2002

AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hart Preparing Major Policy Speeches STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 10:51:09 PM ----BODY: Michelle Cottle covers Gary Hart's political re-emergence and though he is "still publicly coy" about whether he'll run for president again, "Hart is preparing a series of policy speeches that he will deliver at universities across the country beginning in January. The first will be on national security, the second on economic policy, the third on foreign affairs, and so on... Hart says public reaction to these speeches will help him decide whether the climate is right for a run." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gary Hart ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Most Mentioned Books in 2002 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 03:49:03 PM ----BODY: My book, You Won - Now What?, is one of the top 100 most frequently mentioned books of 2002! ----EXTENDED BODY: 0684852039 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: you won now what? ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Gives Inside Look At Veep Selection STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 03:11:29 PM ----BODY: The Norwich Bulletin has seen an advance copy of An Amazing Adventure by Sen. Joseph Lieberman and his wife, Hadassah, and says the book offers "a rare and revealing inside look behind the scenes, beginning with the call and ending with the final concession. For the first time, Lieberman acknowledges his behind-thescenes campaign to be selected, a process that involved more than just a decision based on the friendship he shared with former Vice President Al Gore."

Reuters notes Lieberman "said Saturday he would probably seek the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination" and "would make a final decision by midJanuary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Has Lock On Rural Voters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 11:50:11 AM ----BODY: In the midterm elections, rural voters supported Republican congressional candidates by a 60 percent to 36 percent margin -- "the third straight election in which the GOP has carried rural America by at least 59 percent," the Chicago Sun Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: rural voters ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Had Support Of $100,000 Club STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 11:47:37 AM ----BODY: Pennsylvania Gov.-Elect Ed Rendell (D) "had more $100,000 contributors than all but two other people who ran for office this year in the United States," and they were incumbent governors running in the two most populous states: California's Gray Davis (D) and Texas' Rick Perry (R), the Philadel phia Inquirer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ed Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Ventura Leaves With Mixed Reviews STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 11:45:41 AM ----BODY: "History is not likely to confer greatness on Gov. Jesse Ventura, according to most of the respondents in the latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll." Nearly two in five thought Ventura "would go down in history as below average or as one of the worst governors, compared with fewer than one in five who say he'll go down as better than average or as one of the state's great governors." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Jesse Ventura ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Media Outlets May Pull Plug On Exit Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 10:16:52 AM ----BODY: "The major television news networks and the Associated Press are seriously considering dissolving the Voter News Service," the New York Times reports. John Ellis says it is "something that the nets should have done long ago but didn't (for all the usual stupid corporate reasons)."

Mickey Kaus asks the most overlooked question: "What does that mean for the Iowa caucuses, which have, at times in the past, been virtually creatures of the VNS?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Voter News Service ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Tones Down White House Pomp STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/30/2002 08:10:27 AM ----BODY: "President Bush has sought to shape White House life in a way that suits him, his preferences and his political agenda," the AP reports. That means: "Less Hollywood glitz. Rarer formal state dinners. Fewer renditions of Hail to the Chief." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: White House Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Governing America Begins STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/29/2002 11:39:09 PM ----BODY: "Unlike their anti-incumbent predecessors, the 52 men and women who will join the House next week are a class born out of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, reflecting voters' desire for stability and experience in a time of uncertainty," the Washington Post reports. "More so than in recent campaigns, candidates from both parties touted their government backgrounds and, even better when applicable, a military record." To learn more, the New York Times looks at "the early days for two new members of Congress" which "provide a telling glimpse into the lives of freshman lawmakers."

In the Senate, the New York Times notes that "every two years some of the most powerful men and women in America begin a 'Kabuki dance,' in the words of one aide, in which they negotiate with one another for Capitol hideaways." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0684834111 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate office space ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Takes "Permanent Campaign" To New Level STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/29/2002 09:50:15 PM ----BODY: "With the race for the Democratic presidential nomination already in motion, President Bush and his advisers are studying their potential challengers, and plan to hold strategy meetings next month to discuss everything from Catholic voters to the budding candidacy of Senator John F. Kerry," the Boston Globe reports. "But that is not a sign that the White House is just now awakening to politics, both Democratic and Republican strategists say. It is the latest stage of political planning and maneuvering by a campaign operation that never slept."

Meanwhile, the AP notes "an internal White House document outlining President Bush's reelection agenda starts with 'War on terrorism (Con't)' and domestic security" and is "the latest sign, critics say, that presidential advisers are seeking political gain from the Sept. 11 attacks." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush reelection ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Senators Who Wanted Bush's Job STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/29/2002 09:34:07 PM ----BODY: Elizabeth Dole and Lamar Alexander, "who share distinction of having once taken on the president, will be the most closely watched new senators," the New York Times reports. They "have known each other since they were junior aides in the Nixon administration. They insist that there are no lingering hard feelings between them from the presidential campaign. They have also patched things up with the man they tried to keep out of the White House." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Elizabeth Dole Lamar Alexander ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hart Keeps People Guessing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/29/2002 08:09:57 PM ----BODY: Gary Hart "has done nothing to turn away attention generated when he hinted that he might seek the Democratic presidential nomination again," the Hartf ord Courant reports. The AP notes that "Fifteen years after withdrawing from his second presidential bid and quietly settling back into private law practice, Gary Hart has found his voice again." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0195155866 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gary Hart ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Announce In January STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/27/2002 11:57:33 PM ----BODY: The Scrum reports that Sen. John Edwards will formally announce his presidential campaign in North Carolina on January 4th. "The basic strategy developing in the Edwards camp is a redux of the 'Southern strategy' Al Gore employed in 1988 during his unsuccessful run for the Democratic nomination. In that campaign, Gore was sidetracked by Jesse Jackson who carried the Democratic primaries in a number of states in the South. Edwards is in a similar situation: so far the field of 2004 wannabes leans heavily to the North and Midwest, much like the 1988 crop of Democrats. If another Southerner entered the race (paging Bob Graham!) the Edwards team may have to go back to the drawing board."

The New York Times says "If Democrats hungry for a winner in 2004 are hunting for a presidential candidate who has what the last guy lacked," Edwards "stands out as the anti-Gore." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Price Of Being A Maverick STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/27/2002 11:28:25 PM ----BODY: "After 15 years in Congress, it should be Chris Shays' turn to become a power broker. But because the reputation he's carefully crafted is that of a maverick with a history of embarrassing his own Republican Party, he may never get that chance," the Hartfor d Courant reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Chris Shays ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Looking For Court Nominees STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/27/2002 11:19:09 PM ----BODY: "White House officials are so convinced that there will be at least one Supreme Court vacancy by the end of the current term in early summer that President Bush's senior aides have been quietly conducting serious internal discussions about possible nominees," the New York Times reports.

The A P says "a leg injury and a Republican majority in the Senate have combined to further speculation that this Supreme Court term will be the last for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0743226070 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Supreme Court nominees ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush's Economic Team Faces Tough Hearings STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/27/2002 11:12:28 PM ----BODY: SEC nominee William Donaldson and Treasury nominee John Snow "will get a grilling at confirmation hearings next month," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. "In a survey by Broadgate Consultants, just 40% of investors say Donaldson is the best choice for SEC; others think he may bring baggage from his firm Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette."

Meanwhile, the Washington Post says "White House officials are rethinking a plan to accelerate last year's tax cut for upper-income taxpayers." The Wall Street Journal says the White House is "intent on winning quick passage of its plan" and "increasingly is reaching out for Democratic votes, particularly in the fractious Senate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Donaldson John Snow ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Graham May Run For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/23/2002 02:27:50 PM ----BODY: Sen. Bob Graham (D-FL) said "he is seriously considering running for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination" because "he is not satisfied with President Bush's leadership as the country faces 'unprecedented' economic and military problems," the Miami Herald reports. "Graham said he will discuss the decision with his wife and family over the holidays." WPBF-TV says "He expects to make an announcement one way or the other early in the new year." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Graham ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Frist Will Become Senate Leader Today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/23/2002 09:06:35 AM ----BODY: Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) "is poised today to become the first Senate majority leader elected over the telephone, an unusual end to one of the strangest political sagas in the Senate's recent history," the Washington Post reports. The Wall Street Journal reviews Frist's "rapid ascent" in hardball Washington politics. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Frist ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain On Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/23/2002 09:02:49 AM ----BODY: John McCain gives President Bush midterm grades in the New York Times magazine. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0375505423 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John McCain ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Newspapers Battle On Capitol Hill STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/23/2002 08:57:19 AM ----BODY: "In the center of Washington, where 40,000 people work, fight and connive in and around Congress, the two small newspapers that chronicle these matters are starting to compete seriously," the New York Times reports. "Until recently, executives of the 48-year-old Roll Call have tended to treat The Hill, born in 1994, as an upstart with more chutzpah than clout. But now Roll Call is trying to shoulder its rival aside by expanding beyond its traditional Monday and Thursday publication days to add an issue on Wednesday -- the day The Hill is published. Last week, The Hill abruptly announced that it was changing editors and planning to publish three times a week, as well: Tuesday, Wednesday and either Thursday or Friday." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political newspapers ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Matalin Wooed By CNN STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/22/2002 09:36:31 PM ----BODY: According to the New York Times, CNN wants to hire Mary Matalin again now that's she's left the White House. But don't count on seeing her across the table from her husband and Crossfire host James Carville: "There ain't enough money to get me to go in there and argue with my wife on television." Meanwhile, Matt Drudge says Matalin is "in conversations with Simon and Schuster about writing a book." ----EXTENDED BODY: 1573624578 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Matalin ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: A More Powerful White House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/22/2002 09:24:38 PM ----BODY: "President Bush has created one of the most powerful White Houses in at least a generation, prominent Democrats and Republicans say, reshaping the Washington political equation in a way that provides him both considerable opportunity and peril in the year ahead," the New York Times reports. Meanwhile, a Washington Post/ABC News poll shows that "15 months after the terrorist attacks that transformed his presidency, President Bush continues to be buoyed by an enduring impression among Americans that he is a powerful leader."

Time says Bush and Cheney are the "partners" of the year. "Cheney's force is gravitational; his relationship with Bush is so close and so big that he is the fixed weight who pulls policy in his direction."

Meanwhile, The Economist asks an interesting question: "Why are the heirs of Ronald Reagan doing so much better than Margaret Thatcher's?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: President Bush Karl Rove ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Says He "Fell In A Trap" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/22/2002 08:29:25 PM ----BODY: "Sen. Trent Lott, in his first public remarks since resigning as Senate Republican leader, said Sunday he had fallen into a 'trap' set by his political enemies and had 'only myself to blame,'" the AP reports. However, Lott "wouldn't say who those political enemies were." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Mosely-Braun Gears Up For Rematch STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/22/2002 07:25:54 PM ----BODY: "Illinois politicos expect former Democratic senator Carol Moseley-Braun to announce after the holidays that she will run, once again, for the Senate -- a move that would set up a rematch against the man who unseated her, Republican Peter Fitzgerald," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carol Moseley-Braun ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Murkowski Picks Daughter To Succeed Him STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/22/2002 01:44:45 AM ----BODY: "Saying it was time for the next generation of Alaskans to start building seniority in Congress, Gov. Frank Murkowski Friday appointed his daughter to succeed him in the U.S. Senate," the Anchorage Daily News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Murkowski ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Steps Down STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 10:53:38 AM ----BODY: Sen. Trent Lott said he will step down as GOP Senate leader effective January 6, 2003, CNN reports. He will remain a Senator from Mississippi, allowing Republicans to keep control of the chamber with a slight majority.

CNN's Jeff Greenfield says a Senate leader has never before been ousted in this fashion. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Frist Will Run For Majority Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 09:29:41 AM ----BODY: Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) launched his campaign to become Senate Majority leader, the Washington Post reports. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Frist "said he had been approached by several senators and agreed to let them test the waters for him." The Boston Globe says Frist's entry "sets the stage for a dramatic struggle for the majority leader's post."

The New York Times says "Frist's candidacy came as a relief to Mr. Bush's top political aides, who have despaired as the travails of" Lott "have dominated the political headlines and events have veered out of their control, an unusual occurrence for a disciplined White House that has become accustomed to controlling much of the agenda of Washington." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0742522458 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Frist ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Fall Of A Senate Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 09:24:25 AM ----BODY: "In his rapid rise to power in the Senate, Trent Lott employed every resource at his disposal: relentless ambition, hard work, luck, cunning, Southern collegiality, sharp elbows, a penchant for order and a selfconfidence that stands out even by Senate standards," the Washington Post says in a profile. "Even so, his base of support has always been shaky, broader than it was deep."

A CBS News/New York Times poll shows "Lott is losing support among fellow Republicans... Just one in five Republican National Committee members interviewed this week think Lott should stay on as Senate majority leader; more than twice that number say he should step down."

Jules Witcover says that Lott's "paying homage" to Abraham Lincoln's "abolition of slavery 150 years after the fact hardly will mollify the Democrats, and particularly their black caucus, in exploiting his political gaffe." And Peg gy Noonan explains to Republicans why "we mustn't cast our lot with Lott."

On a side note: If you find the Lott story the least bit interesting, you really should read Robert Caro's Master of the Senate. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0394528360 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Anatomy Of A Political Scandal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 09:08:39 AM ----BODY: William Powers looks at recent political scandals and asks "Why do some transgressors become such pariahs that they are driven out of public life (think Jim Wright, Bob Packwood), while others not only survive their ignominy but go on to prosper (Bill Clinton)?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political scandals ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Russert's Book Will Focus On Hometown STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 09:01:02 AM ----BODY: "The memoir Tim Russert is planning won't detail the backroom political machinations in Washington, D.C., or dish the dirt on his Meet the Press guests," the Buffalo News reports. "Instead, the famed NBC newsman and South Buffalo native said he will be writing about two topics close to his heart: his father, Timothy, and the city where he grew up." The New York Post says Russert's "book deal will come in somewhere between $2.5 million and $3 million." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: tim russert ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Emerging As Clear Front Runner STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 09:00:07 AM ----BODY: Though Sen. Joseph Lieberman "was expected to be the big winner" if Al Gore dropped out of the presidential race, Sen. John Kerry "is seen as gaining. A rival camp reports surprising interest in New Englander Kerry in Iowa," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. A new CBS News/New York Times poll confirms Kerry is the front runner.

The American Prospect says Kerry "may have a bit of a jump on the rest of the field," but his "problem is that he's more a liberal than a populist." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Looks Like A Candidate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 08:58:08 AM ----BODY: Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle said "that he is seriously considering running for president and that retiring from politics is not as viable an option as seeking either the White House or re-election," the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports. He also "said his wife, Linda, who last year expressed concerns about her husband running for president, has changed her mind." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Daschle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Compared To Clinton And Carter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 08:55:07 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) "is about to get his moment in the sun," the Salt Lake Tribune reports. "Dean is following in the footsteps" of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter "as a progressive chief executive with a proven record of accomplishment." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Schumer Says He'll Run Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 08:37:46 AM ----BODY: Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) "said he plans on running for re-election in 2004" despite a recent poll "saying he'd be a distant second to Rudy Giuliani (R)," the Albany Capital News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Schumer Giuliani ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Treasury Turnover Continues STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 08:22:05 AM ----BODY: Following Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill "out the door are his deputy, Ken Dam, and Undersecretary for International Affairs John Taylor, who the White House sees as indecisive," according to the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire. "Glenn Hubbard, chief Bush economist, could take one of the jobs; Harvard economist Greg Mankiw could succeed him as head of the Council of Economic Advisers." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Treasury Secretary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain Will Stay In GOP Despite McConnell STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/20/2002 08:15:06 AM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire says Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "assures senators he won't leave the party if foe" Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) replaces Sen. Trent Lott as Majority Leader. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John McCain ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Murkowski May Pick Daughter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 10:40:01 AM ----BODY: Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) "has told several fellow Republicans they are no longer in the running to fill out his vacant U.S. Senate seat, and many Republicans say his daughter could be the top choice to replace him," the AP reports. The Anchorage Daily News says Murkowski will make his choice Friday morning. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Frank Murkowski ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Russert Gets Book Offers STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 09:03:48 AM ----BODY: Meet the Press host Tim Russert "ignited a red-hot auction for his memoirs yesterday, attracting advance offers of nearly $2 million," the New York Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tim Russert ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Thinks Edwards Is Weak At Home STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:57:46 AM ----BODY: "Sensing weakness," Republicans have focused on the 2004 North Carolina Senate race "with a laserlike intensity in the hope of forcing" Sen. John Edwards (D) "to show his hand about whether he will run for re-election, the presidency or both," Ro ll Call reports. "Legally, Edwards can simultaneously run for a second Senate term and the presidency, though almost no one - on either side of the aisle - expects him to launch this sort of two-front campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clark Making Plans In Iowa STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:53:49 AM ----BODY: Retired Gen. Wesley Clark "has made some preliminary steps toward an Iowa caucus bid," the Des Moines Register reports. Clark's friends have been "calling Iowa Democrats with campaign experience to set up meetings and make contacts with influential party insiders."

The Boston Phoenix's Seth Gitell says "Clark has a few qualities that Democrats should find interesting. The Arkansan would be a Southerner in a field with just one other candidate from that region -- North Carolina senator John Edwards. He would also be a fresh face, one not as closely associated with the grind of politics as the other candidates." ----EXTENDED BODY: B00006JO72 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wesley Clark ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Could Be Spoiler STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:51:24 AM ----BODY: The Boston Phoenix 's Seth Gitell says Vermont governor Howard Dean is poised to be a spoiler in the 2004 Democratic presidential primary and that front runner John Kerry should be worried. Dean "hopes to bridge the gulf between New England and the Western states, and bypass the socially conservative South."

Meanwhile, WCAXTV covers Dean's exit from Vermont state politics as his term as governor ends. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Heads To Middle East STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:45:59 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) "heads for the Middle East today, beginning a 10-day trip that could showcase him as a potential peacemaker, tough advocate of forceful action against Iraq, and someone with the stature to take on President Bush," the Hartford Courant reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joe Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Reid Says He Has The Votes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:40:53 AM ----BODY: Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) "has secured commitments from 35 Democrats to succeed Sen. Thomas Daschle if the South Dakota Democrat steps aside as Minority Leader to run for president," Roll Call reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Daschle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Blames White House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/19/2002 08:27:54 AM ----BODY: Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) "lashed out at the White House for undermining his campaign to remain Senate Republican leader, as pressure mounted on him to step down," the Washington Post reports. The Biloxi Sun Herald says Lott "vowed to retain his position as Senate Republican leader" saying that he is "going to hang in there." This leads Andrew Sullivan to say Lott reminds him of "the knight in Monty Python's Holy Grail who gets both arms and then both legs cut off by a fellow combatant, but still refuses to give in."

Meanwhile, the Washington Post has bad news for Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK), the first senator to call for a change in leadership. "Lott supporters are privately furious at Nickles, and the feud could cause Republicans to look for someone other than Nickles to replace Lott -- if Senate Republicans in fact decide to oust him."

It's a different story for Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), who "is in the midst of one of those sublime Washington weeks where his stature seems to grow every day," the Washington Post reports. "He has achieved a rarefied political station: reluctant savior." ----EXTENDED BODY: 6302293553 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Blasts GOP Over Lott STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:15:14 PM ----BODY: Former President Clinton said it is "pretty hypocritical" of Republicans to criticize Sen. Trent Lott for stating publicly what he said the GOP does "on the back roads every day," CNN reports. Said Clinton: "How do they think they got a majority in the South anyway? I think what they are really upset about is that he made public their strategy." Josh Marshall says "No one compares to Bill Clinton when it comes to cutting to the chase and telling truths in a way sure to make Republicans howl."

Meanwhile, the AP says Lott "sustained a doublebarreled setback" as Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) "broke ranks to call for a change in party leadership" and Secretary of State Colin Powell "forcefully criticized his controversial remarks on race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dodd And Reid Prepare For Leadership Battle STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 03:26:31 PM ----BODY: In the latest sign that Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) might run for president, Sens. Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Harry Reid (D-NV) "have started calling colleagues this week in an effort to lock up votes if there is a race for Democratic leader," Roll Call reports. "Insiders said the early jockeying by these two senior Democrats means Daschle is leaning toward running for president." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Daschle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Those Who Throw Stones... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 11:45:44 AM ----BODY: The Reliable Source says Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK) "may have some explaining to do" because he belongs to the men-only Burning Tree Club. "The club's leadership is so committed to its 80-year policy of excluding women -- who are banned from the premises except during the annual spring cocktail party and by-appointment-only Christmas shopping in the pro shop -- that in the 1980s it was willing to forgo a multimillion-dollar tax break from Montgomery County to preserve its gender purity." Nickles, of course, was first to call for new leadership elections.

The New York Times says "the next step up has always been just out of reach for Don Nickles." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Don Nickles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Wanted: The Eli Lilly Bandit STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 10:55:03 AM ----BODY: TomPaine.com is offering a $10,000 reward for the first person who identifies the member of Congress who inserted a provision into the Homeland Security bill giving drug maker Eli Lilly a shield against lawsuits from by parents who claim the company's vaccines caused their children's autism. The site also has a roundup of articles about the issue.

Update: Glenn Reynolds has claimed the award by pointing to Dick Armey's admission that he put the provision in the bill. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Eli Lilly Homeland Security ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: What About Strom Thurmond? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 10:39:09 AM ----BODY: Howard Kurtz wonders why Sen. Strom Thrumond (S-SC) is avoiding the heat, yet the man who praised him, Sen. Trent Lott, is in danger of losing his leadership position: "Here is a man who, as a 46year-old governor -- he can't very well say he was young and irresponsible -- sought the highest office in the land by arguing to keep 'the Negro' out of white society. And yet, if Lott hadn't blurted his remarks, Washington was perfectly happy to send him into retirement with birthday cakes and warm jokes about his pinching the ladies. There was an unspoken pact of silence, apparently, not to bring up the bad old days, or to mention it only briefly, like a long-ago drunk driving incident." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Strom Thurmond ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Said It Another Time STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 10:31:51 AM ----BODY: Trent Lott must be surprised at the trouble he's in, because he's apparently said similar things many times before in public. Now, it's the Chicago Tribune that reports Lott said Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) "should have been president," during a 2000 legislative ceremony on Capitol Hill. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Now Targets Byrd STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 10:24:28 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) "is talking about censuring" Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) over racially-tinged comments he made in a 2001 television interview, the Los Angeles Times reports. "In a town where moral equivalency is always a danger, the national conversation about race seems to be provoking an almost biblical instinct to extract an eye for an eye." As a young man, Byrd was a member< /a> of the Ku Klux Klan. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Robert Byrd ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Turns Up Heat On Lott STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:55:04 AM ----BODY: Sen. Trent Lott "fought ardently to save his post, picking up key endorsements even as some senior GOP senators privately discussed asking him to step down before Christmas," the Washington Post reports. The New York Times says President Bush's advisers "worry Senator Trent Lott's defiance will undermine the image of the Republican Party." U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says the buzz is that Lott may resign this weekend. Glenn Reynolds says "Lott's going out like a bum. People won't forget this."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times says "Lott has one wild-card advantage in his struggle to hold onto his Senate Republican leadership post: There is no consensus about who should succeed him." However, the Washington Post notes the stock of Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN) "soared in his party after he helped engineer last month's midterm victories as chairman of the Senate Republicans' campaign committee" and "now he may in line for" Lott's job. The New York Daily News says Frist is Bush's choice.

The Hill has this warning: "The handful of Republican senators who want to replace" Lott "as majority leader should be forewarned that the post often leads to political defeat, historical irrelevance, and even premature death."

Update: Mickey Kaus says Sidney Blumenthal was the spark that lit the fire under Lott. The Gannett News Service notes "In the annals of scandals, Lott's situation may be unique."

----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Gore Ever Run For President Again? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:53:04 AM ----BODY: Jules Witcover says "a puzzling aspect of Al Gore's declaration that he won't run for president again in 2004 was his further comment that he probably won't ever again seek the office that so narrowly - and controversially - eluded him in 2000." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Giuliani Fares Well In Senate Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:45:20 AM ----BODY: A Marist poll finds that Rudy Giuliani (R) "would crush" Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., "if the two dueled for Schumer's Senate seat," the New York Daily News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Giuliani ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Hires Iowa Coordinator STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:41:38 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) "became the first 2004 Democratic presidential candidate to hire an Iowa coordinator, naming former state Democratic Party executive director Jeani Murray to lead his caucus campaign," the Des Moines Register reports. The N ew York Times runs a mixed profile of Dean saying he's "governor of a tiny state, with no national network and no money, he is a lesser-known version of the brainy outsiders like John Anderson and Bruce Babbitt and Paul Tsongas, who had their day -- and lost."

Update: CBS News says history is on Dean's side. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Call Bush Weak On Terrorism STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 09:39:30 AM ----BODY: Later today, Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "will pointedly accuse the Bush administration of doing too little to protect the country against future terrorist attacks and outline a series of initiatives that he says would reduce the risk," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. Edwards has a Washington Post op-ed today about the subject. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Chicago, Jackson Not Running For Mayor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/18/2002 08:26:38 AM ----BODY: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) declared "that he will never run for mayor of Chicago, even though the South Side congressman said his father and other advisers have urged him to keep the option open for the 2007 municipal elections or even later," the Chicago Tribune reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jesse Jackson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Murkowski Closer To Picking Replacement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 04:23:51 PM ----BODY: Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) "said he has whittled the list of candidates for his old U.S. Senate seat to six, but said it may take him until Christmas to make his selection," the Anchorage Daily News reports.

Update: The Anchorage Daily News says "Several of the leading candidates to replace Gov. Frank Murkowski in the U.S. Senate have been eliminated from the running." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Frank Murkowski ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Timely Holiday Gifts STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 02:18:42 PM ----BODY: "The intrigue that always lurks behind American politics is at the heart of the Elections board game. Players become presidential candidates aiming to win over as many state electoral votes to win... It's a terrifically fun game of political strategy, and a great way to introduce kids to what really happens during presidential campaigns and caucuses."

Also available is Run Off: The Game of Presidential Campaigning which "lets you and your family participate in the race for public office. As a presidential candidate, each player earns electoral votes by answering questions. Instead of proving your worthiness, you merely need to demonstrate your knowledge of the United States, with categories such as Civics, History, and Requirements for Citizenship." ----EXTENDED BODY: B00000IS57 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Christmas shopping ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman And Kerry Lead In New York Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 01:14:23 PM ----BODY: Sens. Joseph Lieberman and John Kerry are leading in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination among New York party members, according to a poll by Marist College's Institute for Public Opinion. Lieberman has the support of 23 percent of Democrats with Kerry close behind at 20 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: New York primary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: How To Keep A Secret STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 09:11:56 AM ----BODY: The New York Daily News has the inside scoop on how Al Gore planned to make his announcement on 60 Minutes two weeks ago -and how he kept it secret. The Washington Post says "Nobody got a bigger kick out of" Gore's performance on Saturday Night Live than 60 Minutes boss Don Hewitt. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Wants Lott Out STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 09:01:05 AM ----BODY: There's bad news for Trent Lott in the morning newspapers. The New York Times says Republicans "with close ties to the Bush administration" said that Lott "had no chance of remaining majority leader and that the White House wanted him out." And the Washington Post reports President Bush "has decided not to intervene" to save Lott "after concluding he has become an albatross to the party and no longer has any chance of surviving as Republican majority leader."

Meanwhile, a reader points out that it's not true that if Lott resigns from the Senate entirely, his seat will go Democratic, even though Mississippi's governor is a Democrat. Mississippi law says that there has to be a general election within 90 days of the vacancy so long as there's more than 1 year left in the term. Update: Another reader notes that if the vacancy occurs in a year in which a general election is to be held, the special election will can be put off until then. So, if Lott waits until January 2003 to resign, Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) could appoint a Democrat who would serve until November 2003, when statewide elections take place. The Biloxi Sun Herald speculates former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy could be appointed to Lott's seat.

The Co gent Provocateur has very interesting analysis on how Lott's troubles give the Democrats an upper hand in negotiating a new Senate Organizing Resolution. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Vilsack Will Not Run For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 08:48:01 AM ----BODY: Responding to speculation, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said that he will not run for president in 2004, the Des Moines Register reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Vilsack ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Friends Say Edwards Will Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 08:44:31 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "will almost certainly run for president in 2004, his closest friends and advisers say, and is expected to take the first formal step soon," the Charlotte Observer reports. The Raleigh News and Observer notes that "as the only remaining Southerner contemplating the Democratic presidential race, Edwards stands to benefit from Gore's departure." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Urged Not To Make White House Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 08:18:20 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tom Daschle's (D-SD) "friends and advisers have urged him to reconsider a 2004 presidential run, arguing that he may be more valuable to the Democratic Party as Senate minority leader," the Washington Post reports. The Chicago Tribune says "no prospective candidate bears watching more than" Daschle, who "has been circumspect as he travels around the country."

Meanwhile, the Hartford Courant says Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) may run for Democratic leader if Daschle runs for president. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Daschle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman In No Rush To Announce STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 08:10:13 AM ----BODY: "For a man who has spent nearly two years preparing his bid for the White House, Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman seemed uncharacteristically subdued Monday - less than a day after the single most significant barrier to his candidacy had been removed," the Hartford Courant reports. But the N ew York Tmes notes Lieberman did call Al Gore's former campaign manager "within hours" of his announcement not to run. And the Boston Globe notes Lieberman was campaigning in New Hampshire yesterday.

