West Virginia Senate: An Unlikely Toss Up Contest
September 30, 2010
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy writes: This special election to fill the remainder of the late Sen. Robert Byrd’s term was supposed to be a walk in the park for Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin. The Democratic-controlled state legislature set the table for him with an advantageous schedule of filing deadlines, primaries and special election dates. But, recent polling indicates that this will be anything but an easy race.
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GOP Outside Money Hits the House
September 30, 2010
House Editor David Wasserman takes a look at outside group commitments to House races and party committee spending thus far. In 2008, the rumor was that outside organizations like Freedom’s Watch would parachute into House races with limitless contributions and rescue the cash-strapped NRCC, becoming the de facto GOP House committee. That never materialized. And for most of this cycle, the buzz had Republican-leaning outside groups spending their millions on Senate races and forgoing House contests. But the past week’s FEC independent expenditure reports show why House Democrats are expressing outrage over outside GOP groups “operating in the shadows:” they’re finally for real.
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New Hampshire Governor: Lynch Gets Caught in the Political Environment
September 30, 2010
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy looks at this newly competitive contest: Of the 37 gubernatorial contests on the ballot in November, roughly 30 of them have been in play at any given point during this cycle. The remaining seven seats have largely been considered safe for most of the cycle. But, as the political landscape continues to deteriorate for Democrats, perhaps it’s not surprising that one of these lucky seven races has become competitive. Democratic Gov. John Lynch now finds himself joining the ranks of very competitive races.
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Iowa Governor: A Lost Cause
September 30, 2010
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy throws in the towel: Every election cycle sees its share of vulnerable incumbents who have dug themselves into a hole for any number of reasons. More often than not, these incumbents start a bid for re-election behind their challengers, but recover to some degree over the course of the race. Many may not win at the end of the day, but the contest is at least competitive. Many observers expected this race where Democratic Gov. Chet Culver is seeking a second term to follow a similar pattern. It hasn’t turned out that way.
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Maine Governor: Another Toss Up Race
September 30, 2010
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy looks at developments in this contest: Propelled by support from Tea Party activists, Waterville Mayor Paul LePage was the surprise winner of the June 8 Republican primary. His victory produced a bounce that allowed him to open a lead over Democratic state Senate President Libby Mitchell and independent candidate Eliot Cutler, an attorney. The race was fairly quiet over the summer as LePage sat on his lead. But, LePage’s road to the State House has hit some bumps, and the race looks increasingly competitive.
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Maryland Governor: The Rematch
September 30, 2010
Senior Editor Jennifer Duffy: It’s been hard to know what to make of this rematch contest between Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley and former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich. Such rematches don’t often happen in gubernatorial races, and this one, which took months to develop, often looks more like a grudge match than a race. Still, most polling indicates a competitive race.
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via The Cook Political Report | The insider’s choice for election analysis.
