Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Huffington is out

Los Angeles Times has the story. San Jose Mercury News (via the Miami Herald) has one, too. Arianna Huffington's pendulum attitude toward the recall is on the against side once again. She told CNN's Larry King tonight: "I am pulling out of the race and I will concentrate every ounce of time and energy over the next week to defeating the recall because I have realized it is the only way to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger." Huffington garnered just 2% support in the latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:34 PM |

Endorsement watch

The New York Post reports that General Wesley Clark has the endorsements of two New York Congressmen -- Reps. Charlie Rangel and Steve Israel. The Post says "that puts Clark in a mere four-way tie in the contest for endorsements from New York's Democratic congressmen," as Howard Dean, Senator John Kerry and Al Sharpton each have two. Rep. Dick Gephardt and Senator Joseph Lieberman each have one. Seven New York House Reps have not announced who they intend to support.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 7:41 PM |

South Carolina polls

Senator John Edwards (NC) is leading in the lastest Democratic candidate's poll in South Carolina. The Associated Press reports that the Research Group of Manchester, N.H. poll in South Carolina, found Edwards has the support of 16% of respondents. Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT) and General Wesley Clark are tied at 7%, former Vermont governor Howard Dean had 6%, Senator John Kerry (MA), Rep. Dick Gephardt (MO) and Al Sharpton were at tied at 5%, as former Senator Carol Mosely Braun (IL) had 4%, Senator Bob Graham (FL) behind with 2% and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH) at 1%. In August, Lieberman and Edwards had 14 and 10 respectively.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 5:23 PM |

Senate North Carolina 2004

The Charlotte Observer reports that former President Clinton chief of staff and losing Democratic Senate candidate in 2002 Erskine Bowles will be a candidate for the Democratic senatorial nomination. Rep. Bobby Etheridge announced he will not run despite a commissioned poll that found what Roll Call described as "largely positive" results. Etheridge joins Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and state Treasurer Richard Moore as big names to pass on the race; former state House Speaker Dan Blue of Raleigh says he expects to decide next month. Bowles beat Blue for the Democratic nomination last year.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 5:14 PM |

Senate 2004 analysis

From Townhall.com. Nothing all that different from James J. Miller's NRO analysis. Some problems, such as listing former basketball coach Dale Brown as a potential candidate in North Dakota. But his list of possible and declared candidates in numerous races -- Oklahoma, Nevada, South Carolina -- are more complete.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 5:13 PM |

Endorsement watch

The Associated Press reports that former Colorado Senator Gary Hart has endorsed Senator John Kerry's bid to become the Democratic presidential nominee. Hart was a candidate for the nomination in 1984 and 1988 and considered running again this year. Earlier this week, Hart announced he would not seek the Democratic senatorial nomination in Colorado, although the AP story says that he has left it open if Rep. Mark Udall does not run.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 5:03 PM |

Huffington out? Maybe

The Associated Press reports that Arianna Huffington may announce tonight that she is dropping out of the recall election. Apparently she has had enough free self-promotion.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 4:58 PM |

Bruce Willis supports no on the recall

The Los Angeles Times reports (scroll down to second story) that actor Bruce Wil lis showed up at a rally to encourage Californians to vote no on the recall. Willis lives out of state but opposes recall on principle. He said it has nothing to do with the candidates involved, including fellow Republican actor Arnold Schwarzenegger.z

Posted by Paul Tuns at 11:49 AM |

Questioning Clark's loyalty

On CNN Monday, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack questioned General Wesley Clark's allegiance to the Democratic Party. "People in Iowa do not know much about him. I think they are concerned about his Democraticness," said Vilsack "One of the questions that Iowans are asking about General Clark is whether or not he even voted for Vice President Gore in the 2000 election." The story is at the Des Moines Register.ˇ

