The following diaries are examples of this week's Election Diary Rescue. This post features a collection of 53 diaries.
(KY-Sen) Everyone is #McConnelling on YouTube, but here's the best video by Paul Hogarth - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R) campaign produced a bizarre campaign web video last week with no sound. Jon Stewart challenged his fans to create their own soundtrack and hashtag it #mcconnelling. YouTube is ablaze, diarist offers his top contender.
(PA-12) New Polling w/Good News: MI Looking Up & Scott Brown Is Buried Alive by Reinvented Daddy - Along with polling data from Michigan and New Hampshire comes an opportunity to help Erin McClelland (D). The PA-12 is a purple district carved from the bones of Jason Altmire and Mark Critzes' old digs. Anyway those blue dogs are gone and this suburb of Pittsburgh is ready for a genuine progressive voice. Help her kick Republican Keith Rothfus' arse to the curb this November. ActBlue link for McClelland included.
(FL-Gov) Charlie Crist FINALLY debates Nan Rich! by Leslie123 - Well sort of. Since Candidate Charlie Crist has repeatedly said that he has no interest in debating Candidate Nan Rich in the Democratic Primary election, I have decided to hold a WOTM mock "That's What You Said" debate, and use answers provided by the candidates at various times in their political careers.
Connect! Unite! Act! ATTN: Events for DC, Dallas & Detroit! +Q: What Was Your Last Protest? by navajo - Check to see if there is an event near you.
This is the 11th weekly edition of Election Diary Rescue. It covers rescued down-ticket election diaries published from Sunday 3/16/14 through Saturday 3/22/14. We hope you enjoy the following gems dug up by our dedicated team of miners.
Diaries: (53)
Senate: (18) posts (10) states
House: (16) posts (9) states (13) districts
State and more: (11)
General: (8)
EDR has compiled, described and linked
down ticket election related diaries since 2006.
EDR chronicles the passion, power and effectiveness of political engagement and shines a light on candidates and issues that might otherwise be missed. It gives quick access to races, hopefully inspires people to write about contests that interest them, and has become an archive for thousands of election related diaries over the years.
Archive links
Format and Tags
Diarists can help the EDR mining team by identifying the race in the diary title, for example: (FL-14) or (GA-Gov) or (NY-Sen). Using the "Elections" tag is also appreciated and keep in mind that your first sentence or two can be what you would like to see in the EDR description.
This edition of EDR was made possible by the following miners and editors: Alma, eeff, edrie, Joieau, Land of Enchantment, randallt, sylv, suejazz and turbonerd. Special thanks to Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse.
Senate - 18
(AK-Sen) Alaska senate race 2014: Can Begich hold on? by plf515 - Diarist takes a look at the Alaskan Senate race. Good comments section.
(AR-Sen) Arkansas Senate race 2014: Pryor vs. Cotton by plf515 - In the Arkansas Senate race Tom Cotton (R) is unopposed to run against Pryor (D). Cotton is currently a member of the House of Representatives. On the Issues rates him a "libertarian leaning conservative". He is anti-choice, opposed the violence against women act, wants same sex marriage to be illegal, wants ObamaCare repealed, wants extensive cuts in government services, opposes the UN and has a conservative record on conservation. Progressive Punch rates him the 367th most progressive member of the House. The comments are worth a look.
(GA-Sen) Georgia Senate race 2014: Nunn vs. a Republican to be picked by plf515 - Diarist discounts the probability of a Dem other than Michelle Nunn coming out of the primary as the general candidate and takes a look at the financials of some of the Republican contenders. Interesting comments.
(GA-Sen) Georgia's Michelle Nunn is Blanche Lincoln 2.0 by cjo30080 - Diarist argues against supporting Michelle Nunn in the Georgia May 20th Democratic primary and supports Branko Radulovacki. Commenters disagree. Campaign site link for Radulovacki at the end of the diary.
(GA-Sen) GA-SEN: Meet Candidate Branko Radulovacki Mar 20 in Lawrenceville & Mar 22 in LaGrange by BoxMachine - Dr. Branko Radulovacki continues his uphill campaign against Michelle Nunn for the Democratic nomination for US Senate. The Democratic primary is May 20.
