Hot Political News

Hot Political News (archived)

July 22, 2008

*LA- Rep. Bill Jefferson (D, CD2), under indictment on federal corruption charges has primary opponents, St. Rep Cedric Richmond &Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee (D).
*CO- Open Seat (CD6), Wil Armstrong (R), Sec of State Mike Coffman (R), St. Sen. Ted Harvey (R), St. Sen. Steve Ward (R), in the August 12th Primary. Hang Eng (D).
*AL – Open Seat (CD2) – St. Rep Jay Love (R), St. Sen. Harri Anne Smith (R) and Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright (D). Run-off July 15, 2008.
*AL- Open Seat (CD5) – St. Sen. Parker Griffith (D), Cheryl Guthrie (R), Wayne Parker (R). Run-off July 15, 2008.
*CA- Open Seat (CD4) – St. Sen. Tom McClintock (R) against Charlie Brown (D).
*NJ – Open Seat (CD1) – Camille Andrews (D), wife of Rep. Rob Andrews and Dale Glading (R).
*GA- US Sen. C.Saxby Chambliss (R) has Dem opponents in the July 15th Primary, among them: Dale Cardwell (D), De Kalb Cty CEO Vernon Jones (D), Rand Knight (D), Josh Lanier (D), Jim Martin (D).
*GA- Rep John Lewis (D) faces a Democratic Primary challenge, July 15th from: St. Rep. Mable Thomas (D) and Markel Hutchins (D).
*NJ – Open (CD7) – St. Sen. Leonard Lance (R) will be running against St. Rep. Linda Stender (D).

June 23, 2008

OPEN/CHANGE IN HOUSE SEATS
35 Republican and 11 Democrats.

*NY - Open seat – Staten Island Rep. Vito Fossella (R). Interested in running: Frank Powers (R), St. Sen. Andrew Lanza (R), D.A. Daniel Donavan (R), St. Sen. Diane Savino (D), St. Rep. Michael Cusick (D), Steve Harrison (D), Fran Powers (LP), son of Frank Powers.
*MA-With the sudden illness of Sen. Ted Kennedy, many are interested in a possible open Senate seat: Rep. Ed Markey (D), Rep. Barney Frank (D), former Rep. Marty Meehan (D), Jim Ogonowski (R), Charles Baker (R), St. Sen. Scott Brown (R).
*NY – Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D, 20CD), challengers include Morris Guller (D), Mike Rocque (R), Sandy Treadwell (R), John Wallace (R).
*NY – Open Seat (CD21), interested in running: Albany Cty Legislator Phil Steck(D), Tracey Brooks (D), Craig Burridge D), Lester Freeman (D), Darius Shahinfar(D), Paul Tonko (D), Schenectady Cty Legislator Jim Burhmaster (R), Steven Vasquez (R).
*NY – Open Seat (CD25): Republicans: Dave Gay (R), Dale Sweetland (R), and Dan Maffei (D),
*IL – Open Seat (CD11) – St. Sen. Debbie Halvorson (D), Marty Ozinga (R).
*IL – Rep. Bill Foster (D,CD14), winner in the March 8th election will face a rematch: Jim Oberweis (R).

June 9, 2008

OPEN/CHANGE IN HOUSE SEATS -
34 Republican and 11 Democrats.
* TX - Rep. Nick Lampson(D) will face Pete Olson (R), winner of the Mar 22nd primary.
* OH -Open seat CD 15 - St. Sen. Steve Stivers (R) will be challenged by Franklin Cty Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy (D)
* OH -Open seat CD 16- St. Sen. J.Kirk Schuring (R) will face St. Sen. John Boccieri.(D).
CA-Open Seat CD4 – Ex Rep. Doug Ose (R), St. Sen. Tom McClintock (R), Suzanne Jones (R), Theodore Terbolizard (R), Charlie Brown (D). June 3 Primary.
* OR - Open Sec of State – Primary candidates: St. Sen. Kate Brown (D), St. Sen. Rick Metsger (D), St. Sen. Vicki Walker (D) and Paul Wells (D).
* OR - Sen. Gordon Smith (R) challenged by St. Rep. Jeff Merkley (D), Steve Novick (D), Candy Neville (D), Pavel Goberman (D) May 20th Primary.
* IA -Rep. Leonard Boswell (D) primary challenge from former St Rep Ed Fallon (D). June 3 Primary.
* AL - Open CD2 seat – Running in the primary: St.Rep.David Grimes (R),St.Rep Jay Love (R), St.Sen.Harri Anne Smith (R), John Martin (R), David Woods (R), Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright (D), Cheryl Sabel (D), Cendie Crawley (D). June 3 Primary.
* NE - Open Senate Seat – The winner in the Dem. Primary- Scott Kleeb (D), Tony Raimondo (D) – will face ex-Gov. Mike Johanns (R). May 13 Primary

