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BLOG ARCHIVE: JUNE 2005
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE.
FLORIDA: New independent poll numbers released on the '06 US Senate and open gubernatorial contests. In the US Senate race, incumbent US Senator Bill Nelson (D) led Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R) by a 50% to 38% vote in the Quinnipiac University poll. Nelson also led State House Speaker Allan Bense (R) -- the White House's favored candidate who has yet to enter the race and remains largely unknown -- by a vote of 55% to 26%. A GOP primary poll shows Harris led Bense by a 54% to 6% vote. "I started out on the bottom. Remember, 35 years ago I was a janitor in an office building cleaning toilets. I've seen a lot of people rise from great depths and be successful," said Bense. In the race to replace term-limited Governor Jeb Bush (R), Attorney General Charlie Crist continues to lead for the GOP nomination. The numbers: Crist-43%, State CFO Tom Gallagher-31%. On the Democratic side, bad press for former State Democratic Chair Scott Maddox has taken a toll. The results: Congressman Jim Davis-24%, Maddox-16%, and conservative State Senator Rod Smith-7%. The anemic Democratic numbers make the field ripe for another candidate to jump in -- not that anyone else is really looking at it. It's
a light news day but, hey, we're approaching a slow holiday weekend.. WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE. SUPREME
SENATORS: US Senate Minority Leader
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Despite a recent US Supreme Court ruling that the federal government has a right to ignore state medical marijuana laws and enforce federal drug prohibitions, the Rhode Island Legislature overwhelmingly decided to send a message this week. By a veto-proof majority, the RI Leg became the 11th state to approve the decriminalization of medical marijuana. Governor Don Carcieri (R) said he will likely veto the bill, but the votes are clearly there to override the expected veto. State Representative Thomas Slater is the sponsor of the bill. Slater is also 64 years old and has undergone treatment for lung and prostate cancer. "Would I really take marijuana? I don't know. I just want the option out there for people. If they feel it would help them and a doctor feels it would help them, then I want them to have the option to use it without fear of state prosecution," he explained. Since the high court ruling last month, federal agents conducted high profile raids on medical marijuana clubs in California. "The DEA has said they would not go after the sick and dying, and we don't think they will in Rhode Island," said Slater. NEW YORK: State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R) told the Hudson Valley News he now believes Governor George Pataki (R) will seek a fourth term next year. "I think he has had three good terms and I frankly believe that he would continue his good work over the next five years," said Bruno. Polls repeatedly show Pataki trailing Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (D) by a wide margin. In related news, a radio talk show producer is organizing a GOP gubernatorial draft campaign for billionaire businessman, perennial candidate, and political independent Tom Golisano.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE.
THE SUPREMES: In the final day of the US Supreme Court term, the sharply split justices issued a confusing pair of "Ten Commandments" rulings -- and the day did not produce the anticipated Court retirement. In two 5-4 rulings, the Supreme Court held that a six-foot granite monument of the Ten Commandments on the grounds of the Texas Capitol was permissible but that framed copies of the Ten Commandments displayed inside of some Kentucky courthouses violated the separation of church versus state. Justice Stephen Breyer was the swing vote, upholding the Texas display but rejecting the Kentucky one. Essentially, the Court held these must be decided on a case-by-case basis. But framed copies in two Kentucky courthouses went too far in endorsing religion, the court held. The courthouse displays are unconstitutional because the religious content was overemphasized. By contrast, the Texas display was one of 17 historical displays on the Capitol grounds and was determined to be a legitimate tribute to the nation's legal and religious traditions. "Simply having religious content or promoting a message consistent with a religious doctrine does not run afoul of the Establishment clause," wrote Rehnquist in the Texas case. Justice Antonin Scalia -- who supported the displays in both instances and is seemingly auditioning daily for the role of Chief Justice -- blasted his colleagues in the Kentucky case. Scalia warned that "the dictatorship of a shifting Supreme Court majority" threatened the rule of law. While some Court observers expected ailing Chief Justice William Rehnquist to announce his retirement on Monday -- as closing day announcements of retirements are a Supreme Court tradition -- Rehnquist made no announcement. Some still predict he will retire in coming days via a written statements, but this seems a 50/50 prospect now. He may, instead, opt for what some others have done: stay on the Court until his death. If Rehnquist doesn't resign within the next ten days, don't count on it happening this year. NEW YORK: Governor George Pataki (R) has a change of plans for his announced timetable. Originally, Pataki said he would make a decision on seeking a fourth term when the state legislature adjourns. Now, he says he's in no rush to make any decision -- crippling his party's planning for the '06 elections. "I'll make it when I'm ready," says Pataki now. Some Republicans are upset: "If the Governor intends to run, he has to say it now ... Actually he should have done it a while ago," complained Congressman John Sweeney (R). CONSTITUTIONAL