Posted by Paul Tuns at 11:36 AM |

Edwards fundraising

The Raliegh News & Observer reports aides to Senator John Edwards (D, NC) are "playing down expectations for his third-quarter fund-raising performance, suggesting his take will be less than in previous quarters." Edwards raised $7.5 million in the first quarter and was considered a front-runner the Democratic presidential nomination. In the second quarter, he raised $5.4 million as his stock began to fall. In recent polls, he has finished with between 4-6%.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 11:26 AM |

Graham's presidential bid in trouble

Senator Bob Graham has admitted to the Miami Herald that his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination has not picked up the steam he thought it would. He is not going to reach his 2003 fundraising goal of $15 million and he may be forced to lay off staff. Graham is expected to announce he raised a mere $2 million in the quarter ending today.
About rumours that he would drop out of the Democratic nomination race to focus on a fourth senate campaign Graham said he "hasn't given it a thought." There are also rumours he will leave politics entirely to become president of the University of Florida. Graham insists he will remain in the race hoping to finish fourth in Iowa and ride the momentum to a victory in South Carolina as a "moderate Southerner." Another Herald story examines the Iowa strategy and reports "The trouble with the Graham plan, analysts say, is that it ignores reality." (All political junkies should read the article which describes in detail Graham's delusions of establishing himself as the moderate to oppose liber a l Howard Dean after the Iowa caucuses.))

Posted by Paul Tuns at 11:02 AM |

Kentucky gubernatorial 2003

The Louisville Courier-Journal reported Sunday that a Bluegrass Poll found the governor's race between US Rep. Ernie Fletcher (R) and State Attorney General Ben Chandler (D) too close to call, but with Fletcher in a better overall position. The split is 44%-43% for Fletcher but the Republican's support was rated strong by more voters and they had a more favourabl e impression of Fletcher than Chandler. The Democrats are also trying to overcome the "sex-for-favors allegation" incumbent Democratic Gov. Paul Patton.e

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:40 AM |

Bush fundraising in super high gear

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that President Bush is in Chicago today for a $3.5 million fundraiser. In what is described as an unusual move House Speaker Dennis Hastert, an Illinois Congressman, urged his fellow representatives to tap their own donor base for the event. Four House Reps -- Hastert, Judy Biggert, Mark Kirk and John Shimkus -- each raised at least $100,000 and were named among the 22 co-chairmen of the fundraising event.
The Sun-Times reported that Bush/Cheney has raised between $48-50 million this quarter. Bush will also attend fundraisers in Cincinnati and Milwaukee later this week.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:34 AM |

Monday, September 29, 2003

Florida 2004

The Orlando Sentinel says that if Senator Bob Graham forgoes re-election to pursue the White House, the race to replace him in the Senate will be the most competitive Florida senate race in 15 years. If he stays, he will win but not as handily as before. "Graham, wounded at home by his partisan assaults on President Bush in a flat presidential campaign, remains a powerful incumbent. The Miami Lakes Democrat's days of 25- and 30-point triumphs over rivals may be history, but he holds an unquestionable advantage over anyone who challenges him." Polls show Graham with only a 47% approval rating.
If Graham drops out, there are four candidates who have confirmed they would seek the Democratic nomination and opened fundraising accounts for that purpose: Reps. Peter Deutsch and Allen Boyd, Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas and former Education Commissioner Betty Castor. Rep. Alcee Hastings would also consider a run.
Republicans seeking the nomination include former Rep. Bill McCollum (who lost in a Senate bid in 2000 against Democrat Bill Nelson), Rep. Dave Weldon, former speaker of the Florida House Dan Webster, the current Speaker of the Florida House Johnnie Byrd and former head of Judicial Watch Larry Klayman.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:40 PM |

Will Clintons be able to stop Clark

The Washington Times reports that some political strategists believe the Clintons created General Wesley Clark to hold Hillary's spot open in the Democratic primaries if President Bush was vulnerable in early 2004 but that the momentum going for Clark may be unstoppable. California-based Democratic strategist Gail Kaufman said "It took Clark so long to get in the race, and then he shoots to the top of the heap. Now, if you're the Clintons, how ... do you get him to quit?"