Dick Morris says that Lieberman "seems like a man of conscience because he is one. He is willing to take unpopular positions and he often does. The public may be looking for a man they can trust -- and they'll like what the see in Lieberman." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0684867745 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Indiana, Andrew Ponders Gubernatorial Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 08:02:44 AM ----BODY: Former Democratic Party Chairman Joe Andrew said Al Gore "had asked him to play a 'significant role' in a presidential campaign," but that Gore's decision not to run "makes it more likely that he'll seriously consider" a run for governor in Indiana, the Indianapolis Star reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joe Andrew ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Another Bush Aide Plans Departure STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/17/2002 07:37:21 AM ----BODY: Joe Allbaugh, "the no-nonsense member" of Bush's "iron triangle" of advisers "who orchestrated his presidential run, will step down early next year as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Washington Post reports. "He is part of a growing group of administration officials who are leaving their jobs in order to help Bush's re-election effort." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joe Allbaugh ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Should Head DNC STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 10:55:15 PM ----BODY: The New Republic's Ryan Lizza says Al Gore should replace Terry McAuliffe as the new chairman of the Democratic Party: "Gore could be the antiMcAuliffe. One close Gore associate said a few weeks ago that the rigors of fundraising were a big obstacle to him getting in the race. The next DNC chairman won't have to worry about that. Gore is also hugely popular with the party's African-American base. Gore could help heal some of the racial tension at the Democratic headquarters that marked McAuliffe's appointment, and he could help energize black voters during the campaign." The Scrum "can't help but remember that TNR is owned by longtime Gore supporter Marty Peretz. Which makes us wonder if little birdies whisper louder in that neck of the woods when it comes to what Gore wants to do in the future."

E. J. Dionne argues that "oddly, Gore becomes a stronger and more important Democratic spokesman for not running. While other Democrats scramble for advantage in the 2004 nomination contest, Gore can make arguments... without anyone saying he's fermenting sour grapes." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Seduction of Scotty Reston STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 10:34:05 PM ----BODY: A "rare and rich exploration" of the "encounter between journalism and power can be found in Scotty: James B. Reston and the Rise and Fall of American Journalism by John F. Stacks, a Busine ss Week review says. "The absorbing, first-rate biography of one of the 20th century's greatest journalists has a provocative thesis: As a correspondent and later Washington bureau chief for The New York Times, the legendary Reston walked the line more skillfully than anyone before or since--and yet it was 'so difficult that in the end even Scotty Reston could not sustain it.' In fact, as Stacks shows, it's shocking how hard he fell." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0316809853 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Scotty Reston ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Senate Will Meet Again To Choose Leadership STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 10:28:15 PM ----BODY: "Senate Republicans plan to hold a conference January 6 to decide whether they want Trent Lott to lead them as majority leader," CNN reports.

Meanwhile, Editor and Publisher notes that Lott is facing scathing criticism from Mississippi newspapers, "including his hometown paper, which on Thursday joined the push for him to step aside as incoming Senate Majority leader."

Update: "Lott asked black Americans on Monday for forgiveness for his seeming nostalgia for segregation, announced a change of heart on some civil rights issues and promised to use his position to help push through initiatives that would benefit minorities," the AP reports. His appearance on Black Entertainment Television "was at least his fourth apology, as Lott tries to hang on to his job as Senate majority leader." Josh Marshall saw it and says Lott "is toast." Rod Dreher says Lott is "melting down" and that "Republican senators now have the obligation to perform a mercy killing by removing Lott as their leader, before he sells out conservative principle any further." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Senate TV Viewers Get Shock STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 03:27:23 PM ----BODY: "When Senators and their aides tune in to Channel 5 on the chamber's internal television system each morning, they normally get a replay of the previous night's edition of Nightline or a dry tutorial on parliamentary procedure conducted by the Congressional Research Service," Roll Call reports. But two Capitol Police officers "noticed something quite different emanating from Channel 5 and making its way to all Senate offices: a pornographic movie." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: capitol hill ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Does Writing A Book Make You An Expert? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 02:22:02 PM ----BODY: Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton's "decision to ask ABC network anchor John Miller to join the LAPD as his special assistant in charge of homeland security has raised questions about whether the practice of journalism confers policymaking credentials," the Los Angeles Times reports. Bratton says Miller's qualifications to advise him "include having interviewed Osama bin Laden in May 1998 -- two months before the bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania -- and cowriting a bestselling book, The Cell: Inside the 9/11 Plot and Why the FBI and the CIA Failed to Stop It."

Miller responds to the article in a letter to Romenesko's Media News. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0786869003 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Bratton ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Reich: The Death Of Opposition STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 11:25:35 AM ----BODY: Robe rt Reich dusts off his "Democratic Party is dead" thesis once again: "The Republicans have a network of conservative think-tanks, which produce ideas that are marketed and sold by a boatload of money and spokespeople... Contrast this with the Democrats' mixed message leading up to the recent elections, where they were unclear on whether to support Bush on Iraq; they fulminated over social security privatisation and health care policy. Although they managed to agree that last year's giant 1.3 trillion Bush tax cut was wrong, they failed to offer a coherent, alternative suggestion. If the emerging presidential candidates do not produce clear policies they can kiss goodbye to victory in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Democratic party ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Morris: Republicans Will Keep Lott STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 11:15:25 AM ----BODY: Dick Morris makes the case for keeping Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) as Majority Leader: "If this were June, Lott might not survive. He'd have to be in Washington every day, getting hit and picked at. But it's December; everybody will leave that hateful place and go to their homes for Christmas. When they reconvene in January, Trent Lott will still be there for one good reason: The Republican senators don't want him to go."

Slate notes that the attack on Lott is coming from conservatives with poor civil rights records: "If politeness to bigots, comfort with principles congenial to them, and amnesia about struggles for equal rights are now crimes worthy of ending people's careers, then let the inquisition begin. Lott's accusers will be sorry they started it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: A Wide-Open Fight STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 09:08:36 AM ----BODY: Al Gore's "surprise announcement that he will not run for the White House in 2004 transforms the Democratic nomination contest from a referendum on the last nominee into a wide-open fight for the right to challenge President Bush," the Washington Post reports. The Los Angeles Times notes "one of several new, comparatively fresh Democratic faces now will have a chance to emerge over the next 12 months." The D es Moines Register handicaps the Iowa caucuses given the changed political landscape. PoliticsNH.com does the same for the New Hampshire primary.

Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) "had no comment Sunday night," but "would comment today after consulting with his family," the Hartford Courant reports. The Boston Globe reports that Lieberman "is expected to announce his candidacy as soon as today."

Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) "could be the chief benefactor of Gore's decision to forgo a White House bid, possibly even making him the frontrunner for 2004," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "breathed a sigh of relief," the Boston Globe reports. The Washington Times says Kerry "is the Democratic hopeful who probably benefits the most." The Boston Herald reports Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) thinks Kerry is now the front runner.

Sen. John Edwards' (D-NC) supporters "insisted that it ultimately will have little bearing on whether the North Carolina Democrat decides to run," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. But Roll Call says Edwards "took it hard" when Kennedy recently told him he would back Kerry's candidacy.

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) said "he was surprised" by Gore's decision but that it "would not affect his campaign strategy," the AP reports.

Likewise, Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) said "Gore's decision would not affect Daschle's plan to announce his intentions after the holidays," the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports.

John Ellis reviews the field and Mickey Kaus reviews his analysis. Glenn Reynolds says "the big winner so far is Al Gore."

Meanwhile, Ro ll Call says the DeweySquareGroup "is the most important player in the 2004 presidential primaries that you've probably never heard of." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Most Over-Hyped Candidates of 2002 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 08:18:47 AM ----BODY: "Every election cycle there are candidates who are largely discounted but who in the end emerge as strong contenders," Stuart Rothenberg writes. "And there are often even more candidates who get early star billing but turn out to not deserve the hype." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2002 elections ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Art of Deception STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/16/2002 08:04:07 AM ----BODY: "Politicians have been engaging in Washington feints probably since the dawn of the nation," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political deception ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Will Not Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/15/2002 11:41:11 PM ----BODY: Al Gore "has decided against running for president in 2004, ending a month-long flirtation with another candidacy," the New York Times reports. Gore made the announcement on CBS's 60 Minutes. The Washington Post notes "Gore said his decision not to run in 2004 made it less likely that he will ever seek the presidency again, but he did not rule out another campaign in the future."

The New York Times notes that "in typical Gore fashion, he kept the guessing alive until tonight, choosing his own time for revealing his decision and his own way of doing it. He had quite a bit of fun stage-managing the game up through his Saturday night television appearance, befuddling anyone looking for clues."

Slate reviews Gore on Saturday Night Live and notes it wasn't the performance of a man who to be president -- "not even candidate Clinton could have gotten away with making homoerotic jokes and impersonating senators (some boundaries were observed, and cannily so: George Bush wasn't mentioned even once). So, it wasn't surprising when the news arrived today that Gore won't run in 2004. Last night was his kiss-off, and you've got to admire that he delivered it sitting in a hot tub and wearing a silly wig." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Nickles Calls For New GOP Leadership Elections STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/15/2002 10:47:59 PM ----BODY: Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK), "the second-ranking Senate Republican, this morning said Republicans should consider ousting Sen. Trent Lott as their party leader," the Washington Post reports. The Wall Street Journal notes "Under Senate GOP rules, a meeting of the rank and file must be called if five senators request it... Nickles had not yet asked other senators to support his call for a meeting to consider Mr. Lott's fate." Interestingly, Roll Call's Heard on the Hill notes that Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-VT) -- the man who took the Majority Leader's job from Lott when he switched parties -jumped to Lott's defense late last week.

Meanwhile, Lott is playing hardball. The Washington Post notes Lott has hinted "he might resign from the Senate if he is forced out as leader, a move that could jeopardize the party's one-seat majority. Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) presumably would appoint a Democrat to replace Lott... That would leave the Senate evenly split, enabling Democrats to regain the majority if they could persuade a moderate Republican to switch parties."

The best commentary on the entire story comes from David Brooks and Mark Shields.

Newsweek calls the story "a Washington classic: History suddenly rears up and threatens a safe pol’s security." Time says "Lott's remarks on race raise a storm and a hot question: Have Republicans really outgrown their past?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Don Nickles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Behind the War STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/15/2002 03:06:54 PM ----BODY: The New York Times reviews Bush At War and says what's remarkable about Bob Woodward's book "is the same thing that was remarkable about many of his others -- extraordinary access to secret documents, like contemporaneous notes of National Security Council meetings, and to high officials, including President Bush, who submitted to a 2-hour-25-minute interview of lively give and take... Woodward has been writing books in roughly this way for 20 years, and during that time he has rarely been attacked by his subjects for getting things wrong." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0743204735 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Woodward ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Indiana, Bayh Considers Another Run For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/15/2002 02:53:59 PM ----BODY: Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) "is contemplating a return to the Hoosier state to run, once again, for governor," the Washington Post reports. "Bayh is widely believed to have at least vague presidential aspirations -- and he knows that precious few senators make it directly to the White House. Complicating his decision is the fear among Democrats that they would have trouble keeping his Senate seat if he steps down."

The Indianapolis Star says White House budget director Mitch Daniels "refused to say he would run for the GOP nomination for Indiana governor in 2004, but he acknowledged Saturday that he was seriously thinking about it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Evan Bayh ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Ehrlich Taps Schaefer Aides STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 02:21:31 PM ----BODY: Maryland Gov.-elect Robert Ehrlich "may be putting together Maryland's first Republican government since the 1960s, but the cast he is assembling is starting to look like a Democratic reunion of the William Donald Schaefer administration," the Washington Post reports. The Baltimore Sun notes that Ehrlich also laid out a "modest" legislative agenda for next year. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Robert Ehrlich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Beats Gore On Sunday Morning STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 01:11:54 PM ----BODY: The New York Post's Michael Starr has this interesting fact: "NBC's Meet the Press notched 4.7 million two weeks ago with likely Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry as the guest - a 68 percent advantage over Al Gore's appearance last Sunday on ABC's This Week." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Skullduggery Abounds In Louisiana Runoff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 10:51:46 AM ----BODY: "Dirty tricks aimed at smearing candidates and confusing or discouraging voters were in ample supply during the primary and runoff elections for the U.S. Senate and a Louisiana congressional seat," the AP reports. "Mostly anonymous, the skullduggery was aimed at disrupting the usual racial and ideological voting patterns." ----EXTENDED BODY: 1591960363 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: dirty tricks ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Moseley-Braun Tells Daschle She'll Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 09:34:22 AM ----BODY: Ex-Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL) reportedly told Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) "last week she definitely will run again for her old seat," the Chicago Sun Times' Michael Sneed reports. Moseley-Braun also told the Atla nta Journal-Constitution that "she may run again for the Senate from Illinois." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carol Moseley-Braun ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Matalin Leaving White House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 09:31:47 AM ----BODY: "Mary Matalin, Vice President Dick Cheney's top public relations strategist, is leaving the White House," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0684801337 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Matalin ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bradley Aide Backs Edwards In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 09:30:12 AM ----BODY: Ed Turlington, a top aide in Bill Bradley's 2000 presidential campaign, "is in line to play a leading role in the presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John Edwards if the North Carolina Democrat moves forward with a 2004 White House bid," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Prepares Family For White House Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 09:25:44 AM ----BODY: As Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) "continues to prepare for life as a presidential candidate, he has begun preparing his family as well," WPTZTV reports. "Dean said his children will remain off-limits, but he said his wife, Dr. Judith Steinberg, will have more of a public role in the coming year as he campaigns." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Leads In Iowa, But Not New Hampshire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 09:22:55 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "leads in New Hampshire but trails" Al Gore "by significant margins in Iowa and South Carolina, according to a new poll of Democratic voters in those three early primary and caucus states," the Boston Globe reports. The AP says Gore "is caught in an emotional tug-of-war on whether to run for president again, knowing he would be the likely frontrunner for the nomination and very aware of lingering criticism from fellow Democrats about his 2000 bid." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Supply Side CEO STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 08:24:09 AM ----BODY: "Conservative supply-siders grouse John Snow puts deficit-cutting over tax-cutting, but he's got a low-tax record as CSX chief. CSX paid no federal taxes on continuing operations in 1998, 2000 or 2001, but reported profits to shareholders," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. Meanwhile, Sen. John Breaux (D-LA) "sees potential backers among moderate Republicans, even Minnesota's Coleman, to rein in a stimulus package Bush will offer." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Snow ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Are Voters Having Second Thoughts? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 08:21:28 AM ----BODY: "Before last month's elections, voters split over whether the same party should control the White House and Congress. But now that Republicans have won total control," a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows voters "prefer divided government by 2 to 1." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: congressional control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Picks Friedman As Economic Advisor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/13/2002 01:19:37 AM ----BODY: President Bush "appointed Wall Street veteran Stephen Friedman as chief White House economic adviser. He succeeds Lawrence Lindsey, who was ousted along with Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill last week," the Wall Street Journal reports. The AP notes "Bush selected Friedman last week, but his appointment was delayed because of questions about his health and to give White House lawyers time to review Freidman's huge investment portfolio."

The New York Times asks the most interesting question: "What is it about Goldman Sachs that makes it such a popular feeding ground for Democratic and Republican administrations alike?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Stephen Friedman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Blasts Lott Over Remarks STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 04:45:04 PM ----BODY: "President Bush delivered a stinging rebuke to the embattled Senate Republican leader, Trent Lott (R-Miss.), over his statements in support of Strom Thurmond's segregationist 1948 presidential campaign," the Washington Post reports. The New York Times says "Bush took the rare and extraordinary step of publicly criticizing a senior Congressional leader of his own party partly reflected deep Republican concern over the potential for political damage caused by Mr. Lott's gaffe." However, the Wall Street Journal says "the White House said the president doesn't think Lott should step down as Senate Republican leader."

Andrew Sullivan calls the speech "a watershed" and says "Lott must now resign. He has no other choice." Charles Krauthammer also sums up why he thinks Lott is unfit to be Senate Majority Leader: "This is not just the kind of eruption of moronic bias or racial insensitivity that cost baseball executive Al Campanis and sports commentator Jimmy the Greek Snyder their careers. This is something far more important. This is about getting wrong the most important political phenomenon in the past half-century of American history: the civil rights movement. Getting wrong its importance is not an issue of political correctness. It is evidence of a historical blindness that is utterly disqualifying for national office."

Lott's past statements are likely to continue to haunt him. Josh Marshall is still on the case and has unearthed a lengthy interview Lott gave to Southern Partisan magazine, a publication which once argued "Slave owners . . . did not have a practice of breaking up slave families. If anything, they encouraged strong slave families to further the slaves' peace and happiness." And Time magazine has now found that Lott "helped lead a fight to keep blacks out of his national fraternity." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats May Halt Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 12:58:24 PM ----BODY: "Emboldened by Sen. Mary Landrieu's (D-LA) win last week, Democrats are prepared to prevent the Senate from organizing in January unless Republicans agree to near-equal committee funding in the 108th Congress," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Friends Say Gore Not Running STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 09:00:57 AM ----BODY: "In a notable shift of sentiment, several associates of former Vice President Al Gore said today that they were becoming increasingly convinced that he would not run for president in 2004 and would instead announce in early January that he was stepping aside to allow a new face to challenge President Bush," the N ew York Times reports.

Don Campbell argues that "the closest parallel to Gore's situation is that of Richard Nixon. Like Gore in 2000, Nixon ran as a sitting vice president in 1960 and lost. He then ran for governor of California in 1962 and lost.... Then, after the Barry Goldwater debacle in 1964, when Lyndon Johnson defeated him, Nixon regrouped his forces and stormed back to two presidential victories."

Meanwhile, George Will says that Donna Brazile, "who in 2000 worked for Al Gore as the first black woman to manage a presidential campaign, is planning to apply some lessons of the Louisiana success to 2004, and not on Gore's behalf."

Variety says Saturday Night Live borrowed the West Wing's Oval Office set for a skit this weekend with Gore, who will be the show's host. "In the scene, Gore is reluctant to leave the Oval Office" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Calls For Lott To Step Down STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 08:40:55 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "demanded that Senate GOP Leader Trent Lott resign his powerful leadership post for making racially charged comments praising Sen. Strom Thurmond's segregationist 1948 presidential campaign," the Boston Herald reports. Despite Lott's third apology, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger looks at Lott's past ties with segregationists.

Meanwhile, the New York Times weighs in: "Unless the president wants to spend his next campaign explaining" Lott's "behavior over and over, he should urge the Senate Republicans to get somebody else" to serve as Senate majority leader. The Chicago Tribune adds that "the Republican Party has an enormous problem on its hands, and the way to resolve it is to choose another leader for the U.S. Senate. Lott has forfeited his claim to the role."

CNN reports Lott said "he will not step down from his leadership post." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman's PAC Spending In Early States STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 08:38:17 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joe Lieberman's (D-CT) New Democrat Network PAC "has made large donations to state candidates and parties in the traditional presidential testing grounds of Iowa and New Hampshire," the Gannett News Service reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Gets Lukewarm Reception At Home STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/12/2002 08:34:47 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) "threw his first big home state fund-raising bash Tuesday night and 29 Democrats from all over the state came," the Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Feels The Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 03:09:39 PM ----BODY: Josh Marshall locates an Amicus Brief filed in a 1983 landmark case by then Rep. Trent Lott (R-MO) on behalf of Bob Jones University supporting the "primary fundamentalist conviction of the [University]... that the Scriptures forbid interracial dating and marriage."

Meanwhile, Jonah Goldberg writes "For several days now, I've been searching for a conservative to come to the defense of incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott. I haven't found one. In fact, I constitute one of his biggest defenders simply because I don't think he should be dumped from the GOP leadership because he's allegedly racist. I think he should be dumped because he's politically stupid." And Ralph Luker piles on: "While President Bush is reorganizing the leadership of his economic team, Senate Republicans should reorganize their leadership. It is time for Trent Lott of Mississippi to step or be pushed aside."

Oliver Willis has already put out the Democrats' first 2004 campaign ad on the issue. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Running As If Gore Isn't STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 11:09:21 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) "sure isn't acting like a man who's still playing second fiddle to Al Gore," the Concord Monitor reports. In his sixth trip to the Granite State since the last presidential campaign, "the senator clearly looked like he was gunning hard for the White House and starting to set up shop in New Hampshire, home to the first-in-the-nation presidential primary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New York Is Likely GOP Convention Site STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 10:12:23 AM ----BODY: "New York City is close to winning the prize of the 2004 Republican National Convention," the New York Daily News "has learned, despite White House concerns that Mayor Bloomberg is not enough of a team player." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Republican National Convention ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Said It Before STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 09:01:15 AM ----- BODY: In 1980, Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS), "then a House member from Mississippi, told a home state political gathering that if the country had elected segregationist candidate Strom Thurmond to the presidency '30 years ago, we wouldn't be in the mess we are today.' The phrasing is very similar to incoming Senate Majority Leader Lott's controversial remarks at a 100th birthday party for Thurmond last week," the Washington Post reports.

Andrew Sullivan is outraged: "Sorry to those who think I'm making too much of this. But it seems to me that the G.O.P. has zero credibility on racial matters until they get rid of this man as Senate Majority Leader." The Hill says Lott "was roundly condemned Tuesday by conservatives and liberals on and off Capitol Hill." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Picks Donaldson To Head SEC STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:45:38 AM ----BODY: "President Bush selected William Donaldson, a former head of the New York Stock Exchange, to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post says Donaldson "will need his legendary skills to revive the wounded agency."

Slate is right about Bush's latest economic appointments. William Donaldson "has a record of serving investors well," but Treasury Secretary designate John Snow "has a record of serving them poorly. In fact, the two former CEOs stand as mirror images of the Republican Party's long and evolving association with the business world." Josh Marshall notes "the Snow model is a pretty common one in this administration -- including the president, vice-president, defense secretary, and many others."

The Wall Street Journal says Snow now says he will "give up about $15 million he could collect for stepping down from CSX to become Treasury secretary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Donaldson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Mulling White House Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:38:40 AM ----BODY: Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) "has begun in-depth conversations with confidants about running for president but probably won't decide on his political future until early next year," the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports. "They're telling Daschle he has a little time because he has name identification and a national fund-raising base but probably shouldn't wait beyond February to announce his decision." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Daschle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Harkin Wants Democrats To Move Left STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:36:58 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) "plans a series of speeches in January designed to move the Democratic Party leftward after setbacks in last month's midterm elections, and establish himself as a leading liberal voice," the Des Moines Register reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. Tom Harkin ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hoyer Criticizes His Own Party STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:35:15 AM ----BODY: "As House Democrats struggled to assemble an economic plan that might stand up to the Bush administration's," Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) "the chamber's second-ranking Democrat criticized his party today as failing to challenge the Republican plan aggressively for the last two years," the New York Times reports. Jules Witcover says Democratic governors at their winter meeting agree and "made it clear they believe their congressional brethren dropped the ball in not offering an effective party message in the fall and said they intend to do something about it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Steny Hoyer ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: First Test For 2004 Candidates May Be In Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:11:24 AM ----BODY: "The first battleground in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination may not be Iowa or New Hampshire, but the Senate floor," the Chicago Sun Times reports. "With at least five Senate Democrats--about one out of every 10 Democrats in the chamber--thinking about running for the White House in 2004, the upcoming presidential campaign is sure to spill over into the next session of Congress." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2004 presidential race ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Getting Early Favorable Press STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/11/2002 08:09:35 AM ----BODY: "While most Americans aren't ready to focus on a campaign 23 months before election day, media and political insiders say now is a critical time for any presidential wannabe to plant the seeds of success by attracting significant and reasonably friendly media coverage. And, they say, John Kerry is off to a sprinting start," the Boston Globe reports. Meanwhile, the Newark Star Ledger says Kerry was raising money in New Jersey last night. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Kerry ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dukakis Backs Kerry For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 05:02:44 PM ----BODY: In an interview with the Providence Journal, former Democratic presidential nominee Mike Dukakis "calls himself a strong backer" of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), "who once was his lieutenant governor, and asserts he has a 'very, very good' chance of becoming the nominee." Here's the best quote: "John was getting shot at in Vietnam while the guy in the Oval Office and his vice president were doing everything they could to stay out of the thing." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Democrats Want Daley For Senate Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 04:45:36 PM ----BODY: Ex-Commerce Secretary Bill Daley is "being recruited by" the Democrats to run against Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), Congress Daily reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Daley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Told Silver He Will Not Run Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 03:34:14 PM ----BODY: New York State Assembly leader Sheldon Silver (D) said that Gov. George Pataki (R) "told him he has made his last run for governor," Newsday reports. "During his re-election campaign and immediately after his re-election this year, Pataki refused to say whether he might run for a fourth term in 2006." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: George Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Doonesbury On John Kerry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 02:11:05 PM ----BODY: A reader has found a 1971 series of Doonesbury comic strips featuring John Kerry as the "gorgeous preppie" leading anti-Vietnam war rallies. It's pretty funny stuff and gives you at least one reaction to Kerry as he stepped into the spotlight for the first time. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush To Pick Friedman As Economic Advisor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 02:00:37 PM ----BODY: After picking a new Treasury Secretary, President Bush "is expected to appoint another budget-deficit hawk, Stephen Friedman, a former co- chairman of the Goldman Sachs investment firm, to head the White House's National Economic Council," the Washington Times reports. USA Today says Friedman "is relishing the prospect of turning the tables on" his "longtime friend and confidant Robert Rubin" who held the job in the Clinton administration.

Update: CNN reports "White House officials said Tuesday that the leading candidate for top White House economic adviser may not get the job." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Stephen Friedman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: How To Leave A Cabinet Post STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:46:49 AM ----BODY: The New York Times gives a lesson in manners to outgoing Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill: "The etiquette of surrendering a cabinet post in Washington is clear -- whether one is a Democrat or Republican, whether one leaves willingly or is shown the door. The departing cabinet member stands next to the president and talks about what an honor it was to serve. Recriminations, if any, are left to the memoirs." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Paul O'Neill ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Snow Hoped For Government Appointment STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:38:44 AM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal notes that Treasury Secretary-designate John Snow's "last contract with CSX allowed for a new, permissible reason for him to leave the company with his executive benefits intact: to 'fulfill an appointment to public office.'" Another WSJ piece notes that "Snow has spent his career moving with agility between government and business, along the way helping himself and the railroad-holding company he has run since 1989." The Washington Post says Snow is a "politically savvy version of his pugnacious predecessor."

But Andrew Sullivan points out a potential problem: "Isn't it a mite bit embarrassing that the new candidate for Treasury secretary ran a company, CSX, that didn't pay a dime in federal taxes for the last four years, despite making profits? I think I just wrote Paul Krugman's next column." The New York Times highlights Snow's own generous pay package as a potential line of questioning in his confirmation hearings. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Snow ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Indiana, Will Bayh Run For Governor Again? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:31:37 AM ----BODY: "Pundits are tossing around names like Evan Bayh to run for Indiana governor on the based on the fact that Lt. Governor Joe Kernan says he won't run, as he had been expected to do," the Bedf ord Times Mail reports. The Indianapolis Star says "there were more questions than answers as to why Kernan backed away from a nomination that Democrats virtually had gift-wrapped for him." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Evan Bayh ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Los Angeles, Bratton May Tap TV Anchor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:27:54 AM ----BODY: The New York Post has this interesting tidbit: ABC News 20/20 co-anchor John Miller is about to give notice that he's going to leave his job and join new Los Angeles police chief William Bratton as a top aide. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0679452516 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Bratton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Apologizes For Comments STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:22:54 AM ----BODY: Senate Republican leader Trent Lott (R-MS) apologized "for suggesting that the country would have been better off if segregationist candidate Strom Thurmond had been elected president in 1948," the Washington Post reports. The AP says Al Gore demanded that "Lott should be censured for his "racist statement.'" But Paul Krugman puts it best: "Lott has apologized for a 'poor choice of words.' But choice of words had nothing to do with it. What he did, quite clearly, was offer a retroactive endorsement of a frankly racist campaign."

