Election Race Diary Roundup (10/7 –FOUR WEEKS TO GO!)

PLEASE NOTE - This is not an open thread and is intended for diaries and discussion of downticket races.

For all the introductory stuff and links to previous diaries in the series, please look below the fold...

This Rescue Diary covers the period from 12:00 Noon, Monday, 10/6 to 12:00 Noon EDT, Tuesday, 10/7

Today's Menu Includes :
56 Diaries Overall

- 19 On House races

- With 15 covering individual Districts in 13 states

- 6 On Senate races

- Representing 5 different states

- 11 On Various election races and ballot issues

- Encompassing Governor, Secretary of State, Local, and more

- 20 General election-related diaries

Follow us for more, come on in............

A few gentle guidelines to keep in mind:

Diary Titles - If you are doing a diary on a candidate or race, please be aware of the standard Daily Kos formatting. For House races, please start your title with the two-digit state abbreviation followed by the district number (example: NC-08: Kissell Rocks Again!). For Senate races, just use state-Sen (example: OK-Sen: Inhofe is Still a Moron). If you're doing a local race, try to use some version of this format. This immensely helps the people sifting through hundreds of diaries to more easily identify appropriate ones and minimizes the chances that we'll miss you (our Miners are almost perfect, but, alas, human after all).

"President-Diary-Free" Zone - We all know who's at the top of the ticket and how important that is. But the Presidential election is getting ample play in all venues and to try to rescue those diaries as well would be overwhelming. At this point, and our aim is to raise the profile of other races that stand to, hopefully, give our new President a better working majority.

"Sarah-Palin-Diary-Free" Zone - Unless it relates directly to one of the appropriate Alaska elections, or directly to another one somehow, we'll be ignoring all SP diaries out of hand.

Volunteers - While we have a pretty full crew on board, this project has always been about the opportunity to contribute and it's my aim to keep that door open for all who would like to be a part of it. If you have the time to spare and are interested, please email me (see my profile) and we'll get in touch with you.

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This is an attempt to compile a fairly comprehensive listing of election-related diaries that have recently been posted. Most of them are House or Senate races but there are also some local ones, as well as the occasional 'general info' diary.

For all the introductory stuff and previous diaries in the 2006 series, please see:
Election Race Roundup (11/11 - Final 2006 Edition)

And for this year's previous diaries:
Election Race Diary Roundup (9/17 - 48 Days to Change) (with links to 10 previous diaries from 9/7 to 9/16)
Election Race Diary Roundup (9/27 - 38 Days to Change) (with links to 10 previous diaries from 9/17 to 9/26)
Election Race Diary Roundup (9/28 - 37 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (9/29 - 36 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (9/30 – FIVE WEEKS TO GO!)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/1 - 34 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/2 - 33 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/3 - 32 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/4 - 31 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/5 - 30 Days to Change)
Election Race Diary Roundup (10/6 - 29 Days to Change)

Incredible thanks to all volunteers: Land of Enchantment, ukben, welso, drchelo, randallt, Joy Busey, TruthOfAngels, eeff, Alma, Sylv, Nightprowlkitty, Spedwybabs Turbonerd, cdale777, and Relevant Rhino.

(12:00 Noon, Monday, 10/6 to 12:00 Noon EDT, Tuesday, 10/7):  (56 diaries)

(Alphabetical, starting from 0)

***Special Notice***

If you want to be a part of FleetAdmiralJ’s Election Results Day Live Blog project, then check out this diary for more info. Those of us who followed this effort in ’06 will always remember it as an incredible part of an incredible night, and you can be a part of it!

   House (19)

(OH-02) Ohio District 2 Debate by New Dealer - Linked to an object for Monday evening's debate between Victoria Wulsin (D), incumbent Mean Jean Schmidt (R) and 3rd party candidate Kirkorian for this southern Ohio district.

(OR-05) OR-05:  The Least Covered Race in America by Keep Oregon Blue - Info on the race between Dem Kurt Schrader and Mike Erickson (R).

