Statewides
The land turned upside down in Washington lands commissioner race
Spokompton has been doing some great stuff on the upcoming lands commissioner race in Washington State next year and they point out the main difference between the Democratic challenger Peter Goldmark and the incumbent Doug Sutherland.
Goldmark is a rancher from the eastern, rural side of the state. Sutherland is a career politician and government tactician from the urban Puget Sound.
More from Spokompton on Sutherland:
Sutherland served on the Tacoma city council in 1980-81, before being elected Mayor of Tacoma. He held that post until the end of 1989, when he took the job of City Manager in the newly incorporated SeaTac. He was there until 1992, when he took over as Pierce County Executive. That post he held through the end of 2000, when he began his first term as Commissioner of Public Lands. In his first campaign he defeated DemocratJennifer Belcher(actually it was former Gov. Mike Lowry, eoc), after successfully painting her as a stereotypical far-left liberal. I recall that election season in Eastern Washington for the great deal of talk about endangered owls and how little they mattered to Washingtonians. In 2004, Sutherland fended off Democrat Mike Cooper in a much lower-profile race, likely due to the national political conflagration that was President Bush’s Reelection.
So, how does it work out that a government establishment Republican from the urban Puget Sound runs a race against an insurgent Democratic rancher from the rural east? What kind of themes does Sutherland pick up? Stay the course?
Prairie populist Goldmark is giving us a look at what his themes may end up being:
I want to return the office to the people of Washington. I will treat our public lands-and the people who use them-with respect. It is vital that we treat our public lands as a long-term resource, to keep Washington's forests and fields healthy.
Emmett O'Connell | July 19, 2007 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
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) |
ID-Gov and ID-01: Winnable Races for Democrats
I know I've been throwing out a lot of love to Idaho lately, but Democrats in that state are running strong and part of the party's resurgence in the West. New polling shows that the Idaho Governor's race and the 1st Congressional District race are both statistical dead heats.
For the first time since the early 1990s, the outcome of a statewide election appears in doubt with just 10 days to go.An Idaho Statesman/Today's 6 poll says races for governor, 1st Congressional District and school superintendent are essentially tied.
[...]
In the governor's race, Republican U.S. Rep. Butch Otter leads Democratic newspaper owner Jerry Brady by a single percentage point. Republican state Rep. Bill Sali has a 2 percentage point lead over Democratic businessman Larry Grant for the congressional seat that runs from West Boise north to Canada. In the race to oversee public schools, Democrat Jana Jones leads Republican Tom Luna by 3 percentage points.
The key here is that for the first time since the early 1990's Democrats are running strong and poised to win seats that they haven't controlled in years, and all of this is happening in one of the reddest states in the union.
So since it's late in the game to be donating money, if you live in Idaho (or on the border in eastern Washington or eastern Oregon), please do what you can to help these candidates get out the vote. These races are going to be won by a superior ground game and they need all the volunteers they can get. That's not to say that races in Washington and Oregon aren't important, but we need to help our neighbors when we can.
To volunteer, please contact:
Grant for Congress
Brady for Idaho
Jana Jones for Superintendent of Public Instruction
kencamp | October 29, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) |
Cutting Taxes for the Right New Mexicans
Joaquin over at The Plaza (Bill Richardson's campaign blog) showcases some new economic incentives the Governor is proposing. The main focus is tax cuts for working families, veterans and people that invest in New Mexico. Some highlights (I used ellipsis to designate snipping, check the post to read the whole package):
WORKING FAMILIES Working Families Tax Credit - the centerpiece of the Governor's tax-cut package, which is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax credit will reward work, and help working families--who earn between $11,000 and $36,000. As many as 139,000 taxpayers will benefit by an average of $180 per return...MILITARY AND MILITARY RETIREES...
Tax Cuts for active-duty military - exempting military pay from state income taxes, which means an average of $1,340 in tax benefit to 7,000 New Mexicans...BUSINESS-ECONOMY...
Gross Receipts Tax Deduction for Hospitals - Most of the hospitals affected operate in small, rural areas and on the front lines when it comes to caring for those most in need. This tax cut will allow more money that can be invested in local jobs, technology and direct patient care.Gross Receipts Tax Relief for Mutual Funds - an incentive for investment management firms to bring well-paying financial services jobs to New Mexico.
