The situations in both Rhode Island and Missouri are looking favorable for the Dems picking up both those Senate seats. That would be fabulous.
Below the fold are links to the Whitehouse and McCaskill web site campaign contribution pages.
In Rhode Island, the Boston Globe reports that most polls are showing Whitehouse ahead by five percentage points. In Missouri, McCaskill is leading Talent, the incumbent 51% to 42% according to one poll. (Sources below.)
Sheldon Whitehouse is a good guy. Smart, decent, and honest, and not be confused with your typical Rhode Island politician.
I became mildly acquainted with Whitehouse by living next door to one of his top campaign officials. I still remember him coming over to clear snow for her when she was out of town. Ironically, I sold my house to the parents of Chafee's campaign manager, and my business partner just sold his house to Chafee himself! (Rhode Island is a small place!) Chafee isn't a bad guy either (although rather shy and awkward), but in these times, we need every seat we can get.
From the October 17, 2006 Globe online:
Chafee is an unlikely target of Bush-bashing. The scion of a legendary political family in Rhode Island, Chafee is easily the most liberal Republican in the Senate, opposing the Bush administration on tax cuts, the Iraq war, energy policy, a Supreme Court nomination -- even the president's own reelection in 2004.
Yet recent polls show Whitehouse leading, on average, by 5 points; a USA/Today Gallup poll puts him ahead of Chafee by 11 points. This is despite Chafee's continued popularity in his home state, and the fact that few major issues set the candidates apart. The main reason is that Bush's popularity has plunged to 22 percent in Rhode Island, according to the latest Brown University poll, and many voters can't abide a senator who is a member of the same party.
Boston Globe online
To contribute to the Whitehouse campaign: Whitehouse Campaign then click on "contribute"
In Missouri, my native state, McCaskill leads Talent 51% to 42% according to a recent KDSK-TV poll: SurveyUSA (Sadly, I was born and raised in the district of Roy Blunt.) In a related note, the Missouri Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional a new law which would have required voters to possess a government-issued photo ID to vote. This development could be mildly helpful to Democrats. Voter ID Law Unconstitutional
To contribute to the McCaskill campaign:
McCaskill campaign then click on "contribute"
Now, in my present home state, Texas, Molly Ivins thinks Chris Bell could have a chance to make it a race with Perry for Governor. Molly Ivins column
One of the great mysteries of this race is why Carole Keeton Strayhorn has imploded almost as fast as Friedman. The only reason Friedman is still in the race is because of free media: Reporters were all so bored by the thought of another snoozer Republican victory, they fought to keep Friedman's candidacy alive long past the point when it was clear that the Kinkster was in it entirely for ego and publicity. I still like the idea--maybe next time, we should get a funny, smart musician who cares enough to study up a little. Marcia Ball, anyone? Joe Ely?
Strayhorn, normally a bulldog of a campaigner, does not seem to have persuaded many Republicans to her banner: She's no Kay Bailey Hutchison. Since Republicans themselves are fed to teeth with Perry, aside from the right-wing Christian base, this looked to be a chance when they could reclaim their party, or at least redefine it some. Nope, no interest.
Bell is looking like a better bet because: (A) He has the Democratic base vote going for him, and (B) Perry is just so lame. As we start down the stretch, Bell is picking up on the outside, Perry is still at 35% after a year, Strayhorn is fading and Kinky stopped to poop on the track.
It is a winner take all race. Strayhorn and Friedman are fading. I know it's still a long shot, but a strong showing might energize the Democratic Party in this the state of Sissy Farenthold, Ann Richards, and Barbara Jordan.
For the Bell campaign:
Chris Bell click on "contribute"
You can run, George, but you cain't hide. We're gonna smoke you out!