Inside Elections

2012 Senate Ratings (May 5, 2011)

May 5, 2011 · 9:29 AM EDT

How Major Is the Killing of Osama bin Laden?

by Stuart Rothenberg May 4, 2011 · 11:02 AM EDT

The reaction to the killing of Osama bin Laden strikes me as more interesting than the death of the man who plotted so many acts of international terrorism.

Members of the national media treated the announcement of the demise of bin Laden, who has become a symbol of anti-Americanism and terror,…

New York 26: Moved to More Vulnerable Category

April 29, 2011 · 4:25 PM EDT

With less than a month to go before Election Day, the special election in New York’s 26th District is not a foregone conclusion.

GOP insiders acknowledge (and a new public poll shows) that state Assemblywoman Jane Corwin (R) has a small lead over Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul (D) in the race…

2012 House Ratings (April 29, 2011)

April 29, 2011 · 4:24 PM EDT

Berg Senate Run Likely in North Dakota

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 27, 2011 · 11:55 AM EDT

Rep. Rick Berg is very seriously considering a run for Senate in North Dakota and is even likely to make the race, according to sources close to the freshman Congressman.

According to the GOP sources, the Republican had no plans to seek higher office until Sen. Kent Conrad’s (D) decision to…

The Shape of Redistricting, Part I: Iowa, Louisiana, Arkansas

by Stuart Rothenberg April 26, 2011 · 9:31 AM EDT

With redistricting completed in three states — Iowa, Louisiana and Arkansas — Democratic and Republican strategists are trying to look on the bright side. In fact, both sides have some reason for disappointment, but also for feeling relieved.

Louisiana lost one district, and Republicans were…

Ohio Senate: What Has Brown Done for You?

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 22, 2011 · 2:59 PM EDT

For all of the talk about Ohio being a swing state, the last two U.S. Senate races have been blowouts. Republicans are hoping next year’s race is different.

Almost six years ago, an often-reluctant Sherrod Brown (D) decided to leave his safe Congressional seat in order to challenge Sen. Mike…

Iowa Districts: Out with the Old, In with the New

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 22, 2011 · 2:58 PM EDT

Iowa’s redistricting process is a political handicapper’s dream and incumbent’s nightmare.

Instead of letting partisan legislators draw the new congressional lines, that task is left to a nonpartisan commission, the Legislative Services Bureau. By aiming to keep counties intact and districts…

Obama, GOP Not Serious About Deficit Deal

by Stuart Rothenberg April 20, 2011 · 9:37 AM EDT

After watching President Barack Obama’s response to Congressional Republicans’ proposals for cutting the federal deficit, it’s awfully hard to credit either side with being serious about finding a viable legislative compromise.

In his speech on fiscal policy at George Washington University on…

Iowa 4: Christie Vilsack Likely to Challenge King

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 15, 2011 · 11:39 PM EDT

Former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack (D) is likely to take on Cong. Steve King (R) in Iowa’s new 4th Congressional District, according to a Democratic source in the Hawkeye State. Vilsack, however, has not yet made a final decision.

There’s been a lot of movement in the delegation since the…