Archive

Is Arkansas Really the Land of Opportunity for Democrats?

by Stuart Rothenberg December 18, 2013 · 3:33 PM EST

When we think of political battlegrounds, states like Ohio and Florida come to mind. But every so often, a small state becomes a partisan political battleground.

This cycle, that’s Arkansas — about as unlikely a state as you might imagine.

While Democrats see Arkansas as a place to mount a…

Open 3rd District Gives Democrats Opportunity in Iowa

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 18, 2013 · 12:06 PM EST

Republican Rep. Tom Latham’s retirement announcement put another GOP seat into play for Democrats and capped off a wild day in congressional handicapping. He leaves behind the 3rd District of Iowa, which should turn into a good Democratic opportunity.

On Tuesday, not only did three Members…

Matheson’s Retirement Moves Utah’s 4th District to Safe for Republicans

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 3:40 PM EST

Rep. Jim Matheson’s retirement means the Democratic hold on Utah’s 4th District is all but over. Matheson represented the most Republican district held by a Democrat in the House. Now that he’s gone, his party will be hard-pressed to replace him.

The presidential numbers are dismal for…

Wolf’s Retirement Moves Virginia’s 10th District from Safe to Lean Republican

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 3:33 PM EST

Republican Frank Wolf’s retirement gives Democrats an opportunity to win Virginia’s 10th District next year. 

Democratic strategists have had their eye on the Northern Virginia seat, but the 17-term congressman has been a considerable roadblock in their efforts to take over the seat.

On…

2014 House Ratings (December 17, 2013)

December 17, 2013 · 2:12 PM EST

One Reason Donald Trump Should Be President

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 11:45 AM EST

It’s not very challenging to write about the countless reasons why Donald Trump would not make a good president. But there is one thing the Donald does that might be useful in the Oval Office — he fires people.

As Ezra Klein noted in his recent Bloomberg column, there have been multiple…

Louisiana Ad Could Preview 2014 Democratic Playbook

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 16, 2013 · 9:11 AM EST

A new television ad by a Democratic-aligned super PAC in Louisiana is more than an early attack ad in an important Senate race. It’s an important sneak peek into what Democratic ads could look like in races all over the country next year.

First reported by Roll Call, Senate Majority PAC’s first…

Awards for the Best and Worst of Politics in 2013

by Stuart Rothenberg December 12, 2013 · 9:33 AM EST

Yes, folks, it’s time again for my end-of-the-year awards. It’s been a weird year, but face it: Weird is the new normal in politics.

Eight weeks ago, everyone was talking about the shutdown. A month ago, it was the launch of Obamacare. Now it’s, well, I’m not sure. In early October, it looked…

What Happened to the Campaign for Primary Accountability?

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 9, 2013 · 9:56 AM EST

Competitive primaries are raging, but one of the groups that received the most attention last cycle for ousting incumbents is still on the sidelines. So far this cycle, the Campaign for Primary Accountability is nowhere to be found.

After receiving glowing press coverage in 2012, the political…