CHANGES: Call it the "Bring Back Bill Clinton"
amendment or the "Dubya '08" amendment ... but US House
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA)
and House Judiciary Chair Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) are proposing
a constitutional amendment to repeal the 22nd Amendment's lifetime
two-term limit for US Presidents. MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE. THE
"THIRD WAR" BECOMES THE GOP WAY: Wasn't British
Prime Minister Tony Blair once President Clinton's close friend,
so much so that many Brits joked that Blair hired many Clinton
political advisors for his own race because he actually wanted
to be Clinton? Then came Blair's alliance with President
Bush since 2002 on the Iraq War and -- to drive the nail in the
coffin of Blair faded friendship with the Dems -- now comes the
news that Blair's son Euan, 21, will spend three months working
on Capitol Hill on the US House Rules Committee majority staff
of Chairman David Dreier (R-CA). In P2008 news,
we've added the new John Kerry page
with updated links ... and added a profile on the P2008:
Democrats page of our most inadvertently entertaining (and
seriously delusional) candidate: Randy
Crow. Yup, that's right! The self-proclaimed "Returning
Christ" -- who loves denouncing Politics1 (and this writer)
as an evil "Zioni$t" tool -- is back with more conspiracy
theories to bolster his third White House run. Beyond these two
items -- as not much significant in politics happened Sunday --
feel free to treat today as an open thread. SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE:
This
week's mini-movie review: Bewitched. Despite the cute
early premise of a unique storyline -- not a remake of the original
series, but something different (shades of the wonderful Adaptation)
-- director Nora Ephron sucks the life out of more than half of
the movie by evolving the story into yet another of her formulaic
(and totally predictable) love story. Adding to the problems is
the pairing of Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman as the couple is
pretty unbelievable. Some cute moments -- and Shirley MacLaine
and Steve Carell are the most fun to watch, despite their small
roles -- but wait for this one to come out on cable. FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Let
me clarify one thing from yesterday's postings: as much as I like
Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist on a personal basis, I
don't agree with his politics. They are simply much more conservative
than are mine. We disagree on issues ranging from the death penalty
to gay rights to taxes. That's why I'll still campaign for a Democratic
candidate next year for Governor. THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.23.05 | WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.22.05 | TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE:
As
many of you know (or have figured out), I typically write these
updates in the evening once I get home from my "real job."
Well, Dana and I celebrated our 18th anniversary on Monday ...
so I've spent more time on family and less on writing today. Thus,
the shorter daily entry. MONDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.20.05 | SATURDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.18.05 | GOP
LEADERS TORPEDOING KATHERINE HARRIS SENATE RUN. It
appears the Bush White House, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and the
NRSC are combining their efforts in an attempt to cripple the
US Senate run by Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R-FL). FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.17.05 | THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.16.05 | WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE:
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 6.15.05 | TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
First, MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
Why is today's news entry so brief? You see, I used to wonder
-- when watching local TV news reports in years past -- who are
those lunatics out surfing when a major storm kicked up the waves
and the red "dangerous conditions" flags went up on
the lifeguard stands. Well, now I know ... I'm one of them. OHIO:
Voters cast primary ballots Tuesday in the special election for
the CD-2 seat that was vacated when Congressman Rob Portman (R)
resigned to become the new US Trade Representative. There are
12 Republicans and 6 Democrats competing in the primary (click
here to find links to their campaign sites). On the GOP side,
US Senate scion and Hamilton County Commissioner Pat DeWine started
the race as the frontrunner. However, DeWine saw his lead erode
in recent weeks as he came under attack for messy details involving
his personal life -- and as some conservatives seem to be exacting
revenge on DeWine for his father being one of the US Senators
who helped the Democrats stop Bill Frist's so-called "nuclear
option" on judicial nominees. The main beneficiary of DeWine's
slide is former Congressman Bob McEwen, who previously represented
about 40% of the current district but spent the last decade as
a DC lobbyist. McEwen has picked up a slew of endorsements from
former top Reagan Administration officials to Religious Right
leader Dr. James Dobson and former VP nominee Jack Kemp. DeWine
hit back at McEwen, attacking him for having bounced numerous
checks at the now-defunct House Bank before himself being bounced
from Congress in the early 1990s. Former State Representative
and pro-life activist Jean Schimdt would likely gain most if conservative
voters shift support away from both DeWine and McEwen. On the
Democratic side, attorney and Iraq War veteran Paul Hackett is
the favorite -- but it probably doesn't matter much who wins the
Dem primary in this fairly safe Republican district. GITMO:
The Bush Administration doesn't care if US Senate Foreign Relations
Committee members WEEKEND
NEWS UPDATE.