Howard Kurtz wonders why, "until this morning, most major newspapers hadn't done squat on the story." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Trent Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Distances Himself From Reich STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:18:51 AM ----BODY: "Faced with resistance from key Senate Republicans," President Bush "is backing away from renominating Otto Reich, symbol of the administration's hard-line stance toward Cuba, as his top diplomat for Latin America," the Los Angeles Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Otto Reich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Hosts New Hampshire Activists STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:13:28 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "entertained about a dozen party activists from New Hampshire at his home Monday night, including a key worker for Al Gore in the state in 2000," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dorgan Urges Gore Not To Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/10/2002 09:11:20 AM ----BODY: Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) "burned by the way" former Vice President Al Gore "and the national Democratic Party ran the 2000 presidential campaign, sent the former vice president a three-page letter in April outlining his complaints" and urging him not to run for president again, the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Snow Resigns From Augusta National STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 04:41:13 PM ----BODY: Treasury Secretary nominee John Snow "resigned his membership in Augusta National Golf Club, which has been under fire for not allowing women to join," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Augusta National ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Is Weld Planning A Comeback? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 04:20:35 PM ----BODY: "Not too long ago many people were saying that Bill Weld was done for. He'd left the Massachusetts governor's office mid-term after unsuccessful bids for both a senate seat and an ambassadorship, left his wife of 26 years, and left the commonwealth altogether to join the scores of other out-of-work politicians taking up residence in Manhattan," Newsday reports. "But these days, the 57year-old Smithtown, NY native seems less like a washout and more like a man preparing his next move... And he's putting away a little money, he says, so that in a few years he'll be ready to make a play. A play for what? Perhaps for another governor's seat, he says. Only this time in his home state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: William Weld ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Gore And Kerry Lead The Pack STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 04:07:39 PM ----BODY: Former Vice President Al Gore and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "are the early leaders for the 2004 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary," according to a new Marist poll. Among registered Democrats Gore receives 31 percent to Kerry's 28 percent. "Without Gore in the race, Kerry is the frontrunner among the potential Democratic presidential candidates." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gore Kerry New Hampshire ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Chicago, Daley Wants Fifth Term STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 04:04:27 PM ----BODY: Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (D) announced his bid for re-election for a fifth term, the Chicago Tribune reports. "His father, Richard J. Daley, won six mayoral elections, serving more than 21 years before his death in December 1976." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Richard Daley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Cares About Family STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 04:01:22 PM ----BODY: "Al and Tipper Gore's Joined at the Heart is a moving tribute to the courage, resilience and diversity of contemporary American families," according to a Washington Post review. "If their effort falls short as a prescriptive for the multiple ills that assail today's family units, they nonetheless convince us of their genuine concern for struggling households across the nation." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0805068937 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Stop Them Before They Run Again! STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 03:57:16 PM ----BODY: "Running for office can be an addiction for some people. And it's an addiction that some repeat losers need to break," Stuart Rothenberg writes in Roll Call. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: running for office ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Leads In Fundraising STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 09:58:42 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) "outshined his would-be opponents for the Democratic presidential nomination in the scramble for hard dollars during the 2002 cycle" as his PAC brought in $2.9 million in hard money, Roll Call reports. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Toobin writes in The New Yorker that Lieberman "is seldom happier than when he is talking about his own Presidential ambitions" but calls his new book "substance free."

Update: In a Fox News Sunday interview, Lieberman addressed rumors he would pick Sen. John McCain as his potential running mate: "There's nobody I'm closer to in the Senate than John McCain... So, who knows? It's far ahead. John's a Republican, I'm a Democrat, but we're really good friends. And I just have the highest respect for him." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Stakes Out Foreign Policy Advantage STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 09:56:17 AM ----BODY: The New York Times kicks off a series of profiles of potential 2004 White House aspirants with a piece on Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), "a three-term United States senator with a résumé steeped in foreign affairs. He is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who later became an antiwar leader. He is an articulate, telegenic and wealthy candidate known to savor a fight on the political field." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Domain Name Race Is On STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 09:49:51 AM ----BODY: The Chicago Tribune reports on the scramble to register Internet domain names for potential 2004 presidential campaigns. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: domain names ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Mississippi, Barbour Gears Up For Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 09:39:05 AM ----BODY: Former National Republican Party Chairman Haley Barbour "has filed paperwork necessary to begin receiving contributions" for a run for Mississippi governor in 2003, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Haley Barbour ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Landrieu Wins Runoff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 09:06:36 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) held on to her Senate seat Saturday, defeating state Elections Commissioner Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "in a bitterly contested runoff stoked by negative ads, national politics and personal animosity," the New Orleans TimesPicayune reports. The N ew York Times notes analysts credited Landrieu's "emphasis on economic issues and her conservative cultural leanings, like her support for several pro-gun measures." The Washington Post says President Bush's "eleventh-hour visit, and the relentless barrage of advertising attacks on Landrieu, may even have backfired." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Calio Expected To Leave White House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 08:57:59 AM ----BODY: Nicholas Calio, the head of the White House Legislative Affairs Office, "is preparing to voluntarily leave his post in the near future," Roll Call reports. "An announcement by Calio is anticipated by the end of this year or in early January 2003." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Nicholas Calio ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Picks Snow For Treasury STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/09/2002 08:55:49 AM ----BODY: President Bush "has chosen CSX Corp. Chairman John Snow as the new treasury secretary," the Washington Post reports. The Wal l Street Journal notes that Snow "has been a champion of balanced budgets as a chairman of the influential Business Roundtable and has recently pushed for reforms of corporate governance."

Meanwhile, CNN says Stephen Friedman, a former Goldman Sachs chairman, "is the top choice to replace" former economic adviser Lawrence Lindsey. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: treasury secretary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Candidate That Doesn't Smile STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 02:25:36 PM ----BODY: The Economist reviews Sen. John Kerry's presidential candidate and asks "Can the Democrats really afford to send a dour Massachusetts liberal to do battle with an affable Texan?" But Marianne Means thinks Kerry could make a good candidate: "We are most comfortable when we like our leaders, but it is crucial that we respect them. It is Kerry's task to make the country respect him, and what we know of him thus far suggests he can do that." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Shakes Up Economic Team STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 10:00:53 AM ----BODY: "Paul O'Neill, whose outspokenness won him praise as a captain of industry but often landed him in hot water as President Bush's treasury secretary, announced his resignation Friday," the AP reports. Reuters says O'Neill's tenure was "marred by public gaffes and criticisms of his ability to be the U.S. economy's chief spokesman." The Washington Post notes "O'Neill's is the first Bush cabinet-level resignation." The Wall Street Journal says White House economic advisor Larry Lindsey also resigned.

The Washington Post notes that White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, "while not acknowledging that the two men were pushed out, did little to discourage that impression and professed no regret that they were leaving." The Economist says the moves came "noT a moment too soon."

Jonah Goldberg wonders "Does this mean the Bush Administration is taking advice from Al Gore? I mean it's good news, I think (especially about O'Neil) but it will be interesting to see what Gore says. This could be another classic example of the Bushies flummoxing their opponents by doing exactly what they say." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: treasury secretary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Bush Toss Reich Overboard? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 09:16:44 AM ----BODY: Opponents of Cuba's Fidel Castro "gripe that Bush is abandoning a torchbearer," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. "Bush named Otto Reich, a favorite of anti-Castro hard-liners, as State's top Latin American diplomat during a congressional recess last year, to avoid a Senate confirmation fight. Reich had to exit when Congress adjourned this month." But now many doubt the White House will fight for his reappointment. One congressional staffer summed up the controversy: "Having Reich was important for the Florida vote, but now that that's over, he's no longer needed." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Otto Reich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain - Bush Fued Heats Up Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 09:10:36 AM ----BODY: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) accused President Bush "of breaking a written promise to speedily appoint" a Democrat to the Federal Electioins Commission, "reigniting their roiling feud," the Washington Post reports. Said McCain: "I will assume all future assurances and promises by this administration to be quite possibly insincere." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John McCain ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Tries The Dinner Strategy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 09:05:32 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) "will begin 2003 with about $1 million to spend on his political activities as he quietly prepares for a presidential bid by wooing top Democratic activists at private dinners," the Hartford Courant reports. "Tonight, Lieberman will hold the fourth in a series of meetings where he and wife Hadassah speak about a future presidential run."

The Raleigh News and Observer notes that Sen. John Edwards' (D-NC) is trying the tactic as well and his "dinner guests Monday night will include" several "politically active" visitors from New Hampshire. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Steps Up Criticism Of Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 08:53:12 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "used a book promotion stop in Chicago" to "lambaste" Bush for "his positions on taxes, foreign policy and the environment," the Chicago Tribune reports. Gore also "said he would announce his presidential aspirations for 2004 'sometime after the holidays.'" An American Prospect review of his book notes the political risks and asks "Does Al Gore know what he's doing?" Meanwhile, Matt Drudge stirs up allegations of a recent Gore trip to China "where he is believed to have been paid to speak at a communist government-linked think-tank." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0805068937 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Candidates Spend Last Day Campaigning STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 08:50:24 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "are on whirlwind flying tours of Louisiana today, the final day of full campaigning before voting begins at 6 a.m. Saturday," the Shreveport Times reports. The Washington Times points out that "the tight race is a near duplicate of the elections in Georgia and South Dakota last month that pitted a Republican challenger" supported by Bush "against a firstterm Democratic incumbent who had the support of the state's other, powerful Democratic senator." And the N ew York Times notes "the tenor of this campaign strikes many political leaders as unusually harsh," with recent negative ads capturing "the tone of the demolition derby."

Of course, in the end, it's all about voter turnout. The New Orleans TimesPicayune says Landrieu and Terrell are waging "a ground war to energize their core supporters and get them to the polls." And the AP notes that while Saturday is a test, "Republicans' success at turning out voters in the 2002 midterm election means the GOP will make the aggressive voter turnout strategy borrowed from Democrats and organized labor an essential part of its campaigns."

Update: A reader notes that none of the potential Democratic 2004 presidential candidate campaigned for Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) in either the fall campaign or the runoff. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Three Governors Controversy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/06/2002 07:03:13 AM ----BODY: Here's your political history lesson of the day. About Politics points us to an interesting piece on Georgia's Three Governors Controversy in 1947, "one of the most bizarre incidents" to take place in Georgia politics. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political history ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Thurmond Is 100 Years Old STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/05/2002 08:52:33 AM ----BODY: Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) celebrates his 100th birthday today "adding yet another extraordinary distinction to an extraordinary life," the Col umbia State reports. He is "the first U.S. senator to turn 100 while in office." The Greenville News says Thurmond will make brief remarks this afternoon and will later celebrate his birthday at the White House. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Strom Thurmond ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Terrell Gets Bush Bounce STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/05/2002 08:47:52 AM ----BODY: "That presidential pose may have paid off in Louisiana on Tuesday as it did in other states this election year," the Lafayette Daily Advertiser reports. Senate candidate Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "got a big boost from Bush's campaign stops with her in Shreveport and New Orleans," according to a new poll. Meanwhile, the New Orleans TimesPicayune notes that "in the final 48 hours before" Saturday's Senate runoff, "it will be hard for anyone who turns on a radio or flips on a television to avoid seeing attack ads from the two candidates and the political organizations that back them." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Meets Blair STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/05/2002 08:44:13 AM ----BODY: Based on his "own account," Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) demonstrated "another characteristic of a man ready to be president: the ability to hobnob with world leaders," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "During a conference call with reporters," Edwards "reported that he had 'hit it off' with British Prime Minister Tony Blair during an impromptu meeting at 10 Downing St. in London." The Financial Times says British officials also "described him as sharp and well-informed." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Frank Urges Gore Not To Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/05/2002 08:38:35 AM ----BODY: Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), "voicing strong support" for Sen. John Kerry's presidential ambitions, "bluntly urged former Vice President Al Gore to stay out of the 2004 White House race," the Boston Herald reports. The New York Post says "maybe it's just wishful thinking, but the December buzz among Dems is starting to be that maybe, just maybe, Al Gore will bow out of the 2004 presidential race and deprive Republicans of their dream race -- a BushGore rematch." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Court Challenge To Campaign Finance Law Begins STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/05/2002 08:35:51 AM ----BODY: "A team of prominent lawyers told three federal judges that the nation's new campaign finance law tramples First Amendment rights and gives special-interest groups undue sway over federal elections," the Washington Post reports.

Meanwhile, the Boston Globe says "Advocates of campaign finance reform are pressing regulators to apply new fund-raising rules to political conventions, which could disqualify millions of dollars worth of corporate pledges that persuaded party leaders to choose Boston as the site for the 2004 Democratic National Convention." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: campaign finance ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush's Invisible Domestic Policy Advisor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 10:53:09 PM ----BODY: Chatterbox searches for White House Domestic Policy Advisor Margaret LaMontagne and concludes she "keeps an amazingly low profile." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Margaret LaMontagne ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Journalistic Outsider STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 10:40:32 PM ----BODY: I just received a copy of Scotty: James B. Reston and the Rise and Fall of American Journalism by John Stack and look forward to reviewing it soon. The book promises to be interesting to anyone discouraged by corporate control of major media outlets and many of today's sensational journalistic practices. A recent New York Times review noted that Reston "was the most powerful voice at the country's most powerful newspaper, and yet his power derived in large measure from his moderation and restraint in wielding it." And a Columbia Journalism Review piece said "Stacks has woven a narrative at once empathetic and unblinking. In this it reflects the virtues of its subject." I'll write more on this book later. ----EXTENDED BODY: 0316809853 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Scotty Reston ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Rumors Swirl Over Murkowski's Replacement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 01:46:38 PM ----BODY: With Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) "still mum about whom he will appoint to take his place in the U.S. Senate, suspense has given rise to baseless speculation, in Alaska and elsewhere," the Anchorage Daily News reports. Murkowski "has said that he would make the appointment Dec. 9 or 10." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Frank Murkowski ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: You Lost, Now What? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 10:20:42 AM ----BODY: "Some politicians who fared poorly in the 2002 elections are learning, for better or worse, how to get on with their lives," The Hill reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: election losses ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Blair And Brown Differ Over The Euro STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 10:10:33 AM ----BODY: British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown "are at once the two mightiest and the two most rivalrous members of the British government," the New York Times reports. "Unchallenged by anyone else, they have developed one of the most powerful partnerships in British political history. But if their association is sometimes thought of as a dream team, the partners themselves are at other times likened to terrible twins. This is one of those times." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tony Blair ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Klein Leaving The New Yorker STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 09:56:16 AM ----BODY: Joe Klein is leaving The New Yorker to write a weekly national and international-affairs column called "In the Arena" for Time magazine, the New York Observer reports. The column is named for Teddy Roosevelt's famous 1910 speech in Paris. ----EXTENDED BODY: B00007BK3L ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joe Klein ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: SEC Appointment Expected Soon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 09:48:11 AM ----BODY: "The Bush administration has begun background checks on its choices to head the Securities and Exchange Commission and expects to choose a nominee within two weeks," the Wall Street Journal reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Securities and Exchange Commission ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Wage "Ideas Primary" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 09:17:15 AM ----BODY: USA Today reports that Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D), Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), Rep. Richard Gephardt (DMO) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT) "have been most active" Democrats considering presidential bids, and lists proposals each has made in the "ideas primary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: presidential primary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Says Democrats Lack Plan For Homeland Security STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/04/2002 09:11:46 AM ----BODY: Former President Bill Clinton said in a speech to the Democratic Leadership Council that the Democratic Party "lost the midterm elections because its candidates had failed to offer a convincing case that the party could manage national security during dangerous times," the New York Times reports. Even though Clinton insisted "that there were many Democratic leaders of stature coming up through the ranks, he named none. The attention paid by many Democrats to a president in retirement underscored the difficulties the party has had in finding a new generation of leaders to carry its banner."

The Washington Post says Clinton "called upon the Democratic Party to stiffen its spine and take on the Republican Party and what he called its right-wing personal 'destruction machine.'"

Update: The Hotline sums up the story beneath the story: "The debate over what role Bill Clinton should play in the Dem party will not go away until the party elects a president not named Clinton. Until then, there will always be folks on both sides of the argument on whether Clinton helps or hurts." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, White House Smells Victory STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 10:10:26 PM ----BODY: "President Bush swooped into Louisiana to try to grab one last Republican prize, a 52nd Senate seat, to extend his control on Capitol Hill," the New York Times reports. The AP says it's "just the kind of race Bush helped tip in his autumn fund-raising campaign, a dead heat where a late injection of money could help the Republican." Meanwhile, the White House tells Washi ngton Whispers that "victory is theirs" in this weekend's runoff "if the candidate doesn't screw up and if there's enough money for lastminute advertising. Which is why the GOP is sending out an all-points-bulletin to regular donors that begs for hurried contributions."

Update: The Washington Post says "Republican cash, ads and officials are deluging Louisiana for a postscript to the midterm elections that one party official is audaciously calling 'Operation Icing on the Cake': unseating Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) in Saturday's runoff." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Site Update STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 10:04:05 PM ----BODY: Political Wire readers will be pleased to know The Note has returned from its post-election hiatus. In addition, Political Professional is back from many months off. And Politics1 is also updating regularly now that publisher Ron Gunzberger is off the campaign trail. But, alas, The Scrum is still experiencing technical problems.

What are your favorite political web sites? Let me know. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Does Gore Have A Chance? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 09:51:18 PM ----BODY: Although the conventional wisdom says Al Gore faces an uphill fight if he challenges President Bush to a rematch in 2004, Slate's David Greenberg notes an interesting historical fact: "On six occasions, a defeated presidential candidate ran four years later against the man who beat him -- and four times the challenger won."

Meanwhile, the Har tford Courant's David Lightman discusses the pros and cons of announcing your candidacy early. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Why We Fought The Revolution STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 03:56:07 PM ----BODY: The British government has banned a television advertisement that shows an animated President Bush "trying to play a video by placing it into a bread toaster. That's way too mean, according to British law," the Baltimore Sun reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush ad banned ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Reluctant Revolutionary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 03:10:40 PM ----BODY: Max Hall reviews Benjamin Franklin by Edmund Morgan in the Boston Globe: "So much has been written about Benjamin Franklin in the 212 years since his death that you might imagine there's nothing left to say. But there always is. Now comes another biography of the man, a fairly short one, and in my opinion it's one of the best." Susan Dunn's review in the New York Times was equally favorable. Morgan "does more than recount the colorful and gripping story of Franklin's long, action- and idea-filled life; he also skillfully dissects the man's personality and mind, his social self and political beliefs, deftly exploring... how the two halves of his being lived together, not always in harmony." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0300095325 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Benjamin Franklin ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Stephanopoulos Ratings Fading Fast STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 09:19:30 AM ----BODY: "George Stephanopoulos is finding out quickly what it's like to run with TV's big dogs," the New York Daily News reports. "Just 11 weeks into his stint as host of ABC's Sunday morning issues series This Week, Stephanopoulos has finished third out of the four major public-affairs shows in the recently completed November sweeps -- a first for the show since at least 1987." CNN notes that This Week "has so far struggled in the ratings and in key demographics against its half-hour CBS rival." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: George Stephanopoulos ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: One Nation Under Fox STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 09:05:19 AM ----BODY: Michael Wolff looks at the poor ratings of The West Wing this season and notes "earnest politics makes for bad TV -which is why the scrappy, outsider, underdog approach championed by Fox News has made it the new psychic heart of the Republican Party." Dennis Roddy makes this point: "It does not matter whether Fox executives are conservative. What matters is that they are cynical." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Roger Ailes ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: DiIulio Apologizes For Comments STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 08:46:16 AM ----BODY: Former Bush aide John DiIulio apologized "after being quoted as saying a band of 'Mayberry Machiavellis' is running a White House in which politics trumps policy," Reuters reports. Fox News notes that DiIulio's statement "followed an earlier statement in which he claimed" the piece "contained factual errors, mentioned a conversation that never took place and mischaracterized his viewpoints." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John DiIulio ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Senate Runoff Heads Into Final Days STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 08:43:03 AM ----BODY: "In their final debate before Saturday's decisive runoff," Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) and challenger Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "argued about which of them is responsible for the negative tone of the campaign and which of them has run a campaign most consistent with 'Louisiana values,'" the New Orleans TimesPicayune reports. A new University of New Orleans poll shows Landrieu and Terrell "in a dead heat." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Leaves On Foreign Trip STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 08:40:14 AM ----BODY: "In an apparent bid to bolster his foreign-policy credentials," Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "headed to Europe on Monday on a trip that will include meetings with high-ranking NATO officials and possibly British Prime Minister Tony Blair," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Kicks Off Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 08:38:55 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "is kicking off his presidential campaign with an economics speech today that will flesh out his proposal to freeze Bush administration tax cuts in favor of a payroll tax cut for workers and new investment incentives for businesses," the Boston Globe reports. The Boston Herald notes that after the speech, Kerry "will embark on a major fund-raising swing to key states such as Florida and Pennsylvania" and "will chase campaign dollars in Arizona and California next weekend." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Office Shuffle Begins On Capitol Hill STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/03/2002 08:36:59 AM ----BODY: "The process of moving 193 House offices is under way on Capitol Hill, with some lawmakers snagging better offices for this term and at least one office giving up a prime view of the Capitol," the Washington Times reports. For more on running a successful transition, see You Won - Now What? ----EXTENDED BODY: 0684852039 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: newly-elected lawmakers ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Blagojevich Plotting Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 01:53:56 PM ----BODY: Illinois Gov-elect Rod Blagojevich (D) "is already coveting an even higher office," the Chicago Sun Times' Steve Neal reports. Blagojevich "is openly discussing a future bid for the presidency of the United States. He isn't ready to compete in the 2004 presidential election but is plotting a run for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rod Blagojevich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Cornyn Replaces Gramm In Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 01:39:16 PM ----BODY: John Cornyn (R-TX) became the newest U.S. senator being sworn in to replace outgoing Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX), the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Cornyn ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Mississippi, Tuck To Join Republican Party STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 12:58:48 PM ----BODY: "Mississippi Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck will bolt the Democratic Party Monday and join the GOP," CNN reports. The Jackson Clarion-Ledger says "Tuck's expected party switch and the attendant endorsement of the state GOP royalty would seem to signal that she will seek re-election to her current post. Former Republican National Committee Chairman Haley Barbour is expected to have the solid support of the state's GOP congressmen as a 2003 gubernatorial nominee." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Amy Tuck ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ventura: No Regrets STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 12:54:43 PM ----BODY: The Minneapolis Star Tribune has an "exit interview" with Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura. Meanwhile, the Minne sota Sun covers Ventura's last public speech. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jesse Ventura ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Playing Bob Woodward STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 12:25:02 PM ----BODY: Richard Blow reviews Bob Woodward's Bush at War: "You have to give George Bush credit for one thing. He was smart enough to figure out how to play Bob Woodward like a maestro, and now he has the hagiography to show for it." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0743204735 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Woodward ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kicking Nixon Around Some More STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 12:21:39 PM ----BODY: Ethan Rarick, writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, marks the 40th anniversary of Richard Nixon's "bitter farewell to the political world and the troublesome press corps" after losing his 1962 California gubernatorial bid. The famous quote: "You won't have Nixon to kick around any more." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Richard Nixon ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: DiIulio Blasts Rove STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 10:27:42 AM ----BODY: Former Bush advisor John DiIulio says in an Esquire interview that "the White House values politics over domestic policy, lacking both policy experts and an apparatus to support them, and has failed to achieve a 'compassionate conservative' agenda," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post says DiIulio charges "the administration's domestic policies are determined entirely by political considerations."

Update: Fox News says DiIulio denies making the remarks. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John DiIulio ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Prepare To Take On Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 09:02:27 AM ----BODY: "The first winnowing of the Democratic field" could happen "when early fund-raising numbers are disclosed in 2003," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "Party insiders say that to be considered seriously, hopefuls will need to raise roughly $20 million before voting begins in Iowa." Meanwhile, the Des Moines Register says "the field of Democrats expected to run in the 2004 Iowa caucuses is beginning to take shape, although most of the action right now consists of private conversations between the likely candidates, their families, close advisers and fund-raisers."

CNN runs down the list of possible 2004 presidential contenders along with "some factors" they are weighing "as they consider whether to enter the 2004 race for president." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Iowa caucuses ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Is Running STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 08:59:53 AM ----BODY: As expected, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) said that "he is forming a committee to explore a bid for the White House in 2004," the AP reports. The Boston Herald says the announcement "signals a new phase for Kerry, who can expect intensive new scrutiny from the media of both his personal and political background as the race unfolds." USA Today quotes Kerry: "On almost every issue facing the country, I believe there is a better choice for this nation." But Josh Marshall and Mickey Kaus are not enthusiastic.

Update: See Kerry on Meet The Press make his announcement. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman And Dodd Still Considering Campaigns STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 08:49:14 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) "continue to say they are seriously considering presidential bids, moves that would result in four New Englanders vying for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination," the Hartford Courant reports. The New Haven Register notes that Lieberman "spent nearly $2.3 million in the last two years traveling to about 30 states, boosting Democratic candidates, delivering policy speeches, and honing his national profile for a possible presidential bid."

Update: The Hartfor d Courant says Dodd "is seriously considering a very unorthodox run for the nation's biggest prize. But make no mistake, he said in a halfhour interview: He is serious." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Has Edge In Early South Carolina Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 08:47:02 AM ----BODY: Restating the conventional wisdom, the Columb ia State says Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "would have an edge in South Carolina's 2004 presidential primary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Campaign Finance Law Faces Legal Challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 08:36:58 AM ----BODY: "The new campaign finance law, which took effect Nov. 6, faces its first major legal test Wednesday in oral arguments before a special panel of three federal judges," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: campaign finance ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Tap Jeffords STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 07:56:52 AM ----BODY: Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT) delivered the Democrats' weekly radio address, "becoming the first independent to deliver that speech, CN N reports. Jeffords "slammed the administration's record on the environment and said" Bush was "undoing his father's legacy." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: James Jeffords ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Democrats Line Up To Face Fitzgerald STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/02/2002 07:52:12 AM ----BODY: With Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL) "considered the most vulnerable Senate incumbent up for re-election in 2004, an energetic handful of Democrats began laying the groundwork to take on the Illinois Republican even before this year's votes were tallied," Ro ll Call reports.

Update: The Chicago Sun Times' Steve Neal says "Fitzgerald's vulnerabilities were exposed last week when the GOP State Central Committee spurned an attempt to have party leaders endorse Fitzgerald's 2004 re-election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. Peter Fitzgerald ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Case Will Finish Mink's Term STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/01/2002 10:38:52 PM ----BODY: With just 13 percent of eligible voters turning out, former state Rep. Ed Case was elected "to fill out the remainder of the late U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink’s term," the Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports. "Case will serve out the remainder of Mink’s term that expires on Jan. 3. Unless Congress goes back into session between now and then Case will not be sworn in to office." The AP says Case's win "provides momentum" in his campaign for the Jan. 4 election to serve the two-year term Mink won posthumously in the Nov. 5 general election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Patsy Mink ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Is Bush Like Lyndon Johnson? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 12/01/2002 07:39:19 PM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says President Bush "looks more each week like" former President Lyndon Johnson. "And the latest example cinches the comparison: Like Johnson before him, Bush hates unsanctioned press leaks so much that he'll put off a decision just to show up the leaker and embarrass the media." For more on LBJ's brand of politics, see Robert Caro's Master of the Senate.

Another interesting item from Whispers: "Add Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to the growing list of likely Democratic presidential candidates interviewing potential 2004 campaign staffers." ----EXTENDED BODY: 0394528360 ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lyndon Johnson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hutchinson Groomed For Senate Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/29/2002 11:06:32 PM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers speculates that "it's no accident" that President Bush tapped former Rep. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) for a top job in the new Homeland Security Department because it's likely Hutchinson will be urged "by Bush to run in 2004" against incumbent Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). "Expectations in Arkansas have long focused on a likely run against Lincoln by Gov. Mike Huckabee. But the White House, which likes to pick candidates, hasn't called even though he fought off a challenger in the last gubernatorial election backed by former President Clinton. Supporters suggest why: Huckabee backed Lamar Alexander in 2000, not Bush, and the president's political office hasn't forgotten it." Meanwhile, KARK-TV notes that Bush nominated Hutchinson "to be undersecretary of border and transportation security" in the new department. Hutchinson's brother, Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR), recently lost his bid for re-election to Democrat Mark Pryor. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Asa Hutchinson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush May Turn To Father's Trade Rep STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/29/2002 10:58:36 PM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire says "Another veteran of the Bush I administration impresses Bush II -- Carla Hills, his dad's trade representative. The son still needs a Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, and may reshuffle his economic team. But Hills would more likely be offered another senior post, perhaps a foreign-policy job." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carla Hills ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: DLC Warns Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/29/2002 10:52:42 PM ----BODY: Robert Novak writes that Al From and Bruce Reed, "two architects of the last decade's Clinton political ascendancy" are predicting "losses of historic proportion" in 2004 if the Democratic Party "moves left" after this year's defeats. "Their prescription includes medicine that may make party activists gag: closing 'the cultural gap' on abortion and guns.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Democratic Leadership Council ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Happy Thanksgiving! STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 11:50:52 AM ----BODY: Have a great Thanksgivin g everyone. Poltical Wire will be back on Monday. Don't forget to start your holiday shopping! ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: thanksgiving ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lucas Will Not Switch Parties STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 10:34:58 AM ----BODY: "Rep. Ken Lucas, the only Democrat in Kentucky's congressional delegation, said yesterday that he will not switch parties, though Republicans have courted him," the Louisville CourierJournal reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rep. Ken Lucas ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Takes On Fox News, Right Wing Media STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 09:36:52 AM ----BODY: In an interview with the New York Observer, Al Gore claimed there is a "systematically orchestrated bias" in the media: "Fox News Network, The Washington Times, Rush Limbaugh -- there’s a bunch of them, and some of them are financed by wealthy ultra-conservative billionaires who make political deals with Republican administrations and the rest of the media …. Most of the media [has] been slow to recognize the pervasive impact of this fifth column in their ranks -- that is, day after day, injecting the daily Republican talking points into the definition of what’s objective as stated by the news media as a whole." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Polls Show Opposite Results STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 09:02:51 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) leads challenger Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) 51 percent to 34 percent, according to a Southern Media and Opinion Research poll. But a Marketing Research Institute poll shows Terrell with a narrow lead, 46 percent 42 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Will Not Choose Between Dodd And Gore STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 08:59:32 AM ----BODY: Just in case you were wondering, Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) said that if Al Gore runs against Connecticut Sen. Christopher Dodd "for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination," he "won't pick a winner in that fight," the Stamford Advocate reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ad Asks Senators To Switch Sides STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/27/2002 08:57:18 AM ----BODY: "Two liberal organizations are urging Republican Sens. Olympia Snowe of Maine, Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania to switch sides," States News Service reports. In the ad, "photographs depicting the smiling faces of the three senators ran under a massive, one-word headline: 'Switch.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: switch parties ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore's Book Not Selling As Expected STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/26/2002 09:25:45 AM ----BODY: "It's Week 2 of Al and Tipper Gore's book campaign juggernaut," the Reliable Source reports. "The ex-veep and his wife -who pocketed a rumored seven-figure advance from Henry Holt and Co. -have been welcomed by countless media outlets willing to help them hawk Joined at the Heart, an anecdotal study of the American family, and The Spirit of Family, a companion coffee-table photo collection. But while the authors are getting star billing wherever they go... their books aren't selling up to expectations."

