The following diaries are examples of this week's Election Diary Rescue. This post features a collection of
176 diaries.
(KS-Sen) Kansas State University Demands Pat Roberts Stop Running ad. Roberts Refuses by tmservo433 - The President of Kansas State University asked the Pat Roberts (R) campaign to stop using a video that the producer said was for private distribution, but has now been made public in radio and television ads. Roberts' campaign has refused.
(MI-11) Foreclosure King for Congress? by Fuzzytek - You might think it sounds like a shameless joke, but "Foreclosure King" is the moniker for David Trott, Michigan Republican Party candidate in the 11th congressional district. His firm proudly boasts of pushing 80,000 homes through the foreclosure mill in the past year. Bobby McKenzie is the Democrat in the race.
(TX-Gov) TX Candidate for Governor Abbott-R Caught Palling Around with Terrorist by txdoubledd - Greg Abbott was caught on camera palling around with a dangerous militia leader who was arrested 4 days later by the ATF. This is one of the border 'guards' pointing guns at legitimate Border Patrol officers. Deal is, this guy is a convicted felon and isn't allowed to possess a gun. Oops.
Enter the Daily Kos Elections 2014 prediction contest! by David Nir - The official DKos elections division is holding a prediction contest again this year. Sign-ups go through 4PM Tuesday. Join the fun! The tie breaker is a tough one.
This is the 43rd weekly edition of Election Diary Rescue. It covers rescued down-ticket election diaries published from Sunday, October 27 through Saturday, November 1. We hope you enjoy the following gems dug up by our dedicated team of miners.
* Please visit us again on Thursday, Nov 6th for our final 2014 edition which will feature election diaries published from Sunday through the election as well as Wednesday diaries that reflect on the races. It will also be a place for the mighty EDR crew to leave you with some parting comments so please join us.
Diaries: (176)
Senate: (47) posts, (15) states
House: (21) posts, (14) states, (16) districts
State and more: (57)
General: (51)
EDR has compiled, described and linked
down ticket election related diaries since 2006.
EDR chronicles the passion, power and effectiveness of political engagement and shines a light on candidates and issues that might be otherwise missed. It gives quick access to races, hopefully inspires people to write about contests that interest them, and has become an archive for thousands of election related diaries over the years.
Archive links
Format and Tags
Diarists can help the EDR mining team by identifying the race in the diary title, for example: (FL-14) or (GA-Gov) or (NY-Sen). Using the "Elections" tag is also very helpful and keep in mind that your first sentence or two can be what you would like to see in the EDR description.
This edition of EDR was made possible by the following miners and editors: Alma, eeff, Doug Tuttle, Joieau, Land of Enchantment, Pucklady, randallt, sylv, suejazz, and turbonerd. Special thanks to Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse.
Senate - 47
(AK-Sen) Good news for Sen. Mark Begich (D) - important endorsement from AFN by ERdoc in PA - The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) has endorsed Mark Begich (D) in the Senate race, after a recent debate between Begich and Dan Sullivan (R).
(AK-Sen) Second Poll Finds Begich up Big in Alaska!! by joelgp. A lot of pundits have ignored Begich's extraordinary GOTV efforts in outlaying areas, and ignored how notoriously difficult it is to poll in Alaska's many outlying areas. It probably isn't time to declare this one over.
(AK-Sen) AK-Sen: Mark Begich (D) & DFA Call On Outside Groups To Disclose Their Donors by poopdogcomedy - Senator Mark Begich (D, AK) and Democracy for America are advocating that Alaska's law requiring contributions to be public and groups to disclose their top three donors should be adopted nationally.
(AK-Sen) AK-Sen: Mitt & Ted To The Rescue On The Last Frontier! by HarpboyAK - Incumbent Mark Begich (D) leads in a poll over Dan Sullivan (R) and the GOP sends out Mitt Romney and Ted Cruz to try and change things. Very entertaining diary.
(AR-Sen) Pounding the Pavement to Keep Mark Pryor in the Senate by nuketeacher - Diarist details their experience canvassing for Mark Pryor (D). The good news is that the walking lists are chock full of people that are persuadable. The bad news is that the diarist was one of less than a hand full of people who went canvassing out of that office that day.
(CO-Sen) Colorado has been blanketed with Right/Republican mailers... by PoliticalBartender - The US Senate race in Colorado has generated a bumper crop of right-wing direct mail.
(FL-Sen) SOS Charlie Crist being outspent 3-1, race tied, help needed by VL Baker - An appeal for donations to Charlie Crist (D) running for Governor against Rick Scott (R).
(GA-Sen) GA-Sen debate: Perdue opposes minimum wage & downplayed illegal pay bias as "less than 2,000" women by distraught - During the Senate debate, Republican David Perdue downplayed Dollar General's $19 million settlement for gender discrimination because it involved only 2,000 women unfairly paid. Michelle Nunn hit him on that, outsourcing, and minimum wage.
(GA-Sen) SUSA Still Has Nunn Positioned to Win Despite Purdue Lead by schobel94 - SUSA has Purdue up 3 points on Nunn, yet has Nunn in a position to win outright on election night by garnering 29-30% of the white vote.
(IA-Sen) Joni Ernst: Why Iowans Should Vote Early by river0 - Many of Republican Joni Ernst's basic beliefs would be laughable if they weren't so damn dangerous. This shouldn't be a close election, Joni Ernst should lose to Bruce Braley (D) in a landslide. But recent polls show it's going to be close.
(IA-Sen) Des Moines Register Endorses Bruce Braley for IA Senate by blugrinrdst - A very important newspaper endorsement for Bruce Braley (D) in his race against TeaParty Republican wacko Joni Ernst for the US Senate.
(IA-Sen) VIDEO: Joni Ernst Denies Coordinating With Kochs After Attending Secret Koch Summit by ClimateBrad. Just because Joni Ernst hangs out with the Kochs at their secret summit earlier this year, there's no reason to think she's in cahoots with them in any way.
