Western Democrat

Fearless predictions

Here are my predictions for Western Democrats on Election Day:

A Senate pick up of four seats in the West
A House pick up of at least seven seats in the West
No net change for governors in the West
An Electoral College pick up of 19 electoral votes in the West over 2004

Leo Brown | November 3, 2008 | Comment on This Post (3 so far) Permalink: Fearless predictions | TrackBack (0) Congress, Governors, Presidential Politics, Senators

Meanwhile back at the ranch: Gubernatorial Edition

Gubernatorial is a wonderful word meaning pertaining to governors. Governors do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to good government, though they generally get less press these days than senators and, of course, presidents, unless they are very good or very bad.

While the Senate contests in the West this year offer excitement and good pickup opportunities, the gubernatorial elections present a much more settled picture, with one notable exception.

Nationally 28 Democrats and 22 Republicans hold governorships. In the West the totals are seven for the Democrats (AZ, CO, MT, NM, OR, WA, WY) and six for the GOP. Nationally, there will be eleven gubernatorial contests on November 4, 2008. Six of those seats are currently held by Democrats and five by Republicans. Three of those eleven contests are in the West, namely in Montana (D), Utah (R), and Washington (D).

In Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, a star among Western Democrats, is looking strong. When Time magazine did a lengthy piece on The Democrats’ New Western Stars (Jan. 19, 2007), it was Governor Schweitzer’s photo they led with. Click here to watch Governor Schweitzer explain how elections are won in Montana.

In Utah, the GOP has held the governorship for 24 years, and Republican Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. will be hard to beat.

In Washington, however, the contest promises to be exciting, because Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire won a squeaker in 2004, complete with recounts and a court case.

Washington is a fairly Blue State. Though potentially a swing state, it has put its electoral votes in the D column in the last five presidential contests and is represented in the Senate by two Democratic Senators. Six of the nine House members from Washington are Democrats. In addition to the governorship, both chambers of the state legislature are controlled by Democrats. All politics is local, as the saying goes, but national trends--war, recession and an unpopular Republican in the White House--will be important, too. Click here for Governor Gregoire’s own website.

Leo Brown | April 27, 2008 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) Permalink: Meanwhile back at the ranch: Gubernatorial Edition | TrackBack (0) Governors, Montana, Utah, Washington

The Passing of a Giant

Cal Rampton (November 6, 1913 – September 16, 2007), three-term governor of Utah (1965 to 1977), is a model of what Western Democrat hopes to stand for. Here are a few of the tributes that marked his passing last month.

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... said the three-term Democratic governor was "a man of good will" who leaves behind a "heritage of honor."

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Rampton told him recently that the biggest challenge now in public service is the lack of civility. Huntsman, a Republican, recalled Rampton saying just weeks before his death on Sunday, "The system has become too darn mean."

Rampton is credited with bringing Utah into the modern era after taking office in 1965, especially in education and tourism development. "All the modern issues we deal with today got their kick-start with Governor Rampton," Huntsman said.

Party Chairman Wayne Holland said, "The Guv" serves as a model when he tries to recruit young candidates to run for office, both for his leadership ability and his perseverance, since Rampton ran and lost a half-dozen times.

Holland said he, Rampton and some other Democrats were meeting recently at The Alta Club, when one Democrat started griping about what they felt were dirty political attacks from Republicans, and asked when Democrats were going to respond in kind.

Rampton slammed his fist on the table and bellowed in his gruff voice: " 'Integrity! Integrity is what we're about,' " Holland said. " 'We may win or we may lose, but we'll never lose our integrity.' "

He … was the governor that modernized state government both financially and organizationally… Rampton was the first 'modern' governor. He streamlined state government, aggressively marketed the state to create jobs and go after the Winter Olympics….Every governor since Rampton should be very grateful to Cal Rampton because Utah state government is much more manageable today than it was when he became governor in 1964.

Republican Governor Norm Bangerter served as House speaker during the Rampton administration. He said, "I think Cal Rampton was a major catalyst in helping establish Utah as an economic factor."

During his administration the state made significant investments in public education at all levels. For more than 40 years Utah's public universities and colleges have benefited from Rampton's vision.

That model of hands-on governance was very much Cal Rampton, and I think it's, again, why people across all ideological, partisan and religious divides found him to be a governor they could support and vote for…

Leo Brown | October 21, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: The Passing of a Giant | TrackBack (0) Governors, Utah

The ultimate Western Democrat ticket

Awhile ago, this was mentioned here.  (I'm extending off the good idea..thanks Leo!) Summary? 

