Illinois today kicks off what will be a long and fascinating primary season. Voters braved snow flurries to head to the polls this morning as balloting began for a number of local and statewide races, including contests for the U.S. Senate and governor’s mansion. The names Obama and Blagojevich may not be on the ticket but there are …
State Governments
Silver Linings
Here’s a slightly belated posting of a story that came out this morning on time.com on what Chris Dodd and Byron Dorgan’s retirements could mean for Dems in 2010 and beyond. There’s the obvious silver lining for Democrats to Dodd stepping down: Richard Blumenthal has a much better shot at the seat. I’d say that Blumenthal’s …
Dems Go It Alone
I asked a lot of members over the weekend: why pass the bill now? After the August protests there had been much speculation that the House would wait for the Senate to act. Some members said that Speaker Pelosi didn’t want them going home for another recess to face more Tea Party madness (the House, having adjourned very early Sunday …
About Last Night
Larger lessons? It’s always dangerous to see too big a trend in off-year elections. But there might be one for Democrats: You are on your own. Barack Obama’s popularity–or his political operation–do not transfer when he is not on the ballot. This election could make Democrats more attuned to the political rhythms of their home states, …
Bloomberg in a Squeaker
Of all the races to watch tonight, the one everyone expected to be called right as polls closed was New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s bid for a third term. After all, the man was so insanely popular amongst the five boroughs that the city actually repealed its two-term limit so he could extend his reign. Plus, Democrats put forth …
Bob McDonnell – Guinea Pig?
Voting has begun in Virginia and Democrat Creigh Deeds enters today a severe underdog – trailing by 13.4 percentage points, according to the latest realclearpolitics average of Virginia polls.
While much has been made of the GOP divisions in the NY23rd race, Virginia is shaping up to be their best hope for a recipe for success. …
What Happens in Nevada Doesn’t Seem to Stay in Nevada
Or, in Senator Ensign’s case, what happens in Washington and is sent back home to Nevada. Both Senators from the Silver State are increasingly deep political doo-doo, though for vastly different reasons. And one’s scandal may end up helping the other.
Badda Bam
Sure, last week’s dramatic arrests in New Jersey of 44 people including three mayors, two state assemblymen and five rabbis wasn’t great news for the already embattled Jon Corzine. On the other hand, Corzine’s pegging his campaign to New Jersey’s economy, so what does he care?
At least someone’s having fun with it:
[vodpod …