(VA-05) VA-05: Virgil Goode Refuses to Debate; Was To Be Held Tomorrow by Dems2004 - Virgil Goode (R) refuses to keep debate promises with Dem challenger Tom Perriello.

(VA-07) VA-07 - If Obama is surging in VA then anything is possible! by FrankCornish - Given Obama's numbers in Virginia, now's the time to strike at Repub Eric Cantor and help elect Dem Anita Hartke.

(VA-07) Eric Cantor--Jackass of the Day VA-07 by FrankCornish – Eric Cantor (R) is telling fibs about Barack Obama and taxes. And oil. Anita Hartke (D) is his opponent.

(WA-08) US Chamber Launches Pro-Reichert TV Ad Blitz by mcjoan - US Chamber of Commerce goes all out to support Repub Dave Reichert in his race against superior Dem Marcy Burner.

(WA-08) WA-08: They’re gonna smear Darcy?  Screw them. by occams hatchet - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is adding TV ads to its false radio spots smearing Dem challenger Darcy Burner, all in support of Repub incumbent Dave Reichert.

(CA-04) 2 days, 2 states, 2 campaigns by captainlaser - Diarist has stories from his canvass work for Charlie Brown (D) in his race against Tom McClintock (R).

(CO-04) Can we finally get rid of Marilyn Musgrave? by pointsoflight - Dem Betsy Markey is making good inroads against slimy Repub Marilyn Musgrave and the Wildlife Action Fund is helping out.

(CO-04) CO-04: Taking Down Marilyn Musgrave! by The Lighthouse Keeper - One of the most surprising pickup opportunities this year is Colorado's 4th CD, where Democratic challenger Betsy Markey is giving incumbent wingnut Marilyn Musgrave (R) big trouble.

(FL-24) Tom Feeney (R-FL24) losing the racist redneck vote by DM1275 - While canvassing for Dem candidate Suzanne Kosmas, the diarist encounters a hard core racist and the story doesn't bode well for Repub Tom Feeney.  (Warning: strong racist language)

(FL-24) Feeny Apology Remix by T Rex - A snarky rework of Tom Feeney's "apology" video for his Abramoff ties. The challenger is Democrat Suzanne Kosmas.

(IL-10) IL-10: Kirk (R) campaign freaks out over R2K poll by kos - Frontpage diary showing how Repub Mark Kirk didn't take very kindly to "ultra left-wing site" Daily Kos' poll showing him only a few points ahead of Dem Dan Seals.

(MD-01) My views into MD-D1 Kratovil v. Harris (1st Diary entry) by HowardP - This year provides an unexpected opportunity to pick up this district, as the RNCC's decision to back winger Andy Harris' challenge to moderate incumbent Rep Wayne Gilchrest in the primary presents voters with a choice between a radical Republican and Democrat Frank Kratovil.

(MI-11) MI-11: "How Not to Write." Thaddeus McCotter, Instructor by Dump Terry McAuliffe - Yet another reason to vote the incumbent Republican out: bad grammar.

(MN-03) State of the MN-03 race by The Big E - An excellent run down of what's going on in race between Ashwin Madia (D), Erik Paulsen (R), and David Dillon (I).

(MO-09) Baker Launches Job Plan...at the perfect moment by Judy Baker for Congress - Dem candidate Judy Baker has a plan for jobs in America. She is running against Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) for this open seat.

(NY-04) NY-04: Carolyn McCarthy needs a Boost by political junquie - Dem Carolyn McCarthy has good reasons for her views on gun control; NRA funded Repub Jack Martins tries to exploit this in the wrong direction.

(NY-29) NY-29: Massa Leads Kuhl (R) By Five by brownsox -- Good news for Dem netroots hero Eric Massa in his fight against the evil Repub Randy Kuhl.

   Senate (6)

(AK-Sen) Mistrial ploy fails; Teddy Tubes caught on tape bragging by Dirk McQuigley - Already facing an uphill fight to retain his senate seat, incumbent Ted Stevens (R) didn't do his re-election campaign any favors by getting caught admitting to taking bribes on tape, another opening for Dem challenger Mark Begich.