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:24 PM |

California Republican Party endorses Schwarzenegger

AP story at Fox News. State Sen. Tom McClintock is a great guy but the party wants to back a winner. Does that mean that the California GOP are RINOs?

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:23 PM |

Looking at 2004 Senate races

National Review's John J. Miller looks at the close Senate races for next year and finds that Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) is not as vulnerable as previously thought in Alaska, that Oklahoma may see a tight race if Senator Don Nickles (R) decides to retire and that Senator John Breaux (D) could step down before next year's midterms.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:53 PM |

California Recall

The Associated Press reports this morning that according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll, 63% of Californians favour recalling Governor Gray Davis and that Arnold Schwarzenegger has the support of 40% of respondents. Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has 25% and state Sen. Tom McClintock has 18%.
Also the newspapers gave this endorsements over the weekend. According to the AP: The Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News and Sacramento Bee each called for a 'no' vote on the recall, but made no candidate recommendations for the second part of the ballot. The San Diego Union-Tribune recommended the governor be replaced with Schwarzenegger, while the Oakland Tribune urged readers to vote 'no' on the recall but endorsed Schwarzenegger for the second half of the ballot."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 11:33 AM |

Louisiana 2003

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported yesterday that the gubernatorial election next Saturday is unlikely to see any can didate garner the necessary 50% of the vote to be elected governor and that a November 15 runoff between the top two candidates is therefore expected.
Polls indicated that Bobby Jindal (R), the youngish former state Department of Health and Hospitals secr etary and Bush administration health official, and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) are heading into the weekend “vying for the top spot” with Attorney General Richard Ieyoub (D) slightly behind but “within striking range.” Two other Democrats, former Rep. Cl aude "Buddy" Leach and former state Senate President Randy Ewing are in the next tier with Republican state Rep. Hunt Downer behind them. Last week, Public Service Commission chairman Jay Blossman (R) dropped out of the race and endorsed Downer.
The T imes-Picayune reported that the last time there was an open race for governor the polls predicted that former Gov. Buddy Roemer and then treasurer (now US Senator) Mary Landrieu -- both Democrasts -- were headed for the runoff but then Rep. Mike Foster (R) and Rep. Cleo Fields (D) made it to the second round. Foster won and Republicans would like to keep the Governor’s mansion to assist President Bush in the 2004 re-election campaign.!

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:56 AM |

Sunday, September 28, 2003

Ohio polling numbers

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports on an unidentified poll that finds President Bush leading all the Demcrats by double digits, although the poll was conducted before General Clark entered the race. Bush leads Rep. Dick Gephardt 55-41%, Senator Joseph Lieberman has 40% support, that Bush leads Howard Dean by 20 points and destroys Ohio's own Rep. Dennis Kucinich 61-32%. The paper reports that no Republican has ever won the White House without carrying Ohio.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:24 PM |

Saturday, September 27, 2003

That's it for the weekend

Paulitics will generally post infrequently on weekends but I'll be away on Saturday and most of Sunday so there shouldn't be anything for 48 hours. Check in on Monday.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:43 AM |

Friday, September 26, 2003

Davis challenges Schwarzenegger

The Los Angeles Times reports that embattled California Governor Gray Davis (D) has challenged Republican gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger to a one-on-one debate. Arnold's spokesman said it was a sign of Davis's desperation.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 6:47 PM |

The Donald is not backing Sharpton

Yes, it needs to be said. The New York Post reports that Donald Trump, who is listed as a host of an October 14 fundraiser and birthday celebration for Al Sharpton, does not support the Al Sharpton for president campaign. Trump said, "Nobody ever called me about it. I like Al Sharpton, but I'm not supporting him." Invitations listed Trump as a host along with rappers P. Diddy and Jay-Z and Russell Simmons, founder of Def Jam Records.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 6:40 PM |

NH polls

The AP reports that according to the latest Zogby International poll of New Hampshire Democrats and independents, Howard Dean leads Senator John Kerry, 30-20%, with General Wesley Clark at 10%. Last month, Dean had a 21-point lead over Kerry. Rounding out the numbers: Rep. Dick Gephardt 6%, Senator Joe Lieberman 5%, Senator John Edwards 2%, and the rest -- Senator Bob Graham, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, former Senator Carol Moseley Braun and Al Sharpton -- tied at 1% (or less). 22% of respondents were undecided.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:49 PM |

