The following stories are examples of this week's Election Roundup of 82 down ticket stories covering Sunday 10/9 through Saturday 10/15
(IL-Sen) IL-Sen: Chicago Tribune Endorses Tammy Duckworth (D) For U.S. Senate By poopdogcomedy That's what is remarkable, and sobering, about this race: Both candidates experienced traumatic injuries. Each faced a journey of devastation and hope, failure and success, frustration and redemption. Their recoveries speak to their profound tenacity, humility and grace. But in this race, at this moment, one of them is better prepared to fulfill the motley demands of U.S. senator. That person is Tammy Duckworth.
(MT-AL) Indians 101: Public Lands and Denise Juneau By Ojibwa
In Montana, Denise Juneau is running for Montana’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Denise Juneau is an enrolled member of the Mandan Hidatsa tribes and a Blackfoot descendent. She graduated from Brownin g High School on the Blackfeet Reservation and obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Montana State University. She continued her education and earned a master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2008 and re-elected in 2012.
(NY-StSen) GOP candidate for NY state Senate to offer Watermelon, KFC & Kool Aid at Harlem campaign event By Leslie Salzillo A GOP candidate running for the NY state Senate has just jumped into it deep after telling reporters at NBC New York that he was going to be giving out “Koolaid, KFC and watermelons” to wow the primarily black community at a campaign event. Girodes is making his second (and/or last) run for the 30th District Senate seat. Ironically, he headlined his campaign website with an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., yet doubles down on his blatantly racist slur.
Sunday 10/9 through Saturday 10/15
Stories: (82)
Senate: (22) posts, (10) states
House: (37) posts, (15) states, (24) districts
State and more: (17)
General: (2)
Tools: (4)
Total Rescues since 2006 (12,725)
Welcome to Election Roundup, formerly known as “Election Diary Rescue.” Look for this down ticket collection every Monday through the election. The Roundup team has compiled, described and linked down ticket 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
(AK-SEN) Margaret Stock Ready to Serve Alaskans and the Nation in the US Senate/APRN Talk of Alaska Interview By acmk
Margaret Stock’s challenge as an Independent candidate in Alaska is getting the word out. She knocked it out of the park today on her public radio interview with APRN’s Talk of Alaska.
(FL-SEN) A Lesson on Losing It.… By April Dauenhauer - This email hit my inbox tonight. It’s from Trey Gowdy, Chairman of the House Benghazi Committee; on May 20, Gowdy endorsed Trump for president; campaigning now for Marco Rubio for Senate (Florida). It pushed me right over the edge. I just talked to Marco Rubio and wanted you to know what is happening in Florida and what Marco is up against.
(FL-Sen) Marco Rubio is Standing With Donald Trump. Let's Defeat Them Both! By Scan
Pop quiz! Who said this?
(FL-Sen) THE DSCC IS MAKING A MISTAKE ABANDONING PATRICK MURPHY By saintpetersblog
Up until a few weeks ago, one could argue that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had been doing a reasonably good job in the Sunshine State.
(FL-SEN) In new Spanish-language ad, a DREAMer asks Florida voters to vote against Trump and Rubio By Kerry Eleveld
A Venezuelan-born DREAMer is featured in a new radio ad by the immigration group America's Voice challenging Donald Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio, both of whom have pledged to end a program providing deportation relief to people like himself.
(IL-Sen) IL-Sen: Chicago Tribune Endorses Tammy Duckworth (D) For U.S. Senate By poopdogcomedy
That's what is remarkable, and sobering, about this race: Both candidates experienced traumatic injuries. Each faced a journey of devastation and hope, failure and success, frustration and redemption. Their recoveries speak to their profound tenacity, humility and grace. But in this race, at this moment, one of them is better prepared to fulfill the motley demands of U.S. senator. That person is Tammy Duckworth.
(IN-Sen, Gov) IN-Sen & Gov: Monmouth Poll Gives Bayh (D) A 7 Point Lead & Gregg (D) A 12 Point Lead By poopdogcomedy
Turning to the race to succeed retiring Republican U.S. Senator Dan Coats, former senator Evan Bayh holds a 48% to 42% lead over Congressman Todd Young. This is basically unchanged from the Democrat's 48% to 41% lead in August. Libertarian Lucy Brenton garners 6% of the vote and 4% are undecided. While 74% of Trump supporters are backing Young, 18% say they will split their ticket and vote for Bayh. Among Clinton supporters, 87% will vote for Bayh and just 7% will split their ticket for Young.