A New York Times poll shows that Gore "is today viewed unfavorably by almost 2-1, despite a weeklong bath of favorable publicity that accompanied his national tour promoting two new books about the American family." Josh Marshall doesn't see how Gore can overcome these negative ratings.

Update: In New Hampshire, an American Research Group poll shows Gore leading nine other Democrats in awareness, favorability, and preference among likely Democratic primary. But Gore's lead in the preference ballot is 21 percentage points below his lead in 1998 and his favorability is 17 percentage points below what is was in 1998. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Congratulations, Bush Tells Loser STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/26/2002 08:49:25 AM ----BODY: "Florida, which has had some trouble determining winners of its own elections, is showing some confusion about those in other states: Gov. Jeb Bush has sent a letter of congratulations to the man who lost Vermont's gubernatorial race," the AP reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Senate Leaders Dispute Landrieu Committee Seat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/26/2002 08:47:09 AM ----BODY: In Louisiana, incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) said that Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), "even if re-elected, might not keep her seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee," the Baton Rouge Advocate reports. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) has "promised that Landrieu will keep a Democratic seat on the money panel even if its membership is reduced."

Update: Charlie Cook says "the Dec. 7 Senate runoff will be a very close race. More credible private polling is showing the race very close. Landrieu is ahead by single digits, but there is a dangerously large undecided vote." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rice Vs. Clinton In 2008? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/26/2002 08:44:45 AM ----BODY: The Los Angeles Times reports that "the ultimate inside-the-Beltway fantasy" is that "Democrats rally around" Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) "as their presidential candidate in 2008, after she is reelected in a roar from New York in 2006" and Republicans select National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice after Bush names her "his vice presidential running mate in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hillary Rodham Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Keeps Support In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/26/2002 08:41:43 AM ----BODY: "Three weeks after Republicans captured control of the government, Americans hold favorable views of the party and President Bush, but they are less enthusiastic about some of the policies Republicans are promoting," according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: President Bush approval ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hart Plots Comeback STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 02:54:16 PM ----BODY: Former Sen. Gary Hart (D-CO) "recently emerged from political exile to become a forecaster of terrorism, issuing bleak predictions about the next attack on American soil," the Boston Globe reports. But when his recent report "didn't generate enough urgency to suit Hart," he began "crusading to keep it alive - appearing on talk shows, giving speeches, and writing newspaper editorials... In the process, he has stirred rumors of another presidential run - rumors he has done nothing to discourage." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gary Hart ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Gore-Lieberman Chill STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 01:52:37 PM ----BODY: "Al Gore and Joe Lieberman were presidential running mates who now seem to be the oddest of couples, engaging in polite public feuds while insisting they are good friends," the Hartfor d Courant reports. "In the latest twist of that fragile friendship, Gore would not say he'd support a Lieberman presidential candidacy, even though the Connecticut Democrat has said he'll be happy to support Gore if he runs." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gore Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Harwood: Ailes Was Wrong STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 12:54:16 PM ----- BODY: On CNN, the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood had this to say about the Roger Ailes controversy: "Ailes is a very smart guy, but he did a dumb thing. This is a guy who was a very senior adviser to the current president's father in that capacity, knew George W. Bush, who was involved in his father's campaign. It is not appropriate for the head of a news channel to deliver advice to a president. Imagine what Roger Ailes would say if George Stephanopoulos wrote a strategy memo to Dick Gephardt as he began his presidential campaign. He'd be outraged about it." Earlier, a Wall Street Journal editorial says Ailes did nothing wrong. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Roger Ailes ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: History's Lessons For Gore STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 12:23:35 PM ----BODY: Business Week's Richard Dunham looks at what the past tells us about Al Gore's possible political fate if he throws his hat into the 2004 race. The key thing to remember is that "two years is a mighty long time, especially in politics. Two years ago, Martha Stewart was a respected celebrity CEO and Attorney General John Ashcroft was a laughingstock, having just lost his reelection contest to a dead man." Jules Witcover says Gore is "taking a page from Richard Nixon's playbook." Meanwhile, ABC News' This Week commentators all think Gore will run in 2004. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore's Book Unusual For A Candidate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 11:53:58 AM ----BODY: "It's a safe bet that between presidential runs, Adlai Stevenson and Richard Nixon never felt compelled to share with the American people their views on how fathers should relate to their children or whether elementary schools should cut down on the sweets at lunch," the Los Angeles Times' Ron Brownstein reports. But Al Gore's new book, Joined at the Heart: The Transformation of the American Family, "is unlike any book ever written by anyone thinking about running for president. It's not a memoir; it's not a call to arms; it's not even much of a policy blueprint on issues affecting families... Instead, the book is a combination of big-picture sociology on the changing economic and social role of family over time, and miniaturist portraits of 13 contemporary families diverse enough to form their own rainbow coalition... And it's a view likely to drive social conservatives nuts." ( ) ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Wait Until Next Year STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 11:18:13 AM ----BODY: "Most books of political prognostication enjoy a brief half-life from their publication date to the next election day, but even after the recent Republican gains, The Emerging Democratic Majority deserves much better than a trip to the remainder bin," the New York Times says. "It is an informative and intellectually adventurous study of how economic, demographic and cultural changes are affecting Americans' political behavior. Its provocative conclusion is that those changes are producing a 'progressive centrist' majority that will give Democrats an advantage similar to the edge that Republicans enjoyed during the 1970's and 80's." ( ) ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Emerging Democratic Majority ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Terrell Claims Landrieu Threatened Her STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 09:00:35 AM ----BODY: The "already-bitter" Senate race in Louisiana between Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) and Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "got personal Saturday afternoon at the conclusion of a taped debate when, "according to witnesses, Landrieu looked over her shoulder and told Terrell, 'This is your last campaign,'" the New Orleans TimesPicayune reports. "A stunned Terrell replied, 'She threatened me.'" Meanwhile, the New Orleans TimesPicayune says Landrieu, "whose victory hopes hinge on being able to energize black voters, got a boost Saturday night from famed civil rights leader Jesse Jackson." The Lafayette Daily Advertiser says President Bush will campaign for Terrell in the days before the runoff election. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry To Model Campaign After McCain STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 09:00:06 AM ----BODY: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) "says the 2004 presidential campaign he is contemplating will be modeled on the maverick, straight-talk bid" that Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "made for the White House in 2000," the Boston Globe reports. Reuters says Kerry "will file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, a move that would allow him to begin raising money for a presidential bid." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Plans Iowa Trip STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 08:59:55 AM ----BODY: Rep. Dick Gephardt has told his Iowa supporters "that he will be visiting them in December, another indication" Gephardt "is laying the groundwork for a presidential bid," the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dick Gephardt ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Biden Weighs Presidential Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 08:55:43 AM ----BODY: When Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) was asked on CNN 's Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer about a 2004 presidential bid, he said that "he is thinking about it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Biden ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Understands The Media STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 08:54:03 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) "may be a long shot, an asterisk, an unknown who somehow visualizes himself in the Oval Office, but he understands the value of media attention," the Washington Post reports. The Bost on Globe ran an interesting profile of Dean over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Rutland Herald looks back on Dean's tenure as governor. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Congressman May Switch Parties STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/25/2002 08:51:02 AM ----BODY: After a meeting last week between House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Rep. Ken Lucas (D-KY) "Republicans expect a decision as early as today about whether the Kentucky Democrat will switch parties," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ken Lucas ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Inside Bush's War Room STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 01:04:52 PM ----BODY: The New York Times reviews Bob Woodward's new book, Bush at War, "which chronicles the first 100 days of the administration's response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, reads like a novel: part bildungsroman (the young new president faced with a daunting challenge that will force him to come of age quickly); part spy thriller (C.I.A. operatives carrying suitcases of cash and vowing to bring back the head of Osama bin Laden); and part political melodrama (members of the war cabinet clashing over policy as they maneuver to win the president's heart and mind)." ( ) ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Woodward ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: How The Democrats Should Respond STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 11:04:29 AM ----BODY: A post-election analysis from James Carville, Robert Shrum, and Stan Greenberg says there was "an electorate hungry for Democrats who speak out and address the country’s greatest problems. In light of what happened after 9-11 and with the Democrats silent on the economy, they gave the edge to the Republicans, but not a mandate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: James Carville ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry To Talk About Life As A Single Senator STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 10:50:14 AM ----BODY: The Reliable Source has this "pre-candidacy confession" from an upcoming New Yorker profile of Sen. John Kerry (D-MA): "I knew how to have a lot of fun, sometimes too much. There were plenty of times when I was disengaged, frivolous, four sheets to the wind on a weekend." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Barkley Makes The Most Of His Short Senate Career STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 09:17:36 AM ----BODY: "In the lame-duck Congress that ends Thursday, nothing has been lame about Dean Barkley, the political maverick named to fill out the term of Minnesota Democrat Paul Wellstone, who died in a plane crash days before the election," the Wall Street Journal reports. (Click here to subscribe.) On CNN, Barkley discussed his short career in the Senate. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dean Barkley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Whitman May Resign From EPA STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 09:15:08 AM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire says "rumors are rife in environmental and industry groups that Environmental Protection Agency administrator Christie Whitman will resign for an ambassadorial post. Aides flatly deny it. But the White House is said to have a short successor list." (Click here to subscribe.) The Washington Post reports that Whitman told the White House recently that "if a space opens in the coming months, she wouldn't mind moving into it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Christie Whitman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean And Spitzer Honored STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 09:11:05 AM ----BODY: Governing named its Public Officials of the Year, those individuals who "find themselves in positions of state or local responsibility, see problems that the federal government can’t or won’t solve, and realize that the opportunity for solution really rests with them. And they act." Among the more notable winners this year are New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. Meanwhile, the National Journal's William Powers asked Dean why he's getting so much positive press. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean Elliot Spitzer ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Interviews Possible Campaign Staff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 09:03:54 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) "has begun interviewing staff members for a possible presidential run in 2004, if by some chance Gore decides not to get into the race," the New Britain Herald reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Criticizes Bush Education Policy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 09:02:16 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (R-NC) "blasted President Bush's education policies, saying they provide "woefully inadequate support for special education, class size reduction and school construction," the Washington Post reports. Among Edwards' ideas was "giving four-year scholarships to students who promise to work for the government in areas related to homeland security." Meanwhile, the Raleigh News and Observer says a recent poll "underscored the wide-open nature of the 2004 presidential race, which is good news for emerging candidates such as" Edwards. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Promises Unscripted Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 08:59:32 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "would like to present himself as the spontaneous and unscripted candidate when politics has put a high premium on programming and caution," the N ew York Times reports. "But the very act of trying only invites Mr. Gore's opponents to portray him as reinventing himself again." Meanwhile, in an appearance for his new book, the San Francisco Chronicle says Gore "greeted the enthusiastic reception with a shake of his head, putting his hand over his heart in salute to the more than 1,000 fans who mobbed the store to see him, some chanting 'Gore in '04! Gore in '04!" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Health Care Could Emerge As Key Issue STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/22/2002 08:42:40 AM ----BODY: "Leading Democrats are seizing on the issue of health care in a bid to regain political traction as their party enters an era of Republican rule in the White House and Congress," the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: health care presidential campaign ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Democrat Gives Funds To New Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 04:56:49 PM ----BODY: "In an unusual bipartisan gesture, Minnesota's Democratic attorney general, Mike Hatch, transferred $250,000 from his office's budget to help Republican Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty with transition costs," the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. For more on transitions, see You Won - Now What? ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tim Pawlenty ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Caro Wins National Book Award STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 02:17:42 PM ----BODY: Robert Caro won the National Book Award for the third volume of his Lyndon B. Johnson biography, Master of the Senate. If you haven't read this book yet, you really should. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: robert caro ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Names Campaign Manager STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 02:08:24 PM ----BODY: Gov. Howard Dean (D-VT) announced the appointment of Rick Ridder as the manager of his presidential campaign, according to a press release. Ridder will assume his duties in January 2003. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, 44 Candidates Vie For Mink's Seat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 12:09:21 PM ----BODY: "Forty-four candidates met the filing deadline to run in a special election on Jan. 4 to replace the late Rep. Patsy Mink, who was posthumously re-elected this month," USA Today reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Patsy Mink ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clark Keeps Everyone Guessing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 08:48:24 AM ----BODY: Retired four-star Gen. Wesley Clark "tried to discourage speculation Wednesday that he may be a dark horse candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 but did not rule out eventually entering the presidential fray," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wesley Clark ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Feinstein Will Not Run For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 08:44:39 AM ----BODY: "Squelching talk about a possible campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination," Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said that "she won't run for the White House in 2004," the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dianne Feinstein ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Is Gore Running? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/21/2002 08:02:21 AM ----BODY: "Is Al Gore preparing to join the 2004 presidential race, or abandon it?" the Wall Street Journal asks. "It's hard to tell from the media blitz Mr. Gore is conducting after two years largely out of public view." A New York Times article says Gore's "meticulously planned" book tour "has also served to give the former vice president extraordinary high visibility, and a run of highly favorable television coverage, at the very moment he is preparing to announce whether he will seek a rematch with Mr. Bush in 2004." USA Today notes Gore said he will "decide over the next month or so to run for president in 2004 or give up elective office forever." In a Los Angeles Times interview, Gore "said that if he runs he would 'do it in a very different way' by devoting most of his time to small meetings and 'relaxed conversations' with individuals and families." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Hints At Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 01:39:42 PM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) said he would "probably" seek the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination if Al Gore does not, the AP reports. On CNN's Larry King Live last night, Gore said "I think that was one of the best decisions I made in the campaign of 2000, to pick him as my running mate." But Jules Witcover notes that Gore's recent endorsement of a "single payer" health care system "will mean a clean break with his 2000 running mate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Joseph Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clarence Thomas Writing Memoirs STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 10:30:45 AM ----BODY: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is shopping a book proposal, the New York Post reports. "He has written about 100 pages himself" and has no ghost writer, but according to the source, "he needs one." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Clarence Thomas ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Jeffords Sought To Keep Committee Chairmanship STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 10:16:32 AM ----BODY: "According to a senior Senate leadership source, the election results were barely in before" Sen. James Jeffords' (I-VT) office "put out feelers to his former party's leaders," the Washington Times reports. "The message? That the Vermonter would be happy to caucus with the GOP -- so long as he retained his committee chairmanship." Update: CBS News says a Jeffords spokesman denied the story. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: James Jeffords ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Homeland Security Bill Passes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 09:06:46 AM ----BODY: "Not since Congress and the Truman administration upended the nation's military apparatus to fight the cold war in 1947 has the government been reshaped so dramatically around a single purpose," the New York Times reports. For those thinking government reorganization is a quick solution, read this chapter from my book, You Won - Now What? ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: homeland security ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dukakis Offers Kerry Advice STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 08:55:41 AM ----BODY: In an interview, Michael Dukakis (D) said that "he can provide advice that would help" Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "win the nomination, if not the presidency," in 2004, the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Media Machine Keeps Producing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 08:47:09 AM ----BODY: GQ magazine "is the latest glossy to serve up a lengthy piece" on Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "and his presidential aspirations," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. A seven-page piece in the December issue "chronicles Edwards' small-town upbringing, his emergence as a top-flight lawyer and his entry into politics after the death of his 16-year-old son." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Considers Bowles For SEC STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/20/2002 08:35:20 AM ----BODY: Ex-Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles (D) is said to be "among those under consideration to succeed Harvey Pitt" as SEC chair, the Raleigh News and Observer reports. The Wall Street Journal confirms the story but indicates Bowles isn't interested. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Erskine Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York City, Bloomberg Considers Second Term STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/19/2002 10:56:59 AM ----BODY: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) "has done several things to help others get re-elected since he took office, but very little that suggested he would ever want another term for himself," the New York Times reports. "But yesterday, Mr. Bloomberg said unequivocally that he would like his next job to be the same one he has now." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Michael Bloomberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alabama, Siegelman Concedes To Riley STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/19/2002 12:41:52 AM ----BODY: Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman (D) "gave up his bid for a second term today and conceded the nation's last undecided governor's race to Republican Rep. Bob Riley," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Don Siegelman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ailes Advised White House After 9/11 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/19/2002 12:37:34 AM ----BODY: "Roger Ailes, the chairman of the Fox News Channel, confirmed on Monday that he sent a note suggesting policies to follow in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks," the New York Times reports. "The existence of the note was revealed in the new book by Bob Woodward, Bush at War. Mr. Woodward characterized it 'an important-looking confidential communication' in which Mr. Ailes was offering a 'back-channel message' to the president: that the president needed to convince the American public that he was taking 'the harshest measures possible' or else the public would not remain patient with the administration." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Woodward ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Get The Latest U.S. Congress Handbook STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 11:27:55 PM ----BODY: With many changes in Congress, you'll want to pre-order your copy of the 108th edition of the U.S. Congress Handbook. Included in each book is vital information for every Senator, Representative, Cabinet Secretary, Governor, and Supreme Court Justice, including phone and fax numbers, biographical and staff information, email addresses, as well as committee assignments. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: congress ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore's Book Tour Looks Like A Campaign Swing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 03:07:42 PM ----BODY: Howard Kurtz looks at Al Gore's book tour which "has been as carefully choreographed as a political campaign, with a designated prime-time interviewer (Barbara Walters), morning maven (Katie Couric), Sunday host (George Stephanopoulos), cable yakkers (Larry King, Chris Matthews), newsmagazine (Time) and comedy appearance (Saturday Night Live). Not to mention his groundbreaking role as a disembodied talking head on 'Futurama'." Newsweek says Gore "sounds like a presidential candidate, and he is likely to announce in December that he’s running."

Update: When asked if Gore liked her Washington Post Magazine profile, Liza Mundy said "I don't know how he reacted to the story itself, but he did call me, at home, quite angry because the Post had published a few quotes from it in a Friday news article that also included excerpts from the Barbara Walters interview. He saw this as a violation of an embargo and blamed me personally... The Gore camp has promised a lot of different interviews to a lot of different news organizations, and are working very hard to control the news cycle." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Will Not Run If Gore Does STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 01:40:53 PM ----BODY: Al Gore told Barbara Walters that he's not going to hold Sen. Joseph Lieberman to his pledge not to run for president if Gore does. But the Hartf ord Courant says Lieberman is sticking to it: "If you're running, Al, I'm not, period." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lieberman Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton In Line For Leadership Post STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 12:49:26 PM ----BODY: "Unable to effectively deliver their message to voters in the 2002 elections, Senate Democratic leaders are expected to name Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) to their leadership team next year to help develop a plan to counter Republican spin," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hillary Rodham Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clark Considers Bid For White House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 09:43:24 AM ----BODY: Former NATO Supreme Commander Wesley Clark (D) "met privately with a group of high-rolling Democrats" in New York City last week "and told them he was seriously considering a run" for the White House, T ime reports. Clark recently wrote an interesting and timely book called Waging Modern War. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wesley Clark ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Rumors Of Murkowski Replacement Swirl STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 09:36:53 AM ----BODY: Alaska Gov-elect Frank Murkowski (R) "read a list of names he is considering for appointment to the U.S. Senate seat he will vacate to become governor" but his announcement "does little to narrow the speculation," the Anchorage Daily News reports. "Among the 25 people on his list are his own daughter, Sen. Ted Stevens' son, an armada of current, outgoing and former legislators, an archbishop emeritus and the commander of allied forces in Europe." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Frank Murkowski ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Working Hardest In Iowa STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 09:31:59 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) has been "the busiest in Iowa, running the sort of grass-roots, retail operation favored by activists in the state," the AP reports. Al Gore had built "a well-oiled machine for the last round of caucuses, building on a base of thousands of activists. A lot of those activists say they haven’t heard a word from Gore since the election, and many are saying privately they hope he doesn’t run again." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Expects Kennedy To Back Kerry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 09:20:21 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "whose warm relationship" with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) "has led to speculation that he might win the Massachusetts senator's endorsement, expects Kennedy instead to back" Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA), in the 2004 race, the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen. John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Candidates Ready Their Books STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 08:28:24 AM ----BODY: "The business of politics and the business of publishing are once again locked in a tight embrace," the New York Times reports. "Five likely contestants for the Democratic nomination in 2004 either have released new books, have signed up to write their own books or have authorized others to work on their stories."

The Washington Post notes that "on the surface... it's just a book tour," but former Vice President Al Gore's "post-election reemergence has been as carefully choreographed as a political campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political books ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democratic Filibuster Hope Fades STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/18/2002 08:23:52 AM ----BODY: "Democratic lawmakers have come to realize that some big items on the Republican agenda are immune to filibuster in the Senate," the New York Times reports. "Boiled down to their essence, here is how the rules work: Every year, Congress is supposed to approve a big budget measure called a reconciliation bill... Congressional leaders can fold into the reconciliation bill almost any measures involving revenues or involving spending increases or decreases for entitlement programs, programs like Social Security and Medicare under which government benefits are paid automatically to everyone eligible. Reconciliation bills and their components cannot be filibustered." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: filibuster ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush At War STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/17/2002 11:24:54 PM ----BODY: The Washington Post is running excerpts of Bob Woodward's new book, Bush At War. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bob Woodward ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Search For A Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/17/2002 10:34:56 PM ----BODY: The battle for the Democratic presidential nomination "will force the party through a painful reexamination of its core values, its stance on issues ranging from terrorism to health care to Social Security, and its connections to swing voters and key constituencies. Democrats also will attempt to answer why, at a time when the economy was weak and there was pessimism about the country's direction, they could not overcome an outpouring of voters motivated primarily by Bush's leadership appeal," the Washington Post reports.

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles Times poll shows "only about a third of Democratic Party insiders think former Vice President Al Gore should run for president again in 2004." However, a CNN-Time poll shows 61 percent of Democrats said they would like to see Gore run for President in 2004, " so at the moment, the nomination is his to lose." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ridge Will Head Homeland Security Department STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 10:34:12 AM ----BODY: "President Bush is turning to Tom Ridge to take the position of secretary of the new department of homeland security," USA Today reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Ridge ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Will Huckabee Run For Senate? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 10:20:18 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says "Republicans are looking for Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be the party's next rising star. Fresh from a tough re-election victory, Washington and Arkansas GOP insiders expect him to consider running against Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln in 2004. In fact, Whispers is told that he's gearing up now just in case the call comes from the White House encouraging him to run." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mike Huckabee ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Gives First Interviews About Defeat To Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 09:44:38 AM ----BODY: "In his first interviews since conceding the presidency almost two years ago, former vice president Al Gore calls the outcome of the 2000 election 'a crushing disappointment' and criticizes the 5-4 Supreme Court decision as 'completely inconsistent' with the court's conservative philosophy," the Washington Post reports. The Tennessean says Gore told ABC's 20/20 in an interview that "he might have relied too much on campaign advice from his family 'inner circle' in the 2000 presidential campaign and that he would not rule out anyone as a running mate should he run again in 2004." The Financial Times notes "Gore's return to the media spotlight will add to the impression that he is gearing up for another presidential bid."

The Scrum notes that, in a "probably meaningless historical footnote," at this point in the 2000 election cycle Bush was beating Gore in hypothetical match-ups by 50 to 40 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Pelosi Daughter Tries To Film Mom's Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 09:44:05 AM ----BODY: The Reliable Source hears "there was grumbling among House Democrats yesterday when documentary filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, daughter of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), tried to bring her digital camera into the members-only caucus at which her mother was elected Minority Leader. The writer-director of Journeys with George, the HBO documentary about George W. Bush's presidential campaign, has been following her mom around Capitol Hill this week and recording events for posterity." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Nancy Pelosi ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alabama, Riley Asks Court To Intervene STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 09:42:13 AM ----BODY: Rep. Bob Riley (R), "who believes he is the state's rightful governorelect, asked the GOP-dominated Alabama Supreme Court Thursday night to halt a recount of last week's election" sought by incumbent Gov. Don Siegelman (D), the Birmingham News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Siegelman Riley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Nighthorse Campbell Will Seek Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 09:39:23 AM ----BODY: Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) said "that he is almost certain to seek a third term in the Senate in 2004," the Denver Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ben Nighthorse Campbell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Republicans Try To Unify Behind Terrell STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 09:00:26 AM ----BODY: "Republicans are closing ranks around" Suzanne Haik Terrell's (R) Senate campaign, the Washington Times reports. Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster (R) "said he would support President Bush's desire to see a Republican win the Senate seat." However, the Bato n Rouge Advocate notes while Foster "repeatedly said" on his radio show "that he would 'back the president,'" he "never endorsed Terrell, never said he would vote for her and never even uttered her last name."

Update: The Lafayette Advertiser says the White House "has committed to a full court press of cabinet members who will fly to Louisiana to help elect" Terrell to the U.S. Senate. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Terrell Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Find Voice On War STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/15/2002 08:22:30 AM ----BODY: "Democrats branded the effort to dismantle Al Qaeda as a failure as U.S. intelligence agencies came under attack in Congress for failing to find Osama bin Laden," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: war on terror Democrats ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ford's Challenge Is About His Future STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/14/2002 09:03:23 AM ----BODY: Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr.'s (D) "relentless appetite for politics" is "propelling his showdown today" with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for House Democratic leader, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. "While few observers think Ford will win today's Democratic Caucus vote, neither do they think a defeat will slow Ford down in his drive for greater political influence." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Harold Ford ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Democrats Threatened By Liberal Resurgence STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/14/2002 08:59:38 AM ----BODY: "A decade after Bill Clinton pushed his party toward the center of American politics, inspiring a vibrant movement of 'New Democrat' followers in Congress, a liberal resurgence is sweeping the party, threatening to brush centrists to the side," the Washington Post reports.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle notes that new House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (D) "said she has no intention of tugging her party to the left or imposing her liberal outlook on the rest of the country." But the Washington Times says Pelosi "threatens to move her party further to the left, a shift party centrists fear will make Democrats irrelevant in future election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: New Democrats ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Reflect On Victory STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/14/2002 08:59:09 AM ----BODY: The N ew York Times covers Karl Rove's "first extended comments" since the elections, in which he said "the midterm elections that gave Republicans control of the Senate and expanded their hold on the House showed that the electorate was no longer evenly split, as it was two years ago." A Washington Times piece says "Republicans knew they were about to win big on Nov. 5, even though most published pre-election polls carried no hint of the GOP's oncoming surge." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: midterm elections ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Boston Convention Presents Challenge For Kerry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/14/2002 08:55:05 AM ----BODY: For Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry (D), "who is preparing to launch his 2004 presidential bid in the coming weeks, the Democratic Party's choice of Boston for its nominating convention is a double-edged sword -fraught with both peril and promise," the Boston Herald reports. Meanwhile, the Boston Globe notes that Sen. Edward Kennedy's (D) "effort to bring the Democratic convention in 2004 wasn't just political, it was also highly personal." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Democratic convention ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, All Eyes On Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/14/2002 08:45:04 AM ----BODY: The Louisiana Senate runoff is "freighted with political symbolism," the Washington Post reports. "If the GOP wins, it will further tighten the party's grip on power in the South and add an exclamation point to the Republican triumphs in the midterm elections."

Meanwhile, Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster (R) "met privately" with Suzanne Haik Terrell (R) "at the governor's mansion, during which the two apparently came to terms" over a possible Foster endorsement, WBRZ-TV reports. Foster said on his radio show last week that "he was unhappy with Terrell's campaign in the primary, and angry that the national Republican party lent its support to Terrell instead of spreading it among the three Republican candidates." The Shreveport Times says Foster "wants President Bush's administration to approve the Louisiana Education Accountability Program" in return for an endorsement. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: More Post Election Analysis STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 10:16:42 AM ----BODY: Zogby is conducting post election interviews of voters in 19 states to ask who they voted for and why they voted the way they did. Subscribe today to receive the results. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Zogby polls ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Mississippi, Barbour Gearing Up For Musgrove Challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 09:24:03 AM ----BODY: Former RNC Chairman Haley Barbour is speaking across Mississippi "and sounding more and more like he plans to challenge" Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) in the 2003 governor's race, the No rtheast Mississippi Daily Journal reports. The Hattiesburg American says "Barbour isn't making any secret about his desire to run for governor of his home state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Haley Barbour ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ventura May Host Talk Show STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 09:12:30 AM ----BODY: Outgoing Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) is in "advanced talks" with MSNBC to host a talk show, "although there is no final deal, according to people familiar with the situation," the Los Angeles Times reports. Ventura's "recent appearance on the network's Hardball gave the show its largest number of viewers this year." The St . Paul Pioneer Press notes that Ventura's radio show has been "an integral part of his administration." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jesse Ventura ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Candidates Launch Second Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:58:07 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Suzanne Haik Terrell (R), in a runoff for Lousiana's Senate seat, "will appear Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press," but "there are no local television debates or forums scheduled," the Lafayette Advertiser reports. The AP notes a new Landrieu was unveiled, "dropping the warm and fuzzy campaign of the primary and zeroing in on" Terrell, asking which federal project in Louisiana Terrell opposes. Meanwhile, a poll released by Southeastern Louisiana University showed Landrieu ahead of Terrell 51.4 percent to 36.4 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu Terrell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Alabama Race Still Contested STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:54:21 AM ----BODY: "A showdown drew closer" in Alabama's gubernatorial race "when the probate judges in Russell and Tuscaloosa counties said the counties would recount votes despite an attorney general's opinion," the Montgo mery Advertiser reports. The Huntsville Times notes that "although many experts believe the gubernatorial dispute will wind up in court, there is a provision in state law that would allow the Legislature to decide the winner." The Mobile Register says the dispute "has drawn national attention and hyper-scrutiny by legal and political experts." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Don Siegelman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Hits Campaign Trail For New Book STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:48:26 AM ----BODY: Al and Tipper Gore "launched a 12-city tour to promote their two new books" -Joined at the Heart and The Spirit Of Family -- "but made no mention of another possible run for the White House," the AP reports.