FLORIDA #1: The Florida Republican FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
VERMONT: Former Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine
(D) may spoil any chance of reaching an informal peace accord
between the Democrats and the Progressive Party allies of socialist
Congressman Bernie Sanders (Independent). Racine -- the failed
Dem nominee for Governor in 2002 -- said Thursday he's thinking
of running for the US Senate. Most Dems, including DNC Chair
Howard Dean, have tried to clear the field for Sanders by ensuring
he won't face serious Democratic opposition for the seat being
vacated by US Senator Jim Jeffords (Independent). Sanders --
like Jeffords -- would caucus with the Democrats if he won.
In exchange, the Democrats want a deal that the Progressives
won't run a serious nominee for Sanders' open House seat --
helping to ensure a Democratic win. A Dem/Prog split in races
could divide the liberal vote, helping to elect GOP candidates
with narrow pluralities. |
P2008:
Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) is continuing to advance
his Bush-bashing, anti-immigration message. This week he told
the Rocky Mountain News the Bush Administration is hiding
documents that show the President's proposed guest worker program
"sparked a surge in illegal immigration last year."
According to Tancredo, "the Administration is playing politics
with border security data." In other P2008 news, we've added
our profile page on potential GOP Presidential candidate 
Harry
Reid (D-NV) has some suggestions for President Bush if he wants
easy confirmation of his future nominee for an expected US Supreme
Court vacancy. Reid said the key to winning an easy confirmation
fight is select a conservative Republican US Senator who would
draw broad consensus support. Specifically, Reid said that US
Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mike DeWine
(R-OH) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) were all "bright" and "would
be outstanding Supreme Court members." All four come from
states with GOP Governors, meaning that anyone selected to replace
them in the Senate would also be Republican. Reid said he's met
with US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) to discuss possible
Supreme Court candidates -- but was also pitching the names to
"anyone who would listen." Frist, meanwhile, confirmed
he met with White House officials to discuss possible Supreme
Court nominees -- but he declined to name any of the candidates
he suggested. In past years, US Senate Judiciary Committee Chair
Orrin Hatch (R-UT) expressed an interest in serving on the Supreme
Court, but his name does not appear to be in play these days.
PENNSYLVANIA
(AND DC): This is really an inside-the-beltway story,
but it is also a Pennsylvania campaign item. According to The
Hill, US Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) -- the former US Senate
Majority Leader -- is planning to run for the Senate Republican
Whip position at the end of next year. Current US Senate Majority
Whip Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is expected to move up to the top
spot without opposition after Bill Frist (R-TN) retires from the
Senate in 2006. When that happens, Senate Republican Conference
Chair Rick Santorum (R-PA) -- the #3 Republican in the US Senate
-- is expected to run unopposed for the #2 job of Whip. Lott's
very open lusting -- and strategizing -- for the Whip job implies
he doesn't believe Santorum will be returning to DC after the
'06 elections. In a further sign that Lott is serious on his prospective
return to leadership, it appears he 
P2008:
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (D) bowed out of the DNC Chair
race earlier this year against Howard Dean -- despite being urged
to run by John Kerry and others -- because Vilsack said he needed
to concentrate on the remainder of his term as Governor. This
month, Vilsack is singing a different tune. Vilsack was just named
to be the next Chair of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council.
