands, we can't take this race for granted,
given Hoekstra's ties to powerful D.C. special interests.
Senator Claire McCaskill's (MO) strong stand in support of women's health has
incurred the wrath of the right. According to the Kansas City Star, the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce and Karl Rove's Super Pac have spent several million dollars
on negative advertising against her. The Cook Political Report rates this race
as a "toss up." Republicans vying for the nomination to be determined on August
7th include former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman, Congressman Todd Akin, and
businessman John Brunner.
WOMEN IN THE HOUSE
Kyrsten Sinema, running for Arizona's new 9th District House seat based in
Phoenix, Tempe and the East Valley, was named by Time Magazine as one of the
"rising stars of American politics" and one of its "40 under 40" in 2010.
She is endorsed by the Women's Campaign Fund, "On the List" at Emily's List,
and Human Rights Campaign. She was elected to Arizona's state senate in 2010,
representing a large portion of central and eastern Phoenix, which overlaps
the new Congressional District 9. Prior to her senate service, she served in
the AZ House of Reps.
Former CT state representative Elizabeth Esty is running for the open seat
(CT-5) vacated by Rep. Chris Murphy, running for the US Senate, and has been
endorsed by Emily's List. She faces two well-connected and well-funded
primary opponents, both males.
Tarryl Clark took on Rep. Michele Bachmann in 2010, when Bachmann's war chest
proved too deep. She is now running in a new district -- MN-08. In 2010,
Tea Party candidate Chip Cravaack won an upset over longtime incumbent Dem.
Rep. Jim Oberstar. According to Emily's List, Tarryl faces multiple primary
opponents, and Bachmann herself is giving beacoup bucks to Cravaack from her
PAC to ensure Tarryl never makes it to Congress. This race is included in
the DCCC's Red to Blue Program.
Christie Vilsack is running in Iowa's 4th district to unseat Republican Steve
King. Planned Parenthood says correctly that King is about as hostile to women's
health as you can get. Vilsack, the former First Lady of Iowa, is a champion
for women's health. She is also included in the DCCC's Red to Blue Program,
and is endorsed by Feminist Majority, Emily's List and Women's Campaign Fund.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Gerry Connolly (Dem VA-11). Join all Leprechauns, Shamrocks,
Shillelaghs and honorary Irish for his 18th annual St. Patrick's Day Fete --
Food drinks and entertainment on Friday, March 16th. Find out more.
http://gerryconnolly.com/fete
Darcy Burner. Join Celinda Lake, Gloria Totten and others at an evening reception
on Wednesday, March 7th at the Mott House, 122 Maryland Ave., N.E. Darcy is
running for the newly-redrawn 1st District in Washington State, formerly held by
Dem. Jay Inslee, now running for Governor. Minimum suggested donation is $100.
RSVP to Katie at Katie@DarcyBurner.com NOTE: WNDC PAC hosted fundraiser for
Darcy in 2006 when she ran to unseat Republican Rep. Dave Reichert in Washington's
8th District.
Dan Maffei Join Special Guest Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday, March 13th
at a reception for Dan Maffei, seeking the Democratic nomination to run for his
old seat in NY's 25th District, now held by Republican Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle.
This is one of the DCCC's Red to Blue Candidates, and the WNDC PAC endorsed and
supported him in 2006 when he ran to unseat Republican Jim Walsh. Time is 6-7:30
p.m., and location is 19 D Street, S.E. Contact Jennifer Cyr at 202 488-1445 for
more information.
Candidate Watch Team:
Linda LaScola, Editor
Shelly Livingston, Contributor
Sharron Caplan, Contributor
Laundry Lists and Lissome Lads
As Shelly, Sharron and Linda gathered for our serious policy analysis of the President’s recent State of the Union message, we noted
that we were both bored and excited by it. In some ways, it was a long laundry list of accomplishments presidents routinely pull out
at these occasions to defend their time in office. He talked about education and manufacturing and job growth on his watch. It seemed
like he brought up every subject except gun control. Obama asked for recognition for his accomplishments and asked Republicans to
lower the heat.
But in ways, Obama himself seemed to be on fire - vowing to fight congressional obstructionism and reminding congress and the
American people who got Bin Laden.
