It might come as no surprise to the online community, but Ted Stevens is best known outside of Alaska for his stance on net neutrality. Needless to say, when it comes to internet freedom, there is an ocean of difference between Ted Stevens and his opponent (and my boss) Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. Today Mark put out a very strong statement in support of keeping the internet free and open.
"Net Neutrality has allowed the Internet to drive economic innovation, democratic participation, and free speech online. I will protect and preserve net neutrality's level playing field, so that all Alaskans -- and all Americans -- can experience the vast social and economic benefits of an open Internet connection."
"Discriminatory pricing would turn the open internet into a toll road that serves only those companies that can afford the price. Access to the internet is no longer a luxury; it's a lifeline for many Alaskans."
"I will work to see that Congress adopts public policies that will protect net neutrality, preserve an open Internet and spur the growth of Alaska's economy."
NEA President Bill Bjork spoke on behalf of the organization on why they were endorsing Mark and why they chose to do so earlier than ever before.
Mark Begich understands public education. From his father being a teacher down to his current family members who teach Alaska’s children, Mark understands the issues faced by Alaska’s children and public school employees.
AK-Sen: Trapper John wrote a beautiful piece yesterday on Democratic Senator Daniel Inouye's decision to host a fundraiser for scandal-plagued Republican Sen. Ted Stevens. As he says, Inouye is a true American hero and a Democratic institution, which makes this all the more disappointing.
Naturally, Stevens himself is just getting in even more trouble, as mcjoan writes.
KY-Sen: The latest polling for the Democratic Senate primary in Kentucky shows a significant uptick for businessman Greg Fischer, but he still trails fellow wealthy person and two-time gubernatorial candidate Bruce Lunsford by a significant margin.
SurveyUSA. 4/26-4/28. Likely voters. MoE 4.2%. 4/12-4/14 in parentheses.
Bruce Lunsford (D) 43 (47)
Greg Fischer (D) 18 (9)
David Williams (D) 7 (8)
There are four other candidates in the race, all receiving less than 5% of the vote, and 18% undecided. Fischer has made good progress, but with less than three weeks to go until the primary, he's running out of chances.
The Hill has an article about the race, casting Fischer as the grassroots outsider in the race (the previous netroots favorite, Andrew Horne, dropped out of the race and endorsed Lunsford).
Fischer has largely assumed the mantle of the alternative, netroots candidate since retired Marine Lt. Col. Andrew Horne (D) withdrew from the race and, to the surprise of many, backed Lunsford.
A smattering of unions that opposed Lunsford in past elections have also jumped on board — a testament to Lunsford’s newfound institutional support in the Democratic Party. The state’s largest labor coalition, Change to Win Kentucky, campaigned against Lunsford in the 2007 governor’s race even though it hadn’t endorsed any of his opponents.
"I clearly have had the most experience running a statewide race, I clearly have the support of the DSCC [Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee], and I clearly have the most resources to take on Mitch McConnell," Lunsford said. "If the Democrats’ goal is to beat McConnell, I’m the guy who can do it."
Perhaps, but both candidates will need to raise more than they have to compete against McConnell, as the Kentucky money king is sitting on a war chest of nearly $8 million. They've done fairly well so far, but the McConnell campaign is richer than Croesus.
KS-Sen: We noted former U.S. Rep. Jim Slattery's strong fundraising last week, as he raised nearly $300,000 in just 12 days before his first filing. As a result, CQ Politics has changed their rating of this race to "Republican Favored", indicating their belief that this could become a competitive race. It's still Kansas, a state where no Democrat has won a Senate race since the '30s, but nevertheless, it's certainly nice to have a credible candidate in the race.
OK-Sen: Democratic candidate Andrew Rice, who has been no slouch in the fundraising game himself, liveblogged here yesterday, predominantly discussing issues related to alternative energy. Check it out!
GA-Sen: Former Democratic state legislator Jim Martin, the 2006 candidate for lieutenant governor, entered the race in March and quickly established himself as a serious contender for the nomination, raising $347,000 in just 12 days. Martin is probably the current frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, which has spurred the ire of some of the other contenders:
Yet Martin’s emergence as the candidate of the party establishment is not going over well with the contenders who earlier had staked their claims on the Democratic Senate nomination. Former Atlanta television reporter Dale Cardwell, one of Martin’s competitors for the July 15 Senate primary, lashed out with a YouTube video posted Sunday in which he dubbed Martin a "Convenientcrat" who was "pushed into this race" by Democratic officials — after first communicating to Cardwell in a conversation that he wouldn’t run for Senate.