Angel Investment Credit - an incentive for New Mexicans who invest in high-tech, start-up companies.
Now I know that tax cuts aren't the natural red meat for Democrats around the country. But isn't that the point? In Chain Reaction: The impact of Race, Rights, and Taxes on American Politics (Norton, 1991), the authors argue that
The tax revolt was a major turning point in American politics. It provided new muscle and new logic to the formation of a conservative coalition opposed to the liberal welfare state. The division of the electorate along lines of taxpayes versus tax recipients dovetailed with racial divisions...The tax revolt provided conservatism with a powerful internal coherance, shaping an anti-government ethic, and firmly establishing new grounds for the disaffection of white working- and middle-class voters from their traditional Democratic roots.
It is wonderful to see Democratic politicians such as Richardson using the language of taxation to advance a progressive and electorally successful agenda. Since working families have a higher marginal propensity to consume, the state of New Mexico will even see greater rewards from this system. Too often in national or local politics, conservative Republicans use the language of the tax revolt to mobilize white working or middle class, decades after the true revolt occurred. That is because the language is power (your money, your freedom) and Democrats have often neglected to speak the language effectively.
I look forward to the day where national Democratic politicians challenge the GOP along these lines in a highly publicized way and ask them to come out against tax cuts for working families and veterans while supporting those for millionaires.
Landon Mascareñaz | October 18, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
Pederson turning the corner?
With some good poll numbers coming in showing him only a few points down from Jon Kyl, it looks like Jim Pederson actuall has a chance. Despite what I wrote here, he seems to be gaining some post Labor Day ground against who I thought would be a good target.
wactivist has a pretty good explanation of what might be going on:
Arizona activists on blogs, in Democratic meetings, and while talking with their friends and families have in the past been quick to criticize and dismiss Pederson’s chances. Let’s just admit that outright. The truth is, the guy isn’t always given much of a chance by the same people who probably are most dedicated to him winning.There are always a bunch of reasons given – some that might be true, some that definitely aren’t – but the consensus around these parts is that the Pederson campaign was still-born – he is a good guy – has the resources to win – but for whatever reason, Kyl will roll to victory.
People reacted similiarly to Jason Williams’ campaign. For whatever reason, activist chatter dismissed Williams – and look what happened? He quietly put together a strong effort, with disciplined message and good outreach. He shocked everyone but himself by winning – and I think Jim might be in that same boat.
Over the past few months, under the guidance of new campaign manager Sky Gallegos, an agressive communications team, and a more than amazing public schedule (heh, had to say that) – the Pederson campaign has been getting their message out in the media, has been airing effective TV ads both for Jim, and against Kyl – and the net result is a determined campaign clawing their way out of a hole that some of us worried was insurmountable as they close in on a lead.
Plus, Kyl going negative may put the incumbent in a much worse light than he would have been:
On the other hand the Kyl campaign has gone all buck-wild. Attacking Jim for being wealthy and putting his own money into his campaign … an attack which CLEARLY has no traction – but they are in love with. This money thing seems especially foolish when you realize how much money Kyl has in the bank from special interests. I’ll take a guy putting his own hard cash into what he believes ANY DAY over a guy who is getting checks from every evil special interest in America to do his bidding.The Kyl campaign and the GOP are petty – making silly jokes and childish accusations – always confused that the electorate in AZ is always and forever locked into the conservative mold they hope it is.
But Arizonans, just like the rest of the country, are fed up with what is going on in Washington – and the Kyl campaign’s refusal to actually engage on the issues and put forward a postive agenda is going to be their achilles heel – no matter HOW MUCH money they have.
Emmett O'Connell | September 21, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
Blog of Enchantment
For those that are interested, I've been pointed in the direction of an exciting new location in the blogosphere.
Bill Richardson's website now has a working blog:
http://blog.billrichardson2006.com/
While the blog is still in it's early stages, you can already create a profile and start posting diaries. It says quite a bit that the campaign has put together a blog of this quality that allows such direct user interface and connection.
I'll also give props to those that put together the Guv's website - it's clean, very New Mexican and contains quite a bit of content for a man running for re-election at 65% approval rating.
I'm looking forward to seeing some Western Dem readers on that blog - I'll be posting as Frontier Democrat, my handle on DailyKos as well.