May 5, 2008

OPEN HOUSE SEATS -
24 Republican and 6 Democrats.
* FL - Rep. Tim Mahoney (D) –Rep primary: St. Rep Gayle Harrell (R), Tom Rooney (R), City Councilman Hal Valeche (R).
* ME - Open seat – Dems Chellie Pingree (D), St. Sen. Ethan Strimling (D), former St. Sen. Michael Brennan (D), York Cty DA Mark Lawrence (D). Reps include: Dean Scontras (R), Charlie Summers (R).
* NJ – Open CD3 seat – Freehold Jack Kelly (R), Justin Murphy (R), Councilman Chris Myers (R), St. Sen. John Adler (D).
* NJ – Open CD7 seat – St. Sen. Leonard Lance (R), Scotch Plains Mayor Martin Marks (R), Kelly Hatfield (R), Tom Roughneen (R), Kate Whitman (R), A.D. Amar (R), St. Rep. Linda Stender (D).
* CA – Open CD4 Seat – former Rep. Doug Ose (R), St. Sen. Tom McClintock (R), Charles Brown (D).
* NJ – Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) will face a Dem primary against Rep. Rob Andrews (D). Repubs interested include: St. Sen.Joe Pennacchio (R), Murray Sabrin (R), Ex-Rep. Dick Zimmer (R).
* IN - CD7 Seat – City Councilor Andrew Carson (D) special election. Primary election: Rep. Andrew Carson (D), St. Rep. Carolene Mays (D), St. Rep. David Orentlicher (D), Woody Myers (D), St. Rep John Elrod (R).

April 17, 2008

OPEN HOUSE SEATS -
24 Republican and 6 Democrats.
* AL - open seat – Rep. Bud Cramer (D) retiring. Interested in running: St. Rep. John Robinson (D), St. :pub Serv. Comm. Susan Park (D), St. Sen. Parker Griffith (D), Madson Cty Comm. Mo Brooks (R), St. Sen. Arthur Orr (R).
* KS - U.s Sen. Pat Roberts (R) will be challenged by form Rep. Jim Slattery (D).
* OR - Open seat – CD5 – St. Sen. Kurt Schrader (D), former gubernatorial chief o staff Steve Marks (D), former St. GOP Chair Kevin Mannix, executive Mike Erickson.
* OR - Sen. Gordon Smith (R) Democratic challengers include Pavel Guberman (D), St. Hse Speaker Jeff Merkely (D), Candy Neville (D), Steve Novick (D),
* VA - Rep. Virgil Goode (R) challenged by Tom Perriello (D).
* KY - Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) will have 2 Dem challengers: Greg Fischer (D) and Bruce Lunsford (D).
OH- Open Seat – St. Sen. Steve Stivers (R) against Mary Jo Kilroy (D).
* NY – Open Seat – Tracey Brooks (D), Albny Cty Legislator Phil Steck (D), possibly former St. Rep Paul Tonko (D), Cty Legislator Jim Buhrmaster (R).
* CA - Open Seat – CD4 – St. Sen. Tom McClintock (R), former Rep. Doug Ose (R), Charlie Brown (D), John Wolfgram(D).

2008 Presidential Campaign Update
Super Tuesday Primary – Ten States have moved up their Presidential Primary calendar: CA, NJ, NY, AZ, AR, AL, DE, MD, OK. UT.
* FL Presidential Primary – January 29th
* NV- Republicans have moved their presidential caucus to Jan. 19th, 5 days after IA.