Meanwhile, a new Quinnipiac University poll shows "Gore runs best among Democrats who might challenge President Bush in 2004, but Bush is a double-digit winner in any hypothetical race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Choose Boston For Convention STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:41:17 AM ----BODY: The Democratic National Committee is likely "to bypass New York as the site of its 2004 presidential convention, settling instead on Boston," the N ew York Times reports. The Boston Globe notes it would be "the first presidential nominating convention of a major party held in Boston, as well as the largest conference in the city's history." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Democratic convention ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Could Help Democrats In The South STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:36:18 AM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood says Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), "a first-term senator who almost became Al Gore's 2000 running mate, may become the personality to lead Democratic gains in the South." But Harwood also notes the obstacles. In 2004, he "could seek re-election to his North Carolina seat" or, more likely, "he will dive into a presidential race of his own. Neither would be easy."

The Washington Post covers Edwards' major economic policy address in which he "warned that 'out-of-control deficits' in Washington threaten the country's long-term economic prospects." Meanwhile, the Raleigh News and Observer says that "in a bid to bolster his foreign-policy credentials and highlight differences with President Bush," Edwards "plans to travel to Europe during the first week of December to meet with NATO officials and other allies about Iraq." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Guide For Newly-Elected Members Of Congress STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/13/2002 08:24:54 AM ----BODY: The Hill publishes its New Member's Guide, including tips from a House sophomore and advice to check your ego. For more, see my book You Won - Now What? and this memo with our own tips for the newlyelected official.

Meanwhile, you don't have to be a new congressman to get a tour of the Oval Office from President Bush. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: newly-elected ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Johnson Declared Winner Over Thune STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:37:16 PM ----BODY: The South Dakota Secretary of State certified the final results of the U.S. Senate race, giving Senator Tim Johnson (D) a 524 vote victory over Rep. John Thune (R). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Johnson Thune ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Testing White House Waters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 11:09:37 AM ----BODY: New York examines Sen. Joseph Lieberman's (D-CT) likely run for president in 2004. "To spend time with Lieberman during this trial-run, what-if candidacy is to see a man who is carefully honing his political persona." As for his pledge to not run if Al Gore does, a Gore confidant "suggests an entirely new, and plausible, possibility: 'I think Gore will run, but he'll cut Joe free from the pledge. He'll say, Joe, do what you want. That way, Gore would feel no obligation to name Joe VP again.'" Meanwhile, the piece notes that Lieberman's "chatty campaign memoir," An Amazing Adventure, will be out in January. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hart Still Considering White House Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 10:18:07 AM ----BODY: Gary Hart tells CBS News "that he is responding to the requests of a number of people who have asked him to think seriously about getting back into the political fray" and that he's still considering a presidential run in 2004. Last week's report "that he’s ruled out another campaign is incorrect. Hart says that he doesn’t want to run, but wants to make a contribution and doesn’t want to stay on the sidelines." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gary Hart ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Inside Minnesota's Senate Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:23:12 AM ----BODY: The Minneapolis Star Tribune goes "behind the scenes" of Minnesota's historic Senate election. Meanwhile, Will Saletan says the media bought the GOP spin on Paul Wellstone's memorial service. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Coleman Wellstone ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, GOP Cannot Pull Party Together STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:08:47 AM ----BODY: "A week ago, Republicans were heartened when their three top Senate candidates garnered 51 percent of the Louisiana primary vote," the New Orleans Times Picayune reports. But now "GOP efforts to build the party unity they'll need to elect Suzanne Haik Terrell and knock off" Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "are proving elusive." Nonetheless, the AP says Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) "is vowing an 'all-out' campaign to beat Landrieu."

The Baton Rouge Advocate has one reason for GOP hope, noting that Landrieu has the "complicated problem" of "trying to improve her showing among black Democratic voters while quickly trying to figure out a way to handle 'the Bush factor.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Davis Says He's Unlikely To Run For Another Office STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:05:58 AM ----BODY: California Gov. Gray Davis (D) said that he has "no intention of running for another office," KCRA-TV reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gray Davis ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Give Economic Policy Speech STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:04:25 AM ----BODY: "Hitting on themes favored by Republicans," Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., "plans to deliver a speech on the economy today at a Washington event attended by some of the country's leading corporate officers," the Charlotte Observer reports. The N ew York Times says Edwards' speech "comes at a time of logistical maneuvering among prospective Democratic contenders that it now appears will result in the shape of the party's presidential field being largely set by the end of the year."

Meanwhile, this from the Charl otte Observer: "As Democrats pick through the wreckage of last week's elections," Edwards "stands among the few Democrats who appear to have emerged from the rubble better off." An AP article concurs. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Signs Up Grossman STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 09:00:50 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) signed up a "veteran party activist" and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Steve Grossman "to help him raise money for his expected run for president," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Poll Finds Democrats Soft On Terrorism STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 08:58:50 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows "a majority of Americans support President Bush's push for war against Iraq and say Democrats are not tough enough in dealing with terrorism," USA Today reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: war on terrorism ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Barkley Gives Senate Democrats Control STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 02:29:13 AM ----BODY: Interim Sen. Dean Barkley (I-MN) announced "he will be an independent during his brief stay in Congress, enabling Democrats to remain in control when the Senate begins a postelection session this week," the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, the AP says Sen-elect Norm Coleman (D-MN) abandoned his effort to get Barkley to quit Senate early, saying "he learned from Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott's office that Minnesota won't significantly benefit from him taking office earlier than other freshmen senators." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dean Barkley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democratic Majority Still Emerging? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/12/2002 01:54:55 AM ----BODY: "You'd think that the Nov. 5 election would have pitched The Emerging Democratic Majority straight into the remainder bin," Chatterbox writes. "The Democrats lost their slim majority in the Senate; failed to acquire majorities in the House and in state governorships; and lost their plurality of state legislatures. It was an unambiguous rout. Yet interest in John Judis and Ruy Teixeira's new book seems, if anything, to be picking up." Chatterbox notes that Josh Marshall and David Brooks both recently cited the book favorably in explaining the election results. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: democratic majority ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Inside The White House On Election Night STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 11:22:08 AM ----BODY: Time has "the inside story of how the President and his political strategist gambled it all and won" during the mid-term elections. Newsweek also has "how Bush did it." Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times notes that Bush and his fellow Republicans "have deliberately avoided exulting in their victory and unfurling ambitious partisan plans" in "part of a deliberate strategy to avoid [alienating] swing voters who will be crucial to keeping their majority and reelecting Bush." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Karl Rove ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt And Daschle Lose Traction In Iowa STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 11:15:52 AM ----BODY: "Influential Iowa Democrats" say the presidential hopes of Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) "suffered significant damage Tuesday," the Des Moines Register reports. "Daschle's failure to hold on to a thin Senate majority and Gephardt's loss of seats in the House mark the nation's rejection of their leadership and the need for new leadership." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Daschle Gephardt 2004 ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Moves Away From Social Security Privatization STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 11:05:03 AM ----BODY: White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card Jr. on Sunday "dampened speculation that the historic Republican gains in Congress achieved during last week's midterm elections would jumpstart administration plans to partially privatize Social Security, saying that major changes in the program are unlikely before the 2004 presidential elections," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: social security privatization ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Wellstone Memorial Service Hurt Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 07:17:43 AM ----BODY: Time examines whether Sen. Paul Wellstone's (D-MN) memorial service cost Democrats the election: "A backlash against the politically charged service almost certainly helped Norm Coleman beat Walter Mondale for Wellstone's Minnesota Senate seat. And a private poll by Bill Clinton's former pollster, Mark Penn, suggests the service backfired on Democrats nationally as well." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wellstone memorial service ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Back Off Tax Cuts STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 07:10:34 AM ----BODY: "With his party in control and his political standing solidified, President Bush can confront the economy on his terms," the New York Times reports. But the Washington Post says that "after talking expansively about an aggressive new round of tax cuts, Republican leaders are ratcheting back expectations and hoping to press forward next year with a modest tax agenda that is probably more symbolic than substantive." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: tax cuts ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Running For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/11/2002 06:49:41 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) said that "only objections from his family or political elders would deter him from running for the presidency in 2004," the A P reports. The Boston Globe notes "Kerry for months has been preparing for a possible presidential campaign, traveling to key states, meeting with advisers and honing his message in appearances such as yesterday's high-profile television interview." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Frost Drops Out Of Race For Democratic Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 06:56:17 PM ----BODY: "Rep. Martin Frost (D-TX) abruptly dropped out of the race for House Minority Leader, revealing in a letter to colleagues that Minority Whip Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) clearly has the votes to win," Roll Call Daily reports. "Frost's decision came just hours after Rep. Harold Ford Jr. (D-Tenn.) stunned colleagues by revealing on the Imus in the Morning radio and television show that he is a candidate for the party's top post. Democratic insiders believe Ford has no chance of beating Pelosi." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pelosi Frost ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Pataki Weighs Presidential Run In 2008 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 09:22:56 AM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki (R), "re-elected for a third term to 2007, weighs post-Bush bid for GOP 2008 presidential nod, despite a pro-choice record anathema to conservatives," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. "Even before results were in, a party strategist said, 'The moment he wins, he's going to turn to his people and say, 'OK, let's get ready for the next one.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Payback Time For Jeffords STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 09:04:23 AM ----BODY: "Colleagues on both sides of the aisle have some advice for Senator James M. Jeffords: now is probably not the best time to get money for a new bridge in Vermont," the New York Times reports. "Officially, the word from the Republican leadership is that there will be no retribution against Mr. Jeffords, the Vermont senator whose defection from the party last year cost Republicans control of the Senate. Unofficially, Republicans are amusing themselves with other possibilities as they return to power." The Brattleboro Reformer says Jeffords may be the biggest loser in the mid-term elections -- and he wasn't even on the ballot. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: James Jeffords ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Coleman Will Ask Barkley To Leave Early STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:50:46 AM ----BODY: "Hoping to gain seniority," Sen.-elect Norm Coleman (R-MN) said that he will ask interim Sen. Dean Barkley (I-MN) "to step down early, which would allow Coleman to leapfrog two other Republican freshmen elected Tuesday," the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The New York Times notes that Barkley's "choice of the party he votes with will determine how soon the Republicans assume control of the Senate, and how much work Congress will accomplish before year's end." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dean Barkley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Hollings May Not Run For Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:47:37 AM ----BODY: Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-SC) "raised the possibility" that "he might not seek re-election in 2004," the Gree nville News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ernest Hollings ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hart Will Not Run In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:44:27 AM ----BODY: Former Sen. Gary Hart (D-CO) "whose 1988 presidential campaign was derailed in a sex scandal, has ruled out another run for the White House in 2004," the AP reports.

Meanwhile, the Washington Times notes that "Democrats, stung by their midterm setbacks and angry with their party's national leaders, aren't excited about any of their potential 2004 challengers to President Bush." And CN N says "Democrats are beginning the 2004 political campaign on a sour note." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2004 Democrats ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Richardson Was Only Clinton Figure To Win Statewide STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:42:15 AM ----BODY: New Mexico Gov-elect Bill Richardson (D) "became the only senior official in the Clinton administration" who won statewide election on Tuesday, the N ew York Times reports. "Three other cabinet members seeking to become governor of their states never made it out of the primary: Robert Reich in Massachusetts; Andrew Cuomo in New York; and Janet Reno in Florida. Erskine B. Bowles, a Clinton chief of staff, lost his North Carolina Senate bid to Elizabeth Dole. The only other ranking Clinton aide who did win on Tuesday was Rahm Emmanuel, a political consultant, who was elected to a House seat from Illinois." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Richardson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Landrieu Reshuffles Advisors Before Runoff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:39:23 AM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "parted ways with her longtime political consultant... as she faces a bruising political fight against" Republican Suzanne Terrell (R), the Baton Rouge Advocate reports. Bad new for Republicans: The AP says Gov. Mike Foster (R) is not endorsing Terrell because of the negative tone of her campaign. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mary Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alabama, Siegleman Refuses To Concede STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/08/2002 08:35:37 AM ----BODY: Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman (D) "called for a recount of votes statewide in Tuesday's election for governor," the Montg omery Advertiser reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Don Siegelman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Hints At Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 04:49:00 PM ----BODY: As expected, Dick Gephardt announced he would step down as House Democratic leader and hinted he will run for president: "It's time for me personally to take a different direction, look at the country's challenge from a different perspective and take on this President and the Republican Party from a different vantage point." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gephardt ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Will Keep Cheney In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 03:31:49 PM ----BODY: President Bush said "he would keep Vice President Dick Cheney as his running mate in a 2004 reelection campaign, quashing lingering speculation he would replace Cheney," Reuters reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cheney ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: One Cheer For Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 02:24:51 PM ----BODY: The Economist examines the one advantage Democrats gained in the elections: "The quaint governors' mansions that the Democrats picked up may seem small consolation for the marble halls of Capitol Hill. But wait a while. Governors have much power to change the American political landscape, even beyond their own states' borders." ABC News profiles the new governors. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: governors election Democrats ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: No Longer A 50-50 Nation STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 09:33:42 AM ----BODY: "The strong showing for the GOP was no fluke," according to a UPI analysis. "The GOP racked up relatively large advantages in the total national vote. It was definitely not a landslide, but in a year when the smart money was expecting a 50-50 outcome, the Republican margin over the Democrats in overall votes cast was noteworthy." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: popular vote ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Morris: "I Have Egg On My Face" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 09:15:44 AM ----BODY: Dick Morris addresses his bad predictions (which The New Republic details) for the midterm elections: "Today, I have egg on my face, for predicting a Democratic win. Pardon me while I wipe it off. In politics, you are either right or wrong, and when you're wrong, you need to understand why so you don't make the same mistake again - you make new ones."

Pundit Watch suggests Morris was not alone: "None of the pundits on this past weekend’s shows were particularly prescient. Liberal commentators were far too bullish on Democratic prospects. Conservative talking heads were generally much too bearish." Howard Kurtz also wonders why so many journalists got it wrong. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dick Morris ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Giuliani Be New SEC Chief? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 09:00:24 AM ----BODY: The New York Post says the White House wants former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) to become the new head of the Securities and Exchange Commission because they "want to reward Rudy somehow but they want him far from them. Not as a maybe VP, not as a Cabinet member, not as anything where he'd cop limelight or cause contention... But everyone doubts he'll take it. With lectures, books and his business, he'll make roughly $10 million to $15 million this year." But Dow Jones says Giuliani would not take the post, "even if asked." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Giuliani ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: CLinton Seeks A Better Legacy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 08:56:04 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says "To his critics, Bill Clinton's post-White House do-gooder campaign is just another crass 'Comeback Kid' try for redemption of his scandal-tarnished legacy... Backers are egging biographers to look past Monica and impeachment and to his new efforts through the William J. Clinton Foundation. It's a Carter model, but he isn't simply copying Jimmy's return from irrelevancy. His is a new model–start campaigning right after leaving the Oval Office." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Barkley Still A Wild Card In Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 08:44:36 AM ----BODY: "Newly minted Sen. Dean Barkley (I-MN) who makes his first visit to Capitol Hill today to meet with Democratic and Republican leaders, has not decided which party to align with," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dean Barkley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Wants To Remain Senate Democratic Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 08:42:49 AM ----BODY: The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD) said "he still wants the party's minority leader job." Meanwhile, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger says Sen. Trent Lott (R_MS) "was returned to the Senate majority leader's job, where he will "once again will serve as" Bush's "point man to promote the White House agenda." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Daschle Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Dust Off And Look To 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 08:15:55 AM ----BODY: "The repudiation of Democrats across much of the nation on Election Day had party stalwarts scratching their heads today to come up with a credible candidate to challenge President Bush in 2004," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post notes "Among Democrats, the day after the election was the first day of a donnybrook to define the Democratic strategy for the 2004 presidential campaign." But Roll Call says "strategists on both sides of the aisle warned of the potentially dire implications for the minority party in election cycles to come." A Reuters report says that Democrats will be looking at their ranks of governors as potential candidates "who could rise to the top the way Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton did in 1992 against Bush's father, who was seen as unbeatable after the Gulf War in 1991." Finally, The Scrum reviews what has changed for Democrats.

Robert Novak says that "beyond the 2002 election, Democrats face a dilemma. The midterm defeat is likely to push the party more to the left, further eroding Southern support." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2004 presidential candidates ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rove Gets Credit For GOP Victory STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 08:07:21 AM ----BODY: "His name was not on any ballot but Karl Rove, the West Wing mastermind who has plotted for years to bring George W. Bush and the Republican Party to dominance, emerged as one of the biggest winners in the midterm elections of 2002," the New York Times reports. The Wall Street Journal says "Extraordinary efforts by the White House to assist candidates in the midterm election fueled Republican gains in Congress."

Meanwhile, the Washington Post says Ralph Reed, working with the White House, gets the credit in Georgia for sweeping out the state's top three elected Democrats. The New York Times says Georgia's election results show the Confederate battle flag controversy is alive and well. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Karl Rove ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Will Step Down STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/07/2002 01:03:08 AM ----BODY: Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-MO) "intends to announce Thursday that he will not seek a new term as House Democratic leader," the AP reports. "Gephardt has long signaled his interest in running for president in 2004, but it was not clear whether he would address that race when he announces his plans Thursday." CNN says "The dramatic development caused more turmoil in the Democratic Party after the GOP's historic gains in the midterm elections."

Update: Roll Call reports "House Republicans are looking forward to the smoothest post-election leadership reorganization in years." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gephardt ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Talks About Election Results STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/06/2002 09:20:52 PM ----BODY: Al Gore spoke with Barbara Walters on the Democratic defeats in the midterm elections: "Well, I think it means that the Democrats have to be the loyal opposition in fact and not just in name." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Win Big STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/06/2002 08:56:58 AM ----BODY: "Republicans swept to victory in the United States Senate last night, assuring Republican control of the White House and Congress for the next two years, and thrusting President Bush into a commanding position for his legislative agenda," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post notes the GOP "defied history" in making congressional gains in a midterm election. Meanwhile, the only bright news for Democrats was "capturing the governorships of three key states -- Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan," the Washington Post reports. CNN has complete results. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: You Won, Now What? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/06/2002 08:01:42 AM ----BODY: To those who wonder what comes next for the dozens of newly-elected congressmen, senators, state legislators and their staffs, I urge you to read my book, You Won - Now What? It's been praised by politicians from both ends of the political spectrum as well as many prominent journalists and academics. According to All Consuming, the book is also the buzz of the blogosphere this week. Find out more from the book's web site. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: governing ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: It's Going To Be A Long Night STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 05:30:47 PM ----BODY: With exit polls deemed unreliable by the Voter News Service and the networks, we'll have to watch election results as they come in. Update: Don't forget BlogScan. There's a lot of good election coverage in the blogosphere tonight. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: VNS ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: First Exit Polls Leaked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 04:00:58 PM ----BODY: Matt Drudge posted the following exit polls:

Arkansas: Pryor (D) leads Hutchinson (R) easily
Colorado: Strickland (D) leads Allard (R) easily
Georgia: Chambliss (R) up four over Cleland (D)
Louisiana: Landrieu (D) headed for runoff
Minnesota: Coleman (R) up three over Mondale (D)
Missouri: Talent (R) leads Carnahan (D)
New Jersey: Lautenberg (D) leads Forrester (R)
North Carolina: Bowles (D) leads Dole (R)
South Dakota: Thune (R) leads by three over Johnson (D)
Texas: Cornyn (R) up eight over Kirk (D)

The Corner confirms these exit polls and also says in New Hampshire, Sununu is ahead by two points. Josh Marshall is also posting similar numbers. Meanwhile, the AP notes that VNS was not going to release exit poll data unless it was "deemed reliable."

Update: Marshall says he's now hearing is that "the VNS system has somehow broken down or that they themselves aren't trusting their numbers." Rich Lowry quotes a "top GOP" source that says the "numbers keep changing." CNN's Jeff Greenfield just confirmed that VNS data will not be used by the networks tonight. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: exit polls ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Best Ways To Follow The Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 11:34:11 AM ----BODY: One of the best ways to follow the election on the Internet is through Political Wire's Blog Scan. It's the quickest way to see what many of the top political sites are writing about. In addition, Patrick Ruffini has started a "hotline" to track reports of voter fraud, stories and other anecdotal tidbits. DailyKos tells you which House races to watch as the polls close. And StopDemocrats.com promises an Internet radio show starting at 8 p.m. ET. Editor's Note: If you have a good story or tip for Political Wire, please send me an email.

Update: John Fund has an excellent hour-by-hour guide to watching election returns. The Hart ford Courant has this tip: "Want to get a quick sense of who might control Congress? Watch the states whose polls close between 7 and 8 tonight." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: internet vote election ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gary Hart Considering White House Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 11:08:08 AM ----BODY: Former Democratic Sen. Gary Hart (D-CO) "whose 1988 presidential campaign collapsed amid questions about his relationship with a young model, said he is considering a bid for the White House in 2004," the AP reports. Update: A Rocky Mountain News piece says "most analysts dismiss the idea" and that "Hart did not return phone calls." TalkLeft works in the same building as Hart, but thinks "His time has come and gone, notwithstanding the other retro candidates who are making comebacks." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gary Hart ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Battle Goes Down To The Wire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 10:25:08 AM ----BODY: "The most competitive midterm election in half a century raced toward conclusion yesterday with Republicans running uphill in their bid to retake control of the Senate and Democrats struggling to avoid losing seats to the GOP majority in the House," the Washington Post reports. The Wall Street Journal notes "Political parties are employing high-tech tactics and aggressive recruiting methods to in what Democrats and Republicans both say is an unprecedented drive to entice supporters to the polls." Nonetheless, the AP says "Turnout is expected to be as low as it was during the 1998 midterm elections, when just 35.3 percent of the voting age population cast ballots."

Knight Ridder says "At least seven Senate races remained too close to call, and the House remained likely to stay Republican." John Zogby and John Kenneth White have a piece in the Christian Science Monitor that says surprises are in store for tonight. C NN notes whatever happens, "there will be at least 50 new representatives in Washington when the 108th Congress convenes." (They'll need my book.)

The Washington Post's Dana Millbank has a classic piece on the president: "The grueling itinerary President Bush kept for the last five days of campaigning made for a fatigued president -- which, in turn, made for some innovative language in Bush's stump speech." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Should The Paper Ballot Make A Comeback? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 08:23:16 AM ----BODY: As the lawyers prepare for post election challenges, Glenn Reynolds has a technological solution for the voting problems that have plagued American elections recently: "The technology is good. It is easy to understand. It is surprisingly resistant to fraud. And it is inexpensive. It's the paper ballot."

The Washington Times notes that "With the recent history of Election Day fiascoes, voting officials nationwide are bracing for a long day today, followed by days of counting and recounting absentee ballots and mail-in votes." The Miami Herald says Florida "is determined to get it right this time." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: voter fraud ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Some Races, Democratic Party Outspent The Candidates STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 08:15:50 AM ----BODY: "If the Democrats manage to hold on to control of the Senate, they will be able to thank enormous spending by the national party on a handful of the closest races," the N ew York Times reports. The Wall Street Journal notes that "Candidates and special-interest groups have spent more than $900 million on television ads in the run-up to Tuesday's elections, a record sum that is nearly double the amount spent four years ago."

Meanwhile, the Washington Post notes that "with the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law taking effect tomorrow, top Republican lobbyists and Democratic operatives are putting finishing touches today on shadow organizations designed to evade the intent of the law and continue the flow of unregulated 'soft money' into presidential and congressional campaigns." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, GOP Looks To Schwarzenegger In 2006 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/05/2002 07:19:09 AM ----BODY: Bill Simon's gubernatorial campaign "appears so hopeless that armchair pundits and some at the state Republican Party are already looking to 2006 and the person they think can salvage the flailing party: Arnold Schwarzenegger," the N ew York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Schwarzenegger ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Ventura Names New Senator STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 03:06:57 PM ----BODY: Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) named Dean Barkley (I) as the new interim senator to fill the remaining term of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN). The AP notes "Barkley becomes a critical swing vote in the Senate in the lame-duck session. The breakdown is 49 Democrats and 49 Republicans, with one independent, Jim Jeffords, who usually votes with Democrats." The Minneapolis Star Tribune notes Ventura made the announcement as Walter Mondale (D) and Norm Coleman (R) began their only debate. As for the timing, Stuart Rothenberg had the most scathing comment: "What is there left to say about Ventura? He's a jerk. Only an egomaniac would do what he did when he did it."

Update: The St. Paul Pioneer Press says Barkley "said he will leave it up to lawyers for the state to determine how long his term runs, and he said he expects to vote like Wellstone on social issues but more conservatively on fiscal issues. He said he agrees with Wellstone's vote against authorizing military action against Iraq." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dean Barkley ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Holds On To Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 02:26:25 PM ----BODY: In the Iowa Senate race, Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-IA) 20-percentage-point lead in September over Greg Ganske (R), has diminished to 9 points in the latest I owa Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Harkin Ganske ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Novak: Shaheen Running Perfect Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 11:42:42 AM ----BODY: Robert Novak is in New Hampshire: "If the Democrats keep control of the Senate in Tuesday's election, Gov. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire may be most responsible. She is conducting a pictureperfect campaign against Rep. John E. Sununu in a contest that national Republican strategists prematurely tucked into their pocket weeks ago. In doing so, she runs full speed away from the ideology and even the name of the Democratic Party." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen Sununu ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki On Path To Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 10:57:46 AM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "has an insurmountable 45 to 29 percent lead" over Carl McCall (D) "among likely voters," with 14 percent for Thomas Golisano (I), according to a Quinnipiac University poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Way Ahead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 10:55:21 AM ----BODY: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) "has a commanding 50 to 39 percent lead" over Douglas Forrester (R) "among likely voters in New Jersey’s U.S. Senate race," according to a Quinnipiac University poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Should Hold The House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 09:21:54 AM ----BODY: "Republicans are poised to buck history and make slim gains in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, according to analyses by campaign officials of both parties, the latest polls and reports from political experts around the country," the N ew York Times reports. USA Today has a similar piece: "Republicans appear to have gained strength in the final weekend before Tuesday's close congressional elections. The GOP fights to retain and perhaps add to their thin House majority." The Washington Times notes the White House is trying "to lower expectations... saying a loss of five House seats still would be the best midterm performance in 40 years." Meanwhile, the Iowa Political Market futures say status quo is the most likely outcome of this year's congressional elections. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Battle for Senate May Outlast Election Day STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 09:20:10 AM ----BODY: "A combination of close races, slow counting of paper ballots, quirky state laws and possible recounts and legal challenges -- along with the possibility of a December runoff election in Louisiana -- could mean it will be days or even weeks before Americans know which party they have chosen to control the Senate for the next two years," the Washington Post reports.