Current DLC Chair Evan Bayh (D-IN), who served in the post since
2001, is not seeking another term in order to concentrate on a
possible '08 White House run. The move doesn't mean Vilsack is
out of the P2008 contest -- as Bill Clinton used the DLC as his
Presidential launching pad in '92 -- but it seems he's less likely
to focus on running for President and more likely to position
himself as an influential kingmaker in the race.
P2008
NEWS: US Senator George Allen (R-VA) is on a swing through
New Hampshire. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen (D) gave a speech
at the National Press Club in DC on Friday, calling for the overhaul
of Medicaid. Bredesen's remarks didn't win Dem support inside
the Beltway, as a spokesman for US Senate Minority Leader Harry
Reid denounced Bredesen for "essentially calling for the
dismantling of the Medicaid system." Speaking of politicians
displeasing their own party, US Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) told
the Nebraska American Legion that the US is losing the Iraq War
for several reasons. According to the Omaha World-Herald,
Hagel said the Bush Administration sent in "too few troops"
to fight the war, terrorists are "pouring into" Iraq,
"basic living standards are worse than a year ago in Iraq
... Allies aren't helping much .... [and] it will all plunge into
another Vietnam debacle ... The point is, we're going to have
to make some changes or we will lose, we will lose in Iraq."
Virginia Governor Mark Warner (D) is making a speaking trip to
Maine, followed in two weeks by a speech in Arizona.
The
mercurial Spencer served as Mayor from 1995 until he was term-limited
out in 2003. Since leaving office, the recovering alcoholic
has worked as a consultant for businesses dealing with substance
abuse issues. "She's beatable. She's liberal, and she
is on the wrong side of many issues," said Spencer. Clinton's
spokesman said she's more than willing to take on whatever
Republican is put forward. Spencer also lashed out at state
GOP leaders for attempting to recruit Westchester County District
Attorney Jeanine Pirro into the contest while ignoring Spencer
and others. The current recruitment effort "looks like
a very dictatorial style. I don't know how you choose a candidate
for such a position without even talking to the Mayor of the
fourth-largest city in the state," complained Spencer.
He suggested Pirro -- who some conservatives oppose for her
100% pro-choice rating from NARAL-NY -- should instead be
steered into the open Attorney General contest, as he plans
to stay in the Senate race.
ARIZONA:
Republicans finally have a real candidate in the race against
Governor Janet Napolitano (D). Former State Senate President
John Greene (R) stepped into the vacuum, after nearly every
recruited candidate passed on the race. The latest blow to
the Arizona GOP came yesterday when it was revealed their
latest recruitment target -- US Surgeon General Carmona --
wasn't even a Republican. Not only is Carmona a registered
Independent, but he has a very sparse voting history. The
Arizona Republic reported that Carmona skipped voting
entirely in 1990, 1992 and 2002 -- and that 2000 was the only
year he ever voted in a primary. He also told the New
York Times this week that he has tried marijuana and
supports expanded stem cell research. On the heels of that
news, Greene jumped into the contest. He's not a top tier
contender -- he lost a primary for Attorney General in '02
-- but he's unlikely to embarrass the party.
strong
in the race next year to succeed term-limited Governor Jeb
Bush (R). According to new independent Mason-Dixon poll, Attorney
General Charlie Crist is heavily favored to win both the GOP
nomination for Governor and the general election. In the Republican
primary, Crist had 41%, State CFO Tom Gallagher was at 23%
and Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings had 7%. Crist -- who
was the GOP nominee for US Senate in 1998 -- is a solid campaigner
with a warm demeanor and a populist style. Gallagher -- a
GOP centrist-turned-conservative who formerly held two other
statewide constitutional offices -- lost primary races for
Governor in 1986 and 1994. Crist is likely to be backed by
the state's police officers, while Gallagher is expected to
win the endorsement of the state's firefighters. Both men
are strong fundraisers. Jennings, who has yet to announce
her plans for '06, is Bush's hand-picked choice to be his
successor. On the Democratic side, Congressman Jim Davis led
the field with 23%, followed by former State Democratic Chair
Scott Maddox with 12% and State Senator Rod Smith at 4%. In
a general election match-up, the poll showed Crist would currently
defeat Davis by a 41% to 28% vote. [Note: On a purely
personal level, I really like Charlie very much as he's a
nice guy and earnest pro-consumer Attorney General -- and
I've found Gallagher to be an arrogant, vain, insincere politico
in my encounters with him -- but, be assured, I'll still actively
support the eventual Dem nominee. Thus, to help damage the
man who is clearly the GOP's strongest candidate, I'm publishing
this incriminating '04 picture of Charlie and me so that he
can be tarred in what should be a very nasty primary by his
connection to this liberal Dem blogger.]