March17, 2008

*LA-Rep. Jim McCrery (R) to retire at the end of the session.
*LA- Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) will be challenged by St. Treas. John Kennedy (R).
*IN- Special election 60 days after certification of Rep. Julia Carson (D) seat vacancy due to her recent death. Interested are: City-Cty Councilor Ron Gibson (D), St. Rep. Carolene Mays (D), Woody Myers, St. Rep. Greg Porter (D), St. Rep. David Orentlicher (D), Marion Cty Treas. Michael Rodman (D), City-Cty Councilor Joanne Sanders, former St. Dem Chr Robin Winston.
*NJ- open seat (Rep. Mike Ferguson-R- not seeking re-election). Interested: St. Rep. Linda Stender (D), St. Sen. Leonard Lance (R), Kate Whitman (R), St. Rep Peter Biondi (R).
*MD- Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R) –Feb. 12 Repub. Primary – St. Sen. Andy Harris (R) and St. Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R).
*OH- Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) – challengers include: Cleveland Councilman Jim Cimperman (D), N. Olmstead Mayor Tom O’Grady (D), Barbara Anne Ferris (D), Rosemary Palmer (D), former St. Rep. Jim Trakas (R).
*KS- Rep. Nancy Boyda (D) faces St. Treas. Lynn Jenkins (R), former Rep. Jim Ryan (R)-Republican Primary in early August.
*MS-Open Sen. Seat (Trent Lott-R). Nov. 4 special election – Interim appointment between Rep. Roger Wicker (R) retiring Rep. Chip Pickering (R), St. Treas. Tate Reeves (R). Dems interested include: AG Mike Moore (D), former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D), former Rep. Ronnie Shows (D).

December 23, 2007

*MS- Sen. Trent Lott (R) will resign before year’s end. Battle over date of special election.
*MS – Sen. Thad Cochran (R) will run for re-election next year.
*IL- Rep. Dennis Hastert (R) not certain if he will serve his full term but he won’t force a special election. In the race, Jim Oberweis (R), St. Sen. Chris Lauzen(R), Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns (R), Bill Foster (D), Jotham Stein (D).
*WY- Rep. Barbara Cubin (R) not seeking re-election.
*NJ - Rep. Jim Saxton (R) not seeking re-election.
*LA-Rep. Jim McCrery (R) to retire at the end of the session.
*NM -Open Senate seat – Rep. Heather Wilson (R) and Rep. Steve Pearce (R), Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez (D),-Rep. Tom Udall (D).
*NM -Open Rep. Heather Wilson (R) seat-Sheriff Darren White (R), St. Sen. Joe Carraro (R), Martin Heinrich (D), Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).
*NM - Open Rep. Steve Paerce (R) seat – Interested include: St. Sen. Leonard Lee Rawson (R), St. Rep. Dan Foley (R), Earl Greer (R), Ed Tinsley (R), Las Cruces Mayor Bil Mattiace (D), former Comm. Harry Teague (D), Comm. Bill McCamley (D), St. Rep.
Joseph Cervantes (D), Al Kissling (D).
*NM - Open Rep. Tom Udall (D)seat – Comm. Harry Montoya (D), Don Wiviott (D).
*MI -Primary back on January 15 calendar. NH – Now scheduled for January 8th, five days after the Jan 3 Iowa caucuses).

