Archive

Are Republican Ads That Attack Obama and Pelosi Effective?

by Stuart Rothenberg May 15, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Hours after the results were tallied in Louisiana’s 6th district special election, both parties issued assessments about the efficacy of GOP ads linking the winner, Don Cazayoux (D), to presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Democrats proclaimed…

Few Pollsters Get High Marks in ’08 Presidential Races

by Stuart Rothenberg May 12, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Everyone seems to conduct polls these days, but not everyone conducts good ones. That’s the message I drew after reviewing dozens of presidential polls conducted from Iowa through Indiana and North Carolina.

It’s beyond time for those of us who write about politics to evaluate the seemingly…

Oregon Senate: Will Democrats in Oregon Go Quirky or Traditional?

by Stuart Rothenberg May 8, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Two weeks from tomorrow, we’ll know whether Oregon Democrats have nominated Jeff Merkley or Steve Novick to take on incumbent Gordon Smith (R) in the Senate race. The primary, with anti-war candidate Candy Neville a wild card, has been far more entertaining — and much more competitive — than most…

2008 House Ratings

May 7, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Here are our latest House ratings. Any seats not listed are currently considered to be at limited risk for the incumbent party. For our race-by-race analysis, you must subscribe to the print edition of the Report.

We've updated the chart to reflect Democrat Don Cazayoux's win in the Louisiana…

Open Season in 2010

by Nathan L. Gonzales May 6, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Democrats aren’t losing much sleep over their open seats this cycle. But 2010 may be a whole different story.

This year, Democrats control only seven of the 31 open seats in the House. They simply aren’t leaving Washington, D.C., the way the Republicans are, whether it’s due to excitement about…

May Is a Special Month for House Campaign Teams

by Stuart Rothenberg May 5, 2008 · 12:05 AM EDT

Normally, May is the month of college graduations, flowers and the Kentucky Derby. This year, you can add special elections to that list.

On Saturday, voters in the special election in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional district will pick either Woody Jenkins (R) or Don Cazayoux (D) to fill the…

Florida 24: Race to November

by Nathan L. Gonzales May 2, 2008 · 3:00 PM EDT

Tom Feeney knows his congressional district. Heck, he drew it for himself.

By the numbers, Florida’s 24th District doesn’t look particularly vulnerable, but the Republican congressman’s connection to incarcerated former lobbyist Jack Abramoff have plenty of GOP strategists uneasy.

Feeney’s…

Mississippi 1: Something Special

by Nathan L. Gonzales May 2, 2008 · 3:00 PM EDT

It won’t be easy for Republicans to explain away a loss in Mississippi’s 1st District. But they might want to start working on their excuses now.

Two months ago, Republicans lost former House Speaker Dennis Hastert’s seat in Illinois, but blamed the special election loss on a flawed nominee.…

New York 13: Fosella’s DUI

May 2, 2008 · 3:00 PM EDT

Cong. Vito Fosella, the only Republican left from the five boroughs of New York City, was cited by police in Northern Virginia for driving under the influence of alcohol. Democrats have been targeting the Staten Island GOPer, with attorney Steve Harrison and Brooklyn Councilman Domenic Recchia…

Oregon Senate: Tight Democratic Primary

May 2, 2008 · 3:00 PM EDT

State House Speaker Jeff Merkley remains locked in a tight battle with Democratic consultant Steve Novick in the May 20 Democratic primary for the right to face Sen. Gordon Smith (R) in the general election. Merkley is the establishment candidate and favorite of Democratic insiders. A recent…