The following stories are examples of this week's Election Roundup of 51 down ticket stories covering Sunday 9/25 through Saturday 10/1.
(Sen-Gen) Democrats hold clear TV advertising advantage in just four key Senate battlegrounds By Stephen Wolf
Have you been getting bombarded with TV ads for Senate races lately? A new report from the Wesleyan Media Project tells us just how intense the onslaught has been. From Aug. 19 to Sept. 15, Indiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Pennsylvania topped the list of battleground Senate races where candidates and their allies have run the most commercials. Democratic-aligned groups have a decisive edge in just four states, as shown on the map above: Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
(KY-06) KY06: Andy Barr, the #DebateFugitive By ForwardKY
Andy Barr continues to run from Nancy Jo Kemper, refusing to debate her. Why? Andy Barr (R-Wall Street) is the incumbent Congressperson from Kentucky’s sixth district. Reverend Nancy Jo Kemper is the Dem challenger for the seat. For the past few months, a number of groups have attempted to set up at least one debate between Barr and Kemper. The results have gone from expected (incumbents never like to debate), to puzzling (not even ONE debate?), to downright bizarre.
(PA-163) Downballot: A Fundraiser for PA163's Barbarann Keffer By Karl B
Last night I went to one of our local watering holes to support Democrat Barbarann Keffer, who lives less than a mile from my house. She’s one of our town councilwomen and is running against the incumbent (R) Jamie Santora for the state house’s 163rd district seat.
Sunday 9/25 through Saturday 10/1
Stories: (51)
Senate: (12) posts, (7) states
House: (17) posts, (11) states, (15) districts
State and more: (16)
General: (4)
Tools: (2)
Welcome to Election Roundup, formerly known as “Election Diary Rescue.” Look for this collection of down ticket stories every Monday through the election. The Roundup team has compiled, described and linked 12,606 down ticket election diaries since 2006. Archives
Election Roundup shines a light on candidates and issues that might otherwise be missed. It gives quick access to races and hopefully encourages people to write about contests that interest them, knowing their stories will get additional exposure on the front page.
Format and Tags
Writers can help the ER team by identifying the race in the title like this:
(NY-Sen) (FL-14) (GA-Gov). Using the "Elections" tag is also helpful and keep in mind that your first sentence or two is what we like to use in the description of your story when we can. This service is strictly for down ticket stories.
This edition of Election Roundup was made possible by the following: Carolina On My Mind, eeff, Jax Dem, Joieau, pittgreg, pucklady, and randallt. Special thanks to Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse for publicity.
Thank you for reading and writing!
Senate
(FL-Sen) FL COC Poll: Clinton 45-42, 43-41 vs Trump; Murphy Trails Rubio 46-42. By Davidsfr
A mixed result to be sure, but with people worrying over Florida lately this should help. Also Loras College has IA tied at 42-42 or 38-38 depending on the ballot. High Point University has Clinton up 43-42 in NC, with Cooper leading McCrory 50-41. Both of those polls are up at pollster.com where I hope this new FL poll will be soon as well.
(FL-Sen) Top Ten Things Marco Rubio Has Said & Done That Should Deprive Him of U.S. Senate Seat By Kwik
In no particular order here are the Top 10 things Marco Rubio has said or done that should make him the last guy Floridians should send back to the U.S. Senate.
(IL-Sen) CSGOPOTD: Mark Kirk- 2016 Update By republicinsanity It was one year ago that we published our original “Crazy/Stupid Republican of the Day” profile of U.S. Senator Mark Kirk of Illinois, who even 365 days ago was considered the most vulnerable incumbent Senator in the country.
(IN-SEN) A month after their polls gave Evan Bayh huge leads, national Dems are sending millions to help him By Jeff Singer
According to Politico, national Democrats are pouring more money into the Indiana Senate race. A few weeks ago, the DSCC diverted $2.5 million to help Evan Bayh, and Politico reports that they’re planning to spend an additional $2.5 million here.
(MO-Sen) In 23 seconds, Democratic candidate & vet assembles rifle blindfolded-- then challenges opponent By Leslie Salzillo
The Missouri Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate Jason Kander is tired of his Republican opponent Senator Roy Blunt using the topic of guns to try and disarm and discredit Kander.