(IA-Sen) Dem Bruce Braley Retakes Slim Lead in Iowa by joelgp - It's slim, but we'll take it. Diarist offers the trend lines.
(IA-Sen) Braley gets tagged with 'Suing a Chicken' -- And Joni just gets a 'Free Pass' by jamess - Why is Joni Ernst (R) missing newspaper endorsement interviews, and why are Democrats so happy about it?
(IA-Sen) IA Quinnipiac Stunner: Braley UP 57% -36% In Heavy Early Voting by Reinvented Daddy - Quinnipiac poll of early voters in Iowa shows Democrat Bruce Braley ahead of Joni Ernst (R-Crazytown) by 21 points among those who have already voted.
(IA-Sen) Ras Has Ernst Up Only 1 Point In Their Final IA Poll, And Why That's Significant... by schobel94 - Rasmussen has Ernst leading by a paltry 1 point in their latest (and likely last) Iowa poll. That's down 3 points from their last survey. Some history on Ras polling oopses in past elections.
(IA-Sen) Dialing for voters-- my first shift by Demi Moaned - Diarist describes the experience of GOTV phone banking for Bruce Braley in the Iowa Senate race.
(KS-Sen) Kansas Republicans in a Panic by Big Orange. Kansans aren't used to a parade of party celebs campaigning around the state, usually they take the deep red state for granted. This year is different - even Sen. Pat Roberts himself has shown up!
(KS-Sen) Kansas GOP Endorses.. Greg Orman? As Mail Goes Wrong by tmservo433 - I don't remember anytime where a piece of mail I have been a party to ever endorsed the guy I was trying to defeat.
(KS-Sen) Kansas State University Demands Pat Roberts Stop Running ad. Roberts Refuses by tmservo433 - The President of Kansas State University asked the Pat Roberts (R) campaign to stop using a video that the producer said was for private distribution, but has now been made public in radio and television ads. Roberts' campaign has refused.
(KY-Sen) Major KY Newspapers Whole-Heartedly Endorse Grimes For Senate! by blugrinrdst - The editorial boards of both the Louisville Courier-Journal and the Lexington Herald-Leader have given ringing endorsements of Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) for the U.S. Senate. In addition to noting Grimes' support of a minimum wage increase, access to child care, expanded Pre-K education, reduced student loan rates, and marriage equality, the write ups included blistering criticisms of Mitch McConnell (R), her opponent.
(KY-Sen) The 11 top lies of Mitch 'Myth' McConnell by Jon Perr - Whether he's discussing taxes, health care, the economy, the debt, or pretty much anything else, virtually all of 'Myth' McConnell's talking points are tried—and untrue.
(KY-Sen) KY-Sen: "Leaving Everything on the Road" for Grimes (Day 1) by Bassmastor - Inspiring diary about going to where you are needed to help a candidate. In this case Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) against Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R).
(KY-Sen) McConnell 48 Grimes 43 in Bluegrass poll by HEYPHILLIP - Diarist asks how credible this polling outfit is.
(KY-Sen) "Not Voting is a vote for Mitch McConnell"--How to make phone calls by Paul Hogarth - Diarist has been making GOTV calls to states with crucial Senate races, including the McConnell-Grimes race in Kentucky. Seeking more volunteers.
(KY-Sen) Grimes Files for Injunction Against McConnell for Illegal Voter Suppression/Intimidation by ericlewis0 - Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes has filed for an immediate injunction to stop Mitch McConnell from sending out a mailer that is designed to keep people from voting on Election Day. Pictures of the blatantly illegal mailer included, duly marked "Paid for by the Republican Party of Kentucky and authorized by McConnell Senate Committee '14."
(ME-Sen) LCV-Backed Susan Collins Still Won't Comment on Obama's EPA Carbon Regulations by Liberty Equality Fraternity and Trees. Collins sticks with Mitch McConnell's obstructionism, but equivocates and tries to pretend she doesn't really. Too bad the League of Conservation Voters has endorsed her.
(ME-Sen) ME-Sen: 5th debate highlights McConnell factor by emorej a Hong Kong - Diarist has a video/song you should listen to in the Maine Senate race between incumbent Susan Collins (R) and Challenger Shenna Bellows (D).
(ME-Sen) ME-Sen: Bellows introduces Obama speech by emorej a Hong Kong - Washington Republicans have blocked Obama at every turn. Transcript and commentary on Shenna Bellows' introduction here.
(ME-Sen) Sen Susan Collins (ME-MINO) endorses Larry (R-ape) Lockman by slakn1 - Yes, THAT Larry Lockman. Who says that if a woman has the right to abortion, men have the right to rape women. Collins is no "moderate" when she backs troglodytes like this. Democrat Shenna Bellows needs to send Collins into ignoble retirement.
(MS-Sen) Chris McDaniel (R-Loser) May File Another Damn Lawsuit Because: 'No Fair!' by Retroactive Genius. This pathetic Tea Partier doesn't think it was fair that he lost the primary according to the rules. At this point, he's starting to remind one of those Japanese guys holed up in the caves in the Philippines in the 1950s still thinking WWII wasn't over.
(NC-Sen) Thom Tillis represents the worst of the worst in NC by StarGazerNC - The diarist gives support to Senator Kay Hagan (D) in her run against Thom Tillis (R).
(NC-Sen) National Organization for Marriage has a $125,000 tantrum over marriage equality in North Carolina by Laura Clawson. The issue of marriage equality is settled law in North Carolina now, but that isn't stopping the National Organization for Marriage from dumping money into Thom Tillis's challenge to incumbent Democratic Senator Kay Hagan.
(NC-Sen) Kay Hagan campaign sign burned in NC family's yard by SteelerGrrl - Note to the Tillis campaign: if your ground game happens after dark and involves combustibles, you're doing it wrong.
(NC-Sen) NC-Sen: Early voting in NC beating 2010 pace by Christian Dem in NC - Early voting numbers in North Carolina are running well ahead of the pace from 2010, even though the GOP-controlled General Assembly cut a week from the early voting period.
(NC-Sen) North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory says he's assessing NC Medicaid expansion by windsong01 - And not just the governor, as Senate candidate Thom Tillis (R) said last week that lawmakers and McCrory should consider Medicaid expansion for next year. Likely hollow posturing prior to the election, but you never know.
(NE-Sen) The Most Unusual US Senate Candidate in America by Nancy Meyer - The lead attorney that sued to block the original KXL pipeline route, Dave Domina (D), is running a different kind of campaign for US Senate - not taking any PAC donations, not accepting endorsements, and not running any attack ads.
(NH-Sen) Scott Brown: A Class Act (NOT) by DtheO - The 'Leftist Marching Band' got into a scuffle with Scott Brown (R) at a bar after the Halloween parade. He said they "suck," they called him a "Carpetbagger," a fine time was had by all. Jeanne Shaheen (D) is Brown's opponent.
(SD-Sen) Here's an update on the Daily Kos-backed GOTV campaign on South Dakota's Indian reservations by navajo - With support from Four Directions and South Dakota NDN PAC, three rallies were held this past weekend to encourage all Lakota to vote.
(SD-Sen) SD-Sen: Shannon County & Native Votes by Land of Enchantment - In 1996 Native Americans were instrumental in electing Democrat Tim Johnson over incumbent Larry Pressler (R). They could be again in this year in the three-way race to replace Sen. Johnson between Pressler, who is running as an Independent, Democrat Rick Weiland, and former Gov. Mike Rounds (R).
(SD-Sen) SD-Sen: Weiland's campaign strategy getting noticed by emorej a Hong Kong - In this four-way race where Democrat Weiland faces Republican nominee Mike Rounds and Libertarian-Independent Gordon Howie as well as former Republican Senator Larry Pressler, getting noticed on FoxNews helps.
(TX-Sen) I'll lose the election, but the Texas Republicans running against me will live to regret it... by ZedMont - Diarist's friends have been writing him in because the Senate candidates are so droll this year. Diarist tells an entertaining tale about that...
(Sen-Var) Who Will Win the Senate -- The Teepee versus the Bros Koch by jps1 - Conventional wisdom would have us believe the GOP will take control of the Senate, but conventional wisdom can sometimes be wrong. Diarist collects links to articles describing what's wrong with buying the Senate and how it can backfire.
(Sen-Var) Results: Six New Marist Polls by joelgp - The NBC News/Marist October 24th polling of six senate races shows five of them so tight that they're within the margin of error.
(Sen-Var) What are the Senate elections about? by joemarkowitz - Yes, they might be about Barack Obama, and what he will be able to accomplish - or hold in check - during the last two years of his Presidency.
(Sen-Var) Realistic Senate Projection: No Optimists or Pessimists Allowed by Doctor Who - Diarist throws out the pundits and does a little poll analysis for himself. And for us.
(Sen-Var) Huffington Post just changed their forecast by Jamesleo - As the final polls roll in, the contest to control the Senate continues to lean to the Republicans, but by very close margins in key states.
House - 21
(AK-AL) An Alaskan Surprise? US House of Representatives by akmk - While the spotlight has been on the Senate race, one fresh young candidate - Forrest Dunbar (D) - has been quietly getting himself around the state and connecting with Alaskans. Run, Forrest, Run!
(AK-AL) AK-House: Juneau Empire just endorsed, yes, Forrest Dunbar by akmk - Hard to get people outside Alaska to take 30-year old Forrest Dunbar seriously, but really this challenger to Don Young (R) is rockin' and rollin'. The Juneau Empire, SE Alaska's largest newspaper, has endorsed him officially. You go, Forrest.
(AK-AL) AK-House: Forrest Dunbar--a Statesman for Alaska and the Nation by akmk - A summary of Democrat Forrest Dunbar's positions, as he stated them on a recent interview on Alaska Public Radio.
(AZ-01) Arizona CD 01 Volunteers Meet Candidates by ramara - Campaign volunteer for Ann Kirkpatrick (D) describes a pre-canvassing breakfast spread and several other candidates who put in an appearance, including state senate candidate Jo Holt (LD-11 and two Dems running for Corporation Commission, Jim Holway and Sandra Kennedy.
(CA-17) Fight back against big money in #CA17: GOTV for Mike Honda by Glen The Plumber - GOTV is the only way to fight back against the Venture Capital and Enron hedge fund money pouring into California's 17th district race for Ro Khanna (R). Here's how we can help.
(CA-17) GOTV for Mike Honda - The Only Candidate on the "Obama Team" in #CA17 by remembrance - Diairist has info on the California US House district 17 race between incumbent Mike Honda (D) and Ro Khanna.
(CA-25) What to do when your only choice is a Republican by Rolandz - Just Republicans on the diarist's ballot this year for the 25th district congressional seat. Two of them. Causing a quandry between voting for the lesser evil or leaving that vote blank.
(KS-01) Why Jim Sherow Matters to Kansas: A Democrat in the West Sets the Tone by tmservo433 - Diarist has a post up on Kansas US House District 1 race between incumbent Tim Huelskamp (R) and challenger Jim Sherow (D).
(MA-06) NOM supports Democrat over gay Republican. Democrat tells them to stuff their support by Laura Clawson - The National Organization for Marriage is supporting Seth Moulton, a straight Democrat who thinks LGBT people should have rights, over Richard Tisei, a gay Republican who thinks LGBT people should have rights. Deal is, Moulton doesn't want their 'help'.
(MI-06) MI-06: Breaking: polling catches up w/No. 1 climate enemy by emorej a Hong Kong - Paul Clements (D) stands a chance in his race against incumbent Fred Upton (R). Mainly we need to let people know who he is.
(MI-06) Hey, remember Benton Harbor? by RLMiller - The segregated twin cities of Benton Harbor (92% black) and St. Joseph (90% white) have been represented by Fred Upton (R) since 1986. This time he's got a serious Democratic challenger in Paul Clements, who Upton has refused to debate.
(MI-11) Foreclosure King for Congress? by Fuzzytek - You might think it sounds like a shameless joke, but "Foreclosure King" is the moniker for David Trott, Michigan Republican Party candidate in the 11th congressional district. His firm proudly boasts of pushing 80,000 homes through the foreclosure mill in the past year. Bobby McKenzie is the Democrat in the race.
(MN-02) Exposé on GOP Rep John Kline's protecting For Profit Colleges to rip off taxpayers and students by Intheknow - One reason to oust John Kline (R) and elect Mike Obermueller (D).
(MT-06) Running For Congress: "I waterboard people" by jimstaro - Backstage before a debate between the two main candidates for Montana's lone Congressional seat, the moderator asked if Democrat John Lewis brought his guitar. The Republican Ryan Zinke, former Navy SEAL, quipped "John plays guitar. I waterboard people." As if it's something to be proud of.
(NJ-05) If One Bill is Too Hard, Retire, Mr. Garrett! by bkswrites - The residents of New Jersey's 5th Congressional District got the closest thing to a debate they're likely to see in this race. Democrat Roy Cho was interviewed first, then Scott Garrett, the Republican incumbent. Cho did quite well.
(NY-24) Republican attacks Democrat over where his daughter was born. Seriously, that happened. by Laura Clawson. While Dan Maffei was at work as a Congressman in the nation's capitol, his wife - who works in DC, too - delivered a baby. Apparently, his nitwit mean-spirited challenger thinks she should have gone home to the district to give birth. If that's the worst he can find about Repf. Maffei, it's kind of pathetic.
(OR-02) How Greg Walden (R-2 OR) Lost My Vote by hstenn - When an issue with a federal entity [USAF] came up for the diarist, Rep. Walden couldn't - or wouldn't - help. Or explain why he couldn't - or wouldn't - help. That's not doing the job.
(PA-06) Behind the Moderate Mask: A Closer Look at PA-06 Congressional Candidate Ryan Costello (R) by SpringCityPADem - Ryan Costello has focused much of his public relations efforts on trying to portray himself as "moderate". But behind the "moderate" mask, and the "independent thinker" disguise, Costello seems to be a cookie-cutter GOP fiscal conservative who idolizes Wisconsin's GOP Congressman and former Vice Presidential candidate, Paul Ryan. Costello's challenger is Dr Manan Travedi (D).
(WA-08) WA-08: Jason Ritchie (D) calls out GOPer Reichert to his vace for not debating! Video. by ParkRanger - Lots of reasons to vote for Jason Ritchie (D) running against Dave Reichert (R) for the US House. With many useful links.
(WA-08) WA-08: Fired up for Jason Ritchie (D). 8 days to GOTV for a great candidate!! by ParkRanger - Democrat Jason Ritchie is running a two-cycle campaign, building the Democratic base in Washington state for 2014 and 2016. Need GOTV volunteers.
(WI-01) Time for Wisconsin voters to kick Koch-fueled Paul Ryan out of Congress by rlegro - It's about time that more voters in the 1st Congressional district tossed out Paul Ryan (R) and elect Rob Zerban (D). The Tea Party already has a plan for "Remaking Republican Conservatism" and it bodes ill for everyone.
State, local and more - 57
(AZ-Gov) Big Tent indeed. Arizona GOP officials to be punished for endorsing Dems by Mother Mags - The Maricopa County Republican Committee has announced a special meeting to sanction precinct committeemen for endorsing Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Duval.
(AZ-Gov) AZ Governor's Race Doug Ducey's "Victory" Rally by Desert Rose - Diarist attended a "Victory" rally today in Tucson for Republican Doug Ducey, accompanied by several other Republican candidates. About 25 people showed up who weren't with the campaigns. Fred Duval (D) may be the next governor.
(CA-AD17) Which David? [CA-17 by Demi Moaned - The diarist asks for help in deciding who to vote for in the upcoming election for California State Assembly.
(CA-StSen26) Sandra Fluke, a better Democrat. Let's send her to Sacramento by Shockwave - Sandra Fluke is one of us. When she spoke at the LA Kossacks meeting in June, diarist found her passionate, eloquent, smart and very knowledgeable. Links to details on her positions.
(CA-Prop1) Food and Water Watch: Prop. 1 ad is 'flagrantly misleading' by Dan Bacher - big money is supporting Prop 1. Get the facts.
(CA-Prop1) Big Tobacco, Health Care Industry Team Up to Fund Prop. 1 Campaign by Dan Bacher - Tobacco giant Philip Morris and the robber barons from the health care and insurance industry have joined a rogue's gallery of corporate agribusiness interests, Big Oil and greedy billionaires in funding the campaign to pass Prop. 1, Gov. Jerry Brown's water bond boondoggle.
(CA-Prop1) Nature Conservancy contributes $500,000 to Yes on Prop. 1 campaign by Dan Bacher - Opponents of Brown's State Water Bond boondoggle find the Nature Conservancy's half-million dollar donation "disturbing." The Conservancy is among a list of environmental organizations receiving grants from the Walton Family Foundation who have contributed to the Water Bond issue in favor of corporate designs on the resource. They are listed here.
(CA-Prop46) Cal. Prop. 46: Just Say NO to More Drug War by wilderness voice - Proposition 46 is opposed by both the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. It would raise the liability cap for pain and suffering due to medical malpractice, but accomplishes this by declaring the war on drugs to now be a war on doctors. Including drug testing for doctors. A very bad idea.
(FL-Gen) Remember This? VOTE.. Vote..GOTV by Vetwife - Diarist seeks dollars to defeat ALEC, the Cochs, Crooks and Bushes in Florida.
(FL-Gov) Final Q-Poll of Fla: Charlie Crist 43%, Rick Scott 40% by saintpetersblog - Diarist has a post up on Poll numbers for the Florida's Governors race with Incumbent Rick Scott (R) and Challenger Charlie Crist (D).
(FL-Gov) Only way to get solar in the sunshine state: get rid of Rick Scott by VL Baker - Diarist has info on the Florida Governors race between incumbent Rick Scott (R) and Challenger Charlie Crist (D).
(ID-Gov) Idaho's Otter tries to shore up base with vow to fight Supreme Court on marriage equality by Joan McCarter - Idaho's Republican governor, Butch Otter, is just not ready to join the 21st century and accept full equality for every citizen in his state, vowing in a debate Thursday night to keep up a losing battle.
(KS-HD43) KS - Republican Revival includes Game Called "Kill the RINO", State Rep "Train Them Young" by tmservo433 - There is something truly despicable about games in which children are learning, even as part of a joke that killing their opposition is a conclusion that is in any way justifiable, and state house Representative Bill Sutton takes joy in this. Link to Democrat Caitlin Trujillo's public Facebook site included in the diary.
(KS-StHouse) Who Will Help Paul Davis ? Kansas State House - Moderates Vs Conservatives by CF of Aus - Diarist has info on Kansas candidates.
(ME-Gov) Desperate RGA has new TV ad promoting 3rd party ME-Gov candidate by Spud1 - Polls for the Maine gubernatorial race have been steady for months, with incumbent Paul LePage (R) in a virtual tie with Mike Michaud (D). So an ad from the Republican Governors Association is now promoting 3rd party candidate Eliot Cutler.
(ME-Gov) A MoveOn Petition That Could Help Stop LePage by nailbender - Of all the nailbiter races across the country, perhaps the most frustrating is the Maine governor's race where teabagger Paul LePage is in a dead heat with centrist Dem Mike Michaud as also-ran Indy Eliot Cutler is garnering 15-20%. Here's a petition requesting Michaud and Cutler to make a pact that would allow Michaud to win.
(ME-Gov) Sen Angus King (I-ME) switches endorsement from Cutler to Michaud by Spud1 - Joining a number of other prominent supporters who change their allegiance from Eliot Cutler to Rep. Mike Michaud (D), Sen. Angus King has endorsed Michaud for Governor of Maine.
(ME-Gov) Major Reboot in Maine Governor Race
by Bruce Bourgoine - In an announcement that all but declared he cannot win, Independent Eliot Cutler stopped short of withdrawing from the gubernatorial race but "releases" his supporters to vote their conscience.
(ME-Gov) REWRITE! ME Gov. - Cutler Is Staying In The Race: Says Supporters Are Free to Vote Their Conscience by blugrlnrdst - Eliot Cutler (I) sorta-kinda drops out of the Maine gubernatorial race, telling his supporters that if they feel he cannot win to vote for either Paul LePage (R) or Mike Michaud (D).
(ME-Gov) ME-Gov LePage says 13% of Ebola victims die without showing any symptoms by Spud1 - Oy. Maine Governor Paul LePage didn't do his homework before trying to force a quarantine on Kaci Hickox. Maine voters can end this nightmare on Tuesday by voting for Mike Michaud (D).
(MI-Gov) The Detroit Free Press Explains Why Rick Snyder is a Horrible Governor…and Then Endorses Him by Liberty Equality Fraternity and Trees - It appears that the Detroit Free Press's hatred of unions is more important than all the things that have make Rick Snyder a horrible governor.
(MI-Gov) MI-GOV SCANDAL: Snyder administration busted illegally destroying FOIAed documents by Eclectablog - Progress Michigan has been doing yeoman's work holding the Rick Snyder (R) administration accountable for corruption. In response to an August request for documents from the MI Dept. of Community Health, they were told no such documents exist. Then, this week, they were told that the documents HAD existed, but were destroyed when MDCH Director Jim Haveman retired. Unfortunately for them, the request happened before the retirement. The destruction of documents was illegal.
(MI-StSen07) A Veteran for Slavens by SlavensforStateSenate - A disabled veteran speaks up for Dian Slavens (D) in her challenge to incumbent Republican state senator Patrick Colbeck, highlighting what Slavens has done for veterans as a state representative.
(MN-StHouse) Minnesota Elections 2014, Final Predictions: Part I, the State House by OGGoldy - Final predictions for the 2014 elections listed by district.
(MN-SoS) Video: "Race Baiting" Charge Heats Up Minnesota Secretary Of State Debate by mmcintee - Democratic candidate for Minnesot Secretary of State Steve Simon slams Republican candidate Dan Severson for proposing "seperate but equal" voting booths in the League of Women Voters debate.
(NavajoNation-Pres) What's with the ironic use of the Navajo language to suppress the vote of the people? by navajo - Navajo voters are encountering roadblocks in both directions, tribe and state government, and all of it is designed to divide the community as well as suppress their vote. Shameful.
(NavajoNation-Pres) Breaking: Navajo Nation Supreme Court rules on elections :REMOVES Election Board Members From Office by manyamile - The court is holding the Board of Election Supervisors and the Elections Commission in contempt for not postponing the election and removing Chris Deschene from the ballot, has removed the members of the Board of Election Supervisors from office, and ordered Deschene to pay the court costs of the two plaintiffs (primary losers).
(ND-Amend1) Blank Check for Government Intrusion: North Dakota's Amendment One is disguised personhood law by diverdonreed - Amendment 1 is a disguised personhood law in disguise. It establishes that "life begins at conception" will criminalize all abortions at any stage. Unspoken but inherent, it would also criminalize IVF, stem cell research and birth control pills.
(NY-21) NY-21 House Poll: Seat will likely flip to R; Cuomo could lose district by AdirondackForeverWild - According to a 7 News-Siena College poll, Republican Elise Stefanik appears poised to take the NY-21 House seat currently held by Democrat Bill Owens. It spells trouble for Andrew Cuomo's hopes too.
(NY-AD113) NY-AD-113-Carrie Woerner In A Strong Position In Final Week Earning Support of Sen Gillibrand by Upstate Blue - It's increasingly looking like Saratoga County technology businesswoman Carrie Woerner (D - Malta/Round Lake) may very well become the first Democrat to represent most of the Upper Hudson Valley region in the New York State Assembly in 150 years. Woerner's campaign recently received the support of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who formerly represented this area in Congress before being appointed to the Senate, as well as the Glens Falls Post-Star, an influential paper in the northern portion of the district.
(NY-Propositions) Sshhh!! There are THREE Propositions on the NYS Ballot by weck - Diarist notes that two amendments to the state constitution and one bond act will be on the back side of the New York State paper ballot on Tuesday. Here is a look at those propositions.
(OH-Gov) Ohio Guv Race: Weighing the Character Flaws and Measuring the Policy Gulf by hungeski - diarist compares Character Flaws of the two candidates in Ohio's Governors race with Incumbent John Kasich (R) and Challenger Ed Fitzgerald (D).
(OR-Measure90) Oregon's Open Primary - Top 2 Anti-voter Choice Measure 90 Opposed by Cindy Sheehan by conversationsforconnecting - After running for governor with the Peace & Freedom Party in California this year and having experienced how the open primary / top 2 voting scheme hurts alternative political party options firsthand, Cindy Sheehan comes out against it by opposing the latest effort to pass it at the ballot with Oregon's Measure 90 to be voted on come November 4th.
(PA-Gov) Fracking and Corbett Fail Miserably in PA Job Creation by StewartAcuff - The corrupt energy industry and the incredibly inept Governor Corbett of Pennsylvania have gotten away with fracking - a suicidal practice - by claiming that fracking produces jobs. It does not. Democrat Tom Wolf is Corbett's opponent.
(PA-Gov) In his desperation, Tom Corbett has done us a favor by owsleyskid - Governor Tom Corbett's (R) most recent ad attacking Democrat Tom Wolf reveals a nest of vipers - Grove City College, beneficiaries of Koch largesse.
(PA-Gov) PA-Gov: Widener University Law School Analyzes Candidate Positions on Sustainability & Environment by Lake Superior - Widener University Environmental Law Center's comparison of major party candidates for Pennsylvania governor on a range of sustainability issues.
(PA-Gov) PA-Gov: Vote Casting Schadenfreude by dfsly - Absentee voting story and links to help voters and Tom Wolf (D) in his election against Tom Corbett (R).
(SC-Gov) Breaking news from South Carolina by FIDOUGHERTY - Judge Tom Ervin, a Republican running for Governor as an Independent, has suspended his campaign and endorsed the Democratic candidate running against Nikki Haley, the Republican incumbent.
(SC-Charleston) Candidates Ride the Bus before Gridlock by wjhamilson29464 - Diarist notes that the local Hungryneck Straphangers coalition of public transportation riders will publish on October 28 a list of Lowcountry political candidates have been riding the buses and meeting the regulars. Unless a real plan is developed, there will be gridlock in Charleston soon.
(TX-Gov) Texas TV news media bias against Wendy Davis in full vogue by Egberto Willies - Obvious questions not asked of Greg Abbott (R) running against Wendy Davis(D) for Governor in Texas and the gotcha questions asked of Davis.
(TX-Gov) TX Candidate for Governor Abbott-R Caught Palling Around with Terrorist by txdoubledd - Greg Abbott was caught on camera palling around with a dangerous militia leader who was arrested 4 days later by the ATF. This is one of the border 'guards' pointing guns at legitimate Border Patrol officers. Deal is, this guy is a convicted felon and isn't allowed to possess a gun. Oops.
(WA-Gen) Republicans Charge "Voter Suppression" in Washington State by Karen Hedwig Backman - Despite using the wrong label, Republicans are now suddenly alarmed about 'dark money' and deceptive mailers from a Dem group. Perhaps that's because their own deceptive mailers were intended to suppress Democratic votes.
(WI-Gov) Is Mary Burke leading WI-GOV? Recent history says yes. by Jake formerly of the LP - There is no question that this governor's race in Wisconsin is as tight as they come when you look at the polls. But there's an interesting trend in Wisconsin over the last two November elections that may be understating Mary Burke's level of support.
(WI-Gov) Walker walks back finger-pointing at Christie, but is still making excuses by Jed Lewison. Scott Walker can't quite make up his mind whether to complain that he's not getting enough support from Republican Party entities or not.
(WI-Gov) 2014 Wisconsin Gubernatorial Benchmarks by BlueSasha - Diarist offers the county benchmarks for the Wisconsin gubernatorial race so we can keep track on election night.
(WI-Gov) Scott Walker is the candidate for you... if you pretty much hate everything by Rachel191 - Infantalize women? Loathe working people? Fear youth? Despise teachers? Oppose educating future generations? Favor theocracy over the constitution? Think Wisconsin would be better off with fewer educated people, more alive fetuses and fewer alive women? Scott Walker's the candidate for you!
(WI-Gov) Sorry Scott Walker, you don't get credit for the Obama Recovery by Jake formerly of the LP - Charts and info showing why WI. should be better off now than they are. Scott Walker (R) should be shown the door because Mary Burke (D) would do a better job.
(WI-Gov) Oh my GAWD, Wisconsin, GOTGDV by Murphoney - The shift toward incumbent Gov. Scott Walker described in a Marquette University Law School poll released last week can be attributed to "voting intention" - 93% of Repubs say they are "certain to vote" vs. only 82% of Dems and 75% of Independents.
(WI-Gov) GenerationExtant - Scott Walker Stole My Future by GenerationExtant - Thanks to Scott Walker (R-Thugville) and his conservative allies in the state legislature, Wisconsin is now shamefully behind its midwestern neighbors (particularly Minnesota, with a progressive DFL majority) in unemployment, jobs, and overall quality of life.
(WI-Gov) WI-GOV polling FAIL. Likely voters /
all who'll vote by Jake formerly of the LP - The Marquette definition of a "likely voter" in its latest poll does not capture all of the voters that will go to the polls, which goes a long way toward explaining how a 46-45 Scott Walker lead in a poll of registered voters can turn into a 50-43 lead among "likely voters."
(WI-Gov) Stunning graphics from NYT article: take note Wisconsin! by strobusguy - Due to Republican extremism, Wisconsin stands out in the upper Midwest for failing to expand health coverage.
(WI-Gov) Marquette: Walker 50% - Burke 43% LV by campionrules - Short diary of the latest poll from Marquette Law.
(WI-Gov) http://www.dailykos.com/... Democrats Walk Out on Another Obama Campaign Stump Speech] by Ole Texan - Asking the question: how does walking out of a rally featuring the President help elect Democrats?
(WI-Gov) Milwaukee Journal's Journalism Fail by Windtalker - On the front page next to the headline about Scott Walker's (R) 7-point lead in a recent poll, was the headline, "Conservative ex-execs say Burke forced out at Trek." This weak non-story looks like just another Republican dirty trick.
(WI-Gov) New PPP Wisconsin Poll: Walker 48% Burke 47% by Scan - October 28-30 PPP poll has it Walker 48 to Burke's 47 with 5% undecided. Still a total tossup, it's all on GOTV now.
(WI-Gov) Choice is yours- want Walker's Wisconsin to keep missing Obama's Recovery? by Jake formerly of the LP - Things have been going very well on economic indicators, with 3rd quarter GDP gaining 3.5%. Unfortunately, Wisconsin's economy under Scott Walker has not been doing so well. To change that, Walker's got to go and Mary Burke needs to be elected.
(AG-Var) Your second most important state official is up for re-election, too: An attorney general roundup by Jeff Singer - A guide to 2014 state elections for attorney general.
General - 51
TX voting fun & kick me out now, I guess by Mosquito Pilot - Diarist gave the poll 'police' in Texas a run for the money when photo-ID was demanded. Darned good mockery here.
When Bad Politics Are Supported by Good People by AndySchmookler - Diarist uses a family reunion to describe good people and good Christians who mysteriously support the GOP despite how unchristian its politics and policies are.
Fearful GOP @ political risk for Jim Crow re-dux exposure, now hide behind dubious poll sampling.. by Eric Nelson - ..a sampling that is being touted as evidence of (the thoroughly debunked claim of) voter fraud. A "sampling" republicans are anxiously using to justify enacting laws that violate the right of every citizen to participate in our democracy.
I can't guarantee that if you vote, donate, and GOTV we will win. But… by RandomNonviolence - But I can guarantee that if you do nothing we will lose. Links to sign up to make calls for the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Moveon inside the diary.
A Little Good News from Louisiana by Crashing Vor - I stumbled upon a bit of good news from 'round our way and thought you might enjoy it. John Couvillon, the Baton Rouge pollster, tracks early voting turnout as similar to 2008.
Unnamed Democrat for Senate by Unnamed Democrat - Hypothetically, Unnamed Democrat is running for a Senate seat in a reddish-purplish state, and is opposed by Generic Republican. This is a transcript of his opening statement in a debate between them.
The battle for the senior vote by Jeff Singer - A comprehensive anaylsis of senior voting patterns historically and the role that the group Senior Votes Count is playing in this years elections.
i'm 59 and i voted for the first time last week by ozlyn7 - A 59 year old former Canadian citizen tells the moving story of how he became a first time voter this year in Idaho.
Disqualified by JBtakenote - The diarist believes that "regardless of the individual candidates, their contributors, bone-head debate statements, ads with backlash, etc., we really need to understand that the Republican party - by virtue of their behavior over the past 6 years alone - should be disqualified from holding any office, anywhere."
What's the matter with [fill in the name of your state here? by David Jarman - A comprehensive analysis of poll results in every state in response to a variety of policy questions. Very interesting stuff.
I unsubscribed from all Democrats.org emails -- too many fund-raising requests. Feels good! :-) by BvueDem - Tired of DNC spam, this diarist opted out. There is an embedded Jon Stewart video. He apparently agrees with the diarist.
Georgia: With 19% of votes in, we're probably 29% (conservatively 20%) of the way to winning by distraught - An academic at the University of Florida is following the early voting nationwide and Georgia is looking pretty good. Here's the breakdown.
We Need To GOTV by SandraFluke - Candidate urges us to keep on keeping on in getting out the vote, to make our voices heard on November 4th.
North Carolina turns blue! Early voting data deep dive (10/27 Edition) by DocDawg - NC's Board of Elections provides a wealth of early voting data in near real-time, affording a unique view of voter sentiment in advance of election day. Part 1 of a series.
Watch as Republican Candidates Continue Denying Climate Change in Year 2014 by cgibosn - A Greenpeace video showing climate denial candidates being painfully awkward, hilarious and infuriating all at the same time. Yes, they're Republicans.
It's Up to Joe by Max Udargo - Nice exposition on the 'Average Joe' questioning why he is so susceptible to Republican lies to vote against the interests of himself, his family, his community, his state, and his nation. Why?
from the New Georgia Project by distraught - Tens of thousands of people might be disenfranchised in Georgia.
Fox Continues to Freak Out About Colorado Voting Law, GOP Bracing For Voter Fraud by Doctor Jazz - Colorado voting laws and right wing crazies.
A funny thing happened on the way to the canvass: any good GOTV stories? by akadjian - Sometimes canvassing can be fun, or at least entertaining.
GOTV anthem? "My Vote" (music of "My Guy") Nothin U say will make it OK to block... by emorej a Hong Kong - Some parody songs to inpire GOTV efforts.
My local Democratic Township Club is a waste of time. How’s yours? by gloriasb - Local Democratic club sends out its list of candidates to GOTV for - with one glaring omission: the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress.
GOP to Kick 7 Million from Voter Rolls in 27 States by ericlewis0 - Election officials in 27 states, most of them Republicans, have launched a program that threatens a massive purge of voters from the rolls. Millions, especially black, Hispanic and Asian-American voters, are at risk.
Houston ABC affiliate misreports early voting end date by Egberto Willies - ABC13 in Houston erroneously reports that early, in-person voting ends a full day earlier than it actually does.
US DOJ monitoring Florida election by VL Baker - The Tampa Bay Times is reporting that DOJ will be monitoring voting irregularities in Florida election and is asking for citizens to report suspected abuses to a voting hotline.
Last Day to Play the Game: Beat the Pundits, Predict the 2014 Election Winners by pierre9045 - Diarist lists participants in the contest, plus current odds on select races.
Does Voter ID "deny or abridge" the right to vote by curlew32 - There is a law on the books that a state's population count for congressional representation must be reduced in proportion to the number of citizens disenfranchised wrongfully if states are found to have done so. Interesting tidbit, never been enforced.
The U.S. Takes Heavy Casualties in the Republican War on Democracy by Doctor Jazz - Diarist is discouraged by the War on Democracy, as it looks like Republicans are winning.
Congress' Net Worth Increases by $150 Million by Superpole - This may explain why nearly $4 Billion is being spent on the current midterm election, for GS jobs that generally pay less than $200K per year.
Enter the Daily Kos Elections 2014 prediction contest! by David Nir - The official DKos elections division is holding a prediction contest again this year. Sign-ups go through 4PM Tuesday.
Trickle down corruption: It's working by VL Baker - We always thought the apex of political corruption in states was the Governor. But since they are under constant scrutiny for that very thing, the task has devolved to Secretaries of State. See here how this works.
VOTE by StewartAcuff - Dedicated GOTV'er offers some history and some current activity on getting out the vote, and how important it is.
The Chicken Killin Dog. by calebfaux - Diarist applies a Molly Ivins 'cure' for chicken-killing dogs that may work on the electorate to finally get them out of the habit of voting for Republicans who mess up everything they touch.
WRONG DIRECTION! by shrike - NBC says 65% of voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, despite all strong indicators to the contrary. Why is that?
What To Expect From A Republican Senate? by kavips - A look at recent draconian laws passed by the Republican House and stopped by a Democratic Senate. Scary.
Gay Rights Group (HRC) Makes Election Push by librarisingnsf - This election the largest LGBT rights organization - the Human Rights Campaign - is fighting to GOTV and work to elect pro-LGBT officials (almost all Democrats).
Dems Continue Gaining In Colorado Early Vote! by pollwatcher - The Dems continue to chip away at the early advantage that Republicans had at the beginning of early voting.
The polls will be wrong. by dreaminonempty - One thing diarist knows for sure will happen Tuesday is that lots of polls will be wrong. With the DKos Election Outlook having 10 races within 2 points, we could have a wild ride this year. Here's a look at the spreads.
We want everybody to vote, but Republicans explicitly don't by Paul Hogarth - Republicans don't want everybody to vote, but we do. And if we don't get out the vote on Tuesday, they will win and Mitch McConnell will be Senate Majority Leader. Shudder.
Nate Cohn, Early Turnout possible good news by Jamesleo - Diarist offers Cohn's take on strong early voting turnout for Dems, especially new voters. Do Republicans even have any new voters?
North Carolina turns blue (#4; 10/30): Voter suppression FAIL Edition by DocDawg - With the radically abbreviated early-voting period now 80% complete, North Carolina's new worst-in-the-nation voter suppression law is now poised to go down in history as Tar Heel Republicans' worst boneheaded move since Jesse Helms' election to the U.S. Senate in 1973.
Early vote -- Finish strong, in NC & GA by joan reports - Diarist notes the particulars in both states for casting early ballots.
10 Toss Ups and Reasons All 10 Can Go Blue! by unabashed liberal - Diarist looks at 10 races too close to call, and explains how they can go blue.
North Carolina turns blue (#3: 10/29 Edition): New index trending liberal by DocDawg - Diarist has early voting numbers for North Carolina.
Canvassing in North Carolina by durhammichael - Diarist tells about canvassing for Kay Hagan in North Carolina.
A PLEA FOR NON-VOTERS TO VOTE THIS TIME: USE IT OR LOSE IT by chrzan - Diarist offers the long list of reasons Americans need to exercise their right to vote now.
The Emperor's New Campaign Fundraising Email by Judge Moonbox - Diarist analyses the various standard Republican campaign season lies and how best Democrats could counter them.
Vote Like An Animal by StateOfGrace - Check out the Humane Society's Animal Protection Voter Guide. A quick glance will show you that most of the candidates the society supports have a 'D' after their name. Is that a surprise?
I will not sit down and shut up about voter suppression in Texas by Libby Shaw - Over 600,000 American citizens in Texas have been robbed of their right to vote because, essentially, Greg Abbott and the Texas Republican Party are afraid of losing elections. Diarist vows not to shut up about it.
Ohio wants to get into the Voter Suppression Game -- Again by jamess - Like other GOP-led states, Ohio is wasting no time putting up hurdles and roadblocks to voting by 'those' people (the ones likely to vote Democratic). Read all about it here.
One story of Voter ID by DetroitSkeptic - Diarist explains what a voter will need in Ohio to cast their ballot this year.
N Carolina Blue: Big Jump in Early Dem Votes & New Black Voters - Thanks Rev. Barber by FishOutofWater - Reverend Barber's Moral Monday Movement has fired up the Democratic base in North Carolina and registered a new wave of black voters who have been motivated to vote by new laws passed by NC Teabaggers to keep them from voting. Early voting numbers have exceeded the wildest expectations of NC Dems. Analysis here.