"I think a handful of party insiders got nervous and decided to put a ringer in the race," Cardwell told CQ Politics Tuesday.
Personally, I would submit that Martin is the first credible candidate to enter the race against Sen. Saxby Chambliss, as evidenced by his fundraising and support (he enjoys the endorsement of former Governor Roy Barnes, among others).
CO-Sen: An independent group has put out this ad attacking Republican candidate Bob Schaffer for his Abramoff-sponsored trips to the Marianas:
Add another investigation (subscription req.) onto the pile for Sen. Stevens:
The Interior Department inspector general has opened an investigation into whether federal money was inappropriately used to pay for a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Alaska Volcano Observatory that recognized its chief patron, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), according to information obtained by Roll Call.
Sources say the IG is looking into the funding behind the event at the Russell Senate Office Building. Organizers of the event were the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, which runs the observatory, university lobbyist Martha Stewart and the U.S. Geological Survey, which manages the observatory’s funding.
At issue is whether federal dollars were used in connection with a lobbying event. Federal law prohibits the use of federal funds for such an activity, either directly through the Geological Survey or indirectly through the observatory, which receives much of its funding from Stevens’ earmarks.
Gee, an earmarks concern for Stevens? Who'd have thunk? I've lost track of the current scandals and investigations surrounding Stevens, but the "Ethics questions" section of his Congresspedia page is impressive, if you can call it that. While this one isn't directly tied to Steven's activities, it's at least the second Interior investigation into federally funded programs that have Stevens as patron.
Dan Inouye is one of the greatest living Americans. That ought to be stated at the outset of any post which is critical of the man. Inouye is a bona fide war hero -- a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient -- who lost his arm fighting for a nation which was simultaneously interning thousands of his fellow Japanese-Americans. He's a son of immigrants, who after the war joined with a number of other Nisei veterans to found Central Pacific Bank -- a venture which helped provide capital to scores of Japanese-Americans in Hawai'i unable to obtain loans from other sources. And he was the first Japanese-American elected to the US House of Representatives, and subsequently the first Japanese-American elected to the Senate. I was lucky enough to live in Hawai'i for a few years, and one of the first things I learned upon moving to Honolulu was how justifiably revered Dan Inouye is in the islands. He's a truly remarkable American.
Putting their friendship above party, Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye (Hawaii) will headline a fundraiser today for one of the Democrats’ top targets this cycle, Republican Sen. Ted Stevens (Alaska).
Dan Inouye is a Democratic institution. He's been part of the Democratic Congressional caucus since Hawai'i became a state. And coming from Hawai'i -- a state where party discipline is taken seriously -- he knows better than many just why it is so important to maintain party solidarity. It's deeply disappointing to see a man like Inouye break party ranks to support a conservative Republican with a massive ethics cloud hanging over his head. And it's even more tragic that he's doing so in a cycle when Democrats have a great candidate in Mark Begich -- a candidate who is tied with Stevens in polling, despite the fact that Stevens is an Alaska institution. (Hell, the Anchorage airport is named after Stevens.)
There's no question that there's a natural affinity between Hawai'i and Alaska. Both states are often forgotten by the "lower 48," and both fight like hell for their interests in Washington. And it's understandable and even commendable that the Hawai'i and Alaska delegations occasionally cross party lines to work on subjects of mutual interest. But supporting a Republican in a race against a competitive and attractive Democrat is a line that no Democratic member of Congress can ever justifiably cross.
I'm willing to cut Dan Inouye a lot of slack in light of his service to his country and his party. But he needs to undertand that his support of Ted Stevens is completely inexcusable and unacceptable.
Hawai'i residents might wish to contact his office at (202) 224-3934 to let him know what they think.
Earlier today the Begich campaign held a press conference where Mark expressed his strong support for Senator Jim Webb's efforts to pass a new G.I. Bill for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Begich is currently a candidate for US Senate from Alaska. Webb and 56 other senators have signed on in support of this legislation, which seeks to provide educational benefits for our veterans in line what veterans of past wars have received.
Joined by students and veterans at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, Begich called on Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) to join him in honoring the service of returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas of conflict since Sept. 11, 2001. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has already signed on to the bill. Begich said:
"When our veterans come home from Iraq, Afghanistan, or other areas, we want them to have the same educational opportunities as those who served before them in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. To support anything less is wrong."