(NC, PA-Sen) New post debate polls continue to find tight Senate contests in North Carolina and Pennsylvania By Jeff Singer
On behalf of the Democratic group VoteVets, PPP is out with surveys of the Senate races in Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. All these polls were conducted Sept. 27-28, just after the first presidential debate.
(NV-Sen) NV-Sen: Elizabeth Warren (D. MA), "Catherine Cortez Masto (D) is exactly the kind of ally I need" By poopdogcomedy
Received this e-mail yesterday from U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D. MA) in support of former Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D. NV) U.S. Senate campaign:
(Sen-Gen) What polling errors from recent elections can tell us about 2016's closest Senate races By Stephen Wolf
As Election Day approaches, the volume of polling has increased. It’s easy for any individual poll to be wrong for a variety of reasons. However, we can reduce the chance for error from any single poll by combining it with many other polls in a statistical average, which is just what Huffington Post Pollster and Daily Kos Elections do.
(Sen-Gen) Democrats hold clear TV advertising advantage in just four key Senate battlegrounds By Stephen Wolf
Have you been getting bombarded with TV ads for Senate races lately? A new report from the Wesleyan Media Project tells us just how intense the onslaught has been. From Aug. 19 to Sept. 15, Indiana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Pennsylvania topped the list of battleground Senate races where candidates and their allies have run the most commercials. Democratic-aligned groups have a decisive edge in just four states, as shown on the map above: Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
(USA-SEN) Aggregating the Senate Aggregators - Sept 28, 2016 By RoyalScribe
Early this week, the forecasters used by the New York Times’ Upshot had some gloomy predictions about the odds of Democratic control of the U.S. Senate after the 2016 elections, but things have started to perk up a little. The New York Times’ itself (in contrast to the presidential forecasts) is currently the most pessimistic about the Democrats’ chances.
(Senate & House) Democratic women are poised for major gains in 2016's Senate and House races By Stephen Wolf
While America looks likely to elect Hillary Clinton as its first woman president, Democratic women are also positioned to make big gains in 2016’s races for the Senate and House. Women currently make up just one-fifth of Congress, and there are big disparities by party.
Sen-Var: Want to Help the Senate Campaigns? GO HERE!! by Yosef 52
It will be a fight to the finish to put the Democrats back in power in the U.S. Senate, and to punish the despicable Mitch McConnell by making him Minority Leader again. It will be tough, but it is DOABLE. Do you want PRESIDENT CLINTON to be able to get her court choices confirmed? Do you want her to get her other appointments confirmed? Do you want the Senate’s investigatory power in OUR hands? Do you want to help? The diary has links.
House
(AZ-01) A Democratic poll shows scandal-tarred Arizona Republican Paul Babeu down 7 points in swingy seat By Jeff Singer
On behalf of the DCCC, Global Strategies Group is out with a poll giving Democrat Tom O'Halleran a 45-38 lead over Republican Paul Babeu in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. This sample has Hillary Clinton leading 46-43 in this open northern Arizona seat. Romney carried the seat 50-48 and polls consistently showing Donald Trump doing worse in Arizona, so the presidential result is plausible.
(CA-17) Ro Khanna is Unfit: Call for Unofficial Daily Kos community endorsement of Mike Honda--With Poll By benamery21
For the second cycle in a row, one of our most progressive Democratic Congressmen (Mike Honda), in one of our safest districts faces a challenge from the right by a nominal Democrat whose high dollar campaign is supported largely by corporate executives, Republicans, and active miscreants. This Trojan horse is named Ro Khanna.
(CA-17) How can Ro Khanna handle the duties of a Congressman if he can't even pay his staff? #CA17 By Glen The Plumber
In November the voters of California’s 17th Congressional District will be choosing between Democratic Congressman Mike Honda and two-time challenger Ro Khanna.
CA-25: California Democrat Bryan Caforio calls out opponent's anti-women record in new ad By Kerry Elveld
Bryan Caforio is running against one the GOP's most endangered House members and it's little wonder why. Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25) is the embodiment of the Republican War on Women on steroids.
(CA-49) BREAKING: New Poll - Applegate gains on Issa. 2-point race within margin of error. CA-49. By WildLilac
At a local house party Friday night, Issa challenger Ret. Colonel Doug Applegate announced that a brand new DCCC poll shows him inching even closer to victory.