He was hot, not just during the speech, but also just a few days earlier at the Apollo Theater with his rendition of Al Green's
"Let's
Stay Together." He reminded us of all our favorite heart throbs, past and present:
After that dreamy digression, we refocused our attention on the substance of his State of the Union address. Here are a few more
observations on it:
Speaking of the Primaries...
The Republican campaign continues on its laughable way. The candidates are like actors in a Saturday Night Live skit, and the voters seem to
think they are choosing a winner on American Idol.
However, things do seem to be settling down. The word on the January 26th
debate is that Romney
won and is likely to go on to win the
Republican primary in Florida. Shockingly, we find ourselves in agreement with many of the Republican party’s most respected pundits and
legislators, thinking that Newt Gingrich as president would be a disaster for the country. Unlike them, however, we have been enjoying his
run.
Distinguished conservative columnists call him "A Guy we don't Trust" (George Will)
and "unstable" (Kathleen Parker).
Democratic pollster Mark Mellman called Newt the Freddy Krueger of politics:
"repeatedly left for dead but always able to resurrect himself."
We think that Newt resembles another sinister character even more:
Our favorite insights about Newt came from the liberal and hilarious Gail Collins of the New York Times, who commented that, “There is,
however, a lot of difference between giving up drinking on the eve of middle age [like George W. Bush] and giving up adultery at about the time
you’re qualifying for Social Security. Cynics might suggest that Newt didn’t so much reform as poop out.”
On a more optimistic note for Democrats, (and we are feeling more optimistic), please click
here to watch a wonderful slideshow with even sexier
more statesmanlike photos and commentary about Obama than we have provided here.
Also, please check out The Borowitz Report to learn about the President’s radical new tactic of making "relentless references to facts,
data, and things that have actually happened, all long considered the third rail of American politics." This could really shake things up!
Now, on to the Races……
Mother Jones Keeping Tabs on Super PAC Donations.
So far, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson leads the pack (no pun intended). As you read the entire article here, keep in mind that 17 out of 20
donors are giving to Republicans or conservative groups and candidates.
Click here for the dirt on the 20 biggest donors of the 2012 Election --
at least so far.
If you want to know the "skinny" about the Adelson-Gingrich connection, read this recent Washington Post
article.
Last Weekend Before Oregon Special Election
Democrat Suzanne Bonamici is leading her Republican opponent in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Rep. David Wu in
Oregon's 1st district. According to Politico, public polling shows Bonamici leading Republican Rob Cornilles by a double digit margin.
Deadline for the mail-in election is 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
Giffords Seat Special Election Date Just Announced
June 12 has been set for the Arizona special general election to fill the vacancy left by the much-beloved Gabrielle Giffords.
The primary date will be held on April 17. According to Roll Call, the names being discussed on the Democratic side include state
Senator Linda Lopez, who is close to Giffords; state Senate Minority Whip Paula Aboud; state Rep. Steve Farley; Pima County
Supervisor Ramon Valadez; and businesswoman Nan Stockholm Walden. Expected to run on the Republican side is veteran Jesse Kelly,
who narrowly lost to Giffords in 2010. We at Candidate Watch wish "Gabby" a full recovery and await her return to Congress
Former Republican Representative Shays Enters Connecticut Race for Senator
Former Republican US Rep. Christopher Shays just announced his bid for the US Senate seat being vacated by retiring incumbent Joe
Lieberman. Five republicans are competing for this seat, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Chief Executive Linda McMahon.
Yes, she's BACK!!! The Democratic field consists of former Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz and U.S. Rep. Christopher Murphy.
Candidate Watch recently reported Emily's List endorsement of Bysiewicz and that Murphy is rumored to be the darling of the DSCC.
Read the DSCC full outlook for U.S Senate races here. Connecticut congressional races are scheduled to be
held on Aug. 14th.
For full list of 2012 State and Presidential Primary and Caucus Dates, click here
to view the FEC official calendar.
House Races:
Former RNC Head Says Dems May Win House!
Thank you, Michael! Read full article here.
In this connection, the DCCC just unveiled its Red to Blue Program, which highlights top House campaign races across the country.
These are "top-tier recruits who will help us win a majority," says Nancy Pelosi. Read her entire speech and see list of races here.