Two Kennedys, two candidates

The Associated Press reports that Senator Ted Kennedy is stumping for Senator John Kerry (both are UltraDs from the People's Republic of Mass.) in Iowa this weekend. Teddy's son Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D, RI) is stumping for his colleague Rep. Dick Gephardt in the state.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:38 PM |

California recall

Only 10 days to go until the recall election. Bill Whelan says in the Daily Standard that state Sen. Tom McClintock (RealR) will not get out of the way of Arnold Schwarzenegger (RINO) in an attempt to unite the Republican party behind one candidate. (So why doesn't the party unite behind the Republican candidate, Tom McClintock?) Whelan also notes that former gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon, who has endorsed Schwarzenegger, "wouldn't tell McClintock to quit the race when asked yesterday on Sean Hannity's radio show if he had a message for his fellow conservative."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:13 AM |

Democrats abandon Clinton legacy

On free trade, that is. The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that Senators John Kerry and John Edwards and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean are moving away from previously more pro-free trade positions toward Rep. Dick Gephardt's protectionist position. According to the Times Senator Joseph Lieberman is still in favour of free trade, General Wesley Clark has yet to express an opinion on the issue and Rep. Dennis Kucinich "has taken the most extreme position: He has pledged to repeal NAFTA on his first day as president."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:24 AM |

Don't count out John Kerry

USA Today columnist Walter Shapiro says John Kerry's candidacy is much stronger than anyone realizes. The column concludes:
"Neither front-runner nor insurgent, neither shimmering Democratic fantasy nor surprise candidate, John Kerry is not likely to pop up soon on a news-magazine cover. But what Kerry has going for him may ultimately prove to be more lasting, a strong position just a bit off the pace as the 10-horse Democratic field heads around the far turn."
Steady as she goes could win the nomination.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:16 AM |

Why is John Edwards considered a serious candidate and not Carol Mosely Braun?

Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman is a hideous writer. She shouldn't be allowed to read a newspaper, let alone write for one. But, like Polly Toynbee, once every couple of years, she writes something worth noting. (It is very odd that they both would write such a column -- or at least a noteworthy sentence -- on the same day.) Goodman plays the feminist card discussing Carol Moseley Braun's narcissistic campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. But she makes a good point about the former Illinois senator whom everyone wrote off before she even formally announced her candidacy: "In the most recent USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll, Braun garners 3 percent of the Democratic voters. On the other hand, she's within the margin of error of Dennis Kucinich, Al Sharpton, John Edwards, and Bob Graham." Edwards' and Graham's candidacies can no longer be taken seriously. If they are, Goodman has a point raising her feminist issues.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:07 AM |

Pennsylvania Senate 2004

The Weekly Standard's Rachel DiCarlo says that Rep. Pat Toomey (R) may have a shot at defeating incumbent Senator Arlen Specter for the party's nomination next year. As a sign of Specter's desperation, he is approaching the fiscally conservative Club for Growth and pro-life organizations: "So it's not that surprising that Specter doesn't appear to be completely sure of himself. Although he is pro-choice (but supports a ban on partial-birth abortion) and is a leading sponsor of legislation that would authorize research cloning, he recently met with the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation to ask for its endorsement." Another sign: Specter is already going negative.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:57 AM |

Graham's money troubles

The Associated Press (via the San Diego Union-Tribune) reports that Senator Bob Graham (D, Fl) is having trouble raising money for his campaign to become the Democratic presidential nominee. AP reports that "His fund-raising coordinators for cash-rich California and New York quit the campaign," last week, with one of them joining the campaign team of General Wesley Clark. The article says that Graham's lackluster showing in the polls -- low single digits in Iowa and N.H. and little national name recognition -- may force the candidate out of the race altogether.
Graham could run for a fourth term as Florida senator but he must file by May 2004. Of course, he could wait and make that decision after the primaries which would have wrapped up by then. However, the Democratic party in Florida is increasingly impatient with Graham's refusal to commit to one race or the other and says that his dithering makes it difficult for other Democrats to mount serious campaigns to replace him if he choses to pursue national office.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:35 AM |