Let's keep some energy on the blog because you know the campaign's watching to make sure people like us use it. If you're a Richardson fan (I won't pretend to admit I'm not), head on over and start posting. If you're not, check it out anyway during this election season and learn some more about the man and what he has done for New Mexico.
See ya'll there.
Landon Mascareñaz | September 19, 2006 | Comment on This Post (12 so far) |
Protecting the Foundation of Democracy
In a modern democracy, the people's will must be able to be freely expressed through fair and honest voting systems. We all know the stories of Ken Blackwell in Ohio and Katherine Harris in Florida. Because of their malfeasance, the true intent of their state's voters will never be known.
Out in the West, we sense a growing demand for honesty and integrity in elections. Arizona has a clean money system for finance, New Mexico has a mandated paper trail for all its ballots and Oregon, with their vote-by-mail, sets a great western standard for civic participation (turnout in 2004 was 70.9%) and strengthening democratic ideals.
Enter the Secretary of State Project:
The Secretary of State Project was created by concerned citizens to provide an easy-to-use, low-cost vehicle for online donations to key Secretary of State races.
Their criteria?
The Secretary of State Project evaluates candidates based on their positions on election issues - primarily support for a voter-verifed paper trail and transparency of the voting process, strict enforcement of laws preventing voter intimidation, opposition to any and all barriers to voting by and registration of citizens, and a committment to increasing voter turnout rather than suppressing the votes of traditionally disenfranchised groups. While a progressive enterprise at its heart, the Secretary of State Project does not screen candidates for issue positions unrelated to the duties of the office of Secretary of State, including but not limited to the war in Iraq, gay marriage, a woman's right to choose, or U.S. trade policy.
Money spent in these races will go much, much, much farther than money spent elsewher due to the nature of their usual competition and media markets. It's great to see organizations like this making the move and organizing off to the sides where it matters quite a bit.
When news like this comes up, you want the right person (in this case, Ken Gordan) for the job:
Under the gun to meet tight election-day deadlines, the Secretary of State's office certified a kind of voting machine for Jefferson and Mesa Counties that does not meet state requirements.The information comes from the deposition of John Gardner - the man appointed by Gigi Dennis as an expert and charged with certifying the machines.
But Gardner testified he is not an expert in the areas required by state law. He also admitted that the Secretary of State's office was under pressure to certify the voting machines because counties had already purchased them.
Democratic candidate for Secretary of State and state Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon issued a release today criticizing Dennis.
"I call on Secretary Dennis to immediately hire competent staff and perform adequate and thorough testing, as the law requires her to do," Gordon said in the release. "There must be a competent examination of these computerized voting machines before the election. There are critical decisions for Colorado to make this November. We cannot have trust in the results on election night if serious doubts surround our computerized voting machines."
Though Congress is definately the dog and pony show of 2006, down-ballot races such as these will make all the difference in the world. If you believe the battle for Congress is key to the future elections, how can we count on elections when we can't count our votes?
Support The Secretary of State Project.
Landon Mascareñaz | September 14, 2006 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) |
Three Senate races, the difference between Tester, Carter and Pederson
Jon Tester is giving Sen. Conrad Burns a run for his money. Actually, I don't think anyone would be surprised come November if Burns was beaten by Tester.
Jack Carter in Nevada is starting to run even with Sen. John Ensign. Carter came into this race somewhat late, had a weird start with a smoking pot confession, and despite not being a politician, is turning up the heat in Nevada.
John Pederson, on the other hand, is still running in double digits behind Jon Kyl, the not so special junior Senator from Arizona. Kyl is certainly no Sen. John McCain in terms of being a maverick and is almost the poster child for the stalled immigration reform package. He's the harsh kind of partisan that you would think a smart Western Dem would have a good chance against.
Also President Bush's support in Arizona is soft, and while Kyl's poll numbers have never been super, they have pulled up significantly as the election approaches. Actually, his worst performance was during the months of the immigration debate.
So, what are Tester and Carter doing well why is Pederson not getting any traction?
My main thought has to do with whether each candidate is an outsider. Tester fits the bill. Despite being a state legislator and a legislative leader, he had a primary race against a popular statewide elected.
Carter, on the other hand, is the true outsider. He really has nothing to lose and is running like it. He came from private industry, convinced by Katrina a year ago that public service was where he needed to go.