Senate Races:
As for Senate races, remember that the number 4 is magic for Republicans to take the Senate. Candidate Watch encourages you to study
the official DSCC chart and analysis to guide your efforts toward retention of the Senate this year.
Reader Alert
Please send us upcoming volunteer activities and opportunities to support candidates. Contact Shelly Livingston,
Vice Chair for Public Policy, at sliving7@yahoo.com.
Candidate Watch Team:
Linda LaScola, Editor
Shelly Livingston, Contributor
Sharron Caplan, Contributor
Comedy of Candidates
Linda, Shelly, and Sharron , the Crack Candidate Watch Team, were very excited to meet right after the Iowa caucuses to try to analyze
the night's startling events in the Republican field. We felt particularly lucky to have a special guest, Amy Beier, a neighbor of
Sharron's who is attending law school in Iowa City. She was patient and responsive as we peppered her with questions about the psyche
of Iowa voters and her in-state perspective on the Republican Party's ever evolving front-runners. Imagine, when she came home to DC
on December 19th, Santorum wasn't even on the radar screen!
Amy's insights convinced us that the people of Iowa are perfectly responsible and thoughtful voters. It's the candidates who are
weird.
With such miserable choices, can you blame voters for bouncing from one to the other, valiantly looking for a serious candidate?
The whole thing was like an episode of Saturday Night Live.
Michelle Bachmann, (MN), Iowa native and winner of the Ames Straw Poll, came in with 5% of the vote.
It was so unfair. Anyone would look bad eating a corndog.
The happiest candidate had to be Rick Santorum, former Senator from Pennsylvania, who came out of nowhere to within eight votes of
victory.
He has many of the qualities that conservative voters crave in a candidate. He is pro-life, and he is against gay marriage and man-on-dog sex. On the down side (no pun
intended), before his good showing in Iowa, Wikipedia reported that he speaks fluent Italian – a definite liability among the
tea-party set that don't go for them-there bi-lingual types. (No pun intended.) A recently updated Wikipedia entry leaves off the
foreign language reference, but it may not be enough. Rumor has it that Santorum was seen in New Hampshire munching biscotti and
sipping cappuccino while making the sign of the cross. We're not sure if the Evangelicals
he appeals to have figured out yet that he is Roman Catholic.
Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, was the Iowa winner by eight big votes - six fewer than his 30,021 total in the 2008
caucuses. Note his handsome, clean-cut appearance below. The perennially pleasant Mitt always looks good to us. Unfortunately, he
has never looked that good to the Republican base. It's something about him being too moderate (voiced loudly) and too Mormon (sotto
voce for now, but fortissimo soon). Ask Rick Santorum what that means.
Perhaps the most incisive commentary coming out of the caucuses is from the Borowitz Report, which astutely pointed out that ... the
last time so few people decided a Presidential race they were all on the Supreme Court."
Berkowitz also reports that when Gingrich was asked if he would leave the race, he responded, "Not unless it gets cancer."
How about that Newt Gingrich!
He was surging in the polls in his second life, until a Super Pac headed by a former Romney advisor dissipated his fine lead with a
barrage of negative ads that reminded voters of Newt's many faults as Speaker.
Look out Romney in New Hampshire!
And finally .......
So, the Iowa Comedy is over, But there are more serious elections to come. Here's a short list of Primaries in January:
Click here, for a complete list of primaries in 2012.
In case you haven't seen these, find out more about Super Pacs, Rubio, Ron Paul's Amoral Policy, false equivalence, the true meaning
of Iowa, and other tales of Campaign 2012:
It's the Super Pac era, by Ruth Marcus
The Rubio Factor, by Kathleen Parker
Paul's Amoral Policy, by Richard Cohen
Three Issues that could decide the election, by Katrina Vanden Heuvel
The Republican Mystique: It's a White Thing, by Courtland Milloy
Iowa's Harvest, by Frank Bruni
No Way to Pick a President, by Matt Miller
Dems Chances in the House and Senate
Hot off the presses – It looks like Joe Kennedy III may run for the open house seat left by Barney Frank of Massachusetts
Rating for Nebraska Moves from Tossup to Likely Republican: Will Dems Retain Control of the U.S. Senate?