(MO-Sen) Jason Kander Is TIED with Roy Blunt in Missouri - This is Happening! By Glic Jason Kander has done what many didn’t really believe he could do: made the Senate race in Missouri, which should have been a comfortable coast for incumbent Roy Blunt, competitive.
(MO-Sen) ROY BLUNT AND DONALD TRUMP: Is There Nothing That Can Be Done? By diverdonreed
For ideological reasons, Senator Blunt (R-MO) would criminalize the research. Again and again he has voted against stem cell research, seeking to deny it funding, or to ban it altogether.
(MO-SEN) You bet Roy Blunt is 'fighting for his political life'—and he deserves to be By Joan McCarter
Missouri Democrat Jason Kander has run a disciplined, smart, and engaging campaign for the Senate. Incumbent Republican Roy Blunt has, well, not.
And, as a bonus for those of you who clicked on and are reading this diary even though there are no new puzzles, I’m including (a) the answer to one of those unsolved puzzles and (b) a special note about Deborah Ross. Just jump on down below the magic line…
(NH-Sen, TX-23) Two Democrats show how to make Republicans pay a price for supporting Trump By Jeff Singer
While Republican politicians can pretend that they didn’t know what kind of person Trump really was until they heard him brag about sexually assaulting women, Democrats don’t need to sit around and let them get away with it. Now two Democrats in competitive races, New Hampshire Senate candidate Maggie Hassan and Texas U.S. House candidate Pete Gallego, are out with ads velcroing their opponents back to Trump.
(NH-SEN) Trump finally enough of an electoral drag for GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte to support his ouster By Kerry Eleveld
No one should have been surprised by Donald Trump's trash-talking, pussy-grabbing tendencies after the foul-mouthed bully bashed every single woman who dared challenge his disdain-laden bid for the White House. But it apparently changed everything for New Hampshire GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who really thought all was just fine up until the Trump tapes emerged.
(NV-SEN) PPP Nevada: Clinton 47 - 43, Cortez 43 – 39 By JeremySchro
More good polling for team blue today. PPP has Clinton up 4 over Trump, and Cortez up 4 on Heck. Fallout from the Trump Tapes continue as 34% of voters say they are less likely to vote for Heck as a result of Heck’s disavowal of Trump. If Cortez can keep Reid’s Senate seat, it puts Democrats in an excellent position to reach 50 (if not more).
(NV-Sen) GOP insiders say Heck's withdrawal of support for Trump may doom GOP Senate hopes in Nevada. By Homer J
In Nevada, three separate Republican insiders said Rep. Joe Heck’s withdrawal of support for Trump would hurt Heck in his race to replace retiring Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid. In fact, all six of the GOP insiders in Nevada who completed the survey this week picked Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto to win the race. (NV-Sen) New Nevada Poll has Cortez Masto with 5% Lead By scjmcy2k
Tonight local CBSs 8 News Now released a new poll showing Catherine Cortez Masto pulling away to a 5% lead of Heck.
(NV-SEN) PPP – Clinton, Mastro both up +4 in Nevada By wptvideo
A new PPP Poll from Nevada shows Catherine Cortez Masto and Hillary Clinton both up by 4 points in their respective races. The poll was done on behalf of Mastro by PPP. According to the poll Heck’s disavowal of Donald Trump is hurting him in the race. 34% of voters say that makes them less likely to vote for Heck, compared to only 19% who say it makes them more likely to support him. Among Trump voters, 48% say Heck’s statement makes them less likely to vote for him.
(PA-SEN) Bernie stumps PA for Katie McGinty, Democratic Senate Candidate in tight race to unseat Wingnut! By Arnold Roth
Bernie was back in PA yesterday. I saw him this spring speak. And without re-litigating the primary I can say he can sure fire up a crowd.