Pederson as the former chair of the Arizona Democratic Party is, probably safe to say, the most insider of the three. This probably changes his style a bit, while Tester and Carter can feel free to take chances, Pederson takes the well trodden road of candidates past. Historically, though, unless an incumbent falls down the stairs, they keep their office.
So, what are the other differences between these three? Or is Arizona a different place than Nevada and Montana, so you can't expect the same thing in three Western states?
Emmett O'Connell | September 1, 2006 | Comment on This Post (10 so far) |
Republicans for Ritter
From the Rocky Mountain News:
Last week, dozens of Republican business executives met with Ritter at a breakfast in Denver to discuss economic development. Republican businessman Blair Richardson, former finance chairman for Mark Holtzman's campaign for governor, hosted the breakfast."There were 100 people there, and 75 percent of them were Republicans," Richardson said. "Ritter was very strong. He said he'd create an economic czar and put that person in the governor's office. He gave Bill Richardson of New Mexico as an example of a governor who is always marketing that state."
Richardson said Ritter "won a lot of converts" at the meeting. He has endorsed Ritter himself and now plans to host a series of breakfast meetings to introduce him to other Republicans.
Unlike some Democrats, I'm not turned off by the other side finding our candidate attractive. I think it would worry me if Ritter was bending over backwards to compromise principles in the method of corporate appeasment - but most of this transition has to do with Measure C:
"There's growing discontent in the business community about the position of many Republicans on Referendum C and finding the resources necessary to fund state services," Scott said.That discontent has been a boon to Democrat Bill Ritter in his race for governor against U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez. Ritter endorsed Ref C, while Beauprez opposed it. Ref C was approved by voters last fall and allowed the state to keep billions in tax revenue that otherwise would have been returned to taxpayers.
Colorado business organizations played a key role in the passage of Ref C, fearing that huge cuts in higher education and transportation funding would harm the state's economy. Scott says many executives share Ritter's fear that Colorado is falling behind other states in funding its universities and roads.
If that is what makes Ritter appealing to Republicans, then sign me up. He currently holds a 10 point lead over Both Ways Bob. With this kind of momentum, Ritter will be the next governor of Colorado.
Regional/Ideological Ramifications
Something I yammer on here quite a bit is the ability for Western Democrats to bring both sides to the table. I'm glad to see Ritter bridging the gap in ever-blue trending Colorado. The inability of the state Republican party to build consensus on issues of education and infrastructure development has driven many former Republicans from the party:
"I said, 'That's it, I'm done,'" Kaufman said. "The people who run the Republican Party today don't care about business. What this party is about now is God, guns, gays and abortion. They don't care about education, health care or transportation. They think cutting taxes solves all problems."
In many ways, the futhering of this process in Colorado also stands as a bellweather for the rest of the Rocky Mountain West. With Democrats across the mountain west inheriting or inhabiting the governor's mansions (AZ, NM, CO, WY, MT and more around the corner) the Western Democrat is clearly in the ascendency.
Arthur Schlesinger described the period of post-WWII consensus in our country as "The Vital Center" - is it possible we are seeing a return to the Vital Center out in the West? If we are to establish a new era in policy, with Western Dems leading the way, then it could be possible to have a fundemental re-orientation of issues and politics.
Landon Mascareñaz | August 21, 2006 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) |
Western Blogs: Flip Flopping Republicans, etc...
This is something I've been meaning to do for awhile, but there are tons of great blogs being written across the West. I read a good portion of them, and every once in awhile, I'll do a basic post like this linking to notable posts.
From Square State (Colorado): Both Ways Bob Beauprez takes a belly flop on a ballot initiative that would have given citizens greater access to local government:
So let's get this straight: Holtzman is in the primary, Both Ways supports Amendment 38. Holtzman drops out, Both Ways is against it.
Left in the West (Montana): What if Tester-like style, not just Tester, Western Democratic politics, made it back east?
And, Spidelblog (Arizona): The Democratic Arizona AG takes on Walmart.
