Archive

Republicans Face No-Win Situation in New York 26

by Stuart Rothenberg May 20, 2011 · 12:19 PM EDT

Republican strategists are now praying that they never, ever have another special election in New York state.

First they failed to win a 2009 special election to take back Democrat Kirsten’s Gillibrand’s open seat (which they won back last year). Then, later that year, they lost the open seat…

Huntsman: More or Less Than Meets the Eye?

by Stuart Rothenberg May 18, 2011 · 10:13 AM EDT

Scenarios are a dime a dozen when it comes to political candidates, so the problem is figuring out which ones have value.

When it comes to Jon Huntsman’s impending presidential run, it isn’t yet clear whether the former Utah governor is a political powerhouse about to shake up the GOP race or a…

Businessman Tim Sullivan Mulling Wisconsin Senate Bid

by Nathan L. Gonzales May 17, 2011 · 2:32 PM EDT

Wisconsin businessman Tim Sullivan is leaving his options open for a Senate run, including which party banner he’d run under.

After businessman Ron Johnson (R) burst onto the political scene last year to knock off then-Sen. Russ Feingold (D), party strategists on both sides of the aisle are…

New York 26: Move to Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic

May 16, 2011 · 11:11 AM EDT

With a week to go until the May 24 special election in New York’s open 26th C.D., Democrat Kathy Hochul now looks well-positioned to pull off a significant upset.

Both parties agree that the race remains close – “within the margin of error” is the phrase most often used – and Republican Jane…

For Some in Senate, Losing Once Is Way to Win

by Nathan L. Gonzales May 16, 2011 · 9:44 AM EDT

For the world’s most exclusive club, the Senate sure has a lot of losers.

Almost a dozen Senators lost their first races for the Senate only to come back later in their careers and win. This cycle, a trio of Republicans are trying to join the club.

“Losing was probably the best thing that…

Wisconsin Senate: Moved from Safe Democrat to Lean Democrat

May 13, 2011 · 10:44 AM EDT

The retirement of Sen. Herb Kohl (D) forces Democrats to defend yet another open seat in a competitive state. The likable, wealthy senator, who was first elected in 1988, hasn’t had a particularly difficult race since his first race, so the open seat significantly improves GOP prospects.

Still,…

Debt Limit Vote: You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet

by Stuart Rothenberg May 13, 2011 · 10:17 AM EDT

Forget the fights over health care reform, the extension of the Bush tax cuts and any other controversy previously billed by the media as The Big One. The vote on raising the debt limit is so politically significant that any other Capitol Hill fight we have witnessed of late pales in comparison.

House Ratings: New Iowa, Louisiana, Arkansas districts added

May 12, 2011 · 12:15 PM EDT

The entire election cycle on the House side is delayed due to redistricting. Without the new congressional maps, potential candidates remain on the sidelines and it’s very difficult to handicap races.

Over the last couple of weeks, Iowa, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma completed new maps. But…