Archive

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…

The $4 Billion Campaign Against John Cornyn

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 6, 2013 · 9:50 AM EST

Democrat David Alameel announced recently his challenge to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and the wealthy dentist said money won’t be a problem. I’m not so sure.

“I’ll just do whatever it takes,” he told the Dallas Morning News. “Money is not an issue for me.”

The source of Alameel’s confidence…

House Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon for 2014: Cash

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 5, 2013 · 9:41 AM EST

House Democrats are stockpiling cash, and some GOP strategists have expressed concern that Democrats could use their financial advantage to expand the playing field.

Through October, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $65 million and had $25 million in the bank for the 2014…

A Traditional Midterm Headache for Democrats

by Stuart Rothenberg December 4, 2013 · 9:57 AM EST

Democrats have had a nice run recently of interesting House recruits and new takeover opportunities resulting from open GOP seats. And yet, it probably won’t matter.

If history is any guide — and it usually is — the president’s recent problems have already overshadowed that good news for House…

If Linda Lingle Could, Why Can’t Wendy Davis?

by Stuart Rothenberg December 3, 2013 · 9:36 AM EST

As longtime readers of this column know, voters in one-party states sometimes elect the nominee of the “wrong” party as governor. Today’s question is whether state Sen. Wendy Davis, a Democrat, has a fighting chance to win next year’s gubernatorial election in Texas, which remains a rock-solid…

Open Your Mind to the Possibility of Another Midterm Mess for Democrats

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 2, 2013 · 10:48 AM EST

Democrats might want to consider opening their minds to the potential of another midterm nightmare.

I remember dozens of conversations with GOP candidates and strategists prior to the 2012 elections. Republicans simply couldn’t wrap their minds around the possibility that 2008 could ever be…

Florida 13 Special: Democrats Throw Sink at Young’s Open Seat

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 26, 2013 · 3:30 PM EST

With the Virginia gubernatorial election in the rearview mirror, politicos will be looking for the next bellwether for the 2014 elections. Look no further than the special election in Florida’s 13th District early next year.

For at least a decade, Democratic strategists have been plotting life…

Arizona 1: Kirkpatrick Shoots for Re-elect, Not Repeat

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 26, 2013 · 3:29 PM EST

It’s no surprise that Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is near the top of the list of vulnerable House Democrats. But unlike the vast majority of her at risk colleagues, the congresswoman voted against Republican Fred Upton’s “Keep Your Health Plan Act,” ensuring that healthcare will be a premiere issue next…

RPR Report Shorts (Florida 19, Louisiana 5, New York 24, West Virginia 2)

November 26, 2013 · 3:28 PM EST

Florida 19. Freshman GOP Rep. Trey Radel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of cocaine possession in Washington, D.C. He was sentenced to one year of probation and announced he would take a leave of absence in order to seek treatment.

At this point, it looks like GOP leadership is giving…