Before the next “Franken case decided any minute now!!” rumors start, let’s put to bed this Thursday in politics.
NATIONAL: PPP Shows Modest Dip In Obama Approval, Still Leads 2012 Field
For whatever reasons (and yes...it could be a IVR/Live Call discrepancy), PPP has always had more modest job approval numbers for Barack Obama than most pollsters. They are at the low end of the curve this month as well, as they find Obama with a 52% job approval rating, with 44% disapproving. Against the prospective 2012 GOP field, however, he still holds solid leads: beating Gingrich (49-41), Huckabee (50-43), Romney (48-40), and Palin (52-40).
IL-SEN: Giannoulias Puts His Foot Down—He’s In. Period.
Amid reports that there is some pressure from above to persuade Lisa Madigan to enter the Illinois Senate race, state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias made a pretty definitive statement that he will not step aside and clear the primary (something that, according to Lynn Sweet, Madigan made a condition of her entrance into the race). The money quote: “Now more than ever, anyone who seeks this seat must convince voters they have the ideas that will get our economy on its feet and put our people back to work, not just prove that they have the political clout to demand a clear field and win appointment.”
NV-SEN: Reid Dodged First-Tier Opponent in 2010 Race
I think it is safe to say that the NRSC, as well as the Nevada GOP, has had a pretty brutal month. First, Harry Reid garners the endorsement of nearly 60 prominent Nevada Republicans, including Reno’s Mayor and the state’s First Lady. Then, John Ensign gets in a bit of a pickle for not keeping his zipper in the upright and locked position. Now, Jon Porter, arguably the best potential opponent for Reid in 2010, has made it clear that he will not be a candidate for the Senate in 2010.
NY-SEN: At Least ONE Congressional Carolyn Is Warming Up To Gillibrand
It was just a few weeks ago that it appeared as Long Island Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy was ready to take on incumbent Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Now, she actually has a few words of praise for the Senator, and it seems to stem from the rapidly more progressive issue stances Gillibrand has taken since assuming office. "She has a great gun bill and we're going to be working closely together on that," said McCarthy. "I have been gratified to see her position on the issue has been evolving.” She did, however, tweak Gillibrand for the speed of said evolution. McCarthy also confirmed that she is not presently planning on entering the Senate primary. Gillibrand spent some time on Daily Kos today, on the separate issue of DADT.
NY-STATE SEN: Just When You Thought It Couldn’t Get More Absurd
Now that the New York State Senate is deadlocked once again at 31-31, Democratic-turned-quasi-Republican Pedro Espada thinks he has the solution—he should get two votes. There is some, albeit tortured, logic to this—when Espada jumped, he assumed the position of President Pro Tem. Since the Lieutenant Governor’s office is vacant (because Paterson moved up upon Spitzer’s resignation), Espada argues that he is the acting LG. When the Senate is tied, the LG is supposed to break the tie. Ergo, two votes for the turncoat. Not surprisingly, the Democrats are expected to head to court if Espada even tries it.
PA-SEN: Either Specter or Sestak Beats Toomey, According to Rasmussen
While the prospective Democratic primary in the Keystone State heats up going into the summer, Rasmussen polls the general election and finds either Democratic candidate leading likely GOP nominee Patrick Toomey. Specter is back to a double-digit edge over Toomey (50-39), while Sestak enjoys a smaller six-point edge (41-35).
AND NOW...SPORTS: Can the GOP Freaking Win ANYTHING Lately?!
This, I am sure, is a sign of absolutely nothing, but the GOP losing streak now apparently extends to the diamond. In the 48th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game, the Democrats were victorious for the first time since 2000, defeating the GOP squad by a 15-10 margin (might need to look at some new arms from the state legislative minor leagues, guys).