(PA-SEN) Gabby...But By Arnold Roth
I love Gabby Giffords. I cheered as she said the pledge at the DNC in 2012. I think she and her husband have been great fighters on gun control. However, something is really bothering me here in PA. Her group “Americans for Responsible Solutions” endorsed far right wingnut PA Senator Pat Toomey. Pat has an “A” rating from the NRA. After Sandy Hook he made a big deal about supporting back ground checks. This is what they wrote when they endorsed, "In the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook, Republican Sens. Pat Toomey and Mark Kirk broke from the gun lobby and supported a bill to help prevent felons, domestic abusers and the dangerously mentally ill from obtaining firearms at gun shows and online."
(WI-Sen) What's the matter with Wisconsin! By dem4USA
Russ Feingold lead over Ron Johnson narrows to 2 points in Marquette Poll
I can’t believe it. If you are looking for modern day honest Abe there is no person that comes close to it than Russ Feingold. The man is GOLD PERIOD.
(WI-Sen) My Parents Voted for Russ for My Future. Gonna Do the Same for My Kids. By mrules
Sorry about Reince, Paul Ryan, Scott Walker, Ron Johnson, Sean Duffy and Glenn Grothman. We’re trying to send Russ back to start to make amends America. With Russ I know I’m voting for someone who gives a shit about the balance I’m trying to strike between being a shift worker and a good parent.
(SEN) Six Races Will Decide Control of the Senate By ncec1948
In recent weeks, the battleground in the race for control of the U.S. Senate has solidified, and while some contests that we anticipated would be competitive have faded from view, control of the chamber is still in doubt. As other observers have suggested, control of the Senate now hinges on six contests—Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. In most cases, the outcome of the presidential race will play a big role.
(SEN) Aggregating the Senate Aggregators - Oct. 12, 2016 By RoyalScribe
Donald Trump’s presidential campaign was already collapsing and threatening to bring down vulnerable GOP Senate campaigns last week, and that was before the leaked Access Hollywood tapes from 2005 revealing Trump boasting about sexually assaulting women. Since then, dozens of Republicans have pulled their endorsements, said they will not vote for him, or have called on him to step aside as the nominee. In retaliation, Trump says “the shackles have been taken off” of him and has declared war on the GOP, exhorting his followers to punish at the polls any Republican candidate that doesn’t support Trump.
House
(AZ-01) CSGOPOTD: Paul Babeu- 2016 Update By republicinsanity
On this day in both 2014, and in 2015, “Crazy/Stupid Republican of the Day posted its first two profiles of Arizona Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, who is currently making another inexplicable attempt at running for the U.S. House of Representatives for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
(CA-17) Texas Billionaire Spends Big in California Congressional Race #CA17 By Glen The Plumber
The Super PAC created for Ro Khanna, Californians for Innovation (CFI) reported on Friday spending $117,775 opposing Democratic Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17). Having raised $345,000 in the last quarter (7/1/16 – 9/30/16) this leaves CFI with at least $230,000 left to spend through Election Day. They spent $50,000 on polling with the remaining $67,775 spent on direct mailers.
(CA-17) Ro Khanna's Staffers Admit to adding Honda Volunteers to Campaign System #CA17 by Glen the Plumber
On September 22 the Mike Honda For Congress Campaign filed a civil lawsuit against Ro Khanna and his Campaign Manager, Brian Parvizshahi. The Honda campaign is accusing Brian Parvizshahi of violating the Federal Economic Espionage Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for illegally accessing the Honda campaign’s proprietary data, strategy and email lists.
(CA-39) CA-39 is a race that should absolutely be in play. Help needed! By DenisL
Brett Murdock is fighting an amazing grassroots battle in California’s 39th congressional district. I’ve diaried this race here and here. The district has shifted significantly to the Democrats in 2016 with just 3% fewer registered Democrats than Republicans. Ed Royce is spending millions on TV ads and direct mail, while Murdock is running a very bare-bones campaign with no outside funding, superPACs or even much DCCC support.
(FL-07) Election Update: Stephanie Murphy Leads John Mica in FL D-7 By AHKarandikar
Stephanie Murphy is the opponent for 23-year incumbent John Mica, leading him 45 percent to 43 percent in the race for the Seventh Congressional District seat (this is in the margin of error). This poll was conducted on Monday, after Sunday’s tow hall style presidential debate and the reveal of the 2005 Donald Trump video in which he bragged about being able to grope women because he was “a star”. Mica said on Monday that he still supports Trump despite the revelation of the tape.