(GA-Sen) GA-Sen: Paul Broun (R) Spends $33k In Office Cash On Rhetoric Coach by poopdogcomedy - Rep. Paul Broun, a candidate for the Republican nomination for US Senate, has spent over $33,000 of his congressional office budget - aka "taxpayer money" - on O’Donnell and Associates, which specializes in campaign communications and campaign debate preparation.
(GA-Sen) GA-SEN: Meet Candidate Branko Radulovacki in Covington & Tifton, GA March 24-25 by BoxMachine - Another announced opportunity to meet Radulovacki, a Democratic challenger in the primary with Michelle Nunn for the open Georgia Senate seat.
(HI-Sen) Sen Brian Schatz racks up another endorsement by Karen from Maui - Diarist covers an endorsement for Sen. Brian Schatz in the Hawaii DEM primary with Colleen Hanabusa.
(IA-Sen) Iowa senate race 2014: Braley vs. a Republican by plf515 - Rep. Bruce Braley (D), a progressive Democrat, leads in the polls and has a large fundraising edge over each of the six Republican hopefuls in this race to succeed retiring Sen. Tom Harkin.
(KY-Sen) Everyone is #McConnelling on YouTube, but here's the best video by Paul Hogarth - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R) campaign produced a bizarre campaign web video last week with no sound. Jon Stewart challenged his fans to create their own soundtrack and hashtag it #mcconnelling. YouTube is ablaze, diarist offers his top contender.
(KY-Sen) terrapin #mcconnelling by Frankenoid - More on the Jon Stewart soundtrack for McConnell (R) campaign. Diarist offers her [grateful] dead-like effort.
(KY-Sen) Is Senator Mitch McConnell Supplying His Friendly Super PAC's With Video B-Roll? by Rural Progressive - Diarist suspects McConnell's campaign is feeding video material to a friendly Super PAC as a way to get around the law that forbids such direct involvement between a campaign and a PAC.
(KY-Sen) Kentucky Senate Race: Grimes vs. McConnell by plf515 - In the likely matchup between Democratic challenger, Sec. of State Allison Grimes, and incumbent Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the diarist likes Grimes' chances. How will Tea Party Republicans react if and when Mitch defeats their preferred candidate, Matt Bevins, in the Republican primary?
(LA-Sen) LA-Sen: Bill Cassidy (R) Bashes Medicare Cuts He Admits He Voted For by poopdogcomedy - Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy (LA-
(LA-Sen) Louisiana Senate race 2014: Can Landrieu be re-elected? by plf515 - A quick look at the likely matchup of incumbent Sen. Mary Landrieu, a moderate Democrat, and Rep. Bill Cassidy, a conservative Republican in the runoff election for US Senate.
(ME-Sen) Elections; Contributions by March 31; BYOB$; CYOC$; ME-Sen by emorej a Hong Kong - Info on Shenna Bellows (D) and her campaign against incumbent Susan Collins (R).
(NC-Sen) NC-Sen: Tea Party Lunatic Dr. Greg Brannon (R) Says Thom Tillis (R) Is Unelectable by poopdogcomedy - Diary takes a look at the North Carolina Republican senatorial primary. Link to support Kay Hagan (D) included.
(Sen-Var) Koch Aide whines about Democrats' ads countering the Koch's mudslide of distortions in Senate races by Lefty Coaster - An aide for the Koch Brothers has the gall to complain about ads Democrats are running across a number of states to counter the Koch controlled Americans for the Prosperous mudslide of political ads lying about the ACA. Boo, Hoo.
House - 16
(CA-17) Why Mike Honda's Reelection in Northern California is a Big Deal by Anakai - Diarist explains the peculiar demographics of the 17th district, and how an air-quote Democrat Ro Khanna challenging solid Democrat Mike Honda in the primary is a big deal.
(CA-49) CA-49: Democratic Challenger Dave Peiser Campaign Holding Voter Registration Drive March 20th by BoxMachine - A voter registration drive being run by Rep. Darrell Issa's (R-Bengazi!) Democratic challenger, Dave Peiser.