With Ben Nelson's exit from the Senate, Roll Call Newspaper is now calling the race for the Republicans. There are some indications
that the Dems may try to recruit former Sen. Bob Kerrey. Other possible candidates are State Senator Steve Lathrop and former Lt.
Gov. Kim Robak. However, without a candidate "on deck," it looks more and more likely that this seat will go Republican. Dems were
already reeling over Sen. Kent Conrad's retirement in North Dakota, so this is a double blow.
Republicans need a net gain of 4 seats this November. Democrats are defending 23 seats, while Republicans only 10 seats. Roll Call
rates 7 states as "tossups." They are:
Massachusetts, where Rep. Scott Brown won a special election in 2010 with 51.86% Missouri, where Dem. Claire McCaskill in 2006 was
elected with 49.58% Montana, where Dem. Jon Tester won in 2006 with 49.16% Nevada, where Rep. Dean Heller was appointed in 2011 New Mexico, an
Open Seat, where Dem. Jeff Bingaman was elected in 2006 with 70.61%
Virginia, an Open Seat, where Dem. Jim Webb was elected in 2006 with 49.5%
Wisconsin, an Open Seat, where Dem. Herb Kohl was elected in 2006 with 67.31%
Sen. Barbara Boxer recently said in an appeal for PAC for a Change that all that stands between more tax cuts for millionaires and
billionaires and an endless war on women and families, the environment and public health, are 4 seats in the U.S. Senate.
Redistricting Fights for House Seats: Watch Out for These Races!
Stuart Rothenberg, author of The Rothenberg Political Report, recently highlighted several "interesting and entertaining" Member vs.
Member contests created by redistricting:
Emily's List Announces Endorsement of Susan Bysiewicz for CT Senate Seat
Former State Secretary of State for Connecticut Susan Bysiewicz, who is running to fill the vacant seat left by Independent and once
Democratic Joe Lieberman, just received a huge boost in fundraising with the endorsement of Emily's List. This will, of course,
increase her fundraising prowess against that of Rep. Christopher Murphy, the favorite of the DSCC. We at Candidate Watch welcome
the election of another female pro-woman health candidate into the ranks of the U.S. Senate.
CORRECTION:
We thank alert reader Mark Gruenberg of Press Associates Union News Service
for closely reading our recent Candidate Watch, thus saving us from
misleading trusting WNDC members and other readers. He pointed out an
historical error in which we commented on President Lincoln’s highly
successful second term.
Of course we know our history well enough to realize that Lincoln’s second term
was tragically short. Unfortunately that detail got lost as we excitedly
discussed the possibility, raised in an E.J. Dionne column, of Obama pulling off
a cool, Lincolnesque move, in which he morphs from conciliator into hardline
leader standing up to his enemies. Knowing that time is running out for Obama
to pull this off in his first term, we figured that Dionne must have been
referring to Obama's – and Lincoln’s – second term.
We regret the error, but cheer the notion that Obama can turn his presidency
around.
Haunted
As Shelly Linda and Sharron sat around Politics and Prose, our usual haunt,
we indeed feel haunted.
We were haunted by the desire to avoid political discussion by chatting too
long about Linda’s recent trip to Spain – a country we’ve
all visited. This was happy talk about the Prado, polite Spanish drivers
and delicious vino tinto.
Finally, it was Linda, eager to catch up after two weeks away, who brought
the subject around to US politics.
Sharron and Shelly sank in their seats. This was a truly scary topic, not
because nothing good was happening, but because it was hard to know what to
make of it.
Although the growing Occupy Wall Street movement was hopeful, it seemed
there were signs that the mainstream media was trying to discredit it.
Shelly herself came upon a local demonstration and found that it was made
up of hippies of various ages. That’s OK, but not something that
looked like it could have much clout.
They frightened poor jet-lagged Linda with scary comments made in recent
republican debates, like Cain telling folks not to blame wall street -- that
if you don't have a job and aren't rich, blame yourself! Or that Social
Security is a Ponzi Scheme. Then there was Michele Bachmann’s
horrifying insight that: 9-9-9 upside down is 6-6-6.
Shelly mercilessly pointed out the Public Campaign study that says super
committee members are raking in cash from non-constituents and the New
Yorker article by Jane Mayer about the Republican strategy to defeat North
Carolina Democratic incumbents by spending huge sums on negative advertising.