ALABAMA.
Ousted State Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) -- the
self-described "Ten Commandments Judge" -- acknowledged
he's weighing a possible primary challenge to Governor Bob Riley
(R). Moore is a favorite of Religious Right activists. Riley's
support for a massive failed tax hike plan in 2003 left him
rather unpopular with voters. Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley
and embattled former Governor Don Siegelman both intend to seek
the Democratic nomination. Speaking at the Southern Baptist
Pastors' Conference, Moore said: "I'm seriously considering
it ... I wouldn't want to run unless it was God's will."
No official word from God yet on what he wants Moore to do.
independent Mason-Dixon poll of Florida voters shows US Senator
Bill Nelson (D) holding a comfortable lead over challenger
Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R). The results: Nelson-53%,
Harris-36%. The poll was taken shortly after Harris announced
her candidacy, but before word leaked that Governor Jeb Bush
and White House political guru Karl Rove are attempting to
recruit State House Speaker Allan Bense into the GOP primary
against Harris. Now we can all see why the Bush crowd are
intent on derailing a Harris candidacy. In other Florida news,
well placed GOP sources tell Politics1 that Lieutenant Governor
Toni Jennings (R) will soon announce she will not be a candidate
for Governor or US Senator next year. Jennings was Governor
Bush's hand-picked choice to succeed him as Guv next year.
Polls show Jennings lagging far behind Attorney General Charlie
Crist and State CFO Tom Gallagher in next year's GOP gubernatorial
primary. 
According
to new reports in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle,
Empire State Republicans are actively working to recruit billionaire
businessman and NHL hockey team owner Tom Golisano into the
gubernatorial contest next year. Golisano has lost three consecutive
runs for Governor as the nominee of the Independence Party,
the former NY state affiliate of Ross Perot's now more-or-less
defunct Reform Party. In his last run, Golisano made medical
marijuana legalization one of his most prominent issues and
featured it heavily in TV spots. If Golisano runs, he is likely
to largely self-finance his campaign as he did in his past
runs. According to the newspaper, State GOP Chairman Stephen
Minarik, State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Congressman
Tom Reynolds are among those who have met several times with
Golisano to encourage his candidacy. Their actions are also
the latest sign that incumbent Governor George Pataki (R)
does not plan to seek re-election to a fourth term next year
... or that his fellow Republicans simply no longer care what
Pataki plans to do since he's dragged the decision out for
so long. Golisano's spokesperson said he will weigh all his
options and "when the time comes, he'll make a decision."
No
surprise, but US Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) told CBS News on
Sunday that he will run for President in 2008. His first White
House bid -- a disastrous run in 1988 -- ended before the
first primary under the weight of allegations he had plagiarized
extensive portions of his campaign speeches (including purported
autobiographical segments) from other US and UK politicians.
Biden also flirted with an '04 White House run, but decided
instead in 2003 to focus his energies on serving as the ranking
Dem on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 
1/23
MARINES REDUX: Three months after returning home
to the US, I've received an update from USMC Captain James
Crabtree -- our former 
Jewish,
hold either center-left or liberal political views, are generally
active or well-connected in your community (Jewish community,
political community, business community, etc), and you live
in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North
or Central Florida, South Carolina or North Carolina, I want
to hear from you. Please 
TEXAS:
US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison has decided against challenging
Governor Rick Perry in next year's GOP primary, according
to her campaign manager. Instead, KBH will formally kick-off
her re-election campaign at a rally on on June 27. Polls showed
that Hutchison -- the most popular politician in the state
-- had a good chance of ousting Perry. With Hutchison out
of the race, State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn appears
to be Perry's only major opponent for the GOP nomination.