Emmett O'Connell | July 7, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
Western Governor Poll Watch and Commentary
Wyoming 4/27/06
Dave Freudenthal (D) 52%
Ray Hunkins (R) 29%
Arizona 5/24/06
Janet Napolitano (D) 55%
Don Goldwater (R) 34%
New Mexico 6/27/06
Bill Richardson (D) 56%
John Dendahl (R) 32
Colorado 5/25/06
Bill Ritter (D) 43%
Bob Beauprez (R) 38%
And we lost all these states in 2004? Now that is some food for thought.
I have three main points:
First, that this certainly says a ton about our chances for picking up these states in 2008. While support for a local governor doesn't always translate into support for a presidential nominee - I don't see how a 2008 Dem would not be starting from a positive position in the West.
Second, what is it that makes each of these politicians so successful in red (purple, really) states, either with hostile legislatures or overcoming vast party registration barriers? Some would argue populist tons, gut-believing, policy positions, luck, etc. While all of those are important, I would note that all of these politicians have co-opted issues from both sides to deliver results for their state. Call it Clintonism, triangulation or just good politics, these governors have an ability to get things done for their states.
Third, in Colorado where no sitting governor exists, Bill Ritter has opened up a good (if not strong) lead in the race. This pro-life Democrat is surprising everyone, I think, with the intensity of his campaign. He has picked up endorsements from Republicans, speaks upfront about "the legitimate role of government" in protecting the environment and investing in education, and wants to look at raising fuel efficienct standards. By adding Ritter to the mix, Democratic governors will be dominating in almost all Western states (save Utah and Idaho).
This, I think, shows how well the Western Democrat philosophy maintains out here.
Landon Mascareñaz | July 5, 2006 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) |
Kyl dropping?
Is Kyl of Arizona finally taking his lumps as a DC Republican? His Survey USA numbers seem to be stuck on 45 or so, but Pederson is tightening the race for Senate (Wactivist):
The recently released Wall Street Journal / Zogby Interactive poll shows that Jon Kyl’s numbers have taken a dive as Pederson’s remain steady, making this a 5 point race.I can’t do a link since WSJ doesn’t allow it – so instead here is a screen shot of the results and the trendline.
There will be a lot of talk about the suspect methodology of this poll. In fact, I personally have questioned it in the past when it showed Don “I now have supporters” Goldwater running near even with Janet. But, as I always say, when you don’t trust the way a poll is conducted focus on the trendlines. And the trendlines show good news.
Since the polling is done the same way each time, you can look at even “suspect” results to judge possible MOVEMENT. Looking at this poll shows that there is a good decline in the works for Kyl, with him once agin below 50%.
Why is this happening now? Well I don’t know, but I do know WHAT this means. It means that the time is JUST RIGHT for the Pederson campaign to come roaring out of its corner to land a few choice hits on the stumbling Kyl to knock his ass out.
I know the CW in the blogosphere is that Pederson isn’t doing anything and is blowing his chance to win … but hang tight folks. I have a feeling this ...is about to get VERY interesting.
Emmett O'Connell | April 1, 2006 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) |
Colorado's Ken Gordon ridicules Cowboy Democrat strategy
You know that a political strategy is seeping into the consciousness when candidates start making fun of it.
Here at Western Democrat, our push for plain-speakin', regular-guy, boots-and-jeans candidates has been ridiculed by some back East as a "Cowboy Candidate" strategy.
Well, now Ken Gordon - the Colorado Senate Majority Leader - is taking his own tongue-in-cheek potshots at the strategy - riding motorcycles, riding horses, and even jumping out of planes.
In an email titled, "No stunt man was used", Gordon announced his campaign for Secretary of State today.
Check it out:
We love ya, Ken. Keep it up.
[Elsewhere: Politics & Technology - Colorado Secretary of State candidate plummets from airplane; survives]
Kari Chisholm | March 2, 2006 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
ActBlue is coming West and interesting races
An important follow up on a recent post. Actblue, the website that lets you contribute directly to your favorite candidate decided to come down to the state level, and Montana is one of the states that was voted for their initial effort. I would have liked to see more Western states, but with the important races in Montana next year, I can't complain.
Also, speaking of important races, Swing State Project recently had a discussion about what races people were paying closest attention to. A lot of Virginia gubernatorial people, and I was surprised by how many folks were enthralled with Northeast races. There were though, some interesting races out West, including Rep. Pombo (R CA-11), the Oregon gubernatorial race, and Jay Fawcett in the CO-4.