That presidential tickets are often either one of two combinations - balance or reinforcement.  Kerry picked Edwards to balance him out, both regionally and personally.  Clinton chose Gore to reinforce him, both regionally and issue-wise.

There is only one serious Western Democrat in the race for president and that is Bill Richardson.  Now, I'm going to admit I'm a big fan of his but that isn't my point.  It is that in 2008 we could have potential to deliver a knock-out blow to the entire Western GOP and paint the way truly for progressive western dominance allied with the traditional Democratic bloc (coasts and upper midwest).

The key is reinforcement.  Instead of picking a easterner to balance him (if he was the nominee for that matter, IF) Bill Richardson should take Leo's advice and pick Janet Napolitano, the governor of Arizona.

You may say never!  But look at this great poll that Kos pointed out today:

A new statewide survey shows that if the Senate election were held today, the Republican incumbent would be defeated by Gov. Janet Napolitano – that is, if Napolitano would choose to run for the seat. The Democrat governor cannot seek a third term.

Not surprisingly, the poll by the Behavior Research Center shows Napolitano the favorite of 78 percent of Democrats, versus 11 percent for McCain. But the governor also would pick up 20 percent of Republicans and 47 percent of independents who make up nearly 28 percent of Arizona’s registered voters.

If they went head to head, Napolitano would get 47 percent of the vote, compared to 36 percent for McCain, according to the poll.

Now, that head to head match up result is pretty damn astounding. 

Think about it again.  A Richardson/Napolitano ticket (even against McCain possibly) would take both New Mexico AND Arizona.  That's not where it ends, either.

Napolitano is considered to be a very successful Governor, in fact she enjoy sky high approval ratings.  So does Richardson here in New Mexico.  That combination of two extremely popular red state (!) Democratic governors could have crossover appeal like nothing else. 

Also - the Hispanic/Woman factor would provide an immense amount of change additive to the ticket itself.  Contrast that against the possible GOP combinations shows a pretty clear sense of America.

Western electorate - that's putting all the Western swing states on the map (including possibly Montana and Wyoming) and maybe making Texas competitive.

If we really try and imagine a new electoral future for the Democratic Party we could do it with one swift blow. 

Now, there is the ultimate Western Democratic ticket.

Landon Mascareñaz | August 22, 2007 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: The ultimate Western Democrat ticket | TrackBack (0) Arizona, Governors, New Mexico, Presidential Politics, Regionalism, The Big Strategy

Results? You probably elected a Democrat.

Bill Ritter gets to work:

A jubilant Gov. Bill Ritter signed his first bill into law today, creating a way for about 300,000 Coloradans to receive state assistance in buying discount prescription drugs.

"It’s the law," said Ritter as he placed five bill signing pens down and rose from  the table.

Ritter said that he pledged on the campaign trail to not only seek long-term solutions to health care, but to take immediate action to lower health care costs for the 17 percent of the state’s population without health insurance.

"We all know people who at one time or another have delayed filling a prescription, taken less medication than a doctor prescribed or didn’t fill a prescription at all because of costs," he said. "Today, we make the costs of prescription medications for hundreds of thousands Coloradans more affordable."

Senate Bill 1 will allow Colorado residents who lack health insurance to pay a one-time $20 fee to participate in program to buy discounted prescription drugs through the participating pharmacies. The program kicks off Sept. 1, and up to 10,000 types of prescription drugs could be sold at whole-sale prices, providing participants savings up to 80 percent.

Now, how's about that for results?  Bill Owens vetoed this same measure twice and it clearly enjoys the mandate of the voters.  Nothing like a Western Democrat moving in to seize the will of the people for the advantage of all.

Landon Mascareñaz | February 5, 2007 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) Permalink: Results? You probably elected a Democrat. | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Governors

Governor Bill Ritter's Remarks About Denver Securing the DNC

Newly elected Governor Bill Ritter of Colorado issued a press release following DNC Chair Howard Dean's announcement that Denver will play host to the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THURSDAY, JAN. 11, 2007

Contact:

Evan Dreyer, 720-350-8370

GOV. RITTER PRAISES EFFORTS TO SECURE 2008 CONVENTION

Gov. Bill Ritter today praised the hard work of many people to secure Denver’s bid for the 2008 Democratic National Committee.