Thursday, September 25, 2003

Hugh Gregg, RIP

A more complete examination of the life and legacy of former N.H. governor Hugh Gregg can be found at the Manchester Union-Leader, including his role in the presidential primaries and why he served only one term as governor.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:01 PM |

California endorsement watch

The Associated Press is just reporting that Arnold Schwarzenegger gained two big Republican endorsements: recall sugar daddy Rep. Darrell Issa and last year's Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon. Issa is an opportunist, so this is hardly surprising, but Simon is a rock-solid conservative; his actions sting but may put Arnold over the top by giving conservatives some cover in voting for him.
McClintock maintains that he will not drop out: "I don't know what it is that people find so astonishing about a politician who actually keeps his promises," McClintock told Fox News. "I promised at the beginning of this campaign that I would see it through to the finish line, and I keep my promises."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:53 PM |

NH polls

The Associated Press (via the Des Moines Register) reports that a Marist College poll has Howard Dean (VT) leading Senator John Kerry (UltraD, People's Republic of Mass.) 36%-24% with General Wesley Clark at 8%.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:49 PM |

Former NH governor dies

The Concord Monitor reports that Hugh Gregg, a former Republican governor (elected in his 30s in the 1950s) and father of U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R) has passed away at the age of 85.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:46 PM |

Gephardt outlines agriculture policy

For those who care, the Des Moines Register has the story. In short, "Gephardt called for a ban on packer ownership of livestock, a new effort to monitor agricultural monopolies and mergers, and an overhaul of farm subsidies."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:43 PM |

North Carolina Senate 2004

The Charlotte Observer reports that former President Bill Clinton's chief of staff Erskine Bowles has made his bid for the 2004 Democratic senatorial nomination in North Carolina semi-official by emailing supporters confirming that he will run. The Observer also reports that two of his three major rivals have ruled out a bid and that the other will decide next month: "Two would-be rivals, state Treasurer Richard Moore and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, have ruled out the race. Former House Speaker Dan Blue, who finished second in last year's primary, said Wednesday that he expects to decide in October."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:41 PM |

2004 primary and caucus schedule

January
1/13: District of Columbia Primary
1/19: Iowa Caucuses
1/27: New Hampshire Primary

February
2/03: Arizona Primary
2/03: Delaware Primary
2/03: Missouri Primary
2/03: New Mexico Dem. Caucuses
2/03: Oklahoma Primary
2/03: South Carolina Primary
2/03: Virginia GOP Caucuses
2/07: Michigan Dem. Caucuses
2/07: Washington Dem. Caucuses
2/08: Maine Caucuses
2/10: Tennessee Primary
2/17: Wisconsin Primary
2/24: Idaho Dem. Caucuses
2/24: Michigan GOP Primary
2/24: Virginia Dem. Primary
2/27: Utah Primary (tentative)

March
3/02: California Primary
3/02: Connecticut Primary
3/02: Georgia Primary
3/02: Hawaii Dem. Caucuses
3/02: Maryland Primary
3/02: Massachusetts Primary
3/02: Minnesota Caucuses
3/02: New York Primary
3/02: Ohio Primary
3/02: Rhode Island Primary
3/02: Texas Primary
3/02: Vermont Primary
3/09: Florida Primary
3/09: Louisiana Primary
3/09: Mississippi Primary
3/16: Illinois Primary