"This is not complicated. Our veterans have sacrificed for America and we owe them this opportunity. I urge Sen. Stevens to join me in providing veterans the full cost of a college education, like he received after World War II, thanks to the G.I. Bill."
Yesterday I entered the race to represent Alaska in the United States Senate.
My declaration followed about six weeks of traveling from Sitka to Kotzebue, Bethel to Fairbanks, hearing from Alaskans. They told me Alaska needs a senator who doesn’t answer to the special interests. Someone committed to transparent government. Someone with the energy and independence to get back to representing Alaskans again.
Today, Anchorage's Democratic Mayor Mark Begich announced his candidacy for the US Senate. I'm happy to say that I've signed on to work as his Online Communications Director. Many of you probably know me best from my time as Chris Dodd's blogger. As with Dodd, I'll be helping Mark Begich maintain a strong presence in the netroots community and utilize internet tools as a means to communicate with voters across Alaska. It's a challenge that I relish - most of all because I believe Begich will give us a great chance to turn Alaska blue.
Since Begich's entry into the race, this has been considered a tossup, and this latest poll would seem to confirm that belief.
The more you look at these numbers, though, the darker things look for Ted Stevens, a man once considered politically invulnerable in Alaska.
Normally, a long-serving incumbent can count on unified support from his own party while picking up some support from the opposing party. However, Stevens is supported by just 71% of GOP voters while Begich attracts 78% of Democrats. Begich leads by 22 percentage points among unaffiliated voters.
Stevens is viewed favorably by 50% of the state’s voters while 47% have an unfavorable opinion. Begich earns favorable reviews from 56% while just 35% have an unfavorable opinion.
Among unaffiliated voters, Begich is viewed favorably by 66%, Stevens by 42%.
If Begich can maintain that kind of lead among independents, he'll be in an excellent position going forward.
Rasmussen, who seems to be competing with SurveyUSA in the battle to be the most prolific pollster of the 2008 cycle, is out this morning with a pair of Senate polls which paint a very intriguing picture of what might be a painful 2008 cycle for the GOP.
In a diary earlier this week, I looked at the perilous situation for the Republican Party in the House. With these two polls and a host of other recent surveys, it becomes readily apparent that the Senate is an equally target-rich environment for the Democratic Party.
The Cook Political Report released its most recent House and Senate race charts several days ago, and most of what movement there is, is good for Democrats.
Five House races (AL-02, LA-06, IL-11, IL-14, and IN-07) have changed rating, along with one Senate race (Alaska).
We've covered most of these races over the past week, but here's a breakdown of Cook's adjustments.
AK-SEN (Stevens): Likely Republican to Toss Up
People used to call Ted Stevens "Senator for Life". They aren't anymore. He is going to face the stiffest Democratic challenge of his long career, from Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. I'd agree with Cook that this is-mirabile dictu-a tossup, and that really just warms my heart.
AL-02 OPEN (Everett): Solid Republican to Lean Republican
The entry of Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright into this race led Cook to jump this race two slots, indicating that we can expect a highly competitive race even in this R+13 district. That's expanding the map, folks.
LA-06 VACANT (Baker) Likely Republican to Lean Republican
We're expanding the map into Louisiana, too, as Louisiana's 6th is in play. There's going to be a special election in this red district (R+6.5) on May 3. We have a particularly strong candidate in former prosecutor and state Rep. Don Cazayoux. Like Bright, Cazayoux is a conservative Democrat, but one who can run a strong race, and perhaps win, in a district that hasn't been competitive for a decade.
IL-11 OPEN (Weller): Toss Up to Lean Democratic
This race already looked good for us, as we had our top-choice candidate running, IL Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, in a swing district which is likely to go Democratic in the presidential race.
Now her Republican opponent, New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, has dropped out of the race, making this a pretty likely pickup, at least until the party finds someone to run.
IL-14 VACANT (Hastert): Likely Republican to Lean Republican
IN-07 VACANT (Carson): Likely Democratic to Lean Democratic
This is the only negative movement for Democrats, and we're still favored to win here. Andre Carson, grandson of the late Julia Carson, is facing a tougher-than-anticipated challenge from Republican State Rep. Jon Elrod. Carson is still in a pretty good position, but we can't take anything for granted.
The election is one week from today. Consider it the flip of IL-14; as much as losing that district would be an embarrassing black eye for the GOP, so would a loss in Democratic IN-07 be such a black eye for us.