Finally, Sharron pulled out E.J Dionne’s encouraging editorial about
how Obama could have a highly successful second term just as Abraham
Lincoln did. Linda had read that same piece while in Spain and wondered
how fact-based it was. As a junior-high social studies student in the
North, you just hear about how Lincoln fought bravely and successfully for
the noble causes of abolishing slavery and preserving the union. Is it true
that, like Obama, Lincoln had a lackluster first term? That he was too
conciliatory to his undeserving political opponents? That he was too
moderate, before taking the strong and unequivocal stand of issuing the
Emancipation Proclamation? Could Obama pull something like this off,
capitalizing on the growing sentiment for the Occupy Wall Street movement?
Our hopeful reverie was broken when we spied a babe-in-arms innocently
shoving down its mom’s jeans to expose her comely derriere.
Do we tell her? Certainly she must know what’s happening, or at least
she can feel a draft. But we instead averted our attention away from the
awkward situation, knowing we could not afford to do the same in the days
ahead in American politics.
CANDIDATE WATCH
Four Critical States: Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and Virginia
The Democrats have 23 Senatorial seats to defend this election cycle.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee says that four states in
particular are critical to President Obama’s re-election. Those same
four Democratic Senate seats, if we can’t hold them in 2012, could
give the GOP a majority.
“Four states where a coordinated Republican effort to change the
voting rules and disenfranchise 5 million Americans could prove decisive on
Election Day and disastrous for our country,” warns a recent email
communication from the DSCC.
“In Florida and Ohio, far-right Tea Party candidates could take
advantage of new restrictions on early voting, blunting the impact of our
field organizers in these critical states and taking two Democratic seats.
In Wisconsin, new rules designed to suppress heavily Democratic voting blocs
like students, low-income voters, and minorities could cost us this pivotal
open seat. And in Virginia, the Republican voter suppression campaign is still in
progress—if it succeeds, it could easily make the difference in this
tight race and hand Republicans the fourth seat they need to take our
majority.”
The DSCC has launched a new “Election Protection Project.” Click here to study the map of voter suppression laws, sign the petition,
and learn how you can help.
Scary: Former GOP Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee tells Anti-Union
Crowd to Deflate Tires and Mislead Voters in Run-up before November 8th.
What is this all about? Read more.
Virginia Election News
Pamela Danner, running for Delegate in Virginia’s 34th District,
wins endorsement from Loudoun Times and Washington Post. "With an impressive list of board and volunteer experience, she has
articulated a more moderate approach toward Dulles Rail and impressed us
with her energy and knowledge of local issues." -Loudoun Times Editorial
Board Read the full endorsement here.
Washington Post says Pamela's "pragmatism would be a welcome addition to
the statehouse." Read more about this endorsement and other races here.
Dangerous Dozen: Unsafe House Incumbents
Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg, has compiled an early list of
vulnerable incumbents’ seats, which includes seats of the following:
(1) Larry Kissell (D-N.C.); (2) John Barrow (D.Ga.); (3) Bobby Schilling
(R-Ill.); (4) Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.); (5) Russ Carnahan (D.-Mo.); Robert
Dold (R-Ill.); Timothy Johnson (R-Ill.); Charles Bass (R.-N.H.); Judy
Biggert (R-Ill.); Heath Shuler (D-N.C.); Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.); Dan
Lungren (R-Calif.)
Rothenberg finds three Democrats and three Republicans as the top six
most vulnerable. Read why here.
Five House Members have announced their retirements due to fundraising
numbers, and they're all democrats!
Other Candidate News:
Twenty-five seats needed to recapture the House. Can it be done and in
which districts?
Oregon special primary on November 8th to fill Rep. Wu's seat.
Justice investigating GOP Rep. Vern Buchanan -- WNDC PAC endorsed
Phyllis Busansky for this seat in 2006.
Look at which House and Senate candidates are distinguishing themselves
as “breakout fundraising stars” this election season. Keep a
watchful eye on Dems Lois Frankel (Sharron’s pick) and Patrick
Murphy in Florida’s 22nd District. Both are running against
tea-party favorite and “smash mouth” GOP Rep. Allen West.