In addition to Fawcett, I would have added Larry Grant in the open seat in the ID-1.
Emmett O'Connell | October 22, 2005 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) |
Kicking Latinos to get white votes
Did Rep. Bob Beauprez do this intentionally? (Thanks Luis).
Late Wednesday, Beauprez's office issued an apology for his "poor choice of words" in comments to the Rocky Mountain News about what he called the "painfully slow" three-year time frame for extradition. "I've vacationed in Mexico before. I know exactly what 'Mexican time' is," the newspaper quoted him as saying.But earlier, the Arvada Republican defended his "Mexican time" comment to The Denver Post, saying, "That term's used in Mexico all the time. It means 'Time to kick back, or take it easy.' This is not the time to kick back or take it easy."
If so, he would be following a well worn path of California governors (both Pete Wilson and Arnold) of making themselves look unapologetically anti-immigrant and anti-Latino, and therefore increasing their share of the white vote. Luis tells more:
I think we need to consider the possibility that this so-called "gaffe" was part of a very intentional political strategy for 2006, which I'll call the Pete Wilson strategy after the governor of California who won re-election in 1994 in a campaign that was viewed as virulently anti-Latino and anti-Asian-American. That campaign was based on the idea that if Wilson could pick up 60% of the white vote, he would win no matter what. He picked up 61% and won. If you don't believe me, check out Pat Buchanan's argument praising Wilson's 1994 strategy and arguing that future GOP victories in California and nationally depend on mobilizing the white vote on the issue of immigration.
This is a sick way to do politics. Not only do the GOPers play racial politics to get votes, they also drive down turnout.
Emmett O'Connell | June 21, 2005 | Comment on This Post (4 so far) |
The Hill Looks West
The Hill newspaper in Washington, DC, one of the best sources for coverage of Congress, takes a gander out West this week in its state by state campaign news section.
In Colorado, The Hill notes that former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) is has gotten antsy about a possible $3 trillion tax hike. They write,
The tug of war over the tax refunds is part of a larger debate about Colorado’s so-called taxpayer bill of rights. Activists on both sides say that the result of the November vote on the referendum will have nationwide reverberations.
The Hill also notes that Democrats in DC are once again setting their scopes on Montana's Republican Senator, Conrad Burns.
Democrats are lashing out at Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) for his “two-faced approach to Amtrak,” as Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) spokesman Phil Singer put it.
Singer attacked for Burns for taking a “rail tour” this past weekend meant to highlight Amtrak’s funding woes while voting against spending more on the rail system. In March, the senator, who is up for reelection in 2006, opposed restoring $1 billion to Amtrak’s budget.
To wrap up, The Hill looks towards Democratic country in New Mexico, where the state's junior Senator -- though widely popular -- might face a challenge in 2006.
Santa Fe City Councilman David Pfeffer, a decorated Vietnam veteran who recently switched from the Democratic to the Republican column, says he is “on the cusp” of challenging Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.).
[...]
Bingaman, in his fourth term, raised nearly $230,000 in the first quarter of the year, bringing his cash on hand to just over $556,000.
Although Bingaman should not be too worried -- he maintains solid support of New Mexicans, as he has for three decades -- it's time for him to get on the ball with fundraising. Half a million dollars no longer cuts it in Senate races (it probably isn't even sufficient in House races). So in order for Bingaman to make sure this race isn't too close, he'll have to get closer to $3 million.
Jonathan Singer | May 23, 2005 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) |
The Ol' Salazar Switcheroo
It’s been pointed out in other places already, but Sen. Ken Salazar could set up a Western Dem perfect storm if he ran for Governor.
Said Colorado House Minority Leader Joe Stengel:
I think Ken Salazar is coming home to run for governor. It's a 'twofer' for the Democrats. If he wins, he takes the governor's mansion from the Republicans and he gets to appoint his successor. If he loses, he goes back to being a U.S. senator.
Plus, if he ends up running against Bob Beauprez, who had a close race in 2002, less close in 2004, we might end up picking up the Colorado 7. That district, ironically, was listed as one of the top three most competitive congressional districts in the West.
Emmett O'Connell | May 19, 2005 | Comment on This Post (1 so far) |
Lockyer's Out
Well, in a surprising turn, California AG Bill Lockyer announced that he's running for State Treasurer - not for Governor.