December 11, 2007

*MS- Sen. Trent Lott (R) will resign before year’s end. Battle over date of special election.
*MS – Sen. Thad Cochran (R) will run for re-election next year.
*IL- Rep. Dennis Hastert (R) not certain if he will serve his full term but he won’t force a special election. In the race, Jim Oberweis (R), St. Sen. Chris Lauzen(R), Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns (R), Bill Foster (D), Jotham Stein (D).
*WY- Rep. Barbara Cubin (R) not seeking re-election.
*NJ-Rep. Jim Saxton (R) not seeking re-election.
*NM-Open Senate seat – Rep. Heather Wilson (R) and Rep. Steve Pearce (R), Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez (D),-Rep. Tom Udall (D).
*NM-Open Rep. Heather Wilson (R) seat-Sheriff Darren White (R), St. Sen. Joe Carraro (R), Martin Heinrich (D), Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).
*NM-Open Rep. Steve Paerce (R) seat – Interested include: St. Sen. Leonard Lee Rawson (R), St. Rep. Dan Foley (R), Earl Greer (R), Ed Tinsley (R), Las Cruces Mayor Bil Mattiace (D), former Comm. Harry Teague (D), Comm. Bill McCamley (D), St. Rep.
Joseph Cervantes (D), Al Kissling (D).
*NM- Open Rep. Tom Udall (D)seat – Comm. Harry Montoya (D), Don Wiviott (D).
*MI- Primary Primary back on January 15 calendar. NH – Now scheduled for January 8th, five days after the Jan 3 Iowa caucuses).

December 7, 2008

* NY- Rep. Mike McNulty (CD2-D) will retired. Open seat.
*GA- CD 10 – Rep. Paul Broun (R) won special election. Primary challenger will be St. Rep. Barry Fleming (R).
*CO-Open CD 2 – St. Sen Joan FitzGerald (dem), Jared Polis (D), Will Shaforth (D).
*PA-Rep Christopher Carney (D) will be challenged by Chris Hackett (R). Rep. Tim Murphy (R) will face Dan Whaley (D), Brien Wall (D), Beth Hafer (D).
*CA- Open CD52 – Running are Bob Watkins (R), Duncan Hunter (R).
*OH- CD-5 Special election: St. Rep. Bob Latta (R), St. Sen. Steve Buehrer (R), Fred Pieper (R). Primary November 6. General Election: December 11, 2007.
*UT- CD3 – Rep. Chris Cannona (R) will face John Jacob (R), Jason Chaffetz (R), former Cty prosecutor David Leavitt (R).
*MD- Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R) faces St. Sen. Andy Harris (R).
*WA- Gov. Christine Gregiore (D) will be challenged again by Dino Rossi (R). Gregiore won by 127 votes in 2004

September 25, 2007

* MA - Special 9/4/07 5th CD Primary- Rep. Marty Meehan (D) stepped down- Dems include: Niki Tsongas (D), St. Rep. Jamie Eldridge (D), Lowell Councilor Eileen DOnoghue (D), St. Rep. Barry Finegold (D), St. Rep. Jim Miceli (D), Jim Ogonowski (R), Tom Tierney (R).
* NE - Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) will be primaried by AG. Jon Bruning (R) and Ex-Rep. Hal Daub (R). Dems interested in the Senate seat include: Pat Flynn (D), Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey (D).
KS- Rep. Nancy Boyda (D) will be challenged by St. Treas. Lynn Jenkins (R) and ex-Rep. Jim Ryun (R).
* AZ - Rep. Rick Renzi's (R) political future uncertain. Candidates interested: St. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D), State official Steve Owens (D), Mary Kim Titla (D), Howard SHanker (D), former Casa Grand Mayor Bob Mitchell (D), Winslow Mayor Alan Affeldt (D). Republicans include: former AZ Sen. Pres. Ken Bennett (R), Sydney Hay (R).
* CA - Rep. Duncan Hunter (R) is running for President. Interested in his 52nd CD seat are: talk-radio host Mark Larson (R), Marine Reservist Duncan D. Hunter (R-son of the Rep).
PA- Rep. Phil English (R) will be challenged by Tom Myers (D), Erie County Councilman Kyle Foust (D).
* NY – Rep. Randy Kuhl (R). Democrats Eric Massa (D) and David Nachbar will hold a primary.
* TX - Rep. Nick Lampson (D) may be challenged by former Sugar Land Mayor Dean Hrbacek (R). Already announced is former Rep. Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (R).
* CA - Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D) may be challenged by businesswoman Dana Walsh (R) and perhaps anti-war Independent Cindy Sheehan (I).