(FL13) Rep. Jolly's Obamacare Replacement Idea is *Really* the Craziest Thing in the World By Alice in Florida
At Thursday’s Tiger Bay debate with his Democratic opponent, Charlie Crist, Rep. Jolly pulled out his brilliant idea for replacing ACA health insurance plans, with their ever-increasing premiums, with... “term health insurance.”
(FL-13) CHARLIE CRIST REGAINS POLLING LEAD IN CD 13 By saintpetersblog
His commercials omnipresent on Tampa Bay televisions, Charlie Crist has taken back the lead from David Jolly in the race for Florida’s 13th Congressional District.
(FL-25) FL CD 25 Is Indeed In Play by alijim89
The diarist is candidate Alina Valdes, challenging the seat currently held by GOPer Mario Diaz-Balert, who is supporting Trump for President. We can win this race and flip this seat but Dr. Valdes needs your support. Please visit my website to read her bio and her platforms and then contribute what you can.
(IL-02) Rep. Robin Kelly joins SEIU Local 1 Security Officers starting 'Fight for 15' contract negotiations By Reading on Walden Bookstore
The “Fight for 15” movement is alive and well in the state of Illinois. SEIU Local 1 Metropolitan Chicago security officers, who secure high-profile sites like the University of Chicago, the Chicago Housing Authority, United Airlines in the Willis Tower, and Maggie Daley Park, were joined by Second District Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) to kick off their contract campaign to reduce violence and improve safety in the Chicagoland area.
(IN-02) Walorski (R-IN 2nd) Refuses to Debate Challengers in Open Debates By MiAtheistGal
Jackie Walorski (R-IN 2nd), known in northern Indiana as ‘Wacky Jackie’ is refusing to participate in any open debates with her two challengers this campaign season. This seems awfully strange, since Walorski publicly demanded that her 2010 challenger, Joe Donnelly, debate her no less than six times. Walorski was a no-show at a debate in South Bend, Indiana Tuesday night, ceding the stage to her Democratic and Libertarian challengers, Lynn Coleman (D) and Ron Cenkush (L).
(KY-06) KY GOP is freaking out - this attack ad proves they might lose another US House seat By Sellus Wilder
Kentucky minister Nancy Jo Kemper is running an under-the-radar progressive campaign to unseat Republican Congressman Andy Barr in Kentucky’s 6th district. She’s raised and spent over $400,000, and has her opponent on his heels for his support of Wells Fargo and Donald Trump. Her internal polls are promising, but perhaps the best indication that she has Congressman Barr on the ropes is this attack ad that he just released, which local reporters and even his own supporters describe as looking desperate.
(MI-07) Michigan U. S. House District 7, you should go with the "typical liberal politician" By Alonso del Arte
This year, I have been more aware of what’s going on in Michigan’s other U. S. House districts than before. Electing Clinton president averts world destruction, but giving her a majority Democrat Congress gives her the tools to actually build something.
(MI-01, MI-I4) Are Congressional Democrats going to run away from Obamacare again? By slatsg
Most people know someone who has survived life-threatening illness because they had insurance and someone who has died because they didn't. The Democrats could make a very personal connection with voters by pointing out that the ACA saved lives.
(MN-02) BRUTAL takedown of Rush-wannabe Jason Lewis in the swingy second. By Keith Pickering
Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional district ranges from inner-ring suburbs of St. Paul, on through outer-ring suburbs, and ending in wide rural areas of southeastern part of the state. It’s got a little of everything, and it’s currently held by retiring Republican John Kline. Obama won the 2nd in both 2008 and 2012 by narrow margins, while longtime incumbent Kline was scoring in the mid-50s. The Cook PVI is R+2, but with Kline’s retirement, it’s a prime pickup opportunity for Dems.
(MO-04) MO's Rep Vicky Hartzler Triples Down On Trump; Democratic Candidate Asks: Really? By Chris Reeves
Vicky Hartzler is a right-wing tea party darling who managed to get attention in 2010 when she ran a campaign that caused Mother Jones to label her as the most anti-gay representative in America. With Donald Trump in the picture, you’d wonder where Hartzler goes next, and the answer is no surprise.
