Archive

Why Latino voters won’t decide control of House in 2014

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 29, 2013 · 11:51 AM EDT

The Latino population is growing and Latino voters are becoming more influential. But that doesn’t mean they are going to decide who controls the House of Representatives in the 2014 elections.

A new analysis by Latino Decisions, a public opinion firm, and America’s Voice, a group that works…

As Portland (Maine) Goes, So Goes … the Nation?

by Stuart Rothenberg July 24, 2013 · 9:34 AM EDT

For decades, Portland, Maine, the state’s largest city (population 66,000), has been more liberal and more Democratic than the rest of the Pine Tree State. But it wasn’t always the magnet for foodies or the home of upscale boutiques that attract a more affluent crowd.

While Maine elected a…

Want to Run for Congress? Prepare to Ask People for Money 8 Hours a Day

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 23, 2013 · 10:33 AM EDT

As a political analyst, it’s easy to criticize candidates for not raising enough money. But it’s also easy to forget how hard it is to raise money. And it’s no wonder that most potential candidates pause before taking the plunge into a congressional race because of the burden of fundraising.

Israel Vs. Walden Showdown on ‘The Daily Rundown’

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 22, 2013 · 10:17 AM EDT

The two House campaign chiefs faced off on MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown” Friday morning. But how close was their analysis of the House playing field to reality?

“We will have a handful of primaries on our side of the aisle,” said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel,…

Colorado 6: But How Will It Play in Aurora?

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 3:00 PM EDT

Mike Coffman won’t ever be able to rest easy.

The latest round of redistricting took the GOP congressman from a staunchly Republican district to one of the most competitive seats in the country. And his 2012 re-election race didn’t disappoint. Coffman squeaked by challenger Joe Miklosi in…

Kentucky Senate: Process of Elimination

by Stuart Rothenberg July 19, 2013 · 2:59 PM EDT

With Republican Senate takeover opportunities continuing to grow, national Democratic strategists know that they need to try to put one or two GOP seats into play next year.

Maine, the only state carried by President Barack Obama that has a Republican senator up for re-election next year,…

Maine 2: Michaud’s Exit Creates Potential GOP Opportunity

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:58 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Michaud’s decision to run for governor opens up a potentially competitive district that House Democrats would rather not have to defend. But the discussion about the competitiveness of Maine’s 2nd District may be caught in a time warp, and Republicans still have a ways to go to prove…

Montana Senate: Democrats Start From Scratch

by Stuart Rothenberg July 19, 2013 · 2:57 PM EDT

The announcement by former governor Brian Schweitzer that he won’t seek the Democratic nomination for Senate next year certainly shakes up the contest to fill the open seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Max Baucus.

After Baucus announced his retirement in April, Democratic insiders seemed quite…

Illinois 17: Schilling’s Entry Improves GOP Chances

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:56 PM EDT

Democrats redrew Illinois’ 17th District to defeat GOP Rep. Bobby Schilling last year. Their efforts worked, but Schilling isn’t taking the forced retirement well.

In 2012, Schilling lost re-election to Democrat Cheri Bustos, 53 percent to 47 percent, in a competitive race that didn’t end up…

Texas Governor: Perry Retiring, Abbott is Likely Successor

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:55 PM EDT

After over a dozen years in office, Rick Perry is finally ready to retire as the governor of Texas. He’s been in office so long that some potential successors have come and gone. But now that the race is finally open, there isn’t exactly a flood of people stepping up to run.

The biggest reason…