July 30, 2007

* TN - Sen. Lamar Alexander(R) – possible Dem. challengers: Mike McWherter (D), son of former Gov. Ned McWherter (D), former Rep. Harold Ford, Jr (D), St. Sen. Rosalind Kurita (D), former St. Party Chair Bob Tuke (D).
* NM - Sen. Pete Domenici (R) – possible Dem challengers: Don Wiviott (D), former US Atty John Kelly (D), Allen Sanchez (D). If Domenici doesn’t run, add Rep. Tom Udall (D), Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez (D) and former St. AG Patricia Madrid (D).
IL- Rep. Melissa Bean (D) will be challenged by Steve Greenberg (R)
* WY - Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D)appointed state Sen. John Barrasso (R) to succeed the late Sen. Craig Thomas (R), who died June 4.
* MD - Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R) may face a primary challenge by St. Sen. Andrew Harris (R).
* OH - Rep. Steve Chabot ® may be challenged by St. Rep. Steve Driehaus (D). Driehaus is term limited.
GA- Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) will be challenged by DeKalb Cty CEO Vernon Jones (D), Dale Cardwell (D). CO- Rep. Marilyi Musgrave (R) will be challenged by Betsy Markey (D), former St. Rep. Angie Paccione (D), Eric Eidsness (D).
* WV - Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R) will be challenged by St. Sen. John Unger II (D)

7/10/07

*WY- Sen. Craig Thomas (R) died 6/4/07. Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D, will appoint a successor from one of three finalists chosen by the state Republican party.
*MA-Special Election 10/07- CD5 – Rep. Marty Meehan resignation. Running are: Lowell City Councilor Eileen Donoghue (D), St. Rep. Jamie Eldridge (D), St. Rep. Barry Fingold (D), St. Rep. Jim Miceli (D), Niki Tsongas (D), Jim Ogonowski (R).
*CA- Rep. Jerry McNerney (D) will be challenged by former St. Rep. Dean Andal (R).
NM- Rep. Heather Wilson (R) will face St. Hlth Sec. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich (D), ex UNM President Louis Calder (D), State Auditor Hector Balderas (D), former Albuquerque Councilor Eric Griego (D).
*NY- Rep. Tom Reynolds (R) may be challenged by retired Army captin Jonathan Powers (D).
*TX- Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D) may be challenged by Bexar Cty Commissioner Lyle Larson (R).
* GA- Rep. Jim Marshall (D) will be challenged by Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard (R),

6/16/07

Super Tuesday Primary – Feb. 5, 2008 -Ten States have moved up their Presidential Primary calendar: CA, NJ, NY, AZ, AR, AL, DE, MD, OK. UT.
*FL -Presidential Primary – January 29th.
*NC- Rep. Patrick McHenry (R,10)may face Republican primary by former Cty Chair Donnie Young (R)
*ME-Open 1st CD- The list of interested candidates is long: former St. Sen. Michael Brennan (D), former St. Sen. Chellie Pingree (D), York Cty DA Mark Lawrence (D), Iraq War veteran Adam Cote (D), former Portland Mayor Jill Duson (D), St. Sen. Ethan Strimling (D). Steve Abbott (R).
*OH- Rep. Jean Schmidt (R) will be primaried by Phil Heimlich (R). Also considering are St. Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr. (R), Hamilton Cty Prosecutor Joe Deters (R), Ken Blackwell (R), Iraq War veteran Brad Wenstrup. Dems running are: Victoria Wulsin (D), Jeff Sinnard (D).
*MO- Rep. Sam Graves (R) will be challenged by former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes (D).
*MA- Open 5th CD – Interested Dems: Niki Tsongas (D), Lowell City Councilperson Eileen Donoghue(D), Middlesex Cty Sheriff James DiPaola (D), DNC Comm. David O’Brien (D).
*WV – Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (R) will face a challenge from St. Sen. John Unger (D).
*OR- Sen. Gordon Smith (R) will be challenged by Steve Novick (D). Also considering the race are: Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D)

