House News & Analysis

Want to Run for Congress? Prepare to Ask People for Money 8 Hours a Day

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 23, 2013 · 10:33 AM EDT

As a political analyst, it’s easy to criticize candidates for not raising enough money. But it’s also easy to forget how hard it is to raise money. And it’s no wonder that most potential candidates pause before taking the plunge into a congressional race because of the burden of…

Israel Vs. Walden Showdown on ‘The Daily Rundown’

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 22, 2013 · 10:17 AM EDT

The two House campaign chiefs faced off on MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown” Friday morning. But how close was their analysis of the House playing field to reality?

“We will have a handful of primaries on our side of the aisle,” said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve…

Colorado 6: But How Will It Play in Aurora?

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 3:00 PM EDT

Mike Coffman won’t ever be able to rest easy.

The latest round of redistricting took the GOP congressman from a staunchly Republican district to one of the most competitive seats in the country. And his 2012 re-election race didn’t disappoint. Coffman squeaked by challenger Joe Miklosi in Colorado’s…

Maine 2: Michaud’s Exit Creates Potential GOP Opportunity

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:58 PM EDT

Rep. Mike Michaud’s decision to run for governor opens up a potentially competitive district that House Democrats would rather not have to defend. But the discussion about the competitiveness of Maine’s 2nd District may be caught in a time warp, and Republicans still have a ways to go to…

Illinois 17: Schilling’s Entry Improves GOP Chances

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 19, 2013 · 2:56 PM EDT

Democrats redrew Illinois’ 17th District to defeat GOP Rep. Bobby Schilling last year. Their efforts worked, but Schilling isn’t taking the forced retirement well.

In 2012, Schilling lost re-election to Democrat Cheri Bustos, 53 percent to 47 percent, in a competitive race that didn’t end up being particularly…

Gay Couples Could Face Different Campaign Money Rules Across States

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 11, 2013 · 9:30 AM EDT

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act, gay candidates and their spouses could face different campaign finance guidelines depending on their state.

Earlier this month, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee sent an advisory opinion request to the Federal…

Democrats Rally Against Bill Clinton’s Record

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 5, 2013 · 9:30 AM EDT

What do you call a politician who supports the Defense of Marriage Act and a balanced federal budget? Today, that describes a conservative Republican. Sixteen years ago, that was a two-term Democratic president.

Bill Clinton is a rock star among Democrats. He’s one of the most requested politicians…

It’s Uphill All the Way for Social Conservatives

by Stuart Rothenberg July 3, 2013 · 10:17 AM EDT

Although the seemingly unstoppable march of cultural liberalism took pause during the years of Ronald Reagan and even into the 1990s, it is back on track. Liberals will applaud it and conservatives will dread it, but it is silly to deny its strength.

Television and movies reflect our…

Ohio 14: Running Again for the First Time

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 28, 2013 · 2:00 PM EDT

You can’t get appointed to the House of Representatives, but Republican Dave Joyce’s experience is about as close as it gets.

When GOP Rep. Steve LaTourette announced his retirement late in the cycle last year, local Republican officials chose Joyce to replace him on the ballot. Joyce defeated…

Gomez-Sanford Comparison on Obamacare Fails the Smell Test

by Stuart Rothenberg June 28, 2013 · 9:53 AM EDT

You only need to look at the first paragraph of an “opinion” piece on Roll Call’s website to see that it wasn’t worthy of being posted on our website – or anyone’s. I’m not even going to include a link because I don’t want anyone to read it.