(FL-16) Tenacious FL Democrat strives to unseat incumbent in new CD 16 By boofdah
Jan Schneider is no stranger to Southwest Florida’s political scene. She’s a Sarasota attorney who’s run as the Democratic candidate in a solidly Republican part of the state. For the past ten years, Republican Rep. Vern Buchanan has safely held his seat, but now that his Congressional district has been redrawn, a window might open for the persistent Democratic fighter Jan Schneider.
NH-01, NH-Gov, DE-AL: Delaware and New Hampshire primary preview: A weak opponent may save scandal-tarred Frank Guinta by Jeff Singer
On Tuesday, voters in Delaware, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will cast ballots for their state’s downballot primaries in the final primary night of 2016. New York will also host its primaries for state and local offices, including the state legislature (the federal primary was back in June). The diary is a look at the key races to watch.
(IA-04) CSGOPOTD: Steve King 2016 Update By republicinsanity
On this date, in both 2014, as well as in 2015, “Crazy/Stupid Republican of the Day shared its first two profiles of Steve King, the sitting U.S. House Representative from Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, a guy who is perhaps the most unapologetic racist member of the GOP (and that’s saying something).
(IA-01/03) New polls give vulnerable Iowa GOP House members some good news By Jeff Singer
Loras College surveys both of Iowa’s competitive congressional races, and they give the GOP good news in both seats. In eastern Iowa’s 1st District, Republican Rep. Rod Blum leads Democrat Monica Vernon 45-38 even as Hillary Clinton takes this seat 42-33. In the Des Moines area 3rd, Republican Rep. David Young leads Democrat Jim Mowrer 46-36, while Clinton has a 42-38 edge here.
(KS-03) DCCC Upgrades Kansas House District 3 Race To "Red To Blue" Status by Chris Reeves
In a press release issued on Friday, the Jay Sidie campaign (KS-03) had some nice news for Democratic party faithful. The campaign, focused around on putting a new face in DC and replacing Kevin Yoder received an upgrade from the national party, who flagged them in their red-to-blue status.
(KS-03) Democrat Jay Sidie connects Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder to toxic Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback By Jeff Singer
A few weeks ago, Democrat Jay Sidie released a poll that initially showed him losing to Republican Rep. Kevin Yoder 49-37 in Kansas’ 3rd District, but with one very persuasive argument for voters in this suburban Kansas City seat. The poll gave Republican Gov. Sam Brownback a horrific 18-70 approval rating, and the memo argued that, when respondents heard negative information about both candidates, "including attacks tying Sidie to Nancy Pelosi and linking Yoder to Gov. Brownback," Sidie moves into a 44-40 lead.
(KY-06) KY06: Andy Barr, the #DebateFugitive By ForwardKY
Andy Barr continues to run from Nancy Jo Kemper, refusing to debate her. Why? Andy Barr (R-Wall Street) is the incumbent Congressperson from Kentucky’s sixth district. Reverend Nancy Jo Kemper is the Dem challenger for the seat. For the past few months, a number of groups have attempted to set up at least one debate between Barr and Kemper. The results have gone from expected (incumbents never like to debate), to puzzling (not even ONE debate?), to downright bizarre.
(NY-02) CSGOPOTD: Peter King- 2016 Update By republicinsanity On this date, in both 2014, as well as in 2015, “Crazy/Stupid Republican of the Day shared its first two profiles of Peter King, the sitting U.S. House Representative from New York’s 2nd Congressional District, a repeated fear-monger of practitioners of Islam in America, who has insisted that amongst American Muslims there is a “looming threat”, in a manner that makes the late Sen. Joe McCarthy give a thumbs up from beyond the grave.
(NH-01, NH-Gov, DE-AL) Delaware and New Hampshire primary preview: A weak opponent may save scandal-tarred Frank Guinta by Jeff Singer On Tuesday, voters in Delaware, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will cast ballots for their state’s downballot primaries in the final primary night of 2016. New York will also host its primaries for state and local offices, including the state legislature (the federal primary was back in June). The diary is a look at the key races to watch.