“The convention will have a significant economic impact not just on Denver, but it will have a ripple effect across the entire state and the West,” Ritter said. “This will be great for Denver and great for Colorado.”

Ritter said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and the entire host committee led by Elbra Wedgeworth deserve much credit for their tenacity and commitment.

“A major reason we were able to compete against a city like New York and ultimately win this convention is because Denver made important investments in infrastructure,” Ritter said. “We have the hotels, restaurants, convention space and other facilities to accommodate events like this. This puts us on the national stage and the world stage.”

kencamp | January 11, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Governor Bill Ritter's Remarks About Denver Securing the DNC | TrackBack (0) Colorado, DNC, Governors

Governor Richardson's Statement on the DNC Convention

Courtesy of Heath Haussamen, here is Governor Richardson's statement on the selection of Denver as the site of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

“This isn’t just a win for Denver and Colorado, but for the whole mountain west. From Montana to New Mexico, the west is the most fertile ground for Democrats. The Denver convention in 2008 will only further these efforts.”

Today's announcement by DNC Chair Howard Dean, coupled with the decision to move the Nevada caucuses to the front, only boosts Governor Richardson's potential Presidential campaign.

kencamp | January 11, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Governor Richardson's Statement on the DNC Convention | TrackBack (0) Colorado, DNC, Governors, Nevada, New Mexico

Ritter fills cabinet

Fmr. Colorado Governor Lamm says it best (or worst):

"Appointing people is like eating mushrooms out of your backyard," Lamm said. "You really don't know how it turns out until you've done it."

I'm still not quite sure how that works out. But I think I understand where he is going with it.

Bill Ritter is assuming command in Colorado by appoint people to fill the highest cabinet positions. As the Rocky Mountain News lays it out:

Bill Ritter, who will become the first Colorado governor in more than 30 years without any legislative experience, tapped three former state department heads when filling his Cabinet. In addition, he named three appointees who served in Denver's city government, including two former mayoral candidates.

Veteran politicos say it's good Ritter's Cabinet will be experienced because the governor-elect's only political experience comes from serving as Denver's district attorney.

Experience does matter. But it's not just any experience - sometimes it should have direct relevance to the issues at hand. Ritter campaigned hard on renewable energy for Colorado and I'm glad he went with an old hand to oversee the forthcoming development:

Among Lamm's appointments was attorney Harris Sherman to run the Department of Natural Resources. Sherman was just 33.

Sherman is 64 now and has been selected by Ritter to oversee the same department.

"Harris is a close personal friend, so I'm not very objective, but it's a brilliant appointment," Lamm said.

"You have to bring in new blood, but in this area, with natural gas booming, talk of oil shale development and water problems and everything moving so fast, Harris is the best person to hit the ground running."

I think with the Democratically controlled legislature and now controlling the Governors mansion, we might just see tons of progress coming out of Colorado. I've been talking with many people in the area and they are pretty much convinced everything is on the rise. I took the light-rail on New Year's, enjoyed the bustling downtown (got snowed on HEAVILY days before) and was generally really impressed with Colorado. The older I get, the more I enjoy it. The place has nowhere to go but up.

Let's get the Convention there and keep this momentum rolling.

Landon Mascareñaz | January 8, 2007 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: Ritter fills cabinet | TrackBack (0) Colorado, Governors

The New West Project

This is wonderful:

The New West Project, headquartered in Denver, will conduct research and develop strategies to secure and exploit recent Democratic gains in the Western states, party sources said.

At least four Western governors - Janet Napolitano of Arizona, Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Brian Schweitzer of Montana and Bill Ritter, Colorado's governor-elect - are expected to lead the group's advisory council, the sources said. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Sen. Ken Salazar of Colorado and other members of Congress will provide "strategic guidance."

Reid confirmed the creation of the new organization, which he said would "build upon the leadership of people such as governors Napolitano, Richardson and Schweitzer" and "work to focus attention on the West."

This is a high level group. Consider the Western Strategy in play, my friends. It is wonderful to see this sort of institutional arrangement that will only benefit our local, state and national candidates long term. It looks like part think tank, part strategy firm, part communications development - all aspects that will be welcome by the plethora of candidates that will be running these next few cycles to take advantage of our our new promise out here in the west.

The best part of the article? The quote from an unnamed "Western Democrat":

As an example of what the new organization may do, the Western Democrat said that political professionals would analyze such questions as "the difference between first- and second-generation Hispanic voters, ... what motivates them and how we communicate with them," as well as "why a recent transplant from California, who has voted Republican all her life, is now voting for Democrats."