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:33 PM |

New York says don't run Hillary

The New York Post reports that a Marist College poll found that 69% of New Yorkers say Senator Hillary Clinton should not run for pre sident in 2004, up from 54% who said that in April. Democratic consultant Ron Lester reacted: "I think voters are saying, 'Ah, ha, - maybe she will get in,'and they don't want her to get in."
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Lynn Sweet says that she believes Hillary when the former first lady says she's not running. Sweet says conservatives are feeding the idea Hillary will run because they dream of beating her in 2004 and ending her career. You see, persistent rumours that Hillary is running, including her husband feeding such speculation, are all part of the vast right wing conspiracy.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:40 PM |

Democratic poll: New York

The New York Post reports that a Marist College poll has Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT) leading in New York state among the candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination. Lieberman has 23%, Howard Dean 13%, Al Sharpton 10%, Rep. Dick Gephardt and Senator John Kerry tied at 8%, General Wesley Clark 6% and everyone else with 3% or less. Nearly one quarter -- 23% -- were undecided.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:36 PM |

Colorado Senate 2004 II

The Rocky Mountain News reports that both Rep. Mark Udall (1996-present) and former Senator Gary Hart (1974-1986) are both being wooed by the Democratic Party to run for the Senate nomination next year. Democratic polls indicate that either could beat Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, but thus far they are both urging the other to run.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:32 PM |

Colorado Senate 2004

The Denver Post reported yesterday that Denver lawyer Brad Freedberg will be a candidate for the Democratic senatorial nomination. The only other declared candidate is educator and former diplomat Mike Miles. The winner faces Republican Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Earlier this month, the Post reported was polling at just 38% according to a Democratic poll.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 2:17 PM |

Endorsement and donation watch

Earlier this week, Robert Novak reported in his Chicago Sun-Times column that General Wesley Clark has picked up two important Congressional endorsements: Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, a former advisor to President Bill Clinton.
Novak also reported that embattled liberal Republican Senator Arlen Specter (PA) received a $1,000 donation from President Clinton's top New York political operative, Harold Ickes Jr. Specter voted against impeaching Clinton in 1999. Another liberal Democrat, Jack Valenti, the president of the Motion Picture Association of America, donated to Specter's re-election campaign. The Pennsylvania senator faces a strong primary challenge from conservative Rep. Pat Toomey.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:59 AM |

Dean = McGovern

Now that General Wesley Clark is in the race, Howard Dean can be taken down a notch or two and the MO this week (as evidenced by this article in the Kansas City Star) is the comparison of Dean to ultra liberal and 1972 sacrificial lamb George McGovern.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:29 AM |

Endorsement watch

Dick Gephardt picks up yet another national union endorsement as the Boston Globe reports that he now has the support of the Laborers International Union of North America.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:10 AM |

Does who you cheer for matter?

In New England it does. The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry cannot really be understood by anyone who is not a baseball fan, but it is at least as deep and bitter as the worst political rivalries. Thus, it is not surprising that Senator John Kerry (UltraD, People's Republic of Mass.) played the baseball card on Howard Dean claiming that the former Vermont governor is a Yankees fan. Dean grew up in New York and was a Yankees fan but he explained that he switched loyalties three years ago.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:10 AM |

Kansas 3rd CD 2004

This is about a week old, but the Kansas City Star reports that "moderate" Republican Adam Taff (read: he supports abortion), who narrowly lost in the 3rd CD in Kansas last year to Rep. Dennis Moore, had a Washington DC fundraiser hosted by former Kansas Senator Robert Dole, the current Senator Pat Roberts and two Kansas Representatives, Jim Ryun and Jerry Moran. Taff faces at least two primary challengers -- University of Missouri-Kansas City law professor Kris Kobach and state Representative Patricia Lightner. The district is thought to be a possible GOP pickup with the Republican candidate benefiting from President George W. Bush's coat-tails next year and Taff is considered the front-runner for the nomination.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:10 AM |

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Governor Perry goes to Washington

The Dallas Morning News reports that Governor Rick Perry of Texas is in Washington D.C., raising money for his 2006 gubernatorial re-election, and spoke to Americans for Tax Reform, the Heritage Foundation, columnist Robert Novak and the editorial board of the Washington Times.
About the redistricting in Texas, the paper says that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the gerrymandering of Texas districts to eliminate a number of safe "white Democratic" congressional seats. Four Democratic Representatives from the state have filed friend of the court briefs -- Martin Frost, Chris Bell, Sheila Jackson Lee and Nick Lampson.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 7:32 PM |