(MT-AL) Indians 101: Public Lands and Denise Juneau By Ojibwa
In Montana, Denise Juneau is running for Montana’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Denise Juneau is an enrolled member of the Mandan Hidatsa tribes and a Blackfoot descendent. She graduated from Brownin g High School on the Blackfeet Reservation and obtained her bachelor’s degree in English from Montana State University. She continued her education and earned a master’s from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2008 and re-elected in 2012.
(NY-11) My Republicon Congressman (Dan Donovan NY CD-11) is coming to talk to my Club Thursday Night By Rosalie907
You read that right. The Republicon candidate for Congress was asked to come and talk to my Club Thursday night. It’s a long story and one day I’ll get around to writing a Diary about this Club but they have invited Dan Donovan to come and speak to us this Thursday night, October 13th.
(NY-21) How one Democrat is trying to secure a first-class berth for his GOP opponent on the Trumptanic By Jeff Singer
While Obama carried New York’s 21st Congressional District, which is located in rural upstate New York, by a 52-46, the North Country is ancestrally Republican downballot, and GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik looks positioned to win. However, Democratic challenger Mike Derrick has run a few commercials targeting Stefanik, and they may be getting under her skin.
(SD-AL) South Dakota At Large. Hello Paula Hawks, and Goombye Kristi Noem. By Murfster35
South Dakota is an absolutely fascinating state to watch this year. South Dakota, who’d a thunk it? Well, thunk it. It is a poster child for just how toxic the Trumpashima radioactive cloud is, and how far it’s reaching. When you have in incumbent Republican Senator, John Thune, and a Republican Governor , Dennis Daugaard both feel that they have to come out publicly and not only renounce Trump but call for him to step aside, you know all is not well. And both men are catching serious grief on social media for their treason to the Trump Nation. Awww, poor babies.
(VA-05) An open seat waiting to be flipped. Help Jane Dittmar. By Murfster35
If we want to try to get the House back, this should be a golden opportunity. Not only is Virginia trending more and more solidly Blue this year, this a newly open seat! The incumbent Robert Hurt (R) is retiring. Current conditions make this a seat we should be able to pick up.
(VA-05) This is no "Plain" Jane. Jane Dittmar that is. VA-05. By Murfster35
What in the hell is going on in Virginia these days? The great Jen Hayden has a DIARY out chronicling an armed Trump supporter in Virginia, standing around in front of a Democratic campaign office for 12 hours, openly displaying his weapon and trying to intimidate the staff inside.
(VA-05) Paul Ryan's allies sense trouble and send $400,000 against Daily Kos-endorsed Democrat Jane Dittmar By Jeff Singer
Until recently, the race for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, an open seat that Romney carried 53-46, attracted little national attention. However, on Thursday evening, Politico reported that the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC close to Speaker Paul Ryan, was directing $400,000 to this race. This is the first significant outside spending we’ve seen here on either side. www.dailykos.com/... Clinton Strong, But Some Senate Candidates Are Lagging By pancheetah Perhaps I’m a little off message. I’ve mentioned the need to focus on down ballot races for a couple weeks as Clinton began to top out especially in states like New Mexico. The graphic includes information from the 538 Nowcast model reveals discrepancies between Clinton’s state level support and support for candidates in States with Senate races.
(VA-07) Why VA-07 Rep. Dave Brat Might Want You to Learn Russian By Kay Littleson
Freedom Fighters and Patriots MUST Unite Against Brat-Trump Russia Links. More and more Republicans are leaping off the out-of-control Trump train as it rolls down its disintegrating set of tracks. Blatant misogyny, as well as open references to and support for sexual assault appear to be the most recent reason for many Republicans’ decisions to draw the proverbial line in the sand and walk away from Trump’s apocalyptic campaign. Yet there are still a handful of holdouts, like Dave Brat, the 2014 Eric Cantor-slayer and current congressional representative to Virginia's 7th district, an area that encompasses parts of Richmond and Culpeper.