Former Congressman Chris Bell (D) and country music singer/author
Kinky Friedman (Independent) are also announced candidates
against Perry. Friedman is using the same campaign manager
and media consultant who combined to direct Jesse Ventura’s
successful indy campaign for Minnesota Governor in ’98.
Feingold
suggests the best way to do this is go into all 50 states
and talk about the real problems facing America and the best
way to address them. In a debate on our problems -- the lack
of affordable health care and housing, an unfair tax structure
that gives big breaks to the wealthy, Iraq and the US role
in world affairs, improving education, ensuring justice and
equal opportunity, and so forth -- we need to abandon the
labels of liberal/conservative or left/right and talk about
the specific proposals. Whether we are talking about working
class Republicans in Wyoming, a struggling middle class family
trying to make ends meet in Alabama, or the Hollywood and
East Coast liberals, most Americans struggle to pay medical
bills when a family member becomes seriously ill. They worry
about jobs lost as US companies ship them off-shore. They
worry about personal safety and domestic security. Progressive
Democrats have ideas to address these problems -- good ideas
-- if we can just get people to listen again. It isn't about
lecturing folks in Red States to vote for economic self-interest
over so-called moral issues. We won't win by talking down
to people or treating Middle America with disdain. We, too,
believe in moral values -- and should be willing to talk about
"moral values: -- only I believe we more profoundly believe
in the Biblical values of caring for the poor, protecting
the environment, and doing justice than do the current conservatives.
And we won't rebuild as a truly strong party until we have
a progressive agenda that advances ideas. The culture war"
wedge that harshly divides us today will fade within a few
years -- just as the insane fear of women's equality faded
after the 1970s. It's been nearly 30 years since we;ve heard
a conservative Member of Congress openly denounce women as
"bra burners" and warn of all the terrible things
that would happen if women were protected by equal rights
laws. We may not reach total agreement on everything -- probably
never will -- but as two-thirds of all Americans indicate
in polls they support either same-sex civil union laws or
legalized gay marriage, I'd suggest that "gay issues"
in campaigns will fade into the realm of the non-controversial.
So, how do we win back Middle America? Here's one example
of just how we can do that consistant with progressive principles
of fair taxes (and steal the "tax cut" message away
from the Republicans at the same time): Democrats should propose
a change in the federal tax code that TOTALLY exempts from
income taxes the first $25,000 or $30,000 that every American
earns each year. That will give massive tax relief -- real
tax relief -- to millions of Americans, while ensuring that
the wealthy pay their fair share (think of it as the "fair
dues of responsible citizenship" for those who are most
enriched by our nation's economic opportunities). That's just
one idea of how "we" will re-take control of the
party: by winning Americans (including many DLC and conservative
Dems) to our better ideas. We need to make them buy into our
ideas -- because our ideas are better. Republicans can often
succinctly describe their agenda as "Lower Taxes, Less
Government, More Freedom" (and, in the case of the Religious
Right, tack on the "Family Values" label). In reality,
the GOP record is "Higher Deficits, Less Freedom, America
Hated Around the Globe" -- but the Republicans do a much
better job of marketing than do we. If you don't believe me,
I defy you to describe what the current Democratic Party stands
for in six or eight or ten words. I have a suggestion to start
the debate: "Fiscal Responsibility, Economic Justice,
Individual Freedom, A Stronger America." Yeah, I know
it needs work ... but it could be used to encompass everything
from health care to taxes to equal rights to foreign policy.
Just some more food for thought to keep the debate going.
It's good for our party, and good for America.
TEXAS:
Governor Rick Perry's re-election plans are getting more complicated
these days. He had already been expected a GOP primary challenge
from US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Now it appears that
State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn -- the mother of
Bush White House spokesman Scott McClellan -- will announce
her primary challenge to Perry this weekend. A three-way primary
-- and the certain run-off that will follow -- would be a
wild free-for-all contest. Polling seems to indicate Hutchison
would be the slight favorite in this race. Perry is swiftly
moving further to the right, trying to lock up more support
from Christian evangelicals as he tries to portray KBH as
a DC "moderate." Strayhorn has been openly fighting
with Perry for two years, so her challenge isn't a surprise.
was
long expected, Attorney General Mike Beebe (D) this week formally
entered the open race for Arkansas Governor. Beebe looks to
have a clear shot at the Dem nomination. Retired Army General
Wes Clark (D) -- who once was viewed as a possible candidate
-- appears to instead to focused on preparing for a second
White House run in '08. While Beebe is unlikely to face serious
primary opposition, the opposite is true on the GOP side.