(GA-Sen) New Attack Ad against Saxby Shameless - Put it on the air! by SaxbyShameless - Diarist posts a radio attack ad against Repub incumbent Saxby Chambliss and asks for help in airing it as well as support for Dem challenger Jim Martin, who's gaining in the polls.

(GA-Sen) Georgia - Peach to Blue by alpolitics - It's not easy being a Democrat in rural Georgia, so the news that Jim Martin (D) is polling within margin of error of incumbent Repub Saxby Chambliss is very exciting.

(KY-Sen) KY-SEN: Lunsford Fighting Hard to Ditch Mitch by RDemocrat - Diarist has info showing why Bruce Lunsford (D) has what it takes to Ditch Mitch McConnell (R).

(MS-Sen) Roger Wicker - not telling the truth about giving himself pay increases by NoThirdBushTerm – Roger Wicker (R), running against Ronnie Musgrove (D), is having a little trouble with the truth.

(NH-Sen) PRIVATIZING SOCIAL SECURITY?  How can Sununu still think that's a good idea? by Jeanne Shaheen - Candidate Shaheen, weighs in with analysis and criticism of incumbent John Sununu's position to privatize Social Security.

   Various Races (6)

(Var) FOLLOWING THE POLLS: The Monday Edition (With New NBC Poll) by Steve Singiser - Come rain or come shine or come economic meltdowns, Steve is there with all the polls that are fit to report!

(CO-HD21) Colorado Republican Legislator's Web Site - Would you vote for him? by tjlord - Incumbent Repub Robert Gardner's lobbying firm has been active while he served his term as a state legislator.

(KS-var) Focus On...KANSAS!!! (#44 in 50-diary series) by AdmiralNaismith - Profiles the elections this year in the Jayhawk State, including the Senate race featuring challenger Jim Slattery (D) v. Pat Roberts (R), and the Congressional races.

(OR-Var) Blue Wave Rising: Oregon Election Update by skywaker9 - A summary overview of politics in Oregon, and various races in the Beaver State.  Covered races include Senate, House, Ballot Measures, statewide offices and state legislature, with plenty of detail.

(OR-Local) I’m Running for City Council: Major News! by Matt Campbell - Second in a series of diaries by a 22-year-old candidate for City Council in the small town of Winston, Oregon. The diarist recounts his attendance at a city council meeting and his encouraging meeting afterwards with the mayor.

(WA-Gov) WA-Gov: Buildergate Heats Up by mcjoan - Repub Dino Rossi is feeling the heat over his illegal shenanigans with his campaign and the Building Industry Association, because we know he could never beat Dem Christine Gregoire in a fair fight.

   Ballot Initiatives (5)

(CA Prop 8) Fresno Catholic priest comes out, opposes anti-gay marriage initiative by sfluke - Amazing story about Father Geoffrey Farrow, who courageously took a stand against the Catholic Church and for gay marriage in his sermon on those who would vote yes on Proposition 8.

(CA-Prop 10) Prop 10 and T. Boone Pickens Raid on California Coffers by Cyc4fave - Discussion of an initiative for natural gas cars that the diarist characterizes as "greenwashing".

(CA-various) California's Low Hanging Propositions by JWinOC - One Kossack's opinion on some of the issues appearing on the ballot in California this year, such as Prop 4, Prop 8, Prop 9, Prop 11, and Prop 12.

(CA-Measure Q) ACTION: SF Bay Kossaks--The Future of Commuter Rail in the North Bay: SMART by SystemAnomaly - Calling on San Francisco-area Kossacks - specifically those in Marin and Sonama Counties - to work for the passage of Measure Q, a 1/4 cent sales tax increase to fund commuter rail in one of the most traffic-congested areas in the state.