Davis could win in California

The Los Angeles Times reports that Gray Davis is back in the race and that he might beat the recall as voters consider a "complex series of calculations involving fairness, ideology and the tug of partisan loyalties." In other words -- in LA Times speak -- blame the Republicans.
The story also explains that recall sugar daddy Rep. Darrell Issa is backing away from his comments about not wanting the recall to succeed if the result is a Cruz Bustamante victory.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 5:05 PM |

North Carolina Senate 2004

According to the Charlotte Observer, former Bill Clinton chief of staff Erskine Bowles will take another stab at becoming senator in North Carolina. He lost last year against Elizabeth Dole in a bid to replace Jesse Helms in the Senate. The seat is open in 2004 because Senator John Edwards is focusing on his narcissistic presidential bid. It is expected that he will could face a primary challenge; the winner of that contest will face presumptive GOP nominee, Rep. Richard Burr.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 4:53 PM |

Endorsement watch

The Associated Press reports that the International Association of Fire Fighters has endorsed Senator John Kerry (UltraD, People's Republic of Mass.). The AP notes that it is the first national union endorsement to go to someone other than Rep. Dick Gephardt (MO), who has 14 such endorsements. IAFF president Harold Schaitberger said that the decision is largely based on who can beat President Bush: "Our view is that Dick Gephardt is not the candidate who has that best chance."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 4:43 PM |

Traficant out

The Associated Press is (just) reporting that former Congressman James Traficant, currently serving eight years in jail after his 2002 conviction for racketeering, bribery and tax evasion after serving 18 years in the House of Representatives, has ended his hopeless campaign to become president in 2004. He failed to raise the $100,000 necessary to receive federal matching funds.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 4:38 PM |

Democratic campaign gets really nasty...

As Senator John Kerry questions General Wesley Clark's Democratic credentials. According to the Boston Globe, Clark thinks he might have voted for Richard Nixon and did support Ronald Reagan. Will Kerry question Hillary Clinton's credentials when she runs, considering she claims to be have been a Barry Goldwater supporter in 1964?

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:27 AM |

Let's play follow the Arnold

According to the New York Post, Frasier star Kelsey Gramer said he is interested in public office in the future, probably as a centrist Republican in his home state of California.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:23 AM |

Clark and Perot

The New Republic's's &c politics blog says not to believe General Wesley Clark's poll numbers, in part because he is 2004's Ross Perot: a "media-created"candidate.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:00 AM |

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

Clark's numbers

The USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll also found that General Wesley Clark has a statistically insignificant lead over President George W. Bush: 49%-46%. What is interesting, however, is that according to the same poll, Clark has a 39% favourable rating. So about one-fifth of the people who support him fall into one of three other categories: they have an unfavourable rating, they haven't heard of him or they have no opinion.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:34 PM |

Democratic poll

A USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll found that General Wesley Clark leads the other contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination: Clark 22%, Howard Dean 13%, Senator John Kerry 11%, Rep. Dick Gephardt 11%, Senator Joseph Lieberman 10%, Al Sharpton 4%, Senator John Edwards 4%, Senator Bob Graham 4%, Carol Moseley Braun 3% and Rep. Dennis Kucinich 2%. The poll of "457 Democrats or Democratic leaners who are registered to vote" was taken Sept. 19-21.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:30 PM |

Recall to come to Wisconsin?

The Associated Press reports that Badger State Republicans want to recall Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. University of Wisconsin-Madison political science professor Ken Mayer warns that "Certainly the prominence of the California recall means this is going to be one of the things people think of first... when they're unhappy with something ... It can be perilously close to mob rule." He added that recall is meant to remove politicians who have abused power, not to settle policy differences.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:19 PM |

Hillary targets South Carolina?