6/3/07

* CA-Death of Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D). Special election 6/26/07, with run-off on 8/21/07. Candidates include: St. Sen. Jenny Oropeza (D), St. Rep Laura Richardson (D), Mervin Evans (D), Peter Mathews (D), Ed Wilson (D), John Kanaley (R), Gwen Patrick (R).
* AZ- Rep. Rick Renzi (R) future ? Possible candidates: former St. Sen. Ken Bennett (R), Steve Pearce (R), St. Sen. Tom O’Halleran, Lewis Tenney(R), St. Rep. Bill Ionopnicki (R). Democrats include: Ellen Simon (D), St. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D), Atty Jim Ledbetter (D), St. Envir.Quality Dir Steve Owens (D).
* UT- Rep. Chris Cannon (R) will face challengers: Juab Cty Prosecutor David Leavitt (R), John Jacob (R), Jason Chaffetz (R),.
* TX-Dallas Mayoral Runoff -June 16: Tom Leppert and City Councilman Ed Oakley.
* PA- Philadelphia Mayoral Race-City Councilman Michael Nutter (D) will face Al Taubenberger (R) in November
* NY- NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg considering a third-party run for the Presidency.
* NE- Sen. Chuck Hagel (R) might have primary challenge from A.G. Jon Bruning (R).
* LA- Gov 2007 – Open – Rep. Bobby Jindal (R), St. Sen. Walter Boasso (R), John Georges (R), St. Trea. John Kennedy (D), former Comm. Foster Campbell (D), former Rep. Chris John, former AG Richard Leyoub
* ME- Sen. Susan Collins (R) challenger Rep. Tom Allen (D). Sen. Joe Lieberman (Indep D, CT) will campaign for Sen. Collins.
* MO- Rep. Sam Graves (R) may be challenged by Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes (D).

5/16/07

* GA- special CD election – June 19th – Running are St. Sen. JimWhitehead (R), St. Sen. Ralph Hudgens (R), former Athens Mayor Doc Eldridge (R)
* CO – 2008 – Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R) possible challengers – Eric Eidsness (D), Bent Cty Comm. Bill Long (D), St. Sen. Brandon Shaffer (D), Betsy Markey (D)
* NM – 2008 – Rep. Heather Wilson (R) possible challenger by Terry Brunner, Sen. Jeff Bingaman State Director, Former Albuquerque City Councilor Eric Griego (D), Albuquerque Councilor Martin Heinrich and St. Rep. Al Park.
* NV- Rep. Jon Porter (R) – possibly running: Tessa Hafen (D), Clark Cty Comm. Rory Reid (D), Henderson police Chief Richard Perkins (D), St. Sen. Dina Titus (D).
* MN – 2008 – Rep. Michele Bachmann (R) – possible challenge from former Blaine Mayor Elwyn TInklenberg (D), Robert Hill (D), Stearns Cty Atty Janelle Kendall (D), St. Sen. Tarryl Clark (D).
* CA- 2008 – Rep. Jerry McNerney (D) – possibly running = former St. Rep. Dean Andal (R), St. Rep. Greg Aghazarian (R), St. Rep. Guy Houston (R), St. Rep. Alan Nakanishi (R).

4/12/07

* KY- 2007 -Gov Ernie Fletcher (R) May 22 Primary. Reps. possibly former Rep. Anne Northup (R), Billy Harper (R) Dems include: former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, Hse Speaker Jody Richards, Bruce Lunsford, former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear, State Treas. Jonathan Miller.
* LA – 2007 Gov. Kathleen Blanco October Primary: possible challenger Rep. Bobby Jindal (R), St. Sen. Walter Boaso (R), Commissioner Foster Campbell (D), former Sen. John Breaux (D)
* IA - 2008 – Sen. Tom Harkin (D) has confirmed he is running for re-election. Possible challengers Steve Rathie (R), Rep Steve King (R), former Rep Jim Nussle (R).
* KS - CD-2 – Rep. Nancy Boyda (D) possible challengers former Rep. Jim Ryan, St. Treas. Lynn Jenkins (R).
* MN - 2008- Sen. Norma Coleman (R) may be challenged by Al Frankin (D), Atty Mike Ciresi (D), St. Sen. Tarryl Clark (D), St. Sen. Mee Moua (D), St. Re. Tom Bakk (D), St. Rep. Joe Atkins (D).
* GA – Rep. Charles Norwood Jr. (R) has died - special election must be called by Governor within 10 days of the vacated seat, election no fewer than 30 days later.

