Inside Elections

2012 Senate Ratings (November 4, 2011)

November 4, 2011 · 11:56 AM EDT

Maryland House: New Map Endangers Bartlett

November 4, 2011 · 11:54 AM EDT

Democrats passed a new congressional map that puts long-time Cong. Roscoe Bartlett’s (R) electoral career on life-support.

Early on it looked like Democrats would target freshman Cong. Andy Harris (R), but his Eastern Shore district looks safe. Meanwhile, Bartlett went from having a miniscule…

Nevada House: Democrats Could Win Three of Four Seats

November 4, 2011 · 11:53 AM EDT

A court finally drew a map after legislators couldn’tdecide on a compromise and Democrats should be pleased.

Nevada gained a seat during reapportionment and the new lines give Democrats an opportunity to win three of the state’s four seats.

Cong. Mark Amodei (R), who just won a competitive…

Utah House: Matheson’s Tough Decision

November 4, 2011 · 11:52 AM EDT

Republicans passed a new congressional map that puts Democratic Cong. Jim Matheson (D) in jeopardy.

Matheson’s been in Republican districts before but now Republicans are giving him new territory. The Democratic congressman ruled out running for the U.S. Senate, leaving a gubernatorial run,…

Louisiana Governor: Jindal Wins Re-Election

November 4, 2011 · 11:50 AM EDT

Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) won reelection to a second term by garnering 66% in the all-party primary on October 22. The result is not surprising considering the governor raised $11 million and Democrats failed to get a candidate until just before the filing deadline. In fact, Republicans swept the…

Would Cain Be Leading the Race if He Were White?

by Stuart Rothenberg November 4, 2011 · 9:00 AM EDT

Longtime readers of this column may get the feeling that they have seen this headline before.

Three and a half years ago, I wrote a column with a similar title after former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro (D-N.Y.), a supporter of presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton, asserted that Barack Obama…

So You Want to Be a Political Handicapper, Part II

by Stuart Rothenberg November 2, 2011 · 9:49 AM EDT

In my last column, I reported on my reactions after recently interviewing five House candidates. Here are my thoughts on the other five, all Democrats, whom I saw during a day of “speed interviewing.”

Ann Kuster (New Hampshire’s 2nd district). Kuster has already emerged as one of the Democrats’…

Think You Can Be a Political Handicapper?

by Stuart Rothenberg October 28, 2011 · 11:49 AM EDT

After meeting and interviewing Missouri Republican Congressional candidate Ann Wagner on Monday, I had the opportunity the following day to interview nine Democratic House candidates in less than four hours — the political version of speed dating.

Yes, national party strategists set up the…

Stu’s Dangerous Dozen: Unsafe House Incumbents

by Stuart Rothenberg October 26, 2011 · 11:22 AM EDT

For years now, I’ve been running lists of vulnerable open seats and incumbents, so there is no reason to wait until all states have completed redistricting. Here are the most vulnerable incumbents who are currently planning on seeking re-election. One caveat: I have excluded incumbents running…

Michigan Senate: Still Cooking

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 22, 2011 · 12:00 AM EDT

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D) leads in money and leads in the polls but the Senate race in Michigan isn’t over yet. The state’s junior senator has been on the other side of the equation. A dozen years ago, GOP Sen. Spencer Abraham was in a similar position in the off-year, but Stabenow defeated him…