Update: The Hotline looks at the most recent polls and shows Democrats leading with 47 seats to the GOP's 45 with seven races tied. Dick Morris notes "it appears that Democrats have gained a decisive advantage in their efforts to expand their lead in the upper chamber." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Blagojevich And Ryan Race To The Finish STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 09:03:33 AM ----BODY: "Most polls show Rod Blagojevich (D) is poised to become Illinois' first Democratic governor in a generation. But some have indicated his oncewide lead has been narrowing in recent weeks, and a poll published Sunday by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had the candidates in a tie at 43 percent each." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich Ryan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Sununu And Shaheen Go Down To The Wire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:58:02 AM ----BODY: In the New Hampshire Senate race, two new polls have Jeanne Shaheen (D) and John Sununu (R) in statistical ties, the AP reports. A USA Today/CNN poll has Sununu leading 46 percent to 45 percent. A Concord Monitor poll has Shaheen leading 47 to 46 percent. Meanwhile, the Manc hester Union Leader says police have asked for an arrest warrant for a Sununu (R) campaign aide for the "destruction of signs urging a writein" for Sen. Bob Smith. Update: A new American Research Group poll shows the race "too close to call (48% Sununu to 44% Shaheen)" but notes "Shaheen has lost some ground among undeclared (independent) voters." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sununu Shaheen ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Janklow Leads Herseth For House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:51:30 AM ----BODY: "A Mason-Dixon poll shows that in South Dakota's at-large House battle, Gov. Bill Janklow (R) is favored by 47 percent of respondents, Democratic Stephanie Herseth by 42 percent, Libertarian Terry Begay by 1 percent and 10 percent undecided," the Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Janklow Herseth ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Gubernatorial Race Now Between Just Two STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:49:50 AM ----BODY: In Minnesota's gubernatorial contest, a poll shows Tim Pawlenty (R) leading Roger Moe (D) 35 to 32 percent, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Tim Penny (I) has faded out of contention. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Moe Pawlenty ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney And O'Brien Slug It Out To The End STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:45:25 AM ----BODY: As Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Shannon O'Brien "crisscrossed the state in a hectic day of campaigning" for Massachusetts governor Sunday, "both camps aired attack ads, serving notice that the hard-fought gubernatorial race will be bitter to its end," the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Romney O'Brien ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Poised For Victory STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:42:32 AM ----BODY: "Four new polls in New Jersey's Senate race released this weekend show that former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) has widened his lead over Republican businessman Douglas Forrester," the Bergen Record reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Cornyn Holds Lead Over Kirk STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:41:16 AM ----BODY: In the Texas Senate race, John Cornyn (R), "holding the edge in a new Senate poll, blitzed GOP strongholds" over the weekend with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) as Ron Kirk (D) "tried to close the gap by letting Stevie Wonder sing his praises," the Dallas Morning News reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cornyn Kirk ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Pryor Denies Last Minute Allegations STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:39:11 AM ----BODY: "Allegations flew Sunday night" that Arkansas Senate candidate Mark Pryor (D) "hired an illegal immigrant two years ago for domestic help as the campaign" with Hutchinson "became even more bitter," the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports. Pryor denied the charges. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Senate Race Hinges On Turnout STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:37:19 AM ----BODY: With turnout in Louisiana's Senate race "expected to be low -- election officials predict it will be less than 40 percent -- the candidates may face difficulties getting their voters to the polls," the New Orleans TimesPicayune reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Cleland Clings To Lead In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/04/2002 08:35:37 AM ----BODY: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Georgia's Senate race "is tightening fast," but Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) "is hanging on to a lead over Republican challenger Saxby Chambliss, according to a new poll." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cleland Chambliss ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Polls Lack Clarity On Senate Outcome STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/03/2002 11:11:51 PM ----BODY: There are going to be some embarassed pollsters on Wednesday morning. A new USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll of four close Senate races shows different results than the new Zogby polls in three of the races.

Arkansas: Pryor 51, Hutchinson 43
Colorado: Allard 47, Strickland 45
Missouri: Talent 48, Carnahan 44
South Dakota: Thune 48, Johnson 45

There are conflicting results even in Minnesota, where a St. Paul Pioneer Press/Minnesota NPR poll shows Coleman leading Mondale 47 to 41 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Zogby Polls Show Many Close Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/03/2002 08:50:32 PM ----BODY: The latest round of Zogby tracking polls prove that Election Day will be one of the most interesting in years. The main focus will be on the battle for the Senate, which will go down to the wire. Here are the results for some of the most watched races:

Minnesota: Mondale 50, Coleman 45
New Jersey: Lautenburg 54, Forester 38
Arkansas: Pryor 51, Hutchinson 40
Texas: Kirk 48, Cornyn 49
Colorado: Strickland 53, Allard 44
Missouri: Carnhan 49, Talent 48
South Dakota: Johnson 52, Thune 47
Georgia: Cleland 49 , Chamblis 49
North Carolina: Dole 52, Bowles 46

The N ew York Times notes that "polls showing that more than half a dozen Senate seats were still within either party's grasp prompted intensified campaigning." The Boston Globe says the race for Senate control "remains a dead heat with less than three days of campaigning remaining, and both parties are making desperate efforts to gain the slight advantage that would propel them to power." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Divided Congress Likely To Prevail On Tuesday STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/03/2002 08:35:17 PM ----BODY: "Republicans face stiff odds in their bid to reclaim a Senate majority, but Democrats have even a tougher climb to take back the House, a final, state-by-state rundown of Tuesday's midterm election prospects shows," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Americans Still Split On Which Party Controls House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/02/2002 07:20:51 PM ----BODY: "The race for control of Congress is neck and neck and too close to call," latest Zogby America Poll results show. "In the final Zogby America Poll before the November 5th elections, 51% of likely voters nationwide say they will vote Democratic in the upcoming Congressional elections, and 49% say they will vote for a Republican candidate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Johnson Has Slim Lead Over Thune STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/02/2002 07:16:45 PM ----BODY: "To no one's surprise," the South Dakota Senate race "is still too close to call" and "within the tight margin of error." However, in the lastest KELOLAND News Election poll, Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) "is maintaining a slight edge," leading John Thune (R) 45 to 42 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Thune Johnson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Poll Shows Three Way Tie For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/02/2002 07:11:47 PM ----BODY: A KSTP-TV poll finds "a virtual tie" in Minnesota's race for governor. "Among likely voters, Republican Tim Pawlenty had support from 30 percent of those surveyed, while Democrat Roger Moe had 27 percent and Independence candidate Tim Penny had 26 percent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Penny Moe Pawlenty ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Maintains Lead Over Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/02/2002 07:07:52 PM ----BODY: Elizabeth Dole (R) "maintains a comfortable lead" over Erskine Bowles (D) "in the final days of the campaign to replace Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC)," according to a statewide survey conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dole leads 47 to 40 percent with 13 percent still undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dole Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Polls Shows Pryor Increasing Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/02/2002 07:05:16 PM ----BODY: A new KATV Channel 7 Arkansas Poll shows Mark Pryor (D) pulling away from Sen. Tim Hutchinson in the Arkansas Senate race. Pryor now leads 51 to 43 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Getting Out The Vote STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:50:25 PM ----BODY: "Rarely has an election depended more on which party can mobilize its most likely supporters on Election Day," the Washington Post reports. "With half a dozen Senate contests and many races for the House and for governor statistical dead heats, and with voters showing little interest in the campaign, who wins will depend less on the final flurry of television ads and more on the trench warfare between Democrats and Republicans in the states." CNN says "Democrats are working to repeat their aggressive voter turnout effort of 2000, while Republicans are countering with a campaign they acknowledge tries to match the successful face-to-face strategy used by the AFL-CIO." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: voter turnout ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Lingle And Hirono Neck And Neck STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:37:58 PM ----BODY: "With just five days left in the campaign, Democrat Mazie Hirono and Republican Linda Lingle are virtually tied, with little movement shown by either candidate in the past two weeks," according to a Honolulu Advertiser/News 8 Hawai'i Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hirono Lingle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Huckabee Leads Fisher STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:35:47 PM ----BODY: A new poll has Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R)leading Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) 49 to 43 percent with 8 percent undecided, KARK-TV reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Huckabee Fisher ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Rhode Island, Governor's Race Goes Down To The Wire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:32:52 PM ----BODY: "As the days dwindle in the Rhode Island governor's race, Republican Don Carcieri and Democrat Myrth York are locked in a statistical tie," according to a WPRI/Channel 12 poll. Carcieri leads York 43 to 40 percent with 16 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: York Carcieri ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Davis Maintains Lead Over Simon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:29:20 PM ----BODY: Gov. Gray Davis (D) "maintains a seven-point lead" over Bill Simon (R), according to a new Field Institute poll, the AP reports. "The margin was unchanged from the last Field Poll, released in early September, and from the poll before that in July." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gray Davis Simon ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Make Gains In Some Gubernatorial Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 04:55:45 PM ----BODY: The Washington Post gives an excellent overview of this year's gubernatorial races and notes while "losses are expected for the Republican Party on Tuesday, it's not all doom-and-gloom for the GOP, according to a review of some final campaign polls for governor's race." Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal says "Victory parties in the 36 gubernatorial races will be short this year. After campaigns filled with vague rhetoric, newly elected governors will be pressed to come up with specific remedies for yawning budget deficits." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: gubernatorial races ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Poll Closing Times STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 04:48:18 PM ----BODY: You'll want to keep this site handy for Tuesday night. The Green Papers lists poll closing times chronologically. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: poll closing times ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Voters Still Divided On House Control STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 03:32:42 PM ----BODY: Likely voters are evenly divided on their preference for which party controls Congress, a new Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report poll shows. However, the poll also shows that "Bush is a weak force. Republicans do not benefit from the fact that a majority continue to approve of Bush’s handling of the job of President." Nonetheless, the Wall Street Journal notes that "Bush began a 15-state election rally in South Dakota ahead of Tuesday's elections. The outcomes could salvage or doom his own domestic agenda and the record he will run on for re-election in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Parties Prepare To Reshuffle Fundraising STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 01:43:50 PM ----BODY: With campaigns ending, the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire notes the parties may shake up their fundraising arms: "Chairmanship of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is New York Rep. Lowey's to keep, Democrats say... If Rep. Davis leaves House GOP's fund-raising panel, Reynolds is favored over less popular Weller." Meanwhile, in the Senate, "Frist might stay as head of GOP campaign committee; if not, Sens. Allen and Ensign are said to be interested. Corzine could succeed Murray as Senate Democrats' chief. A conservative Senate Democrat expresses relief that Sen. Clinton won't seek post." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: campaign fundraising ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Battle For House Focuses On Few Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 01:31:43 PM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal looks at what happens when you "throw a large amount of money at a small number of competitive congressional races." After redistricting, there are "only about 40 races to be seriously contested by both parties, fewer than one-third as many competitive seats as 10 years ago... So each one of those contests has become an outsize battleground in the two parties' struggle to control the House, and with it the political agenda on issues such as taxes, health care and the environment." Meanwhile, CBS News says of the 44 races the network believes "are actively in play, there are 16 districts leaning Democratic, 13 are toss-ups and 15 leaning Republican. So to reach the magic number of 218 for a majority, the Democrats would have to win all the contests now leaning Democratic, all the toss-up races and three of the races now leaning toward the Republicans." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Talent Ahead Of Carnahan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:30:02 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows Jim Talent (R) leading Sen. Jean Carnahan (D) 46 to 41 percent "in Missouri's red-hot U.S. Senate race, although a high number of undecided voters suggests either candidate could win," the Kansas City Star reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Talent Carnahan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney And O'Brien In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:22:54 AM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) and Mitt Romney (R) "are locked in a dead heat as they make the final dash to Tuesday's election," according to a new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV poll "that suggests that independent voters, especially women, hold the key to victory in the governor's race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Romney O'Brien ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Managing Two Campaigns STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:13:44 AM ----BODY: House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO) "is on a campaign to put the Democrats in the majority in the House of Representatives, and make himself the speaker," but "at the same time he has embarked on what his advisers described as an all-but-certain campaign to win the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004," the N ew York Times reports. Reute rs says "no one in the U.S. Congress has more at stake in Tuesday's election than Gephardt." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gephardt ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Montana, Taylor On The Trail Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:12:23 AM ----BODY: Montana state Sen. Mike Taylor (R) "is barnstorming across snowy Montana in his quixotic campaign for the Senate with a unique message: He is not a crooked gay hairstylist," the Washington Post reports. The Missoula Independent reviews Taylor's campaign and finds "Four good ways to lose a U.S. Senate race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Taylor Baucus ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Blue Campaigns For Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 10:10:48 AM ----BODY: Former North Carolina House Speaker Dan Blue (D), "who lost to Erskine Bowles in the Democratic primary, hit the campaign trail for the first time for Bowles Thursday," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bowles Dole ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Court Rules New Absentee Ballots Must Be Sent STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 09:17:54 AM ----BODY: Minnesota's Supreme Court "ordered local election officials to send out new absentee and supplemental Senate ballots to people who ask to change their Senate vote in the wake of Sen. Paul Wellstone's death," the AP reports. "However, even with the court's quick ruling, there's no guarantee voters will get a new ballot in time to return it before polls close on Tuesday."

Update: The Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that Walter Mondale (D) said he "would commit to one debate before election day, would serve a full six-year term if elected and would not seek reelection." The N ew York Times notes that "should he be elected to the Senate," Mondale "would automatically be eligible for perquisites not afforded typical freshmen by virtue of his previous service as vice president of the United States." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wellstone absentee ballots ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Shaheen Opens Up Lead In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 08:24:06 AM ----BODY: A Franklin Pierce Collge/WNDS-TV poll indicates that Jeanne Shaheen (D) "has a five point lead" over John Sununu (R) "in the hotly contested race for U.S. Senate from New Hampshire." Update: An American Research Group poll shows the race still "too close to call."

Update: The Man chester Union Leader reports that Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H., "wants 'nothing to do with' a write-in effort on his behalf." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen Sununu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Seems To Have Momentum STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 12:20:58 AM ----BODY: "Florida poll numbers are pouring in and the news is good for the GOP and Gov. Jeb Bush, who is winning over independent voters and opening up a wider lead over Democrat Bill McBride," the Washington Post reports.

Update: The Miami Herald says McBride "swooped into Little Haiti on Thursday to capitalize on Haitian-American resentment over a White House policy of detaining undocumented Haitian migrants, seizing an issue that could help him excite key voters in his quest to beat" Bush. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Low Voter Turnout Predicted STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 11/01/2002 12:14:11 AM ----BODY: "All signs point to relatively low voter turnout this year, says a new report released as the major political parties are stepping up their efforts to reduce that trend for midterm elections," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: voter turnout ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Mondale Takes Nomination Amid Controversy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 09:22:31 AM ----- BODY: Walter Mondale (D) replaced Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) on the ballot for Minnesota Senator, "but his nomination was instantly engulfed in a squabble over the partisan tone of Mr. Wellstone's memorial," the N ew York Times reports. Read or listen to Mondale's acceptance speech. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes "as the uproar intensified... the late senator's campaign manager apologized and said it hadn't been planned." And the St. Paul Pioneer Press notes Norm Coleman (R) tried to restart his campaign with several large rallies.

Finally, the St. Paul Pioneer Press says Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) was "angered by what he considered blatant politicking" at Wellstone's memorial ceremony and said "he may take it out on the Democrats by appointing a nonpolitician unaffiliated with any political party to complete the late senator's term." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mondale ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Third Party Candidates May Tip Balance In Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 08:32:05 AM ----BODY: "A handful of third-party candidates running in battleground states threaten to tip the balance of power in the Senate," the Wall Street Journal reports. "The development is most notable in Colorado and Missouri." In Colorado, Rick Stanley is running as a Libertarian and "pulling crucial votes away from incumbent Sen. Wayne Allard, a Republican." In Missouri, Daniel Romano is running as a Green and "is vying for liberal votes with Democratic Sen. Jean Carnahan." Recent polls "show the races in both states are very tight, so the ebb and flow of a few thousand votes could be pivotal -with national implications, since Democrats are defending a one-seat majority in the Senate and contests in five states are too close to call." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Elections Results Will Likely Be Delayed STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 08:26:49 AM ----BODY: "Election Day may well end with individual races and party control of Congress still uncertain, the result of a volatile mix of close races, slow counts, legal challenges, technical glitches and Louisiana's unique system," USA Today reports. And the New York Times notes "the service that provides the news media with information about how and why major blocs vote the way they do may not operate fully on Tuesday, resulting in an incomplete picture of the electorate's mood and motivation." However, Ro ll Call tells you what to look for on election night.

In the Minnesota Senate race, the Wall Street Journal says there is "growing concern the results of Tuesday's closely watched election will be delayed at least a day. State and county officials warned that confusion over what to do with absentee ballots would slow things." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: exit polls ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Iraq Fades As An Election Issue STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 08:12:42 AM ----BODY: "With few exceptions, the Democrats who opposed legislation authorizing military force in Iraq fall into two camps this campaign season. Safely ahead or way behind. The result is that a war-and-peace decision that commanded Congress' attention for weeks has vanished," USA Today reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Iraq attack ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend And Ehrlich In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:59:51 AM ----BODY: The latest NEWS4/Mason-Dixon poll of the Maryland governor's race shows Bob Ehrlich (R) "is once again leading" Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) and "voter turn out could be a key in the campaign's final days." Ehrlich is ahead 47 to 46 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Townsend Ehrlich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Maintains Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:57:10 AM ----BODY: "Buoyed by overwhelming support from women, Democrat Jennifer Granholm holds a big lead over Republican Dick Posthumus with just five days before Michigan voters pick a new governor," a Free Press/WXYZ TV poll shows. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm Posthumus ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Senate Race Still Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:55:27 AM ----BODY: South Dakota's Senate race is still too close to call, the AP reports. Sen. Tim Johnson (D) barely leads John Thune (R), 47 to 45 percent. The Argus Leader notes "Millions of dollars, hours of rhetoric and visits by some of the nation's most powerful politicians have failed to move the overall numbers in one of the closest races in the country." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Thune Johnson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Senate Race Tightens STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:53:35 AM ----BODY: A new Mason-Dixon poll released shows Elizabeth Dole (R) leading Erskine Bowles (D) by 6 percentage points in the North Carolina Senate race, AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dole Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Sanford Increases Lead Over Hodges STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:52:52 AM ----BODY: Mark Sanford (R) "has increased his slim lead" over incumbent Gov. Jim Hodges (D), a new poll shows, according to the AP. Sanford leads 49 to 42 percent with 9 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sanford Hodges ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Stays Ahead In Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:45:00 AM ----BODY: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) leads Bill McBride (D) 51 to 43 percent in a new Mason-Dixon poll, the Tal lahassee Democrat reports. Meanwhile, the Ne w York Times says the race is shadowed by the president: "If this election is about the political validation of Jeb Bush in Florida, it is also a campaign about the Bush in the White House." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Campaigning By Buddy System STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/31/2002 07:23:56 AM ----BODY: "Democrats have created a formal mentoring program that assigns one or more representatives to tutor candidates in tough House races," the N ew York Times reports. In addition, the Washington Times notes Democrats claimed "they will execute their biggest voter-turnout operation ever for Tuesday's elections, and said Republicans can't match their effort." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Cruising To Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 11:16:23 AM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "has a 20-point lead" over Carl McCall (D) with Tom Golisano (I) "running 30 points behind the two-term Republican," according to a new Marist College poll, the New York Daily News reports. The Christian Science Monitor and New York Times have articles exploring Pataki's transformation from a conservative to a liberal.

An interesting side note: The New York Post reports that a new McCall TV ad featuring Bill Clinton is "believed to be the first time" Clinton "has appeared in an ad for a political candidate since leaving office."

Update: USA Today writes: "A big win would put Pataki on the short list of possible 2004 running mates for President Bush if Vice President Cheney decides not to seek a second term." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Markets Favor Democratic Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 10:11:10 AM ----BODY: The Iowa Electronic Markets, an interesting alternative to traditional polls, shows GOP chances of taking control of the Senate plummeting in recent days. As of 10 a.m. (see current quotes), the political futures indicate a 43 percent chance House and Senate control remains unchanged, a 28 percent chance Democrats take control of both houses, and a 25 percent chance Republicans take control of both. For more on these markets, read the prospectus , analysis from J.B. Armstrong and this recent Wired article. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Mondale Leads Coleman In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 09:16:28 AM ----BODY: Former Vice President Walter Mondale (D) leads Norm Coleman (R) by 47 to 39 percent in the Minnesota Senate race, "close to where the race stood two weeks ago when" Sen. Paul Wellstone "led Coleman 47 to 41 percent," according to a new Minnesota Poll. Mondale is expected to become the Democratic nominee tonight "when the DFL Central Committee meets in Minneapolis to choose Wellstone's replacement." The Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that when Mondale appeared at Wellstone's memorial service, "the response was explosive" but he "was tucked away in a corner of the building" and "wasn't greeting crowds."

President Bush "plans to visit Minnesota on Sunday, signaling that the White House views" Mondale "as beatable," the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Campaign advertising also resumed this morning. Meanwhile, Howard Kurtz notes "both sides are fighting furiously to win Wellstone's seat, which could determine who controls the Senate, without appearing to denigrate the late Democrat's memory." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mondale ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The 50-50 America STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 09:15:56 AM ----BODY: "In a country more evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans than at any time in over a century, an amazing thing may happen on Election Day: The balance could get even closer," the Washington Post reports. "Two years after one of the tightest presidential and congressional elections in history, neither party appears likely to open up a clear majority. What does look possible is that Democrats could elect enough governors to wipe out the Republican advantage at that level." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Begins Media Tour STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 09:03:10 AM ----BODY: Al Gore's "long and grueling comeback will reach new heights next month, when he and his co-author, Tipper Gore, hit the campaign trail for their book, Joined at the Heart, an anecdote-laden examination of the American family -- including their own," the Washington Post reports. The book tour is described as "one of the most elaborate in recent publishing industry memory." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Last Call For Soft Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 08:30:59 AM ----BODY: "The Republican and Democratic parties are on a pace to raise a record amount of the loosely regulated cash this year, before it is banned Nov. 6 by a new campaign-finance law," USA Today reports. Meanwhile, the N ew York Times says DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe "is the banker of last resort for struggling candidates around the country, and his phone never stops ringing." The Hill notes most of the money is going to Senate, and not House, races. However, U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers has a letter from DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias saying Democrats are out of money.

In related fundraising news, CNN says Al Gore "is distributing about $200,000 to political groups in four key states, a largess filled with political overtones for 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: soft money ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard Keeps Small Lead In Tracking Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 08:28:58 AM ----BODY: The Rocky Mountain News tracking poll shows Sen. Wayne Allard slightly ahead of Tom Strickland (D), 43 to 39 percent. A Denver Post tracking poll has Allard leading 41 to 39 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Allard Strickland ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Ehrlich Now Leads Townsend STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 08:25:07 AM ----BODY: Robert Ehrlich (R) "holds a 4-percentage point lead" over Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) "with one week to go in Maryland's race for governor," the Maryland Poll shows. "The results show a 6-point shift in support since the last Maryland Poll a month ago, when Townsend led by 2 percentage points. Ehrlich's lead just exceeds the poll's margin of error, which is 3.4 percentage points." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Kennedy Townsend Ehrlich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Another Poll Shows Gubernatorial Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 08:22:11 AM ----BODY: A new Wisconsin Poll "provides more supporting evidence that the race for governor in Wisconsin is neck and neck, heading into Tuesday's election." The new poll has Jim Doyle (D) ahead of Gov. Scott McCallum (R) by 38 to 36 percent, with 11 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: McCallum Doyle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Penny Loses Support In Governor's Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/30/2002 08:18:49 AM ----BODY: There is "significant movement" in the Minnesota governor's race, "but not necessarily because of the upheaval in the Senate race. Most of the movement is erosion in support for the Independence Party's Tim Penny," a new Minnesota Poll shows. Penny is now supported by 19 percent and "has fallen out of what was essentially a three-way tie and trails Republican Tim Pawlenty, who has 33 percent, and DFLer Roger Moe, who has 29 percent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Penny Moe Pawlenty ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wyoming, Governor's Race Too Close To Call STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 09:11:47 PM ----BODY: The Wyoming gubernatorial race "is too close to call, especially given the large number of voters that say they are still undecided," according to a Wyoming Tribune-Eagle poll. Eli Bebout (R) leads Dave Freudenthal (D) 44 to 36 percent with 20 percent still undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Freudenthal Bebout ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Ryan Narrows Blogojevich's Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 05:10:31 PM ----BODY: Jim Ryan (R) "has whittled away" at Rod Blagojevich's (D) "once comfortable lead in the race for Illinois governor," a new Tribune/WGN-Ch. 9 poll shows, "but with just a week to go before Election Day the GOP contender's comeback momentum could be cut short by the calendar." Blagojevich still leads 47 to 37 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich Ryan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Poll Shows Senate Race Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 05:06:32 PM ----BODY: "A new KXAS-TV poll shows that, with a little over a week before Election Day, Ron Kirk (D) and John Cornyn (R) are in a dead heat in the U.S. Senate race." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cornyn Kirk ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Wellstone Family Tells Cheney To Stay Away STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 02:33:44 PM ----BODY: "Many senators, former President Clinton and former Vice President Gore will attend the memorial service for Sen. Paul Wellstone Tuesday evening. But Wellstone's sons reportedly disinvited Vice President Dick Cheney, who planned to represent the Bush administration at the event," WCCOTV reports. "According to a broadcast report, the family was upset with campaign activities by state and national Republicans on Monday." The St . Paul Pioneer Press says "Cheney had planned to attend, but now would not." A White House spokesman said "he didn't want to get into private conversations." The memorial service will be broadcast on C-SPAN at 7:30 pm ET. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wellstone memorial ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Lead In Generic Congressional Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 11:24:04 AM ----BODY: James Carville, Robert Shrum and Stanley Greenberg have released their final strategy memo. "With about 10 days left before Election Day, the Democrats have a 3-point advantage in the generic congressional race. Many more voters think the country is headed in the wrong direction (by a margin of 10 points) and have lost confidence in the economy.That creates a desire for change and for attention to domestic issues." The Note observes "when Dick Morris agrees with James Carville, well, there just might be something to their shared thesis." In related news, R euters says the consumer confidence level has dropped to its lowest level in nine years. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Predictions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 10:22:55 AM ----BODY: With one week to go before the election, many readers are sending in their own election forecasts or commenting on those by Larry Sabato, Charlie Cook and Ron Faucheux. Most notably, Peter Orvetti has allowed us to post his predictions for next week, noting "As has happened in the past, I was surprised when I did a race-by-race breakdown." J.B. Armstrong has equally comprehensive analysis. Sam Toles and Daniel Feingold-Sachs are also predicting key races.

Update: The Hotline's review of recent polling shows 11 Senate races now within the margins of error. "And if the poll numbers were taken at face value, then the makeup of the Senate would now stand at 46R, 49D, 1I, with four races tied or showing divergent results (CO, NH, SD and TX)." Also, predict the results of key races yourself with EVote's Iron Pundit. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: election forecasts ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Morris: Bush Is In Free Fall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 10:10:10 AM ----BODY: Dick Morris is forecasting a rough midterm election for Republicans: "Just when control of Congress hangs in the balance, President Bush is losing the popularity he so desperately needs to gain control of the Senate and keep power in the House... The last time a mid-term election resulted in a partisan rout, in 1994, the auger of Democratic disaster was a drop in Clinton's job approval in the period immediately before the balloting." Update: The AP notes "Republicans entered the last week before elections buoyed by a GOP leader with the highest job approval ratings in half a century for a president entering his first midterm elections, according to a new poll." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Mondale Attacks Backfire Already STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 10:05:56 AM ----BODY: "Leading the charge against likely Minnesota senatorial candidate Walter Mondale, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich accused Mondale of supporting Social Security privatization and raising the retirement eligibility age, but it appears the allegations are false," the Washington Post reports. Josh Marshall has more details.

Meanwhile, on the age issue, the GOP's other early line of attack on Mondale, the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes if elected, "Mondale won't be the oldest member of the Senate. Eight current senators are older than he is." However, the Kansas City Star notes Mondale "last ran for the Senate in 1970, meaning no Minnesotan younger than 53 ever voted to elect him senator."

