Archive

How the Calendar Could Influence GOP Senate Primaries

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 20, 2013 · 9:37 AM EST

Stories about Republican primaries are all the rage, and we’re still nearly three months from the first actual election. But in all of the analysis of vulnerable senators, voting scorecards and outside groups, it’s important to remember the calendar and how primary results could affect subsequent…

The Democratic Escape Plan: How to Hold a Vulnerable Senate Seat

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 19, 2013 · 2:47 PM EST

Most handicappers have believed for months that Republicans have a good chance to pick up a Montana Senate seat next year. But once again, Democrats have a plan that just may help them hold that seat. It’s a plan that worked in the past, but will it work once again?

According to multiple media…

A Whole New Ballgame in the Senate

by Stuart Rothenberg December 18, 2013 · 9:00 PM EST

The fight for the Senate turned around completely from mid-October to early December. While the government shutdown looked like a significant nail in the GOP’s coffin, the re-opening of the government allowed Americans to turn their attention to the launch of Obamacare.

The failure of that…

2014 Senate Overview (December 18, 2013) Alabama - Kansas

December 18, 2013 · 8:59 PM EST

ALABAMA -- Jeff Sessions (R), elected 1996 (52%), 2002 (59%) and 2008 (63%). April 4 filing deadline, June 3 primary, July 15 runoff.
The last Democratic Senate nominee to win over 40 percent of the vote in Alabama was Roger Bedford in 1996 (45.5 percent). Sessions’ Sept. 30 FEC report showed…

2014 Senate Overview (December 18, 2013) Kentucky - New Mexico

December 18, 2013 · 8:58 PM EST

KENTUCKY -- Mitch McConnell (R), elected 1984 (50%), 1990 (52%), 1996 (55%), 2002 (65%), 2008 (53%). January 28 filing deadline, May 20 primary.
Senate Minority Leader McConnell clearly has a fight on his hands if he is to win a sixth term. His role in ending the government shutdown/debt ceiling…

2014 Senate Overview (December 18, 2013) North Carolina - Wyoming

December 18, 2013 · 8:57 PM EST

NORTH CAROLINA -- Kay Hagan (D), elected 2008 (53%). February 28 filing deadline, May 6 primary, July 15 runoff.
Given the GOP’s recent victories in the state, Hagan had to expect a serious challenge. In 2012, Mitt Romney carried the state Republican Pat McCrory won the governorship. In…

Is Arkansas Really the Land of Opportunity for Democrats?

by Stuart Rothenberg December 18, 2013 · 3:33 PM EST

When we think of political battlegrounds, states like Ohio and Florida come to mind. But every so often, a small state becomes a partisan political battleground.

This cycle, that’s Arkansas — about as unlikely a state as you might imagine.

While Democrats see Arkansas as a place to mount a…

Open 3rd District Gives Democrats Opportunity in Iowa

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 18, 2013 · 12:06 PM EST

Republican Rep. Tom Latham’s retirement announcement put another GOP seat into play for Democrats and capped off a wild day in congressional handicapping. He leaves behind the 3rd District of Iowa, which should turn into a good Democratic opportunity.

On Tuesday, not only did three Members…

Matheson’s Retirement Moves Utah’s 4th District to Safe for Republicans

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 3:40 PM EST

Rep. Jim Matheson’s retirement means the Democratic hold on Utah’s 4th District is all but over. Matheson represented the most Republican district held by a Democrat in the House. Now that he’s gone, his party will be hard-pressed to replace him.

The presidential numbers are dismal for…