(VA-07) VA-07. Happy Birthday Eileen Bedell! By Murfster35 - A little birdie told me that Eileen Bedell’s birthday was yesterday. A very Happy belated Birthday to her! Now it’s our job to make sure that she gets to open the present she most wants on November 8th, Dave Brat’s derriere in a sling.
(VA-07) Man Up Brat By Ockams Razur
David Brat’s Facebook statement on Trump’s latest foul language utterances shows him parroting Trump’s weak defense and underscores why he is a member of a minority caucus in the House.
(VA-07) Dave Brat is in the Wurst Pickle By Aleurophile
The near-silence of Donald Trump supporter Rep. Dave Brat (VA-7) on this week's fiascos in the GOP is telling. Brat is famous for having ousted House Speaker Eric Cantor in 2014 by coming at him from the right. The support Brat received then from Steve Bannon of Breitbart and Dave Bossie of Citizens United, now the leaders of Trump's national campaign, was crucial to his victory and is detailed here.
(VA-07) Your ethics are wrong, Dave Brat. And you're a hypocrite. By JamesWNewton
Somehow, some way, Rep. Dave Brat of the VA-7th congressional district continues to stand by Donald Trump after this week’s revelations.
(WA-05) Cathy McMorris Rodgers:"I believe he's (Trump) going to bring the positive disruption that we need" By Lefty Coaster
During last week’s 5th District candidates debate Cathy McMorris Rodgers (as the highest ranking Republican woman in Congress) made it abundantly clear that despite Trump’s disturbing pattern of behavior toward women, she thinks Donald Trump is the right person to lead the nation. Unbelievable!
(WA-05) Absolutely the Worst Woman in the Congress- Cathy McMorris Rodgers By peagreen
I wrote this diary this morning with video from the Pakootas campaign challenging McMorris Rodgers to drop her endorsement of Trump.
(WA-08) Another House Seat that's Ours to Win in an Obama District By GreenThinker
Have you heard of Tony Ventrella? The Seahawks sportscaster? Yes, him. He’s running for Congress in WA’s 8th congressional district, and I think he can win IF we all get off our asses and help. DailyKos has said “The House is Back in Play,” and thank goodness. I’m so sick of hearing about the top of the ticket. Let’s focus on what really matters now — winning back Congress and getting some important ballot initiatives passed, such as those in CA and WA.
(WI-01) Paul Ryan in panic over his GOP House Majority UPDATE: GOP Pollster confirms! By Mattrek
Speaker Paul Ryan told top donors on Wednesday evening that he’s growing concerned about whether House Republicans will be able to weather the political storm this November — and suggested the outcome for his party could be dire.
(WI-08) Underdog Democrat in Green Bay House race hopes Donald Trump's collapse will engulf his opponent By Jeff Singer
Romney carried this Green Bay district 51-48 and if Democrats want to reclaim the House, they’ll need to flip seats like this. However, this contest has looked bleak for Team Blue in recent weeks. But if Trump really has collapsed and is taking downballot Republicans into the abyss with him, then underdogs like Democrat Tom Nelson should feel it.
(House) How Republican anxiety can put the House in play By mudcouch
Lets pretend you're a Republican congressman, in a nicely gerrymandered district. Its been carved up to give you an expected 60/40 edge, at least in the midterms, which means you feel like you're set for life. But this is the Year of Trump, and one of the assumptions of the gerrymander - party loyalty holds - is under serious strain. Right from the start, you have a top-of-the-ballot candidate who is losing, increasingly bigly, and that will have down-ballot ramifications. Being a presidential year gets the Democratic voters out more, a lot more.
(House) Ryan Won't Back Trump, Concedes His Likely Defeat, Switches To Defending GOP's House Majority By Troutfishing
With his decision to bypass the fiery sewage treatment plant explosion that is the Trump candidacy, Paul Ryan is obviously trying to salvage what’s left of the GOP as well as demonstrate — with mind to his long term goal of winning the presidency — that he’s a tough-minded but principled pragmatist.
(House) Pre Diary, Diary. Need Names For Democratic Lady Congress People, Or Favorite Local Lady Candidates. By rebel ga
My next diary; out in about a week, will list all the, Democratic, Lady Congress People And Other Candidates. With; pictures, bios, Kossack’s-Diaries recommending, etc, that I can find.