(UT-03) Stephen P Tryon Challenges Chaffetz Over Protection of Native American Rights in San Juan County By Stephen P Tryon For Congress
Hey, I wanted to update this post to let you know I am the Democrat running against Jason Chaffetz in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. This is my first post on the DailyKos, but I will be adding a lot of content over the weeks between now and the election. I need your help! Help me raise my name recognition by recommending my posts. Check out my web site at www.tryonforcongress.com Here is my candidate profile from the San Juan Record this week, in which I challenge both Governor Herbert and Congressman Chaffetz for their failure to protect Native American rights in San Juan County.
(UT-03) Utah, I can't TAKE Jason Chaffetz anymore! Try Stephen Tryon please! By Murfster35
Please Utah, I’m begging you, enough of Jason Chaffetz already! I really hate to break the news to you people, but the United States Congress is not some boarding school that you can just send an unruly child off to to get him out of your hair for a few years. Once you get him back, you can sit him in the corner, or send him to bed early, or whatever you like.But please, take him back!
(VA-07) VA-07. Time to give Eileen Bedell a push. By Murfster35
Alright dear Kossacks, it’s time to send “The Brat” to the corner. I’m talking about Dave Brat. He did us a huge favor by bumping off that pompous ass Eric Cantor, but it's time to send him back to the university, and take this seat. And Eileen Bedell is just the one to do it.
(FL-House) South Florida Candidates Working Hard to Flip Seats in Congress by alijim89
Florida is considered a swing state being tied with New York as third in the number of electoral votes with 29. It is said that as Florida votes, so goes the Presidency. Florida is considered a purple state with about 12.5 million registered voters in the state but if you look at the breakdown, there are slightly more registered Democrats than Republicans. These numbers have quadrupled since 1972 with the state showing a marked population boom.
(House) 2016 U.S. House Races in GOP-Held Districts - Full List of Democratic Candidates By pipsorcle
State, Local and More
(AZ-MaricopaSheriff) Sheriff Arpaio tries to smear opponent Paul Penzone again with lies, Penzone files lawsuit By Mother Mags
When you’re a lawman whose most recent years of service include these highlights, it’s hard to brag about your record in media spots:
(AZ-MaricopaSheriff) AZ Maricopa County Sheriff. Paul Penzone CAN retire "Sheriff Joe". By Murfster35
I did a DIARY about Paul Penzone a couple of months ago, praising his spirited campaign against the idiot Sheriff or Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio. But now we’re in the home stretch, and it’s time to put the pedal to the medal for Paul.
(Prop-60) NO ON CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 60! by ScottDrummer
Basically, Proposition 60 requires that condoms are used in all sex-scenes in XXX-Rated movies/scenes where there is actual intercourse (penetration). On the surface this is pretty much a common-sense proposition designed to protect workers/performers. But, of course, the devil is in the details.
CA-Metropolitan Water District: Metropolitan Water District, key Delta Tunnels proponent, will be in Stockton Sept. 15 by Dan Bacher
Delta residents will have a great opportunity to ask the major Delta Tunnels proponent and Delta islands purchaser, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, some tough questions, in Stockton on September 15. Restore the Delta (RTD) encourages you to attend. Meeting details are in the diary.
(KS-ST. SEN-10) Kansas State Senator Attacks News Organization for Exposing Racism By Chris Reeves
Kansas State Senator Mary Pilcher-Cook took to Facebook to attack KHI, the Kansas Health Institute news service over an in depth article written by Andy Marso. The article, which chronicled the white nationalist organization behind recent racial hate attacks in Lindsborg, Kansas detailed the complex relationship between the racists behind the act and their political ties — as well as politicians who have disavowed them.
(NC-Gov & Sen) High Point U Poll Gives Cooper(D) A 9 Point Lead & A Toss Up In Senate Race By poopdogcomedy
The High Point University Poll finds that North Carolina’s top three election races continue to intensify with Hillary Clinton receiving support from 43 percent of likely voters and Donald Trump receiving support from 42 percent of likely voters. The percentages were calculated to include respondents who said they didn’t know exactly who they’d vote for, but were leaning one way or the other.