USA Today has an article wondering whether Senator Hillary Clinton's denials that she won't run for president in 2004 are real. As part of the evidence to support the idea that perhaps they aren't is this tidbit: "An Oct. 6 trip to South Carolina, which is overrun with candidates because it holds a key primary Feb. 3. Clinton is signing her book, Living History, and speaking on women and politics at a Furman University conference."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 10:08 PM |

Sharpton targets South Carolina

South Carolina is the first primary with a significant black vote which explains why preacher and race-baiting poverty pimp Al Sharpton has made his second trip to the state in two weeks. According to the Charlotte Observer, Sharpton is hitting his opponents over their neglect of the state and playing the race card: "Every Democrat running has a better civil rights record than Bush. But none of them has a better civil rights record than me. They're picking from the trees I planted.''

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:54 PM |

Bush's New York numbers

Another Marist Poll finds President George W. Bush has an uphill battle in New York state next year. Only 32% of Empire State respondents plan to vote for him while 48% plan to vote against Bush. But remember, the Republican convention will be held the first week of September -- the week for the third anniversary of September 11 -- and in all likelihood former and popular mayor Rudy Giuliani will be the keynote speaker.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:47 PM |

Giuliani beats Hillary

The Associated Press reports on a Marist Poll that finds former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani beating either incumbent Democratic senator. The AP says "In a hypothetical matchup for the U.S. Senate against [Hillary] Clinton in 2006, the poll found 57 percent favoring Giuliani over 40 percent for the incumbent Democrat. Giuliani would beat [Charles] Schumer 51 percent to 45 percent if the 2004 election were held today." Could the GOP be looking forward to pickups in 2006? Does this potential threat lead Hillary to run for president in 2004? Predictions: Yes and yes.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 9:42 PM |

Lieberman says Clark's ambivalence is unpresidential

The Des Moines Register reports that Senator Joseph Lieberman criticizes General Wesley Clark's flip flop on whether he would have supported the Congressional resolution authorizing Bush to act in Iraq. Lieberman said: "As commander in chief, as president, you've got to be able to decide what you think is right for the country's future with a clarity of judgment and have the courage to stick with it."u

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:19 PM |

Florida Senate 2004

Orlando Sentinel reports that Larry Klayman, founder and president of Judicial Watch, has announced he will seek the Republican senatorial nomination for 2004. Klayman and Judicial Watch have launched lawsuits against the Clintons and Dick Cheney in an attempt to reduce Washington secrecy and abuses of presidential priviledge.
The GOP field is already crowded in what is expected to be an open seat when Senator Bob Graham formally announces he will focus on his presidential ambitions. Candidates include state Sen. Daniel Webster, state House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, former Rep. Bill McCollum and sitting Rep. Dave Weldon. Last month Rep. Mark Foley dropped out of the race after he poorly handled persistent rumours that he was a closeted homosexual.™

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:04 PM |

Carol Moseley Braun makes it official

With nothing but a National Organization of Women endorsement, former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun officially jumped into the primary Democratic presidential nomination yesterday. As the Chicago Sun-Times reported yesterday, she has "has virtually no money, no organization, no standing in the polls."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:51 PM |

Kerry lands biggest NH prize

The Associated Press reports that former New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen was named national chairwoman of Senator John Kerry's bid to become the Democratic presidential nominee.

Posted by Paul Tuns at 12:45 PM |

Monday, September 22, 2003

Kerry endorsements

Last week, the Boston Globe reported that California Senator Dianne Feinstein has endorsed Senator John Kerry's bid to become the Democratic presidential nomination. The paper notes that Feinstein's endorsement came one day after David Wilhelm, Bill Clinton's campaign manager in 1992, endorsed Kerry.y

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:19 PM |

Endorsement Watch

Reuters reports that Senator Joseph Biden said he could back either Senator John Kerry (UltraD, People's Republic of Mass.) or General Wesley Clark. Biden also praises Senate colleague Hillary Clinton (D, NY): "She's a very powerful figure in our party. She's very well-liked, and she's very, very smart."

Posted by Paul Tuns at 1:16 PM |