"I've decided not to spend the next 10 years of my life in partisan hand-to-hand combat."
That may clear the field for current State Treasurer Phil Angelides, who sent an email today to his supporters:
With Attorney General Lockyer's decision today, I now hope to unify the Democratic Party behind my candidacy so that we can wage a winning campaign that puts California back to work for working people and builds a better future for our children.
Of course, movie mogul Rob Reiner and State Controller Steve Westly are still considering the race.
Kari Chisholm | April 28, 2005 | Comment on This Post (0 so far) |
Western Senate Races, the heart of Swinging 2006 to the left
The 2006 Senate races will be a big time in the West. Its an opportunity to show that the Democratic Party is the real deal in the West, with most of the western states having contested Senate races. If you were to choose on Western Republican to go after, it would be Senator Burns of Montana.
Montana is the romantic heart of the Western Democrat movement, with our sweep last year. Only Colorado came close to matching the enthusiasm in Montana, and they have an open race for Governor to hang their hat on in 2006.
Burns is looking everyday like a more vulnerable candidate. If Bush’s Social Security fiasco can be hung around his neck or he can become the Judy Martz of 2006 (a Montana Republican known far and wide as being corrupt), and if his lackluster re-elect numbers stay low, I think he’s beatable
At the same time, Democrats are already lining up to take a shot at him:
At least four Democrats are being considered or being mentioned as possible candidates next year for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican incumbent Conrad Burns.They are:
Daniel Kemmis of Missoula, an attorney and former Montana House speaker who heads the Center for the Rocky Mountain West, a research think tank at the University of Montana.
John Morrison of Helena, an attorney who was re-elected as state auditor in November and serves as Montana's insurance and securities commissioner.
Leo McDonnell of Columbus, founder and president of R-CALF, a national cattlemen's group.
Jon Tester of Big Sandy, an organic grain farmer who is president of the Montana Senate this session.
My favorite, for obvious reasons, is Kemmis:
Kemmis, 59, sent a letter to the Democratic Party's executive board saying he's looking at the race, but has made no decision yet to run. He said he knows there are some other good Democrats also considering it and wants to make sure the party gets the best possible candidate."For me, it's party a matter of having grown up idolizing Mike Mansfield and absorbing his great respect for the U.S. Senate both as a great deliberative body and as a counter balance to the executive branch when it takes a wrong turn,'' Kemmis said.
Among his attributes, Kemmis said, are having been being born and raised on a farm in Eastern Montana and retaining those roots, while having substantial experience working with the more urban side of the state.
"My real strength has been bringing different factions together to figure out what they have in common urban and rural, environmentalists and loggers,'' said Kemmis, author of several books on the role of communities. "The bridge building and problem solving that I've devoted my career to would be of value in the Senate.''
Another great resource, the Burns page at DSCC.
Emmett O'Connell | April 1, 2005 | Comment on This Post (3 so far) |
Idaho Gov. 2006 lining up
While not being able to even get a name on the ballot for the 2004 US Senate race, the Idaho Democratic party seems to already have two candidates ready to go for the 2006 race for Governor.
Two years ago Jerry Brady lost the same race with only 42 percent of the vote, which isn't going to stop him from running again in 2006. Jerry is a former newspaper publisher, his grandfather was governor almost a hundred years ago, he is pals with Howard Dean, was in the Peace Corps and was an aide to Senator Frank Church back in the day. Not all of those things will help him.
The other candidate Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett.
The Idaho Democratic party is already making a bold move by coming out against campaigns:
Kempthorne ignited early interest in the race when he announced during his January State of the State speech he would not seek a third term. Kent Kunz, Republican state committeeman from Bannock County and a Kempthorne liaison to the Legislature, said polls show the governor would have been the heavy favorite.With all but one of the prospective candidates currently holding office, Democratic leaders are taking the tack that Otter's early declaration will cause candidates to spend time politicking when they should be working for constituents.
"This is the first time I've ever seen this two years ahead of the fact. Maybe their first priority ought to be representing the people who elected them," said former Congressman Richard Stallings, a Pocatello city councilman and the Democratic party's new state chairman. "It's way early. I think people are going to get very tired of this before it's over."
Give our recent track record, I think we need all the time we can get.
Emmett O'Connell | March 28, 2005 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) |