(FL-09) Help Nick Ruiz Defeat Alan Grayson in the Democratic Primary: New Deal Promise for Central Florida by NRIII - Diarist/Candidate Nick Ruiz ask for help in his race against Alan Garyson in the Florida-09 DEM primary with Alan Grayson.
(FL-13) An avalanche of spin but few tea leaves in the Florida 13th by Steve Singiser – Our own election analysis guru has the same thing to say after the loss by the Dems in the FL-13 as he would have said on the day before: The main goal, preservation. If they can avoid slipping into the Senate minority, it seems likely that they can recoup their losses in 2016.
(IL-04) Something You Don't See Very Often: Self-Sacrifice by Alan Grayson - Let me tell you why Rep. Luis Gutierrez deserves our support in his primary.
(IL-04) Luis Gutierrez hasn't Sold Out And He Needs Our Help by Alan Grayson -Alan Grayson gives reasons to support his colleague, Luis Gutierrez, in his primary. Since there are only write-in candidates running against him, Gutierrez's seat seems safe.
(IL-09) IL-09 -- GOP Nominee Blames Autism, Dementia, and Tornadoes on Gays by Eternal Hope - On her third try, Susan Atanus wins the GOP primary in Illinois' 9th CD. Her campaign of incoherence gets a second act leading up to this November.
(IL-13) #IL13: Color Us Ann Callis Supporters by PrimaryBlog - Diary takes a look at the IL-13 Democratic primary.
(IL-Var) Daily Kos Elections Illinois primary preview by Darth Jeff - Preview of Tuesday's Illinois primary races for governor and two congressional seats that offer a little excitement. Plus the boring races and PA state senate special election for SD-28.
(LA-06) LA-6 Just went from safe-Republican to HUGE PROBLEM for GOP by RfrancisR - Diarist has poll results in Louisiana's US House 6th District race with Fromer Governor Edwin Edwards (D) leading the GOP field.
(MA-06) Pssst. Hey Richard Tisei? I see you're no longer living under a rock. by brillig - Former MA state senator Richard Tisei (R) announced he will vie in the Republican primary to be the candidate in the 6th district. But he's also boycotting the State Republican Convention because of the repressive platform.
(NY-21) What it takes to win NY-21 by NorthCountryNY - Diarist covers the US House district 21 open seat.
(PA-12) New Polling w/Good News: MI Looking Up & Scott Brown Is Buried Alive by Reinvented Daddy - Along with polling data from Michigan and New Hampshire comes an opportunity to help Erin McClelland (D). PA-12 is a purple district carved from the bones of Jason Altmire and Mark Critzes' old digs. Those blue dogs are gone and this suburb of Pittsburgh is ready for a genuine progressive voice. ActBlue link for McClelland included.
(TX-27) Surprise Brewing in Texas? by Texan Perspective - Diarist has info on the US House district 27 race between incumbent Blake Farenthold (R) and Marine Corps Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Wesley Reed (D).
(VA-08) An Open Letter to Don Beyer, VA-8th Candidate for Congress by Letsgetitdone - Congressman Jim Moran's retirement puts the 8th seat up for grabs in a solidly Democratic district. Diarist asks Don Beyer (D) to clarify his positions on the issues.
(House-Var) Proof the Republican Party Can't Be Moderate, in One Graph by PrimaryBlog - The Primary Colors algorithm was created primarily to identify low-value Democrats in safe districts for primary challenges - but it can show us other things as well…
State, local and more - 11
(CO-Gov) CO-Gov: Ted Nugent Raffles AR-15 For Tom Tancredo's (R) Campaign by poopdogcomedy - It's clear Tancredo (R) wants that NRA money and having Nugent on his side will energize the gun loving nuts of the GOP base. That's why we can't afford to let him and the NRA try to take out governor John Hickenlooger (D. CO). If you want to donate or get involved with his re-election, you can do so here.
(FL-Gov) FL-Gov: UNF Poll Has Charlie Crist (D) Leading Rick Scott (R) By 1 Point by poopdogcomedy - Information on the race between Crist (D) and Scott (R) and a link to Crist's campaign website inside the diary, info in the comments too.