Read more here.
“Corporations Have No Business in Politics,” says Common Cause. It believes that elections should be decided by “we, the people”
instead of “they, the corporations.” It has launched a major
campaign, calling on publicly-traded companies NOT to spend profits on 2012
elections. Your input needed to decide who is the “worst of the
worst” by clicking here.
Look at which House and Senate candidates are distinguishing themselves as
“breakout fundraising stars” this election season. Keep a
watchful eye on Dems Lois Frankel (Sharron’s pick) and Patrick
Murphy in Florida’s 22nd District. Both are running against
tea-party favorite and “smash mouth” GOP Rep. Allen West.
Read more here.
White House Launches new Engage Website.
The Office of Public Engagement (OPE) is proud to launch a new one-stop-shop
for all the ways you can engage with the White House online. Check it out
at WhiteHouse.gov/Engage.
Leadership Change at Center for American Progress. Have you heard? What
are People Saying?
Upcoming Events:
Fundraiser for Dan Maffei, Monday, November 7th, 2011, 5:30-7:00 p.m.,
439 New Jersey Ave., S.E. For more info, contact Heather Fraser at
202-488-1445 or Gary Whidby at Gary@A-TeamDC.com.
(Note: WNDC PAC endorsed and supported Dan Maffei’s run for the U.S.
House (NY-25) in 2006. He came within two percentage points of winning that
election against GOP incumbent Jim Walsh. In 2008, he succeeded in another
bid for the seat when Walsh announced his retirement, becoming the first
Democrat to win this seat since 1981. In 2010, after numerous challenges to
the vote outcome, Maffei conceded the seat to Republican Anne-Marie Buerkle.
He is challenging her in 2012. See comments about his race in above link
entitled: “Democratic Candidates Put House in Play.”)
Meet Maggie Hassan, Democratic Candidate for NH Governor
Former State Senator Maggie Hassan has just announced her candidacy as the
first Democrat running to replace retiring Governor John Lynch of New
Hampshire. It won't be a cakewalk, and the battle to keep the NH governorship
in Democratic hands will be tough, as the tea party took over the legislative
branch of the state last year.
Thursday, November 10th, 2 Chances to Meet Maggie: (1) Breakfast at 888 17th
St., NW #800, 8:30-10:00 a.m. or Evening Reception at private home in Bethesda,
7-9:00p.m. Suggested contribution, $100. Request more info or RSVP to susanfwood@msn.com
Ohio Vote on November 8th
Help strike a major blow for the 99% and against the right-wing corporate
forces out to destroy the American Dream on November 8th in Ohio.
Join the AFL-CIO Phone Bank on 815 16th St. NW in Washington, DC, and help
insure that Ohio rejects the suppression of worker rights. Contact Katy Smith
at 202-508-6934 or ksmith@aflcio.org.
Candidate Watch encourages readers to let us know about upcoming political
events, such as fundraisers, conferences, rallies, etc. Email us at sliving7@yahoo.com
Editor: Linda LaScola
Contributors: Shelly Livingston and Sharron Caplan
WAS IT JUST A SUMMER FLING?
As Sharron, Shelly and Linda met this week at our old haunt, Politics and Prose, we chattered
at first about Shelly’s recent trip to Scandinavia and her new responsibilities at the
club, Linda’s upcoming trip to Spain and her ongoing research projects, and
Sharron’s relaxing summer at the beach and foray into local DC politics.
When it came to national issues, however, it was Sharron’s beach experiences that provided
some optimism to our otherwise gloomy view of current American politics. None of us felt any of
the vigor or excitement we once had about our country’s direction and while Shelly in
particular still felt like pushing forward, we all felt that the world was imploding around us.
What was with Obama, we wondered. Why is he dithering and giving so much away, so repeatedly?
Does he not realize that he is no longer a community organizer working to find consensus? Does
he think he’s still in front of a class teaching eager students the finer points of
constitutional law? What is he doing with education policy. It’s like he’s Bush II!
OK, so his recent “Jobs” speech was a real barnburner. We’ve heard good
speeches before; where is the action?