3/5/07

As of 1/1707, the following have expressed interest or announced their presidential intentions:

Republicans: US Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS); Former Governor Jim Gilmore (R-VA); Former NYC Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (R-NY); Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA); US Senator John McCain (R-AZ); Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX); Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO); Former Governor Tommy Thompson (R-WI).

Democrats: US Senator Joe Biden (D-DE); US Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT); Former US Senator John Edwards (D-NC); Former Alaska US Senator Mike Gravel (D-VA); Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH); US Senator Barack Obama(D-IL); Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM); Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA). Not announced and not talking about it is US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

* CO- US Senator Wayne Allard (R) will honor two-term limit and not seek re-election in 2008. Possible candidates Re Mark Udall (D), former Rep Scott McInnis (R), former Governor Bill Owens (R), former Congressman Bob Beauprez (R).

1/19/07

Election Results: - 11/9/06

* U.S. Senate - Democrats 51 members (including 2 Independents); Republicans 49 members - Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Montana and Virginia switched from R to D.

* U.S. House - Democrats picked up 27 seats: AZ-05; AZ-08; CA-11; CO-07; CT-05; FL-16; FL-22; IA-01; IA-02; IN-02; IN-08; IN-09; KY-03; KS-02; MN-01; NC-11; NH-01; NH-02; NY-19; NY-20; NY-24; OH-18; PA-04; PA-07; PA-10; WI-08. (Current House Balance: Democrats (228); Republicans (195).

House races that are still undecided: GA-08 (Dem); GA-12 (Dem); CT-02 (Rep); NM-01 (Rep); PA-06 (Rep); PA-08 (Rep); WA-08 (Rep); WY(Rep).

2008 Convention Update
* DNC Presidential Primary change: NV to convene its caucus three days ahead of NH. SC primary again one week after NH.
* Republican National Presidential Convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Sept. 1-4, 2008.

11/9/06

*FL - open 16h CD- Rep. Mark Foley’s resignation. St. Rep Joe Negron (R) is the replacement but will not appear on the ballot. The State Court blocked the posting of notices in the precincts of the change. Democratic candidate is Tim Mahoney (D).
* NE – open 3rd CD – Scott Kleeb(D) running against St. Sen. Adrian Smith(R). The last time a Dem held this Hse eat was 1961.
* TX – open 22nd CD, former Rep. Nick Lampson (D) running against write-in candidate Shelley Sekula-Gibbs (R).
ELECTIONS TO WATCH:
*NJ – High Court mandated legislature to develop full legal rights bill for same-sex couples. Eight states have anti-gay marriage ballot initiatives (AZ, CO, ID, SC, SD, TN, VA, WI)
SENATE – 33 seats up for election– States to watch: VA (Allen(R); OH (DeWIne (R); MO (Talent( R); MT (Burns( R); PA ( Santorum (R); RI (Chafee ( R): NJ (Menendez ( D): WA (Cantwell ( D); NE (Nelson (D); MI (Stabenow (D); Open seats -MD, MN & TN
* GUBERNATORIAL RACES – 28 seats up for election – Open seats in AK, AR, CO, FL, IA, ID, MA, NY, OH, NV,

10/27/06

*PA - Sen. - Green Party Candidate Carl Romanelli removed from ballot. Sen. Rick Santorum (R) challenged by St. Treas. Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D).
* NJ - Sen. Bob Menendez (D) challenged by St. Sen. Tom Kean, Jr. (R).
* WA - Sen. Maria Cantwell (D) challenged by Mike McGavick (R).
* MD - Open Sen-Rep. Ben Cardin(D) running against Lt.Gov.Michael Steele (R).
* VT- Open Sen-Rep. Bernie Sanders (I)against Richard Tarrant (R).
* TN-Open Sen-Rep. Harold Ford (D)versus Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker(R)
* MA- Open Gov- US Asst AG Deval Patrick (D)versus Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey (R)
* MT - Sen. Conrad Burns(R) challenged by St. Sen. Jon Tester (D).
* NV-Open Gov.–Rep. Jim Gibbons(R) versus St. Sen. Dina Titus (D).