(FL-Gov) Rick Scott's Top Fundraiser Quits Amid Campaign Turmoil and Racism by SemDem - Finance co-chair of Rick Scott's (R) campaign for all of two months, Mike Fernandez has resigned in the face of the campaign's direction and the 'attitude' of others on the team.
(FL-Gov) Charlie Crist FINALLY debates Nan Rich! by Leslie123 - Well sort of. Since Candidate Charlie Crist has repeatedly said that he has no interest in debating Candidate Nan Rich in the Democratic Primary election, I have decided to hold a WOTM mock "That's What You Said" debate, and use answers provided by the candidates at various times in their political careers.
(FL-Gov) FL-GOV: Phone Bank & House Party for Democratic Candidate Nan Rich - March 25 by BoxMachine - Diarist fills us in on the race, the candidate, and an opportunity to get to know Nan Rich at a local event. Rich will face ex-governor Charlie Crist in the primary.
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(IL-Gov) Bruce Rauner's "John Kerry" problem by DownstateDemocrat - Actually, Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner has more of a "Mitt Romney" problem - he was all for lowering the minimum wage before he was against it.
(IL-StRep-39) IL - St. Rep. 39 -- Better Democrat by Frank Palmer - In his second attempt, Will Guzzardi defeats incumbent Democrat Toni Berrios. Berrios is the daughter of Joe Berrios, chair of the Cook County Democratic party, County Assessor, and epitome of the Chicago Machine. Noone filed in the Republican primary, so Guzzardi is practically guaranteed of victory in November.
(IL-Var) IL-17, IL-Gov, IL-Senate 2014 by onanyes - Diarist has a round up of Illinois Campaigns.
(PA-LtGov) Green Party candidate posts diary by philosleft - unaware that this site is dedicated to electing better Democrats, or that the Greens have been used by Republicans to split the Democratic vote.
(TX-Gen) Democratic Senate District and County Conventions! by krwheaton - A heads-up on Saturday's Democratic state senate district conventions throughout Texas, with links to info for interested Texans.
(TX-Gov) TX-Gov: Greg Abbott (R) Admits He Would've Vetoed Texas Lily Ledbetter Law by poopdogcomedy - Republican candidate for Texas governor Greg Abbott says he would have done the same as current Gov. Rick Perry (R-Goodhair) and vetoed the state's equal pay for women bill. Maybe because as Texas' Attorney General, he's been paying women assistant AGs almost four percent less than their male counterparts? Polls show Abbott's lead over State Sen. Wendy Davis (D) down to single digits.
General - 8
Daily Kos Elections Illinois primary liveblog #1 by Darth Jeff - Liveblog of primary night in Illinois, with links to statewide and county-by-county results from the AP.
Daily Kos Elections releases new interactive maps of 11 state legislatures, with tons of data by Stephen Wolf - New maps to see.
Replacing Steve Israel at the DCCC by GideonAB - Following on the diary Why Dems need the Left, I suggest people contact the Shenna Bellows campaign by telephone and urge her to speak out about how Steve Israel should stand down.
Wisconsin's GOP's suppression bill depends on fact free arguments, right wing newspaper screamers by riegro - Christian Schneider, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's primary political opinion columnist and former operative for the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, a right-wing think tank, gets top play and lots of space to contribute a major, mostly fact-free diatribe defending a new Wisconsin Republican vote-suppression scheme by trying to make the state's Democratic Party the issue.
Third Parties Have No Chance In The US Political System by Richard Lyon – The diarist explains the reasons why there has been no truly multi-party election in the US since 1860.
Connect! Unite! Act! ATTN: Events for DC, Dallas & Detroit! +Q: What Was Your Last Protest? by navajo - Check to see if there is an event near you.
Numbers show why Wisconsin GOP trying voter suppression by Jake formerly of the LP – In a fact filled diary about the Wisconsin GOP's recent bills attempting to limit early voting hours and other methods of suppression, the diarist notes that 17 out of 19 GOP Senators who voted to restrict early voting had themselves voted early in recent years.
Nevada Dems too chicken to run serious candidate for Gov by illuminaughty - In a state in which registered Dems outnumber Republicans by 63,000 voters, no serious candidates will challenge incumbent Republican Brian Sandoval for Governor in this year's election.