The Washington Times notes that the first poll of a MondaleColeman matchup, conducted by the GOP, shows Mondale with a slight lead. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mondale ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Governor's Race Remains Close STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 10:03:48 AM ----BODY: "The fatal plane crash that upended one of the nation's tightest and most aggressive contests for the United States Senate has also frozen the remarkable race to replace Gov. Jesse Ventura, the professional wrestler who was elected four years ago after an iconoclastic run against the political system," the N ew York Times reports. "The battle for the Statehouse remains neckand-neck-and-neck, a sign that the third-party movement here has matured to phenomenon from fluke." Jules Witcover says Jesse Ventura's legacy rests with Tim Penny's campaign. Meanwhile, the St. Paul Pioneer Press notes that when the governor's race resumes Wednesday, "voters will see a more subdued, less sharp-edged campaign than the candidates had waged just days ago." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ventura Moe Pawlenty Penny ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Vermont, Racine Leads In Gubernatorial Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 09:27:57 AM ----BODY: Douglas Racine (D) "holds a slight lead" in the race for Vermont governor, "but it appears the Legislature, not the voters, will decide who takes the office next year," the Rutland Herald reports. "The Vermont Constitution requires candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and treasurer to win more than 50 percent of the vote to be declared the winner. If none are able to crack that threshold, the contest moves to the Legislature, to be decided by secret ballot vote of a joint session of the House and Senate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Racine Douglas ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Pushes Into Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 09:24:23 AM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "has notched a slim lead" over Mitt Romney (R) "as they storm into tonight's final debate a week from Election Day," a new Boston Herald poll shows. O'Brien leads Romney 44 to 38 percent, narrowly outside the poll's margin of error. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: O'Brien Romney ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards May Lose Key Aide STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 09:13:25 AM ----BODY: "There are growing rumblings in and around U.S. Sen. John Edwards' political operations that a key aide, Steve Jarding, might part ways with the senator after the Nov. 5 elections," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "Though the situation remains fluid, several people close to the situation say Jarding is unlikely to lead the North Carolina Democrat's presidential effort next year." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bloomberg Is Richest Politician STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:54:44 AM ----BODY: Forbes magazine, "in celebrating the increasing success of capitalists in the political fold," compiled a list of America's richest politicians and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) tops the list. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: richest politicians ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Poised To Reshape State House Politics STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:48:40 AM ----BODY: "Out of power for years or in some states decades, Democrats are poised to win election as governors of some of the most important states in the country," USA Today reports. "The shift puts a new generation of Democrats in the spotlight and could end a remarkable period of Republican rule that reshaped national politics." The Washington Times says "Republicans are braced for a net loss in governorships on Nov. 5, but have hopes of winning the Hawaii gubernatorial race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: governorships ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Hutchinson Catching Up STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:47:13 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) "has trailed Democrat Mark Pryor in polls and fundraising," but "there are signs that momentum has shifted in recent weeks, and Hutchinson may be pulling even," USA Today reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Voters Still Favor Davis STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:42:22 AM ----BODY: Gov. Gray Davis (D) "is clinging to a steady lead" over Bill Simon (R), "but widespread discontent with the incumbent has kept him from pulling away in the governor's race," according to a new Los Angeles Times poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gray Davis Simon ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Has Commanding Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:40:05 AM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) leads Mike Fisher (R) 54 to 35 percent among likely voters in the race for Pennsylvania governor, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rendell Fisher ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Doyle Lead Evaporates In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:34:00 AM ----BODY: The race between Gov. Scott McCallum (R) and Jim Doyle (D) "has tightened up considerably," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Doyle now leads by two percentage points. "The new Universit y of Wisconsin-Milwaukee poll is the first of four statewide surveys measuring voter preferences in the governor's race expected to be released this week." Update: A Wisconsin Public Radio poll shows Doyle ahead by eight points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: McCallum Doyle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard Now Leads Strickland STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:21:40 AM ----BODY: A Denver Post tracking poll shows Sen. Wayne Allard (R) widening his lead over Tom Strickland (D) 44 to 36 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Allard Strickland ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Shaheen Takes Lead In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:18:31 AM ----BODY: A new Becke r Institute poll shows Jeanne Shaheen (D) leading John Sununu (R) 48 to 42 percent in New Hampshire's Senate race. Meanwhile, the N ew York Times says the race will be decided by the state's growing independent vote. "So although this race may determine which party controls the Senate, the candidates have made a point of courting independent voters by emphasizing their differences with their parties." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen Sununu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Make Southern Inroads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:13:43 AM ----BODY: "The GOP's Southern power base is even more important to the party's effort to protect its one-vote Senate majority after Sen. Wellstone's death last week, but Democrats have gained a fresh foothold in this fall's races," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Of the dozen or so competitive Senate races, six are in Southern or border states." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Uncertainty Is This Year's Election Theme STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/29/2002 08:04:28 AM ----BODY: "One week before the midterm elections, American voters are distracted, anxious and unsure, driven to vote -- or not -- by a laundry list of issues without an overriding theme. And neither Republicans nor Democrats appear to be favored," the Washington Post reports. The Washington Times says "Voters are as deeply divided about the state of the economy as they are about which party is better equipped to improve it, and no single campaign issue dominates next week's election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: midterm elections ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Battle For The House Is Now Dead-Even STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 03:23:13 PM ----BODY: "Democrats, who had built a small but statistically significant lead among likely voters in August, and then saw it disappear, are dead-even with Republicans in the most recent Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report Poll." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Governor's Race In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 12:39:15 PM ----BODY: The latest KITV4 News/Star-Bulletin Poll shows Mazie Hirono and Linda Lingle in a dead heat in the Hawaii governor's race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hirono Lingle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Democrats Settle On Mondale STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 12:00:59 PM ----BODY: "The draft-Walter-F.-Mondale movement continued to gather momentum Sunday, fueled by forceful endorsements from" Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD), "state party leaders and grass-roots activists," the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says "DFL leaders announced they would wait until Wednesday to choose a replacement for the Nov. 5 ballot, and Republicans prepared to campaign in a radically changed environment." The New York Times says Norm Coleman (R) "must somehow re-engineer a campaign without offending grieving voters." For now, the Washington Post notes that Coleman is leaving attacks on Mondale to other Republicans. USA Today notes "If he ran and won, Mondale would be the first vice president to return to the Senate since Minnesota Democrat Hubert Humphrey did so in 1970."

Larry Sabato says "this is likely to be Missouri 2000 all over again" where some pundits immediately declared John Ashcroft elected, "not understanding the intense wave of sympathy that would engulf the Show Me state." Sabato believes "it is unlikely that mourning Minnesotans will reward Wellstone's erstwhile opponent with the Democrat's Senate seat. It is not Coleman's fault, but life is not fair and politics is the least fair part of life." The Note says "Tomorrow night's certain-to-be-packed memorial service will create a lot of political energy in Minnesota, to Democrats' benefit."

Meanwhile, the tributes for Wellstone keep coming. Fred Barnes writes in the Wall Street Journal that many conservatives admired Wellstone because he was an "honest liberal." He also notes that Wellstone styled his own book, The Conscience of a Liberal, after Barry Goldwater's The Conscience of a Conservative. "What he admired about Goldwater, he wrote, was his political integrity."

Update: The Hotline says that "Wellstone's sons will appear in an ad telling voter to honor their father by voting on Election Day. The ads would be taped this week and financed by the Wellstone campaign cmte. What has yet to be decided is whether Mondale will be mentioned or appear in the ads." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mondale Wellstone ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Battle For Control Of Congress Tightens STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 11:48:49 AM ----BODY: "The battle for control of Congress has grown tighter," the Washington Times reports. "More Senate races have moved into a dead heat, though Republicans are likely to hold on to the House." USA Today notes that "the Republican surge in the mountain states helped the party take control of both houses of Congress in 1994" and "the region is a key player in the party's hopes" of "taking back the Senate from the Democrats." An AP survey confirms the GOP has the upper hand in close House races. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Officials Bracing For Voting Problems STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 09:45:35 AM ----BODY: "Two years after the election fiasco in Florida, when hanging chads in the deadlocked presidential contest alerted the world to major flaws in how Americans vote, the states have made little progress in overhauling their election systems," the N ew York Times reports. Meanwhile, Stateline notes that "under election reform legislation recently passed by Congress and currently sitting on President Bush's desk, the responsibility for administering elections will shift to a large extent to state governments." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: voting problems ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, GOP "Giving Up" On McCallum STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 09:18:33 AM ----BODY: "With the election less than two weeks away, key Republican strategists and party activists have given up on" Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum's campaign, the Madison Capital Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: McCallum Doyle ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Governor's Race A Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 09:13:56 AM ----BODY: A new Washington Post poll puts Bob Ehrlich (R) and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) "in a dead heat -- each getting 47 percent of the vote. The results make the governor's race one of the tightest in the nation." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Kennedy Townsend Ehrlich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Stops McBride's Momentum STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:55:43 AM ----BODY: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "has stopped" Bill McBride's (D) momentum "and slightly broadened his lead over his challenger nine days prior to the Nov. 5 election, a new Miami Herald poll shows. Bush now leads McBride 51 to 43 percent, up slightly from a 50 to 44 advantage four weeks ago. A South Florida Sun-Sentinel poll shows similar results with Bush leading 49 to 43 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Senate Race Goes Down To The Wire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:52:42 AM ----BODY: The New Hampshire Senate campaigns of Jeanne Shaheen (D) and John Sununu (R) both "cited tracking polls showing their candidate leading by a whisker," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen Sununu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Settles In As Front-Runner STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:45:45 AM ----BODY: With one week to go before New Jersey's Senate election Doug Forrester (R) was "piling on more and more campaigning" while Frank Lautenberg (D) "followed the leisurely pace of a front-runner," the New York Times reports. A New York Times/CBS News poll has Lautenberg up 48 to 36 percent among likely voters. Meanwhile, another New York Times piece notes that Lautenberg "is happily leaving retirement behind." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg Forrester ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Clement Cuts Alexander's Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:41:59 AM ----BODY: In Tennessee's Senate race, Bob Clement (D) "has nearly cut in half the lead Republican Lamar Alexander had last month," the Tennessean reports. But the Memphis Commercial Appeal notes Clement "so far is failing to pick up the usual Democratic support from minority and female voters." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Clement Alexander ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Hutchinson Plays Defense STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:40:13 AM ----BODY: In Arkansas, even Sen. Tim Hutchinson's (R) old congressional district "is fair game these days, and Republicans are clearly worried that Hutchinson is in serious trouble as he battles Attorney General Mark Pryor (D)," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Senate Race Still Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:38:31 AM ----BODY: In Colorado, Tom Strickland (D) "maintains a tissue-thin 1 percentage point advantage over" Sen. Wayne Allard (R) "in the latest Rocky Mountain News/News4 tracking poll." But a Denver Post tracking poll shows Allard leading 42 to 37 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Strickland Allard ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kansas, Sebelius Keeps Big Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:04:08 AM ----BODY: Moving into the final stretch of the Kansas governor's race, Kathleen Sebelius (D) "held a 19-point lead" over Tim Shallenburger (R) in a recent poll, the Salina Journal reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sebelius Shallenburger ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Vermont, Governor's Race Tightens STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/28/2002 08:01:28 AM ----BODY: A new Channel 3 poll shows the race for Vermont Governor "has tightened a bit... but Democrat Doug Racine is still leading." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Racine Douglas ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Mondale Likely To Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/26/2002 10:22:47 PM ----BODY: "Associates of Walter F. Mondale said the former vice president was likely to agree to a call among Democrats to run for the Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator Paul Wellstone," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post says "With control of the Senate possibly at stake, a family source said Wellstone's two surviving sons will soon make it clear that they hope Mondale will succeed their father." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wellstone Mondale ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Wellstone Dies In Plane Crash STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 11:30:17 PM ----BODY: Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) has died in a plane crash, CNN reports. Josh Marshall writes a wonderful tribute saying he was "irreplaceable." Peggy Noonan says Wellstone died "in the middle of a great battle in the heart of the great democracy." A former student also remembers Wellstone. Time recaps his career.

On the political ramifications, Wellstone's death throws the battle for control of the Senate up in the air. CNN notes that under Minnesota law, "if a nominee in a Senate race dies during a campaign, his or her political party can select a replacement candidate no later than four days before the general election." As for the rest of Wellstone's current term, CBS News says "governors traditionally choose who fills vacancies when a senator dies, and they usually choose members of their own party" but Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura "is an independent who has made his career by scorning the two major political parties." Ventura said he would not appoint himself to the seat. N.Z. Bear wonders "Is it possible that this has-been wrestler turned has-been 'independent' governor now gets to decide all by himself which party will fill a hotly contested Senate seat for the next few years?" Congressional Quarterly has an audio update on the political implications. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Paul Wellstone ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Political Wire Feature STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 11:00:37 PM ----- BODY: Political Wire's Blog Scan is turning out to be quite popular. If you run a political weblog capable of sending Trackback pings, please email me for possible inclusion. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Praises McBride In Ad STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 10:47:45 AM ----BODY: Gov. Jeb Bush's (R) praise for his challenger in the Florida governor's race, Bill McBride (D), was "videotaped for an awards ceremony at McBride's former law firm in 1999" and "begins airing today statewide" in a McBride TV ad, the Orlando Sentinel reports. "The Democrat's tactic -- using the kind words of his opponent in a campaign-closing commercial -- has no precedent in modern statewide campaigns." The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel says McBride's media adviser "has held this 1999 videotape of Bush praising McBride as a 'secret weapon,' waiting for Bush to air televised assaults on his Democratic rival." Update: Bush responds and points to a St. Petersburg Times article in which McBride is quoted praising Bush. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Campaigns Now Focused On Domestic Issues STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 10:30:11 AM ----BODY: White House officials says "they have become concerned that domestic issues are helping Democrats suddenly gain traction in a string of critical Senate races, and Bush is counterpunching by recalibrating his stump speech to emphasize jobs, prescription drugs and education," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: domestic issues campaign ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Fear Makes Election Unpredictable STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 09:59:31 AM ----BODY: The Hartford Courant's David Lightman analyzes past midterm elections and (again) uncovers the only real "potential lesson" for 2002: "When people are scared, their political behavior can defy what's expected." Lightman notes that in the first election after the Pearl Harbor attack, voters "took out their frustration on the party in the White House." Initally, Democrats "were unworried in 1942 when they saw similar anxiety.... After the election, Democrats were in shock. What had shaped up as a dull election turned into a haymaker out of nowhere." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Posthumus Closes Gap With Granholm STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 09:44:58 AM ----BODY: Dick Posthumus (R) "has trimmed" Jennifer Granholm's (D) lead in the Michigan governor's race "from 12 points to eight in the past week, building on his advantage among pro-life voters and cutting into her margin among union households and working women," a Detroit News poll indicates. Meanwhile, another Detroit News piece says rock star Ted Nugent said "he will run for Michigan governor in 2006" if Granholm wins. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm Posthumus ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The One Week Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 09:34:41 AM ----BODY: Larry Sabato says there are two political consequences to the capture of the Washington sniper: "First, the real campaign will be incredibly concentrated -- one week in length -- and will begin after the Sunday news cycles drain the remaining adrenaline from the sniper story. Second, Democrats may finally have their break. They can use the week to focus on their issues and perhaps even get the voters and the media to pay attention. The late wave may be merely a large ripple, but when margins are so close even a ripple can make all the difference." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Senate Race Remains Tight STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 09:29:01 AM ----BODY: Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO "is polling a statistically insignificant 4 percentage points ahead" of Tom Strickland (D), the Denver Post reports. The Rocky Mountain News says President Bush will be back in Colorado next week to "boost" Allard's campaign. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Allard Stickland ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Former Clinton Aide Backs Edwards STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 08:43:35 AM ----BODY: Jonathan Prince, "a well-connected former aide" to former President Bill Clinton, "is playing an increasingly visible role in the fledgling presidential effort of" Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) the Raleigh News and Observer reports. Prince "was among a half-dozen aides and advisers who tagged along with Edwards on his trip last weekend to New Hampshire." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sen John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Parties Put Lawyers On Call For Postelection Action STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 08:37:51 AM ----BODY: "With control of Congress hinging on a few tight races Nov. 5, both parties fear reliving the 2000 Florida fiasco -- with the result unresolved pending local recounts, or a December runoff in Louisiana should Democratic Sen. Landrieu fall short of 50 percent," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. "Each side taps lawyers to be on standby in potential hot spots and assembles recount teams here. House GOP strategists' 'bags will be packed' election night, says one. Democratic operatives hold conference calls with local campaigns to be prepared." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: vote recounts ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Many Campaign Ads Stretch The Truth STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 08:28:53 AM ----BODY: Howard Kurtz reviews some of "the charges being hurled in 30-second attack ads as the campaigns for Congress and the statehouses enter the home stretch." He notes that candidates "have been accused of letting killers go free, destroying the Brazilian rain forest, unleashing dioxin, laying off workers, scaring seniors, allowing assault weapons, not hunting enough, using a barnyard epithet and being weird enough for The X-Files." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: campaign ads ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Softens Campaign Speech STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 08:24:28 AM ----BODY: Faced with criticism that he exaggerates on the campaign trail, the N ew York Times notes that "President Bush's standard campaign speech had been fine-tuned, apparently to tone down criticism that he has occasionally stretched his facts in his enthusiasm to press his case." For example, he "no longer blamed the Senate's quirkiness for the expiration of the tax cut in 2010 -- it was a decision the administration acceded to as well." Meanwhile, the Charl otte Observer notes President Bush "turned cheerleader-in-chief, sweeping into the Carolinas for high-profile pep rallies for Elizabeth Dole, Lindsey Graham and other Republican candidates." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush campaigning ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Bush Dump His Economic Team? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/25/2002 08:16:32 AM ----BODY: The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire says a "postelection shake-up" of President Bush's economic team "is the buzz in GOP. Talk persists that Treasury Secretary O'Neill or White House economic adviser Lindsey will leave." Business Week says that "chances are good that before too long, the President is going to reshape this braintrust" and offers "a few unsolicited suggestions." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush economic team ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Masachusetts, Romney Pulls Even With O'Brien STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 02:42:55 PM ----BODY: Mitt Romney (R) "has rallied from a 12 percent deficit to pull even" with Shannon O’Brien (D), according to a new 7NEWS-Suffolk University poll, which shows Romney at 37.2 percent versus O’Brien’s 36.7 percent, a statistical dead heat. Complete poll results are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Romney O'Brien ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Ryan Closes Gap With Blagojevich STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 02:36:37 PM ----BODY: A new poll shows Jim Ryan (R) "may be closing the gap in his bid to become Illinois' next governor," the Bloomin gton Pantagraph reports. Ryan is now "just 6 percentage points behind" Rod Blagojevich (D). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich Ryan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Governor's Race Is A Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 11:28:09 AM ----BODY: "The Arkansas governor's race is a statistical tie with only two points separating the candidates," according to the Arkansas News. Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) leads challenger Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) 46 percent to 44 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Fisher Huckabee ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Puts Appointees On Campaign Trail STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 10:10:10 AM ----BODY: "More than 330 administration appointees, some of whom were told by White House officials that they needed to show their Republican credentials, have taken vacation time and are being flown by the party to House and Senate campaigns in states where control of Congress will be decided," the Washington Post reports. "Scholars called Bush's partisan use of the government unprecedented for a midterm election, and said the aggressiveness and thoroughness of his politicking approached that of a presidential reelection campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush campaigning ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Redford May Make Sequel To "The Candidate" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 09:27:52 AM ----BODY: Robert Redford and screenwriter Larry Gelbart "are collaborating on a continuation of The Candidate for Warner Bros," Variety reports. The story will feature Redford as the same character years later. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Robert Redford ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Smith Continues To Hold Grudge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 09:15:00 AM ----BODY: Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH) "has rebuffed several appeals" from Karl Rove "to bury the hatchet with the man who ousted him in the primary," Rep. John Sununu (R), "undercutting Republican claims of solidarity in the Granite State and potentially hurting the party's chances to retain his seat," Roll Call reports. Update: A new American Research Group poll shows the Senate race between Sununu and Jeanne Shaheen (D) is now too close to call (48% Sununu to 46% Shaheen) as the attacks on Sununu are working among undeclared voters." Jules Witcover says the race is "a toss-up going down to the wire." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: sununu shaheen ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, GOP Looks To Runoff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 08:52:00 AM ----BODY: New polls showing Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "with less than 50 percent support are giving Republicans reason to hope for a runoff," the Washington Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kinder And Gentler Negative Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 08:48:02 AM ----BODY: "Media consultants say they have gotten shrewder about how to make the negative commercials seem less overt, while ensuring that they are as tough as always," the Ne w York Times reports. Meanwhile, the AP says campaign advertising is "significantly more negative this fall as the Sept. 11 anniversary passed and the election grew nearer." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: negative advertising ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Voters Still Split Between Parties STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 08:28:39 AM ----BODY: "Republicans and Democrats are tied in voter sentiment as the midterm races enter the homestretch, a Wall Street Journal/NBC poll found. Democrats are favored on economic issues but not on security... The two sides stuck in almost perfect balance entering the home stretch of the 2002 campaign. Republicans and Democrats each draw 39 percent when voters are asked which party they'll support for the House." The good news for Democrats comes from a new USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll: "Democrats are being boosted by what voters see as a weak economy and inadequate attention to the issue by President Bush." Meanwhile, Steve Chapman notes "Democrats and Republicans are both hoping for control of the Senate, which the Democrats now dominate. Normally, one party is doomed to disappointment. But this year, both could get their wish." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McAuliffe Says Jeb Bush Is Democrats Top Target STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 08:25:04 AM ----BODY: DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe "said that his No. 1 goal in the Nov. 5 elections was to defeat Gov. Jeb Bush in Florida," the N ew York Times reports. Meanwhile, the Palm Beach Post notes that the Florida GOP's edge in absentee ballots may be crucial for Bush. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Democrats Write Off McCall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/24/2002 08:22:08 AM ----BODY: "Terry McAuliffe said the Democratic Party would not channel large sums of money to H. Carl McCall unless he shows gains in his New York gubernatorial campaign," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: McCall Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Golisano Surging With McCall Out Of Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 09:56:15 PM ----BODY: The New Republic looks at Tom Golisano's gubernatorial campaign in New York: "A recent Golisano internal poll shows the Rochester payroll magnate and Independence Party nominee taking 24 percent of the vote, behind 26 percent for State Comptroller/Democratic nominee Carl McCall, and 39 percent for Republican incumbent George Pataki.... Then today's New York Times brings word that McCall is pretty much out of money, meaning his campaign will essentially go dark for the campaign's final two weeks while Golisano drops over a million dollars a day on ads-as those billionaire candidates are wont to do." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Golisano ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Keeps Lead Over Fisher STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 09:21:47 PM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) has kept a big lead over Mike Fisher (R) -- now 55 to 37 percent -- in the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race, according to a new Surve y USA poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rendell Fisher ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oregon, Smith Keeps Huge Lead Over Bradbury STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 09:18:54 PM ----BODY: Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) "continues to maintain a powerful lead" over Bill Bradbury (D), according to a new KGW poll of likely Oregon voters. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Smith Bradbury ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Enjoys Big Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 05:10:05 PM ----BODY: Jennifer Granholm (D) "continues to hold a healthy lead" over Dick Posthumus (R) in the Michigan governor's race, "getting 51 percent to his 37 percent in the latest poll by EPIC/MRA," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Landrieu Way Out In Front STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 02:43:55 PM ----BODY: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) "is out front in her bid for re-election," according to a Mason-Dixon poll. But while "she still could score a primary victory Nov. 5, she certainly has a good chance of finding herself in a heated runoff. The question now is against which Republican challenger." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Ohio, Taft Maintains Solid Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 02:37:43 PM ----BODY: Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R) "has preserved a double-digit lead over" Tim Hagan (D) "with less than two weeks left in the 2002 campaign," the Ohio Poll reported Wednesday. Taft leads 54 to 38 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Taft Hagan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Has Trouble In Debate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 11:59:34 AM ----BODY: In a debate with Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) Tuesday night, "a flurry of questions from the debate's relentless moderator, NBC's Tim Russert, flummoxed" Bill McBride (D) "and laid bare an agenda lacking in specifics," the Miami Herald reports. The Washington Post's Early Returns takes the same view. Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel notes Bush visited his daughter Noelle in jail.