9/27/06

* TX-Gov Rick Perry (R) challengers include: Chris Bell (D), James Werner (LP), St. Comp. Carole Strayhorn (Ind), Kinky Friedman (Ind).
* FL- Gov- Jim Davis (D) named St. Sen. Daryl Jones as Lt. Gov. They face Charlie Crist (R) who named St. Rep. Jeff Kottkamp as his running mate.
* RI- Sen. Lincoln Chaffee (R) will face former St. Atty Gen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D).
* AZ- Open 8th CD- former St. Rep. Randy Graf (R) faces form St. Sen. Gabrielle Giffords
* MN- Open CD - St. Rep. Keith Ellison (D) will face Alan Fine (R), Jay Pond (Green) and Tammy Lee (Indep). If Ellison wins, he will be the first Muslim to serve in Congress.
* NH-Rep. Jeb Bradley (R) will face Carol Shea-Porter (D) who beat St. Min. LOeader Jim Craig (D) in the Primary.
* WI- Open 8th CD- St. Rep. John Gard (R) against Steve Kagen (D).
* WI-Gov Jim Doyle (D) faces Rep. Mark Green (R) and Nelson Eisman (Green).
* AZ – Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) will face Len Munsil (R), Barry Hess (LP), Scott Malcomson Indep).
* OH- Rep. Bob Ney (R) retiring – St. Sen. Joy Padgett (R) is running against Zack Space (D).

9/20/06

* CT-Sen. Joe Lieberman (D) will run as an Independnet; challenged by Ned Lamont (D) and ex St. Rep. Alan Schlesinger (R).
* MI- Rep. Joe Schwarz (R, CD-7) lost to St. Rep. Tim Walberg (R).
* OR- Gov Ted. Kulongoski (D) challenged by Ron Saxton (R). St. Sen. Ben Westlund (I) has withdrawn. Also running Mary Starrett (Constitution), Richard Morley (Libertarian), Joe Keating (Pacific Greens).
* FL- Open Gov. – Reps include: A.G. Charlie Crist (R), St. CFO, Tom Gallagher (R); Dems include: Atty John Crotty (D), Rep. Jim Davis (D), St. Sen. Rod Smith (D).
* TX-Open CD-22, Rep. Tom DeLay(R) still n ballot. Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace (R) is a write-in. Ex Rep Nick Lampson (D), Bob Smith (LP) fill out the ballot
* MT-Sen. Conrad Burns (R) challenger St. Sen.Jon Tester (D), Stan Jones (LP).
* MN-Open Sen- Rep. Mark Kennedy (R) faces Hennepin Cty Atty Amy Klobuchar (D). Also Darryl Stanton (D), Harold Shudlick (R).
* MN-Open CD-St. Sen. Michele Bachman (R) opponent Patty Wetterling (D).
* NY-Rep. Peter King (R) challenger Nassau Cty Legis. David Mejias (D).
* TN-Open 9th CD St. Sen Steve Cohen (D), Nikki Tinker (D).
* MD- Rep Albert Wynn (D) challengers include Donna Edwards (D), Shelby Cty Comm. Julian Bolton (D), Joe Ford, Jr. (D).
* MD- Open CD– John Sarbanes (D), Mishonda Baldwin (D), Andy Barth (D), Peter Beilenson(D), Oz Bengur (D), St. Sen. Paula Hollinger*D(, KevinK’Keeffe (D).
* IN-Rep. John Hofstettler (R) opponent Vanderburgh Cty Sheriff Brad Ellsworth (D).
* WI- Open 8th CD-St. Rep John Gard (R), St. Rep. Terri McCormick (R), Jamie Wall (D), Steve Kagen, (D), former Cty Exec. Nancy Nusbaum (D).
* NE- Sen. Ben Nelson (D) challenged by Peter Ricketts (R).
* KY- Rep. Anne Northrup (R) opponent John Yarmouth