Archive

Democrats Need GOP Voters to Win

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 7, 2011 · 9:54 AM EST

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.

The Nebraska…

Wisconsin: Degenerating Quickly Into the Muck

by Stuart Rothenberg March 4, 2011 · 11:15 AM EST

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.

Politics is…

Hawaii Senate: Open Seat Remains Safe for Now

March 3, 2011 · 2:05 PM EST

At 86 years old, Sen. Daniel Akaka’s (D) retirement isn’t terribly surprising and his timing might be perfect for his party.

Democrats will defend Akaka’s open seat in 2012 while sharing a ballot with Hawaii’s native son, President Barack Obama. In 2008, Obama defeated John McCain 72%-27%. Even…

Tim Pawlenty’s Michele Bachmann Problem

by Stuart Rothenberg March 2, 2011 · 12:05 PM EST

In a Republican presidential race that could include the likes of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) and Mississippi Gov. (and former Republican National Committee Chairman) Haley Barbour, Tim Pawlenty’s most troublesome potential opponent could well be a…

New York 26: Waiting for Hoffman

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 25, 2011 · 3:00 PM EST

If a shirtless photo of a married GOP congressman on Craig’s List didn’t keep Republican operatives up at night, the prospect of another special election in New York might do the trick.

Cong. Chris Lee abruptly resigned just hours after the story broke that he was sending provocative photos of…

California 36: Beachfront Property

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 25, 2011 · 2:59 PM EST

It only took a month of the 112th Congress for Jane Harman to decide she’d had enough.

Just a few weeks into her ninth term, the Democratic congresswoman announced she’d be resigning her seat in order to take a job at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.

Her exit leaves an open 36th…

New Mexico Senate: Open Seat Move to Tilt

February 25, 2011 · 2:58 PM EST

Sen. Jeff Bingaman’s retirement puts Democrats firmly on the defensive as the 2012 cycle is just beginning.

Democrats haven’t had to worry about his New Mexico Senate seat in almost two decades, but his exit creates an open seat headache for his party and an opportunity for Republicans.