Good question, "Western Democrat" - it just leaves me amazed to see our namesake invoked so strikingly in an article. Methinks the author of the article, John Aloysius Farrell , might just be an reader of our humble site. If so, thanks for the article John - we'll be watching for you in the future.

It's great to have a new project designed for this express purpose and examining the multitude of new questions that are arising from the new political climate in the West. Now, if any of those people involved in the project are paying attention it would behoove them greatly to include netroots and blog outreach as an element of the project. You see, since major political focus has been absent from the West for awhile the netroots and blogosphere have been proliferating and recruiting top candidates all over the place. It would be an essential element of any plan that you should put together.

I'm excited.

Here's the The New West Project!

Landon Mascareñaz | December 6, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) Permalink: The New West Project | TrackBack (0) Arizona, Colorado, Demographics, Governors, Legislatures, Local Government, Montana, National Leadership, Nevada, New Mexico, Policy Issues, Regionalism, Statewides, The Big Strategy, Urban/Rural Divide, Utah, Wyoming

Post-Election Statehouse Roundup

To quote Buffalo Springfield, "there's something happening here". Post-election, Western Democrats have made great gains in the states, building strong majorities in the legislatures and taking or retaining several governorships. Here's a look at the numbers, courtesy of NCSL.

Arizona

Pre-Election

Senate 12-18 Republican majority

House 21-39 Republican majority

Post-Election

Senate 12-18 Republican majority

House 28-32 Republican majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House - +7 seats

Democratic Governor Janet Napolitano was overwhelmingly re-elected.

California

Pre-election

Senate 25-15 Democratic majority

Assembly 47-32-1 (Ind.) Democratic majority

Post-Election

Senate 25-15 Democratic majority

Assembly 48-32 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

Assembly - +1 seat

Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected.

Colorado

Pre-Election

Senate 18-17 Democratic majority

House 35-30 Democratic majority

Post-Election

Senate 20-15 Democratic majority

House 39-26 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – +2 seat

House - +4 seats

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill Ritter was elected Governor.

Idaho

Pre-Election

Senate 7-28 Republican majority

House 13-57 Republican majority

Post-Election

Senate 7-28 Republican majority

House 19-51 Republican majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House - +6 seats

Republican gubernatorial candidate C.L. “Butch” Otter was elected.

Montana

Pre-Election

Senate 27-23 Democratic majority

House 50-50

Post-Election

Senate 26-24 Democratic majority

House 50-49-1 (Ind.) Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – -1 Seat

House – stays the same

Democratic Governor Brian Schweitzer is up for re-election in 2008.

Nevada

Pre-Election

Senate 9-12 Republican majority

House 26-16 Democratic majority

Post-Election

Senate 10-11 Republican majority.

House 27-15 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – +1 seat

House - +1 seat

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Gibbons was elected.

New Mexico

Pre-Election

Senate 24-18 Democratic majority

House 42-28-2(Ind.) Democratic majority

Post-Election

Senate 24-18 Democratic majority

House 42-28 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House – stays the same

Democratic Governor Bill Richardson was overwhelmingly re-elected.

Oregon

Pre-Election

Senate 17-11-2(Ind.) Democratic majority

House 27-33 Republican majority

Post-Election

Senate 17-11-2(Ind.) Democratic majority

House 31-29 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House - +4 seats

Democratic Governor Ted Kulongoski was re-elected.

Utah

Pre-Election

Senate 8-21 Republican majority

House 19-56 Republican majority

Post-Election

Senate 8-21 Republican majority

House 19-56 Republican majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House – stays the same

Republican Governor Jon Huntsman is up for re-election in 2008.

Washington

Pre-Election

Senate 26-23 Democratic majority

House  56-42 Democratic majority

Post-Election

Senate 32-17 Democratic majority (not since 1965)

House 63-35 Democratic majority

Pickups

Senate – +6 seats

House - +7 seats

Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire is up for re-electionin 2008.

Wyoming

Pre-Election

Senate 7-23 Republican majority

House 14-46 Republican majority

Post-Election

Senate 7-23 Republican majority

House 17-43 Republican majority

Pickups

Senate – stays the same

House - +3 seats

Democratic Governor Dave Freudenthal was overwhelmingly re-elected.

kencamp | November 22, 2006 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) Permalink: Post-Election Statehouse Roundup | TrackBack (0) Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Governors, Idaho, Legislatures, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming