Forget all that talk about civility, bipartisanship and a new tone in politics. The fight over public service unions and collective bargaining that is taking place in Wisconsin has already degenerated into the muck. That’s what happens when a major political fight is taking place. Full Story
Judging from the signs in Madison, more than a few people seem to think Gov. Scott Walker (R) is a dictator.
Democrats Need GOP Voters to Win
Vulnerable Democrats beware: The bipartisan well is about dry. Last cycle, Democrats saw their percentage of the Republican vote drop dramatically, and that could spell trouble for incumbents relying on that vote to survive in 2012. Sen. Ben Nelson is at the top of the list. Full StoryFor example:
Sen. Scott Brown (R) presumably won his January 2010 special election in Massachusetts with the help of some Democrats and left-leaning independents. It will be tougher for Brown to capture those voters in a presidential year, when he is up for re-election to a full six-year term. (There were no exit polls in his initial race to determine how steep of a climb he has.)
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will announce today the first 15 members of its incumbent retention program for the 2012 cycle, according to a document obtained by Roll Call. Full StoryThe Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will announce today the first 15 members of its incumbent retention program for the 2012 cycle, according to a document obtained by Roll Call.
There are 25 fewer incumbents in the initial DCCC Frontline program than there were two years ago thanks to the 63-seat net gain by Republicans in November. The list is dominated by Democrats who won close elections last fall in what was a historically down year for the party, and the light incumbent load signals the committee will be far more geared toward offense than last cycle.
One notable name on the list is Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who remains in recovery from a gunshot wound suffered in January. The Arizona Democrat, whose district borders Mexico, won with less than 50 percent of the vote in what has proved to be a marginal district.
Others on the list include Reps. Tim Bishop (N.Y.) and Jerry McNerney (Calif.), whose razor-thin 2010 races lasted well past Election Day.
Two Virginia Democrats said Tuesday that they are banking on a Kaine candidacy. Full StoryDemocrats are stirring in their quest to unseat Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) in 2012. Full Story
Newton Mayor Setti Warren issued a statement this week saying he is actively considering a run.
“I have been disappointed by many of his votes, which I believe have hurt many cities and towns in Massachusetts, including my own community of Newton,” Warren said. “I’m not yet ready to announce an official decision on entering the race. But in the final analysis, if I believe I can do a better job for Massachusetts, I’ll put my name on the ballot.”
Warren, an Iraq War veteran, is Newton’s first black mayor and a former aide to Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass).
Gov. Deval Patrick has repeatedly dropped Warren’s name as a potential candidate, in addition to Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, nonprofit leader Alan Khazei and former lieutenant governor candidate Bob Massie, who has already declared his candidacy. Others to watch include Democratic Reps. Mike Capuano and Stephen Lynch.
The RNC goes after the president. Full Story