(SD-Measure 11) South Dakota Abortion Ban, Here We Go Again by ACLU - This diary by Sondra Goldschein reminds us that elections are won by connecting to voters - not by ads, not by lawn signs, not by press conferences - and highlights another attempt by extreme right-wingers in South Dakota to pass Measure 11, an amendment to the state constitution to ban abortion.

   General (20).

YES I CAN! Vote, that is...uh...maybe by UneasyOne - Diarist explains his dilemma in registering in Texas, which now allows felons who have completed their sentences to vote.

NC NAACP early voting Millions Voting March by dean4ever - Diarist reports on the NAACP's plan to kick off a voting march on October 16, the first day of early voting in North Carolina.

Wisc. Atty General Van Hollen Caught in Another Lie by Giiles Goat Boy - Van Holland said he didn't discuss with the Republican Party any of his dirty tricks to disenfranchise Wisconsin voters ... but he did.

Suppressing the College Vote by Tiger in BlueDenver - This time it's a conservative newspaper in Colorado, the Gazette, who's helping to spread misinformation about college voters and aiding in suppressing the vote.

Dirty tricks: Scaring student voters by A voice in the fog - I wonder who's spreading scary flyers to students in Philadelphia, telling them the police will be there to bust them for outstanding parking tickets, etc.?  I wonder who would do something like that?

Protect the Vote: "Malicious and Stupid" Montana Republicans by mcjoan - You won't believe who these Republican slimes disenfranchised in Montana.

In Person Absentee (Early) Voting begins today in Indiana by Larry Madill - The race is on! Every day, voting starts in more states and this brief diary reviews relevant need-to-know facts from the Hoosier State.

Franklin County, Ohio, Early Voting Update by macbookguy - A first time diarist describes voting, in one of the counties where there were a lot of "problems" in 2004. The polling place was busy, and the Obama campaign was busy bringing in vanloads of voters for the last day for one-stop registration plus voting in the Buckeye State.

I Voted in Wisconsin Today by Sad Iron - Voting is on.  This is an on-the-ground report from an early voter in the Badger state.

Vote Now - Don't wait for the lines by Yerba Buena - Information about several states where early voting has already begun.

Election Day Results Liveblogging - First Call for Volunteers by FleetAdmiralJ - For those of you who got involved since after the 2006 midterm: With all the different races and reports on Election Day, it takes planning and organization ahead of time to keep this place running.  (And we thought a million and a half hits was BUSY back then!)  It's a good way to be helpful for those in deep blue or blue areas who aren't free to travel, so check it out.

GOP Still Suppressing Indiana's Vote (Updated w/poll) by Blue Liberty - Diarist has more info on voter suppression in Lake County Indiana.

Getting Active: Registering Voters in Michigan by dconrad - Diarist tells how he finally got out there & canvassed in Michigan.

Attention Maryland Voters! by arrows theorem - With just a week left before the voter registration deadline in Maryland, the diarist provides a link to the official Maryland voter registration website, which provides an easy way to check registration status and get other information about voting.

Early Ohio Voting Underwhelming--Concern? by Melchiorre - Early reports of the first wave of early voting is lower than expected.

Helping Superheroes in Ohio (with pics) by Thunder Road - Profile of the volunteer group "Vote from Home," which is helping people register and vote in Ohio.

Justice League fosters a New Deal in Ohio by jmknapp - Photodiary about a group of volunteers in Ohio that has registered over 10,600 new voters since August 1. Link to their website included - go show 'em some appreciation.

PA Obama Campaign Voter Registration Screwups? by pasuburbdem1 - A story in the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that over 2,500 voter registration forms were returned to the wrong county.

Registering Texas ‘Round Midnight by MsGrin - Tales of registering voters in Travis County, Texas, literally up to the last minute; includes registration data.

Wisconsin Voter Suppression! by bruns - Wisconsin's Republican Attorney General, JB Von Hollen, has sued that state's Government Accountability Board over their plans to validate voter registration records. Von Hollen - who is also the McCain campaign state chairman - argues the GAB plan does not comply with the Help America Vote Act.