So with eight months to go, I figure it’s time for an updated look at all the 2008 Senate races. There are 35 seats up for election because of a scenario in Wyoming and Mississippi where both seats are up, due to the passing of Craig Thomas and the resignation of Trent Lott, respectively. Now obviously, quite a few of the races are considered "safe" for the incumbent. So I’ll rank these in terms of tiers. The top tier will be the races where there is a serious challenger to the incumbent (or at least the incumbent’s party, in cases of retirement), where the party holding the seat has a real shot of switching. The second tier are races that could become top tier races, but are not at this point. Tier III are ones where a major event would need to happen for the seat to come into play. And the safe seats? Well, Mike Gravel has a better shot at winning the presidency than those incumbents have of losing their races.
Follow me below the fold for all the races. Note: Some of this may seem repetitive, with information you already know. That’s because I originally wrote this for the Bruin Democrats, many of whom don’t follow the national races like we do. Consider this a primer for both newcomers and political junkies alike.
Anchorage mayor Mark Begich will announce he's taking on Ted "Tubes" Stevens for his state's U.S. Senate seat at 11:30 a.m. PT.
I polled this race back in early December:
Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 12/3-6. Likely voters. MoE 4% (No trend lines)
If 2008 election for U.S. Senate were held today, for whom would you vote for if the choices were between Mark Begich, the Democrat, and Ted Stevens, the Republican?
Stevens (R) 41
Begich (D) 47
Even more surprisingly, instead of spinning these results away, Stevens' pollster actually confirmed the results not once, but twice.
Local pollsters are not surprised by the numbers. Dave Dittman, who's firm Dittman Research is polling for Stevens, said the publicity on corruption investigations is hurting the Republicans.
"It's interesting and it's early but I wasn't shocked," Dittman said. "Both Congressman Young and Sen. Stevens have been under attack (or) at least the subject of a lot of negative information and news stories and things for almost two years. I would think it's got to have an effect."
And...
"He's more vulnerable than he has been before," conceded Anchorage pollster and political consultant Dave Dittman, who is working for the Stevens campaign.
Promising news out of Alaska, where Democrats have spent months lobbying popular Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich to challenge scandal-plagued Ted Stevens in this fall's Senate contest.
Despite the fact that Obama and Edwards' polling shows we can be competitive in states thought way off the radar, I'm actually far more excited for Senate and some house races than the presidential, and you should be too!
About a month ago I polled Alaska, and the numbers in the Senate race were shocking:
Stevens (R) 41
Begich (D) 47
The poll got picked up in the local media, and Stevens' pollster was asked about it. In such cases, it's normal for campaign operatives to spin away such terrible results. In this case, the obvious play would've been to claim the poll was a biased survey conducted for the "far-left" website, or something like that. It doesn't have to be true, and Daily Kos polling is conducted by the non-partisan media polling firm Research 2000, but it would've been the obvious spin. Instead, Stevens' pollsters chose candor. From a news story on the poll:
Local pollsters are not surprised by the numbers. Dave Dittman, who's firm Dittman Research is polling for Stevens, said the publicity on corruption investigations is hurting the Republicans.
"It's interesting and it's early but I wasn't shocked," Dittman said. "Both Congressman Young and Sen. Stevens have been under attack (or) at least the subject of a lot of negative information and news stories and things for almost two years. I would think it's got to have an effect."
I thought at the time that the pollster would get a good tongue-lashing, and that would be the end of it. But today, in a piece in the Anchorage Daily News, Dittman once again undermined his client's campaign with an unwelcome (to Republicans) dose of the truth:
"He's more vulnerable than he has been before," conceded Anchorage pollster and political consultant Dave Dittman, who is working for the Stevens campaign.
As for Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich -- the Democrats' strongest potential candidate in the race, he's still waiting until the spring to announce. As I argued last year, if Begich was not going to run, he would've announced that decision by the end of the year to give other credible candidates a chance. He did not do that, so he's likely in. And if nothing else, he's sure sounding cocky about Novemenber:
Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich predicts both Stevens and Alaska Congressman Don Young will be gone after 2008.
"The delegation for the first time in decades will have serious competition for those seats," said Begich, 45, who is contemplating a run as a Democrat against the 84-year-old Stevens. "And I do believe those seats will change over."
I like it, and I look forward to seeing Republicans scramble to hold on to those seats while continuing to fend off FBI investigators.