Lieutenant Governor Win Rockefeller Jr. and former Congressman/former
DEA Administrator Asa Hutchinson are locked in a competitive
contest. Hutchinson got a setback this week from the State
Ethics Commission, when the board ruled that Hutchinson is
limited in how much money he can transfer from his former
federal campaign account into his new gubernatorial campaign.
Rockefeller -- the son of Arkansas' first GOP Governor --
is viewed as the current frontrunner in the Republican contest.
Governor Mike Huckabee (R) is term-limited and preparing to
enter the 2008 Presidential race.
P2008:
US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) told the Topeka Capitol-Journal
that he will honor his previous term limits pledge and not
seek re-election in 2010 to the Senate. "That's what
I said when I first ran, and I intend to stick to that,"
said Brownback. The Kansan confirmed to the newspaper he is
getting an early start exploring a White House run. He's already
made several visits to early contest states and is strengthening
his contacts with the Religious Right political community.
"This is one of those things where I have to have a longer
lead time and do more tilling of the field than several other
candidates would have to do," he explained, because potential
GOP rivals like John McCain and some others are already well
known.
campaigns
are just popularity contests ... well, umm, many races actually
do devolve into 'em ... but SurveyUSA just conducted an interesting
project: concurrent polls in each of the fifty states to measure
the popularity of all 100 US Senators in their home states.
Top on the list was Barack Obama (D-IL) with a 72% approval
rating. The next four on the popularity scale -- with 71%
approval ratings -- were Kent Conrad (D-ND), Pat Leahy (D-VT),
Susan Collins (R-ME) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Three more
also broke the 70% approval mark: Dan Inouye (D-HI), Byron
Dorgan (D-ND) and Jay Rockefeller (D-WV). At the bottom of
the scale -- the US Senator who is singularly least popular
with his own constituents -- was John Cornyn (R-TX), with
a paltry 40% approval rating. The others with approval ratings
of 45% or less were Rick Santorum (R-PA), Jim Inhofe (R-OK),
Mike DeWine (R-OH), Mel Martinez (R-FL), Tom Coburn (R-OK),
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Richard Burr (R-NC). Santorum
and DeWine -- at 44% and 43%, respectively -- also recorded
the highest disapproval scores. While much of this is only
of value for fun debates, it is significant to note two of
the "Top Ten" (Conrad, Snowe) and two of the "Ten
Worst" (Santorum, DeWine) face re-election next year.
Governor
Mark Warner (D) told the Richmond Times-Dispatch
that he "wouldn't take formal steps to begin a Presidential
bid until after he leaves office" next January. Most
importantly, the newspaper reported Warner does not plan to
challenge US Senator George Allen (R) next year. Instead,
Warner said he is very interested in a White House run --
but may ultimately decide to run again for Governor in 2009.
While Warner last week filed paperwork to create a federal
PAC, he said he does not plan to launch a Presidential exploratory
committee until after he leaves office in seven months. 
Spitzer
also leads Pirro by a vote of 54% to 21%, and leads a third
possible opponent by an even wider margin. 
I've
got something very important to ask of you folks. Do any of you
have any significant connections to Middlebury College in Vermont?
Professors or Admin? Distinguished alumns? Big bucks donors? Connected
with with any of the above? If the answer is yes, PLEASE drop
me an 
Tim
Kaine (D) and centrist GOP State Senator Russ Potts (Independent)
in November in what is expected to be a very hotly contested race.
Potts qualified this week for the November ballot, while former
Richmond City Councilwoman Shirley Harvey (Independent Green)
failed to secure anywhere near enough signatures for the ballot.
Governor Mark Warner (D) is term-limited. There are also contested
primaries for Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. 