(MO-Gov) Even Republican Eric Greitens' own poll shows him losing the race for governor of Missouri By Jeff Singer
On behalf of the Missouri Times, the GOP pollster Remington Research takes another look at the gubernatorial race, and they give Democrat Chris Koster some very good news. Remington has Koster leading Republican Eric Greitens by a massive 51-36 margin, even as Donald Trump leads 49-39.
(ND-Gov) help make Marvin Nelson governor of ND / Sunday Puzzle Warm-Up 2016-10-01 By Nova Land
Welcome to Sunday Puzzle Warm-Up, a weekly series for people who enjoy mental exercise spiced with politics, humor, odd bits of trivia, and the occasional feline voter. The theme for the past few months, and the next couple of months, is Candidates Worth Supporting. Some of the candidates featured in past weeks have included Daily Kos members Angela Marx, Tim Canova, Zephyr Teachout, Kim Weaver, Russ Feingold, Jim Keady, Wade Norris, Adam Sackrin, and Alina Valdes (who posts under the username alijim89).
(PA-150) Instead of "We need a businessman," how about we need a teacher who cares? Linda Weaver for PA -150 By Arnold Roth
In PA-150 there is a great pick up opportunity for an open seat with Democratic Nominee Linda J. Weaver. Linda has spent 42 years as a special education teacher committed to children.
(PA-163) Downballot: A Fundraiser for PA163's Barbarann Keffer By Karl B
Last night I went to one of our local watering holes to support Democrat Barbarann Keffer, who lives less than a mile from my house. She’s one of our town councilwomen and is running against the incumbent (R) Jamie Santora for the state house’s 163rd district seat.
(TX-Judges) TX-Judges, Harris County: Robert Johnson By scott5js
Robert Johnson has his law degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, part of Texas Southern University. He had graduated from Sharpstown High School, then the University of Houston where majored in Business and Commerce. While in law school he was an intern for the Fort Bend County District Attorney. He has practiced criminal defense for the last 13 years.
(TX-CD 23) GOP Fights Hard for Low Turnout in Texas to Keep Lone Competitive District in GOP Hands by SemDem
For a political party that swears they love the Constitution, there is no better proof of their hostility to the concept of free, fair elections and open democracy than in Republican-controlled Texas.
(WI-Assembly Dist 75) We've found Scott Walker 2.0 - Let's stop him. By Lufthase
What if you could go back to 1994 and derail Scott Walker’s career while he was just an unknown Assembly rep? Romaine Quinn is a young go-getter with a lot in common with Scott Walker. Learn about him in this diary and support his Democratic opponent.
The Wisconsin State Senate is by far the best opportunity to put a check on Scott Walker this election, and while it’s not a sure-thing, we actually have a chance here.
(Congress-Gen) BeloitDem's congressional Race Ratings, 9/30 By BeloitDem
All seats not listed in the table below are considered safe for the party that currently holds them, with the exceptions of FL-2, FL-10, and VA-4 which were radically altered as a result of redistricting lawsuits and are considered safe for the opposite party. Bolded seats are currently held by Republicans, while italicized ones are currently held by Democrats.
General
(Early Voting) Iowa starts voting! by Wee Mama
I am always amazed at how well our auditor guesses in advance how many booths will be needed. There were about twelve set up today for the first day of voting. Clearly he intuited that enthusiasm is high in the People’s Republic of Johnson County.
(Voting) Wisconsin flouting judge's orders, continuing to disenfranchise black voters By Joan McCarter
The state of Wisconsin is under a court order to provide credentials for people who don't have the extensive documentation the state is requiring to get an approved ID for voting. Ari Berman has discovered that it's not complying.
(USA-Ad Roundup) Ad Roundup: Democrat slams Scott Garrett as "a shameless bigot" By Jeff Singer
(USA-Ad Roundup) Ad Roundup: This Karl Rove protege says she's from "the American side of the beltway"
By Jeff Singer
Tools
(USA-Ballot Access) REGISTRATION AND EARLY VOTING INFO! By Yosef 52 We do NOT have this thing won yet! But we’re on our way. Use this information well, and spread it around big time! VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR EVERY STATE
Voting, general: 50 State Voter Information Guide, including Washington, D.C. By Icebergslim
A ton of useful links about voting in every state.
Thanks for visiting Election Roundup 2016. If you know of a story we missed, please let us know in comments or by kos mail and we’ll add it to the collection.