(House) BeloitDem's (Penultimate) Congressional Race Ratings, 10/15 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. Democrats need a net gain of 30 seats for the majority.
(House) Let's get the House! By Tim D M
Even with the Republican party blowing up in front of our very eyes, retaking the House is still a long shot. I think it can and will happen but it is going to require grassroots action starting now.
State, Local and More
(AZ-Local) Prosecutors charge notorious Sheriff Joe Arpaio with criminal contempt in racial profiling lawsuit By Jeff Singer
Well, if this doesn’t cost Arizona Republican Joe Arpaio re-election next month, probably nothing will.
(CA-Prop58) California Proposition 58: Another Brexit-like Remorse in the Making By azindy
Supporters want you to believe that the purpose of Prop 58 is to provide more bilingual opportunities for native speakers of English. The actual purpose is to usurp the decision-making power of Hispanic parents once again. English immersion is far from being a myth; it is a well-documented effective method that has been found to work well even among students who native language relies on a far different writing system.
(CA-Prop61) Why I am Voting NO on CA Prop 61 By rufe
The bulk of what I will say here is on page 72 of the voter guide. To summarize the legislative analyst, there is virtually no scenario where this bill will reliably work to reduce pharmaceutical costs. The reasons are as follows.
(IL-AMENDMENTS) Illinois Voters -- Illinois Transportation Taxes and Fees Lockbox Amendment By MillieNeon
Can you please comment on whether you’re for or against this amendment? It seems like it would be a good idea to use transportation funds for transportation.
(MN-StHouse) Down ballot: Tell Us About Your Race! By dyna
In hopes of getting some love and $$$ for our down ballot democratic candidates, I’m kicking off this thread to promote them. Whether you’re the candidate or just a supporter, here’s your chance to tell your story. I’ll kick it off with a couple of candidates I’m supporting here in southwest Minnesota.
(MN-StHouse/StSen) Down Ballot: (Mis)Targetting Races… By dyna
Thus it’s often a necessary evil that parties pick and choose among the available races and decide which to throw support into. Sometimes they choose wisely, and sometimes they choose really badly and we lose elections. Here in Minnesota for example, our state Democratic Farmer-Labor Party and it’s House and Senate Caucuses control multi-million dollar war chests, and their targeting decisions can make or break campaigns.
(NC-Gov) Charlotte Observer Endorses Roy Cooper. McCrory has signed enough bad legislation to fill a library. By First Amendment
The Charlotte Observer absolutely skewers Pat McCrory as a terrible Governor and heartily endorses Roy Cooper for Governor.
(NC-Gov) NC Gov. Pat McCrory: Trump Needs Mouth Washed Out With Soap & Gems From NC Governor Debate By Kalisiin
OK...so when asked about withdrawing support for Trump (which McCrory refuses to do) he did say that he felt Trump needed to have his mouth washed out with soap.
(NE-Gov) And now we see a GOP office holder running away from Pence as well By SantaFeMarie
The diarist presents an excerpt from a Politico article talking about incumbent Nebraska Governor canceling a fundraiser that was to feature Mike Pence.
(NY-StSen-30) GOP candidate for NY state Senate to offer Watermelon, KFC & Kool Aid at Harlem campaign event By Leslie Salzillo
A GOP candidate running for the NY state Senate has just jumped into it deep after telling reporters at NBC New York that he was going to be giving out “Koolaid, KFC and watermelons” to wow the primarily black community at a campaign event. Girodes is making his second (and/or last) run for the 30th District Senate seat. Ironically, he headlined his campaign website with an image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., yet doubles down on his blatantly racist slur.
(NY-StSen) NY State Senator Bonacic Continues to Lie and Deceive By DemDames
New York State Senator John Bonacic in a debate hosted by the Times Herald-Record yesterday continued to lie about his ties with hydro-fracked power plant built by Competitive Power Ventures in Orange County New York.
(NY-StHouse/StSen) Voters of color could make the difference in close NY races By Elana
Levin - A new Make the Road Action report demonstrates that the latinx electorate could swing New York's State Senate and Congressional elections. Especially on Long Island, a large suburban area near NYC. People often think that the latinx vote only matters in NYC. But as immigrant communities have grown and the cost of living in the city has skyrocketed, more and more latinx people -- and people of color over all-- have moved out of the city and in to suburban districts.