Joe
Biden (D-DE) and Mel Martinez (R-FL) are both calling for the
closure of the detention camp at Guantanamo. Vice President Dick
Cheney said Sunday that the Administration is not considering
any plans to close the prison. P2008 - #1: US
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) is cozying up these days with Religious
Right leader Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family. According
to an email alert message sent out by Dobson to supporters, Nelson
spoke with him by phone and "assured" him that he now
supports the proposed US Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex
marriage. Nelson reportedly says a May federal court ruling that
voided Nebraska's Defense of Marriage law is the reason he changed
his position. According to Dobson, Nelson will also help the Republicans
by supporting "up-or-down votes on all but one of President
Bush's embattled judicial nominees." Nelson is up for re-election
in '06, and told his state's largest newspaper late last year
he was even considering a run for President in '08. A bit of editorializing
here: I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Nelson switches
parties sometime over the next two years (either before or after
he wins re-election) -- not that he's much of a Democrat anymore.
P2008 - #2: Check out samples of the new 
Chair
may have told reporters earlier this week that the party will
clear the US Senate primary field for Congresswoman Katherine
Harris (R) -- but other top Republicans seem cool to the idea.
Governor Jeb Bush told reporters "I don't know if there
will be a primary or not" and repeatedly declined to describe
Harris as "the best candidate" for the GOP against
US Senator Bill Nelson (D). "It's not a question of [if
Harris is best]. It's a question of who's got the guts to run
...She's running, and the Republican Party will support"
whomever ultimately wins the primary, explained Jeb. The National
Republican Senate Committee appears equally cool to a polarizing
figure like Harris. In response to her decision to enter the
Senate race, the NRSC released a written statement saying they
expect the race will "continue to attract the attention
of a lot of candidates." Congressman Mark Foley (R) added
that he was still looking at the Senate seat, and his decision
would not be impacted by Harris' entry into the race. Sounds
like Harris is not Karl Rove's preferred candidate -- but they'll
reluctantly rally behind her if she appears to be the strongest
candidate after filing closes next May. P2008:
In a sign that outgoing Virginia Governor Mark Warner (D) is
considering a 2008 White House race, he just filed paperwork
to open a federal fundraising PAC. He's also hiring staffers
who formerly worked on Presidential races. These moves don't
lock Warner into a Presidential run, as Warner may instead decide
to challenge US Senator George Allen (R) next year. Warner's
term as Governor ends at the end of this year. FLORIDA
#2: US Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Mel
Martinez (R-FL) broke with the White House Friday on some key
foreign policy matters, in comments before a group of newspaper
editors. 
Martinez
-- a former Bush Cabinet member who was elected last year with
the strong support of the President -- called for the closing
of the detention camp at Guantanamo. Martinez said he did not
agree with Amnesty International's recent report that prisoners
were being mistreated. Despite that, the Miami Herald
reported, Martinez called the Guantanamo prison "an icon
for bad news ... and at some point you wonder the cost-benefit
ratio" Martinez broke with the White House on this issue
by going further and endorsing Senator Joe Biden's (D-DE) proposal
that US leaders publicly debate the "enemy-combatant"
policy and close the prison in Cuba. While Martinez likened
the US prisoners to POWs and noted POWs are typically confined
until the end of a war, he added: "It's not very American,
by the way, to be holding people indefinitely." The Cuban-born
Republican also criticized the Bush Administration's poor handling
of Latin American policy. "For the last four years ...
we have not paid much attention and the region is really in
trouble. Our esteem and our influence in the region is lower
than it has ever been," he explained, significantly contributing
to the instability in the region. A Martinez spokesperson later
told reporters that there are "plenty of issues where he
might not walk lock-step with the Administration" but that
the freshman Senator certainly remains "supportive of the
Administration."
Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie (R) and State Adjutant General
Martha Rainville are, respectively, the leading GOP hopefuls
for the open US Senate and US House seats. CALIFORNIA:
Porn star Mary Carey (real name: Mary Cook) is back for another
run for political office in 2006. As an Independent candidate
for Governor in the '03 special election, Carey finished in
the top ten -- out of more than 150 candidates on the ballot
-- garnering 11,000 votes. Carey now plans to run as an Indy
candidate in the open race for Lieutenant Governor next year.
DC: US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) has placed
a hold on President Bush's nominaton of Julie Finley to be the
US Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation