Hi, everyone-I'm back! I first want to explain my absence from DailyKos. I was at a conference in D.C. for the Junior States of America (JSA), where I had a wonderful time. I'll discuss it at DK this weekend in "Mr. Yellin goes to Washington". There has been considerable activity in non-Presidential politics since President's Day. So, here's the final Yellin Report for February (from now on, expect two a month):
Arizona-Coconino County Supervisor and former Mayor of Flagstaff
Paul Babbitt (brother of the former Governor) kicked off his Democratic campaign against Freshman Republican
Rick Renzi in AZ-1. Babbitt, whose website is
http://www.babbittaz.com , has had the primary field cleared for him, and, in my opinion, has more than a 50/50 chance at victory. This race will be a top target for the DCCC in 2004.
Colorado-The search for a credible challenger to Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell has finally ended. Rutt Bridges , a billionaire ex-software executive who is currently a Think Tank Chairman, will likely announce his candidacy Sunday, according to the Denver Post. Bridges is a social liberal and fiscal conservative, and has promised to put in as much money "as I want to" (Denver Post, Feb26). He is, in my opinion, a stronger candidate than most because he can self-finance his campaign (he would likely be able to dwarf Campbell's warchest), and, as a vigorous 51-year old outsider, is a strong counterpart to Campbell. To all those supporting Mike Miles, I say this-Mr. Miles is a great guy, but he can't win. Rutt Bridges can, and could give us the Senate in 2004.
Louisiana- I'm beginning to feel sorry for the Bayou State: it's about to lose half of its seniority in Congress! The latest likely retirement is Republican Jim McCrery, of LA-4 in Northwestern Louisiana. This would be another golden opportunity for the Democrats, as McCrery's district is a tossup nationwide. Democratic candidates for the seat could include Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell, Shreveport Mayor Jim Hightower and State Rep. Taylor Townsend. The only known GOPer interested in the seat is State Rep. Wayne Waddell. This would make five of the seven Senate and House seats up in 2004 open seats.
Montana-Democratic frontrunner for Governor and fiery populist Brian Schweitzer has selected a liberal, pro-environment running mate for 2004. The problem is, the running mate, John Bohlinger, is a Republican State Senator. Sure, he's a real liberal Republican, but many Montana Democrats are angry about it, and are now backing ex-State House Speaker John Vincent for Governor. While Schweitzer is still likely to win the nomination, expect Vincent to run a strong campaign.
Nevada-In NV-3, Freshman Republican Jon Porter is facing a remarkably strong challenger for the Democrats. The Democrat is Tom Gallagher, a Gaming executive and a former Congressional aide. Gallagher is young, likeable, with plenty of cash and the ability to stop the flow of gaming funds to Porter. A moderate Democrat, Gallagher has a fighting chance to beat Porter. NV-3 is one of the most theoretically competitive districts in the country.
Wyoming- Republican Congresswoman Barbara Cubin (famous for her outburst on guns and blacks in a House committee meeting) may now face a second, even strong challenge from a Democrat. Ted Ladd, a wealthy Management Consultant, is considering running for the seat. Already running is Ron Akin, the 2002 nominee, who drew 36% to Cubin's 60%. Ladd, a 33-year old member of Governor Freudenthal's Business Council, could prove to be a very strong candidate.
Feel free to report YOUR information on the races going on in the country. I'll add them as updates for this article. This will be a new practice of mine for the future.