(OH-StHouse-1) First Time Diary. First Time Candidate. O-H-I-O. By Spoonamore
I am running for office. First time. I am a Down Ballot. I am running as the Independent (NonParty) Candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 1. There is no Democrat on the ballot. The District is R+16, and the GOP will win 75% of the local offices in the district because they are running unopposed.
(SC-StHouse-27) CSGOPOTD: Garry Smith- 2016 Update By republicinsanity
It was one year ago that we published our original “Crazy/Stupid Republican of the Day” profile of Garry Smith, a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives (District 27) who worked on the presidential campaign of Scott Walker (as short as that lasted) who actually tried filing a bill to create a “2nd Amendment Education Day” to be celebrated annually on December 15th, which would be the day after the anniversary of the Newtown Massacre, by coincidence (sure it is). Where Smith really got attention, though, was to strip money away from South Carolina universities for having reading programs that included LGBTQ literature.
(SF-Ballot) San Francisco Ballot Measure Endorsements By Ballot Measure By RoyalScribe
The diary is meant to have a quick place to have all of the endorsements for and against each local ballot measure easily organized in one place. It is absolutely not meant to substitute reading the actual ballot summary or language, the Controller’s fiscal statement, or the actual arguments for or against. The diarist thought it might be helpful to see patterns of supporters and opponents working together
(TX-Judges) TX-Judges, Harris County: 2 more district courts By scott5js
Fredericka Phillips is running for the 61st Civil District Court. Hazel Jones is running for the 174th Criminal District Court. Neither candidate is incumbent. These courts are trial courts for major cases, in the latter instance for felony cases.
(TX-Local) Texas GOP Frightened by Trump's Scandals. Dems Could Sweep Harris Co. By Libby Shaw
Dear God, please let this happen. Texas Republicans worry that Trump scandal will affect down ballot races. This is music to my ears.
General
Let's Take Hillary's Landslide Down Ballot! By dyna
Trump is toast, even his own party has set him adrift in hopes of saving the rest of their sorry lot. And here on the reality based side of the political spectrum, even the most stingy of poll aggregators and prognosticators have Trump’s chances at below 20% and sliding away further.
(TN-Gen) Emergency TN Dem Meeting By EquityRoy
Rumor has it there was an emergency meeting today with Democratic leaders and major donors in, wait for it, TENNESSEE! Recent events have improved the electoral landscape enough in the blood red state for party leaders to reevaluate their options for this cycle and to plan how to take advantage of changes caused in the Tennessee opinions of Trump shifting in the last week.
Tools
Voter Registration Extended to Octorber 18th for Florida, information on 50 States here By icebergslim
Early Voting has already started in some states. If you are not registered to vote, do it NOW…..I’m back…….Everything you need to know about voting. All deadlines, early voting information, absentee ballot/military/overseas voting information, it is all here with links to everything and all the Secretary of State offices.
Florida Voter Registration Extended 6 days! By Richard Cranium
Despite Fl. Governor Rick Scott’s continued attempts at voter disenfranchisement, in the wake of Hurricane Matthew last week, a federal judge today extended the voter registration deadline in Florida six days, until October 18th. The original 10/11 deadline had only been extended one day, pending the ruling.
Florida Early Voting Times and Locations By rian90
I read a diary on DK today that listed early voting times. However, I noticed that the dates for Florida did not mesh with the dates for voting in my Florida County. I discovered that different counties have different dates. The dates listed in the diary were October 29 to November 5. In Hillsborough County where I live the actual dates are October 24 to November 6. To find the times and locations for your county in Florida please go to this link…
(NV-VoterRegistration) Woo hoo! Another stellar day for Democrats in Clark County (Las Vegas). By FightingRegistrar
According to the latest voter registration statistics on the Clark County website, it was yet another excellent day for Democrats. We netted 789 (!) new active voter registrations over the Republicans today. Awesome day. The count is now 429,771 active registered Democrats to 291,733 active registered Republicans for an advantage of 138,038 . We broke the record!!! The previous record margin among active voters was 137,489 in January of 2013.
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.