Meanwhile, Sharron, still tanned and rested from her days at Bethany Beach, regaled us with
stories of incrementally building trust across party lines. Things are different, she tells
us, when you’re hanging out on the sand in the summer sun. Here’s Sharron in beach
togs:
Many of her beach buddies are Republicans. They don’t talk about it, but you can just
tell.
When Sharron decided to open the door a bit to political discussion, she was pleasantly
surprised to find some common ground. One young mom said she felt abortion was a private issue.
Another said she’d vote for Hillary. A guy she’s known for a while, allowed that
Obama had some good qualities.
Shelly and Linda listened warily, while acknowledging that the opposing party consists of more
than tea party wackos and congressional intransigents. With any luck and with the ongoing
support of those who can muster it, there will be fewer wackos and intransigents after the
next election.
CAMPAIGN NEWS
Progressives United, founded by former Senator Russ Feingold, just announced its endorsement
and support of Elizabeth Warren, citing her fight against corruption and protecting the middle
class. Warren, who is running to capture the Senate seat now held by Republican Scott Brown in
Massachusetts, will face several primary challengers, including Alan Khazei, founder of the
nonprofit “Be the Change.” That primary date will be March 6th, 2012 on
“Super Tuesday.” Is Scott Brown feeling heat after Elizabeth Warren's entry into
the Senate race? Read more here. Meanwhile, Rush
Limbaugh just called Warren a “parasite.” Looks like the right-wing smear machine
has kicked into high gear. Hear his rant here.
Great news out of Iowa – Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack has announced she is
challenging zealously anti-choice Congressman Steve King in the state’s newly drawn 4th
Congressional district.
Oh, no, not Linda McMahon again in Connecticut?
It looks like Representative Tammy Baldwin (WI-02) is going it alone so far. Representative
Ron Kind has just announced that he will not be running against Tammy in the Democratic
primary for the Senate seat, leaving her as the only Democrat currently up for the seat.
The path is clear, Tammy, now take the lead!
Women’s Leadership Fund and Emily’s List have both endorsed Tammy Duckworth in
her run for the U.S. House seat held by GOP Rep. Joe Walsh (Il-08), who just announced he
will be running for the open seat in Illinois’ 14th District. Read more here.
Emily’s List says she has a tough primary ahead against a "prominent businessman and
proven fundraiser." That primary date will be held on March 20, 2012.
For the complete schedule of 2012 primaries click here.
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords urges run by former Surgeon General for Senate seat being vacated
by Jon Kyl. Read more here.
While we focus attention on national races, we cannot lose sight of the fact that it is in
state legislatures where democracy is being eroded through voter suppression laws and where
women's rights are assaulted by attempts to curtail access to reproductive health care.
Deep cuts in education, Medicaid, and other social safety net programs means more
individuals and society as a whole suffer. We need look no farther than in our own backyard
of Virginia. Take, for instance, the House of Delegate race for the 34th District where
Democrat Pamela Danner is challenging GOP incumbent Barbara Comstock. While Comstock's
priorities lie in cutting education funds, banning state funding for Planned Parenthood and
services it provides, allowing polluters to bypass the State Water Control Board, and
denying state funding for stem cell research, Danner supports the opposite: reproductive
rights, fair funding for Northern Virginia students, preserving a healthy environment for
all, and non-discrimination in the workplace. Should be a no-brainer, right? Maybe that's
what Republicans are worried about and explains the infusion of cash from national
republican donors. If Comstock has represented her constituents so well in Richmond, why
would an organization like Citizens United (yes, the very right-wing corporation which
overturned decades of federal campaign finance laws so corporations can now buy federal
elections) feel compelled to pour large amounts of money into her race?
In another Virginia race, the GOP desperately wants to unseat Democrat Edd Houck, popular
State Senator and Chair of the Education and Health Committee. No surprise here, as Houck
has been a leading advocate for increased access to affordable health care for the middle
class and lower income families. Virginia’s 17th has been redistricted to include
some more conservative counties such as Fredericksburg.
REQUEST TO MEMBERS
Become a State Election Watcher for our Candidate Watch:
Many of our members still follow the politics of their "home" states where they were
raised.....they may be willing to send in a few sentences to follow the election and
update the full membership in what is going on. Contact Shelly Livingston with election
updates: sliving7@yahoo.com
.jpg)
.jpg)