Update: Several readers say the Miami Herald gets it wrong. For other coverage of the debate, look at the St. Petersburg Times, Florida Times Union or Tampa Tribune. Or read excerpts yourself. Meanwhile, Matt Towery notes that the latest Insider Advantage tracking poll -- which has surveyed Florida voters every day since Oct. 2 -- has shown an ever-dwindling lead for Bush, the survey's latest weekly 'horse race' numbers show an unexpected development: Democrat Bill McBride now leads." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Sniper Could Affect Voter Turnout STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 11:55:00 AM ----BODY: "With the Washington area sniper apparently striking again yesterday, just two weeks before the Nov. 5 election, Maryland election officials and candidates in hotly contested campaigns for governor and Congress were laying plans to make polling places safer and to make sure anxious residents show up to vote," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: sniper ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Pledges To Be Business Candidate In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 11:50:46 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) "who said he is considering a run for the White House in 2004, attacked President Bush's management of the economy... while portraying himself as a Democrat who will be kind to business," the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: joseph lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Hutchinson Cuts Pryor Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 11:44:14 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) "has closed the gap from 10 points to five in his re-election bid against challenger Mark Pryor (D)," a new Arkansas News poll shows. Pryor leads Hutchinson 48 percent to 43 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Will Campaign For Two Straight Weeks STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 09:05:02 AM ----BODY: "The White House has dispatched President Bush to campaign almost nonstop between now and Election Day, as officials seek to turn his popularity into Republican victories," the N ew York Times reports. "In an unusual setting of expectations, senior White House officials said that the Republican Party was in a position to defy historic trends and increase the party's margin in the House." However, Dick Morris says "Bush seems about to make another major mistake in leaving the White House situation room to campaign coast to coast for his favored candidates. Just as Bill Clinton squandered the presidential image he had lately acquired in the Middle East in October 1994 by campaigning for his party, so Bush risks hurting his party by leaving the White House." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: President Bush campaigning ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Domestic Issues More Important Than War, Survey Says STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 09:03:32 AM ----BODY: "Economic issues matter most in the closest races that will determine which political party wins majorities in the House and Senate on Nov. 5, according to both Republican and Democratic candidates. Terrorism and the prospect of war with Iraq, they say, are not as important," USA Today reports. The Hill says "the 2002 congressional elections are shaping up as the most volatile, unpredictable and expensive in recent memory." Walter Shapiro notes the election "could come down to the old football strategy of 'three yards and a cloud of dust.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Soft Money Isn't Dead Yet STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 08:58:55 AM ----BODY: "Both major political parties and their closest allies are racing against a Nov. 5 deadline to set up organizations able to raise unlimited amounts of soft money," The Hill reports. "The drive to set up alternative mechanisms to collect these unregulated funds is aimed at helping federal candidates in 2004 and beyond -- when lawmakers themselves will be barred under the recently enacted campaign finance law from soliciting such unrestricted donations directly." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: soft money ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Doyle Maintains Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 08:53:40 AM ----BODY: The horse race for Wisconsin governor "hasn't changed much despite last week's barrage of criminal charges against top lawmakers," the latest We the People/Wisconsin poll suggests. Jim Doyle (D) leads Gov. Scott McCallum (R) by 8 percentage points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Doyle McCallum ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Forrester Plays Age Card STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 08:40:30 AM ----BODY: Doug Forrester's (R) Senate campaign "broached a subject today that the Republicans have been toying with since former Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, 78, joined the race three weeks ago: Mr. Lautenberg's age and mental agility," the New York Times reports. Meanwhile, the Washington Post notes that Sen. Robert Torricelli (DNJ) "has not said how much of his $5.1 million in campaign funds he will give" to Lautenberg. "But Democratic Party insiders say that Torricelli, who dropped out on Sept. 30 after an ethics scandal, will leave little for his replacement in the race after he pays legal bills and sets up a political action committee." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg Forrester ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Montana, Taylor Resumes Senate Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/23/2002 08:37:40 AM ----BODY: "Ten days after withdrawing from the U.S. Senate campaign, Republican Mike Taylor declared himself back into the race Tuesday, saying he wants to join a crusade 'to save democracy from the smear campaigns,'" the Billings Gazette reports. Congressional Quarterly notes Taylor trailed Sen. Max Baucus (D) "heavily in polls and fundraising throughout the campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mike Taylor Senate ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend And Ehrlich In Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 10:08:51 PM ----BODY: "A new poll from Gonzales-Arscott research puts the two main candidates for governor in a statistical dead heat," WBAL-TV reports. "According to the poll, 46 percent of likely voters said they'd vote for Rep. Congressman Bob Ehrlich while 45 percent said they'd vote for Dem. Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Kennedy Townsend Ehrlich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Widens Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 10:13:04 AM ----BODY: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) "has opened a 52 to 43 percent lead" over Douglas Forrester (R) "among likely voters in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race," according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. Update: A new NBC 10 poll gives Lautenberg a 10 point lead. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg Forrester ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride's Momentum Stalls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 06:49:01 AM ----BODY: "Two debates and the exposure of some impolitic comments" by Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "have failed to give" Bill McBride (D) "a noticeable bump" in the Florida governor's race, a new Tampa Tribune poll reports. Bush is leading McBride by 49 percent to 44 percent, with 6 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Another Election Cliffhanger Possible STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 06:44:31 AM ----BODY: "Two years after a vote-counting dispute delayed the outcome of the presidential election, this year's battle for control of Congress is so close that it, too, could run deep into overtime," the Los Angeles Times reports. "Several scenarios could lead to postelection day suspense in the House and Senate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush "Enhances The Facts" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 12:25:59 AM ----BODY: "On the campaign trail and in the Iraq debate, President Bush has stretched the truth several times," the Washington Post's Dana Millbank reports. "As Bush leads the nation toward a confrontation with Iraq and his party into battle in midterm elections, his rhetoric has taken some flights of fancy in recent weeks. Statements on subjects ranging from the economy to Iraq suggest that a president who won election underscoring Al Gore's knack for distortions and exaggerations has been guilty of a few himself." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: President Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: South Dakota In National Spotlight STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 12:19:21 AM ----BODY: Note this observation in T.R. Reid's Washington Post piece on the South Dakota Senate and House contests: "The races are so close, and so well-funded, that virtually every known voter has been identified, targeted and contacted by one or more campaigns." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Thune Johnson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Plays Dual Roles As Senator STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 12:15:42 AM ----BODY: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) "has emerged as both a ferocious Democratic partisan and a deferential junior member of the Senate," the New York Times reports. Clinton is "in a clear pursuit of a single goal: To finally establish herself as her own power in Democratic politics and American government, at a time when there is renewed evidence that she remains a polarizing force in much of the nation today." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hillary Rodham Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Latinos More Likely To Vote With Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 12:13:53 AM ----BODY: "For all the hype about President Bush's growing popularity with Latinos, the nation's most Latino region shows little sign of straying from its Democratic tradition," the Wall Street Journal reports. In fact, Republicans are facing "a stubborn reality: An energized Latino electorate could cost the GOP its slight House majority." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Latino vote ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Exit Poll System Tested STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/22/2002 12:03:36 AM ----BODY: "With two weeks to go until Election Day, Voter News Service is testing its new exit polling and vote-counting system, while its members are cautiously crafting backup plans, mindful of problems they encountered two years ago," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: exit polls ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Nickles Will Not Challenge Lott For GOP Leader STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 10:54:41 PM ----BODY: "Ending months of speculation he might run for Republican leader in the 108th Congress, Senate Minority Whip Don Nickles (R-OK) told Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) last week he would not challenge him for the post," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Nickles Lott ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Senate Race Still Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 09:42:43 PM ----BODY: A tracking poll of the Missouri Senate race by Survey USA shows the two candidates "in a dead heat" with Sen. Jean Carnahan (D) leading Jim Talent (R) at 50 to 47 percent. "Carnahan has dropped one point from our first survey a month ago, while Talent has climbed four." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carnahan Talent ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Ventura May Leave Office Early STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 09:37:37 PM ----BODY: Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) said "the thought has occurred to him" that he could install Minnesota's first female governor "by leaving office a few days early," the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. "Ventura, who is not seeking re-election, is scheduled to leave office when the new governor takes office in early January. But he said he has mused about voluntarily stepping down a few days early and making Lt. Gov. Mae Schunk the governor until the new man takes office." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Jesse Ventura ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arizona, Napolitano Widens Lead Over Salmon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 09:34:28 PM ----BODY: "Increasing support from women and older voters is giving Democrat Janet Napolitano the largest lead to date in the race to be Arizona's next governor," the Tuscon Citizen reports. "Napolitano has opened a 7 point lead among potential voters and a more telling 16 point lead among likely voters over Republican rival Matt Salmon, according to the Behavior Research Center's Rocky Mountain Poll." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Napolitano Salmon ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Ahead By Five Points STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 09:31:30 PM ----BODY: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ ) "now runs ahead" of Douglas Forrester (R) in the New Jersey Senate race by a margin of 47 to 42 percent among those most likely to vote, according to the latest Star-Ledger/EagletonRutgers Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg Forrester ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Novak: California Gubernatorial Race Tightening STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 11:05:28 AM ----BODY: Robert Novak says the California gubernatorial race may be in play: "The nightly tracking poll taken for the California Teachers Association, made available to Republicans last Friday morning, was startling. Thursday night's telephone interviews about the race for governor showed beleaguered Republican candidate Bill Simon leading Democratic Gov. Gray Davis 34.2 percent to 33.7 percent. The three-day tracking roll gave Davis a mere 2.7 percentage point lead." Update: SurveyUSA has Davis up by 11 points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Simon Davis ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, The Big Little Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 12:16:46 AM ----BODY: Time reviews the South Dakota Senate race: "Sure, it's Thune vs. Johnson, but in a race that's really a face-off between Bush and Daschle, it can get ugly." The Argus Leader gives a good overview of the dirt flying over allegations of voter registration fraud. Meanwhile, Josh Marshall has gotten Thune's campaign riled up and warns "we'll have more coming up later on the deep-seated racial component to Republican tactics" on this issue. On the offensive, Thune's campaign emails Political Wire with a website to keep tabs on the voter fraud controversy, but denies knowing its owner. (Note to readers: The site is registered to someone named Michael Melvin. Does anyone know who this is?) ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Thune Johnson ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Anxiety And Fear Cloud Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 12:14:54 AM ----BODY: "The 2002 election has the unmistakable look of an election driven by fear," the Hartfor d Courant's David Lightman writes. "It's rare to have both a shaky economy and the prospect of war on voters' minds in the same mid-term election - arguably, it hasn't happened since 1970 and maybe since 1942." Newsweek says the campaign has "taken on an apocalyptic air." Nonetheless, CNN notes that "while the campaign year has had some unexpected turns, the overall balance in congressional races hasn't changed a great deal." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Sunday Talk Shows Remain Key To White House Strategy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 12:13:50 AM ----BODY: The Sunday morning political talk shows "may bore many Americans, but they are crucial vehicles for the White House in setting the news agenda for the week," the New York Times reports. "For the networks, the programs not only keep the news machine going on a slow day but also generate handsome profits because of their low costs — and the fact that the big-name guests do not have to be paid. So the White House and the shows are in something of a joint conspiracy to fabricate news Sunday mornings, although they have different ideas of what it ought to be." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sunday talk shows ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Cleland Keeps Lead Over Chambliss STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/21/2002 12:02:29 AM ----BODY: Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) "is slightly ahead" of challenger Saxby Chambliss (R) in Georgia's U.S. Senate race, the Chatanooga Times Free Press reports. Among likely voters, Cleland leads 47 to 41 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cleland Chambliss ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Inside John McCain STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/20/2002 07:37:16 PM ----BODY: The New York Times reviews Worth The Fighting For by Sen. John McCain and discovers the book "is not just another outburst. Much of it is about his values and his heroes. He writes openly and disarmingly of his early yearning for fame. He makes clear his disappointment that he never won the glory on the battlefield that his father and grandfather, both fourstar admirals, did. He is almost embarrassingly candid about his own weaknesses. He devotes several pages to a confession that he lied when he misled the voters of South Carolina. He refused to tell them how he really felt about removing the Confederate battle flag from the state capitol -- that it ought to come down." The Denver Post runs an excerpt. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: john mccain ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Governor's Race Now Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/20/2002 07:22:33 PM ----BODY: Van Hilleary (R) "has gained enough ground" on Phil Bredesen (D) to make the race for Tennessee governor "a dead heat," according to a new Tennessee Poll. "The poll, conducted earlier this month by the University of Tennessee Social Science Institute, found Bredesen favored by 35.1 percent of registered voters surveyed vs. 34.5 percent for Hilleary and 5.6 percent for 'some other candidate.' The rest, almost 25 percent, were undecided or refused to state a preference." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hilleary Bredesen ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, GOP Leads For Senate And Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/20/2002 07:18:29 PM ----BODY: Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) leads Tony Sanchez 50 to 35 percent in the race for governor, the Dallas Morning News reports. And in the Texas Senate race, John Cornyn (R) leads Ron Kirk (D) 47 percent to 37 percent. Meanwhile, a new Surve y USA poll has similar results. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cornyn Kirk ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Planning For Full Control of Congress STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/20/2002 12:30:25 AM ----BODY: "White House officials and Republicans on Capitol Hill are so optimistic about winning control of both chambers of Congress in next month's elections that they have begun mapping how they would use their new power, including the possibility of speeding up tax cuts that were to take effect gradually," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Poll Gives Bush The Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 08:34:50 PM ----BODY: Although various polls have suggested that the Florida's governor's race is close, a new survey shows Gov. Jeb Bush (R) with a 9-point lead over Bill McBride (D), the Orla ndo Sentinel reports. A poll by the Republican firm McLaughlin and Associates shows Bush ahead 49.2 to 40.5 percent, with the remainder undecided. Update: The Washington Post says "Democratic Party officials have decided to rush additional staff and resources to Florida to bolster the campaign" of McBride "after an on-the-ground assessment found the challenger's get-out-the-vote operation badly in need of assistance." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Still A Three Way Tie For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 08:31:33 PM ----BODY: "It can't get much closer in the contest for the governor's office. A little more than two weeks before election day, Minnesota's three leading candidates are separated by a mere 2 percentage points, with 11 percent undecided," the latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll shows. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Moe Pawlenty Penny ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Wellstone Pulls Into Lead Over Coleman STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 08:26:43 PM ----BODY: Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) has pulled "narrowly ahead" of Norm Coleman (R) in his bid for reelection, according to the latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. Wellstone now leads 47 to 41 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wellstone Coleman ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Partisan In Chief STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 12:40:39 AM ----BODY: "George Bush likes to pretend that he is above party politics: just a regular guy trying to do his best for the country... Don't believe a word of it. Mr Bush is as partisan a president as America has had," The Economist writes. "He has spent more time on the campaign trail than any of his predecessors, and raised far more money for next month's elections ($140m and counting). He plans to hit the road for 14 straight days before the election, sweeping through as many as four states a day and visiting all those with tight Senate races." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush campaigning ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Blames Bush For An "Economy In Shambles" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 12:34:29 AM ----- BODY: Sen. Tom Daschle (D) "blamed President Bush for a 'very disappointing Congress' and said the nation was in worse shape than when Mr. Bush took office," the New York Times reports. And a new Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report Poll says a majority of those surveyed think the country is on the wrong track. The New Republic's John Judis notes that although the Democrats "probably don't deserve to do well in November's elections" if you analyze "the polling indicators that usually predict party success in midterm elections--from 'right track/wrong track' opinion about the country's direction to views of which party will better handle education and the economy--they favor the Democrats." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: economy wrong track ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Death And Scandal Leave Democrats In Chaos STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 12:10:14 AM ----BODY: "When the voters of Hawaii awake the morning after the Nov. 5 election, they are likely to find they have done two extraordinary things: elect a live Republican to the governor's office and a dead Democrat to Congress. Such is the state of politics in Hawaii this year," the N ew York Times reports. The Economist notes that "after half a century of one-party rule, pressure for change is building." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hawaii Democrats ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Voters Bombarded By Political Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/19/2002 12:00:39 AM ----BODY: South Dakota, a "sprawling state with a tiny population," has seen "more political commercials than any other state in the country," the New York Times reports. The state's two Senate candidates, "locked in a tight race in a year when either party has a chance of winning control of the Senate, have run a total of about 21,000 commercials since January, a number so staggering that many voters confess to punching the mute button or walking out of the room when a candidate fills the screen." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Thune Johnson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, State Legislative Leaders Charged With Felonies STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 02:35:46 PM ----BODY: Wisconsin State Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala (D) "was charged with 20 felonies Thursday, including extortion and misconduct in public office, in what prosecutors described as a years-long pattern of demanding campaign cash for action on legislation," the Wisco nsin State Journal reports. And the Madison Capital Times says that prosecutors this morning "filed felony charges against Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R) and Assembly Majority Leader Steve Foti (R) for allegedly using state offices and employees for illegal campaign work." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Chvala Jensen Foti ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Gubernatorial Race Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 02:30:49 PM ----BODY: A KTUU-TV poll of the Alaska governor's race shows Fran Ulmer (D) and Frank Murkowski (R) "in a neck-and-neck dash for the finish line... Murkowski and Ulmer have been on the campaign trail for months, and with the end in sight, the poll shows Ulmer in the lead with 46 percent, and Murkowski with 43 percent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Murkowski Ulmer ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Voters Not Confused By Two Ryans STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 02:15:52 PM ----BODY: For months, Jim Ryan (R) "has complained that more people would support his bid" for Illinois governor "if they realized he was not related to the scandal-plagued predecessor with the same last name." But a Pan tagraph/WEEK-TV poll "that sought to clarify his perceived problem shows that only 1 percent to 2 percent of those surveyed were confused about the two Republicans." The poll also found Rod Blagojevich (D) is favored by voters over Ryan 53 to 39 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich Ryan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Up By Double Digits STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 01:07:07 PM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki (D) is leading challenger Carl McCall (D) by 11 percentage points among likely voters, according to a New York Times poll. Pataki leads 39 to 28 percent, with Tom Golisano (I) trailing at 17 percent and 8 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Another Poll Has Granholm In Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 12:48:47 PM ----BODY: Jennifer Granholm (D) "is riding strong support from working women, suburbanites and pro-choice voters to a 12-point lead" over Dick Posthumus (R) "with 18 days to go in Michigan's race for governor," a Detroit News poll shows. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm Posthumus ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Sanford Takes Slim Lead Over Hodges STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 12:46:29 PM ----BODY: Mark Sanford (R) "appears to have taken the lead in South Carolina's race for governor," the Charleston Post and Courier reports. Sanford "holds a close 45-41 percent advantage" over Gov. Jim Hodges (D). "About 14 percent are undecided, and Sanford's lead is within the poll's margin of error." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sanford Hodges ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Little Political Coverage On Television STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 11:36:15 AM ----BODY: A university study, conducted Sept. 18 through Oct. 4, "analyzed 2,454 half-hour local TV news broadcasts from the 50 biggest media markets" and found that "more than half of the broadcasts (53 percent) contained no coverage of political campaigns. Of those that did, the average length was 80.5 seconds," the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: political news coverage ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Sabato: Waiting For The Wave STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 10:27:35 AM ----BODY: Larry Sabato makes an important observation in his latest Crystal Ball forecast: "Forget all the analysis up to this point. Yes, we know there is a near-consensus that the Republicans will hold the House, Democrats will gain net governorships, and Senate control is a total toss-up. But in most of the elections in the previous 22 years, the last two weeks have been the most critical weeks -- the determining weeks that have made or wrecked the parties’ hopes. The key question: Will there be a wave? If so, how big?" Meanwhile, U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says, although it is unlikely, "should the Democrats win back the House in the elections next month, the GOP may react with a leadership purge." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Heads To New Hampshire Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 10:10:59 AM ----BODY: "With an eye on a 2004 presidential bid," Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "heads to New Hampshire today to address a large gathering of Granite State Democrats and to attend a series of house parties over the weekend," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "The three-day trip will be the North Carolina Democrat's third to New Hampshire, home of the nation's first presidential primary, since the 2000 election." Meanwhile, the Washington Post notes that "several Democrats" said Edwards appears to be President Clinton's "early favorite" for 2004. "Clinton helped revise a speech Edwards delivered to the centrist Democratic Leadership Counsel this summer." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: "Master Of The Senate" Nominated For National Book Award STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 09:51:02 AM ----BODY: Master of the Senate, "the third volume of Robert Caro's epic chronicle of the life and times of Lyndon Johnson, is among the finalists for the 53rd annual National Book Awards," MSNBC reports. This should come as no surprise if you've already read the book. And if you haven't read it, you really should. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: robert caro ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, GOP Runs Three For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 09:08:03 AM ----BODY: "Because of the oddities of Louisiana politics, control of the U.S. Senate could be decided this year simply by the size of the turnout here in the predominantly African-American Orleans Parish. And it might not be decided until December," the Chicago Tribune reports. "Unable to field a single candidate to" run against incumbent Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), "Republicans this year are opposing her with three. The candidates could be described as mainstream, rightwing and righter-wing." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Landrieu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Forrester Needs New Script STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:57:39 AM ----BODY: "Doug Forrester attacked his first Democratic opponent and appeared on the verge of capturing New Jersey's open Senate seat. Slinging mud at his new rival -- a former U.S. senator who remains popular -- could doom him," the Wall Street Journal reports. Meanwhile, the Bergen Record says Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "is determined not to part with more than $5 million in campaign cash" to help his replacement, former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg Forrester ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Value Of Bush Visit Questioned STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:54:48 AM ----BODY: President Bush gave his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), "a limousine ride, saturation statewide publicity and $1 million in campaign cash today in an effort to bolster his younger brother's suddenly endangered reelection race. But Democratic leaders said the constant presidential attention to Florida is just firing up their voters by reviving memories of the disputed election of 2000, and some Republican strategists agree," the Washington Post reports. The St. Petersburg Times notes "other Bush family members are also helping the governor." But CNN notes one Bush family member, his daughter Noelle, cannot help because she's going to jail. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Quietly Returns To Campaign Trail STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:49:34 AM ----BODY: "The political maestro is back on stage, though he's often hiding behind the curtain. Former president Bill Clinton is bounding back into politics -- albeit sometimes clandestinely -- to boost Democrats running for office," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Simon Campaign Hurts GOP In House Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:47:21 AM ----BODY: Rep. Tom Davis (R), "the Republican leader in charge of his party's Congressional campaign committee" said California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon (R) "was running the single-worst campaign in the country this year," the N ew York Times reports. "He suggested that Mr. Simon's difficulties would erase any hope that Republicans had of picking up Congressional seats in California. He also noted that not long ago his party had high hopes of unseating the unpopular Mr. Davis in this overwhelmingly Democratic state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Senate Follows House on the Road STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:43:49 AM ----BODY: "Congress called it quits, as both parties gambled that they would be in a stronger legislative position after the elections," the New York Times reports. "House and Senate leaders have said that besides 11 of 13 annual spending bills, the postelection Congress would probably take up the domestic security agency, terror insurance, an overhaul of the federal bankruptcy law, military policy and, perhaps, an energy bill." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Libertarian Throws Support To Thune STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:40:30 AM ----BODY: South Dakota's Libertarian Senate candidate "issued a statement Thursday evening saying he was suspending his U.S. Senate campaign and giving his support to John Thune (R), the AP reports. Meanwhile, Josh Marshall wonders whether Thune's campaign is "whipping up these allegations of absentee ballot vote fraud to suppress voter turnout on the state's Indian reservations and in other counties." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Thune ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Maintains Lead Over Ganske STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/18/2002 08:36:48 AM ----BODY: In Iowa's Senate race, Sen. Tom Harkin (D) is leading Greg Ganske (R) 50 to 41 percent, according to a KCCI-TV poll. Nine percent of those polled say they are undecided at this point. In the gubernatorial race, Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) is leading Doug Gross (R) 50 to 42 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Harkin Ganske ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Shaheen Gaining On Sununu STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 05:14:14 PM ----BODY: In the New Hampshire Senate race, John Sununu (R) leads Jeanne Shaheen (D) 51 to 43 percent, with 7 percent of voters undecided, according to a new American Research Group poll. Sununu has dropped 4 percentage points since the last survey and Shaheen has gained 9 percentage points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Sununu+Shaheen ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rothenberg: All Polls Are Not Created Equal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 01:05:02 PM ----BODY: Stuart Rothenberg picks apart the latest Zogby polls, as well as a few others: "Trying to pin down a pollster is a little like trying to catch a greased pig. Pollsters always have an explanation for why their numbers may differ from everyone else's, and they are hesitant to admit that even an obviously silly number is wrong." Meanwhile, Patrick Ruffini wonders whether Zogby's "passionate anti-war views are affecting his polling and analysis."

Zogby's third tracking poll report will be available on November 3. Subscribe today to receive detailed poll results and a 4-5 page analysis on the hottest ten races in the country. In addition, you will get a great post-election wrap up report. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: polls ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Firms Up Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 01:01:34 PM ----BODY: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) leads Doug Forrester (R) among likely voters in the New Jersey Senate race by a margin of 44 to 38 percent, according a new poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University’s PublicMind. The AP says the poll "indicates that fewer Democrats appear likely to stray from the party now that Lautenberg has replaced Robert Torricelli on the ballot." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Presidential Hopefuls Change Strategy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 10:27:08 AM ----BODY: "Three leading Democrats with an eye on the White House quietly changed their political strategies just months before the midterm elections, steering a larger share of their leadership committee donations into local campaigns," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2004 presidential ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Chafee Is Wild Card In Battle For Senate Control STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 10:23:40 AM ----BODY: Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) "refused to rule out switching parties if Republicans retake the majority and GOP leaders abandon moderate principles in favor of a staunchly conservative legislative agenda," Roll Call reports. Robert Novak says Chafee "is the Senate's political wild card. How far he is from today's Republican mainstream is emphasized less by his dissent on Iraq than on the Homeland Security bill. That raises the specter of Chafee's defection, maintaining Democratic control of the Senate even if the GOP defies historical precedent by gaining seats in the mid-term election." Meanwhile, Tapped notes that in recent times, "party-switching usually presages political realignment." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lincoln Chafee ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Keeps Lead Over Posthumus STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:52:04 AM ----BODY: Jennifer Granholm (D) is leading Dick Posthumus (R) by 10 points in a new Michigan gubernatorial poll by EPIC/MRA. Granholm leads 50 to 40 percent ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Poll Suggests Edwards Needs To Watch Homefront STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:45:34 AM ----BODY: Many wondered why Sen. John Edwards (D) was running ads this year in North Carolina even though he's not up for re-election until 2004. WRAL-TV says a new Mason-Dixon poll shows Edwards may be in trouble at home. "Only 43 percent of voters say they will definitely vote to re-elect Edwards, while 16 percent indicate they will consider voting for a Republican challenger and a significant 35 percent will definitely vote to replace Edwards with a Republican." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Cornyn Has Comfortable Lead Over Kirk STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:39:05 AM ----BODY: In the Texas Senate race, John Cornyn (R) has a ten point lead over Ron Kirk (D), according to a new NBC 5 poll. Cornyn leads 46 to 36 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cornyn+Kirk ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Perry Keeps Wide Lead Over Sanchez STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:36:08 AM ----BODY: Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) "continues to enjoy a comfortable lead" in his race against Tony Sanchez (D), according to a new NBC 5 poll. Perry leads 48 to 34 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: rick perry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Pulling Away From Fisher STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:33:45 AM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) "has opened a commanding 56 to 36 percent lead" over Mike Fisher (R) in their race for Pennsylvania governor, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ed Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Senate Campaign Takes Place On TV STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 09:04:22 AM ----BODY: "They are inescapable, provided that the television set is on and the remote control is out of reach. Elizabeth Dole and Erskine B. Bowles are all over the dial in North Carolina, attacking each other as heartless hypocrites and tools of big business in 30-second fusillades," the N ew York Times reports. "It is a good thing, too, because aside from advertising, there are not too many chances for voters to take the measure of Mr. Bowles or Mrs. Dole, the rivals who are seeking Jesse Helms's Senate seat. Both campaigns have been closely handled operations, generally shunning the stump for scripted public events." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bowles+Dole ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Winning Fundraising Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 08:37:44 AM ----BODY: "With the election less than three weeks away, the Republican Party reported yesterday that it has raised significantly more money this year -- and has more cash still on hand -- than the Democrats," the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, the New York Times notes "donors are pouring large amounts of unrestricted money into the coffers of the national political parties before campaign finance legislation goes into effect." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: soft money ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Congress Finally Passes Election Reform STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/17/2002 08:35:46 AM ----BODY: "Almost two years after ballot confusion and mistakes in Florida threw the 2000 presidential election into tumult, the Senate yesterday passed and sent to President Bush legislation designed to improve the nation's voting procedures and provide the first substantial federal spending for that purpose." the Washington Post reports. The New York Times notes that "states would retain the primary responsibility, but Congress is setting minimum standards and will provide money to help the states comply." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: election reform ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Another Long Election Night? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 03:05:13 PM ----BODY: The Washington Post notes "a confluence of political oddities in Senate races around the country could leave control of the 108th Senate up in the air for weeks, and give Republicans a chance to take control of a lame duck session in December before the new senators are even sworn in." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Increasing Lead In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 01:26:07 PM ----BODY: Carl McCall (D) "is losing ground" in New York's race for governor, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. Gov. George Pataki (R) "now leads McCall 47 to 31 percent, with 18 percent for Independence Party candidate Thomas Golisano." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Schedules First Interview Since 2000 Defeat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 11:40:29 AM ----BODY: "Barbara Walters has snagged the first formal interview with Al Gore since the 2000 election. Gore and wife Tipper Gore will sit down with Walters for the interview, scheduled to air Nov. 15 on ABC's 20/20," the New York Post reports. Howard Kurtz reads the tea leaves and says Gore must be running in 2004. "He's agreed to sit down with Barbara Walters after the election. What's he going to do – chat up Barbara about the great national issues and then announce he wants to spend more time with his family? He's already spending more time with his family!" But ABC News notes that although Gore will discuss his future plans, he also wants to talk about his new book, Joined at the Heart: The Transformation of the American Family. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: al gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Speculation Grows About Clark Presidential Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 10:02:36 AM ----BODY: "Following his extensive visit around the state recently, New Hampshire Democrats are trying to figure out if General Wesley Clark is seriously flirting with the idea of running for president," PoliticsNH.com reports. And the Raleigh News and Observer notes that Clark was recently campaigning for Erskine Bowles' (D) Senate candidacy in North Carolina. For more on Clark, see his excellent book, Waging Modern War. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: wesley clark ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Sanders Pulls "Take Aim" Ad STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 09:17:10 AM ----BODY: In light of the recent sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, South Carolina Senate candidate Alex Sanders (D) "pulled his latest television ad" in which he is seen "loading a shell into his gun" and saying "he wants to go to the nation's capital and 'take aim' at certain Washington ideas," the Carolin a Channel reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Alex Sanders ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Leading In Gubernatorial Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 08:52:22 AM ----BODY: John Ellis amplifies a story in the New York Times: "On election night, most of the commentators will blather on about control of the Senate and the House. But in real political terms, the races that matter most are the gubernatorial contests. And right now, Democrats have the gubernatorial upper hand." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: gubernatorial races ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Has Money Edge In Key Senate Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 08:35:44 AM ----BODY: "Republican candidates in four close Senate races" -- Missouri, South Dakota, Colorado and Minnesota -- "had more money available than their Democratic opponents as the election campaigns headed into their last weeks," Bloomberg reports. However, Democrats "in some races may have less money on hand because they made advertising and other purchases for the final days before their Republican opponents." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Regain Momentum In House Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 08:19:01 AM ----BODY: A confidential poll obtained by U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers suggests Democrats are rallying in their bid to regain control of the House of Representatives. "The latest Fabrizio, McLaughlin & Associates poll of the 40 closest House races finds the Democrats with Big Mo... What was a 5 percent advantage is now dead even." The Chicago Tribune says Democrats are "trying mightily to turn the national conversation back to the economy three weeks before congressional elections." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: House control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney Fading In Governor's Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 08:10:04 AM ----BODY: In Massachusetts, "a state dominated by Democrats, pundits said it was Republican Mitt Romney's race to lose. And so far, the evidence suggests he may be doing exactly that," USA Today reports. "The polls have Romney 6 to 12 percentage points behind his Democratic opponent, state Treasurer Shannon O'Brien. He's farther behind in the gender race: Women prefer O'Brien by 18 percentage points. That gap could prove fatal to Romney's chances and end the Republican Party's unlikely 12-year rule in the governor's office." Meanwhile, the Boston Globe has an interesting piece on each campaign's "inner circle." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Mitt Romney ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Closing In On Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/16/2002 08:03:55 AM ----BODY: Recent polls suggest that Bill McBride (D) -- "a virtual unknown before his upset of former attorney general Janet Reno in Florida's Democratic primary" -- has cut Gov. Jeb Bush's (R) lead "to a whisker," the Washington Post reports. "The novice appears to have the best chance of any challenger in the country to knock off a big-state governor." Even John Ellis, Bush's cousin, thinks he's in danger of losing. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush+McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Bowles Narrows Gap With Dole STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 10:42:17 PM ----BODY: A new Mason-Dixon poll shows Elizabeth Dole (R) "continues to lead" Erskine Bowles (D) in the North Carolina Senate race, "but the race has tightened over the past month." Dole leads 50 to 40 percent of likely voters, with 8 percent undecided. Meanwhile, the New York Times looks at the "secret debate" held by the candidates. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dole+Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arizona, Independent Candidacy Fades STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 10:37:27 PM ----BODY: "Independent gubernatorial candidate Richard Mahoney has used a blitz of incendiary TV ads accusing the two front-runners in the race of ignoring the northern Arizona polygamy problem," the Arizo na Republic reports. But a new poll suggests "the attacks backfired and bolstered" Janet Napolitano (D) and Matt Salmon (R). The poll "shows Napolitano ahead of Salmon 40 to 36 percent among those most likely to vote. Mahoney has fallen to 5 percent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Napolitano+Salmon ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Senators Hurt By Web Restrictions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 04:17:53 PM ----BODY: Under Senate rules, the thirty U.S. Senators running for reelection "may not update their web sites 60 days before the election," according to States News Service. The intent was to "prevent campaigning on government sites." But the House of Representatives "doesn't have this restriction" which may be unfair to senators being challenged by members of the lower house. "In South Dakota, Rep. John Thune (R) can update his site as frequently as he likes, while his opponent, Sen. Tim Johnson (D), hasn't been able to change his site since Sept. 5. This year, races in Louisiana, Iowa and Georgia feature challenges to Senate incumbents from House members." Slate's Tim Noah says the rule "reflects a poor understanding of how people would come to use the Internet." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: congressional web sites ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: It's Still The Economy, Stupid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 01:56:17 PM ----BODY: I just received a copy of Paul Begala's new book, It's Still The Economy, Stupid. It's out just in time for the election, though the publisher's blurb indicates it's probably intended for Democrats: "The story of how America's CEO -- our first MBA president -- has trashed our economy." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Paul Begala ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Giuliani To Advise Mexico City STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 11:29:43 AM ----BODY: Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (R) "will be paid $4.3 million plus expenses for a one-year contract to advise Mexico City's mayor on reducing crime," the AP reports. The News says "most of the money is being fronted by private companies." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Giuliani ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Tries To Blame Economic Woes On Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 10:37:28 AM ----BODY: "President Bush acknowledged at a campaign rally today that he is worried about the stagnant job market, as the Republican Party prepared to warn candidates that most voters think the economy is going the wrong way," the Washington Post reports. "Bush, beginning three weeks of near-daily campaigning, sought to place responsibility for the faltering economy on Democrats in Congress, calling on them to pass energy and terrorism insurance measures he has proposed." Slate writes about Bush's "hopeless economic team." Meanwhile, the New York Times says Bush will soon review "specific options to overhaul the federal tax system, edging into one of the most volatile economic issues." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush economy ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Russert: If Zogby Is Correct, Senate Stays Democratic STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 10:24:13 AM ----BODY: Tim Russert on the latest wave of Zogby Senate polls: "If each of those races turned out exactly at that rate, we would still have 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans, one Independent. But as you can see, it is way too close to call." Meanwhile, Dick Morris rates the Senate races and calls the Zogby polls "the best in the business." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, McKinney's Loss Not Due To GOP Voters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 09:24:02 AM ----BODY: An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis shows that Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) did not lose to challenger Denise Majette (D) because of an influx of Republican voters in the Democratic primary. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cynthia McKinney ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Riordan Discourages Write-In Candicacy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 09:08:43 AM ----BODY: Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (R) said that "he will not seek to be a write-in candidate for governor," the Los Angeles Times reports. "Although he was flattered by calls from Republicans and Democrats urging him to jump into the race," Riordan "concluded that such a move would not be a good idea for him or the state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: richard riordan ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Early Voting Changes Campaign Dynamics STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 08:59:16 AM ----BODY: "This year, more than 15 percent of the vote might be cast before Election Day, a fact that is altering the fundamental rhythm of political campaigns," the New York Times reports. "The approach has been promoted as a means of making it easier to vote and to reverse the long decline in voter participation in American elections. But to the surprise of proponents of early voting, there has been no appreciable increase in turnout in most of the states that have adopted this system." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: early voting ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Graham And Sanders In Close Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 08:48:20 AM ----BODY: In the South Carolina Senate race, Lindsey Graham (R) leads Alex Sanders (D) 50 to 46 percent, according to a new WLTX-TV poll. Meanwhile, in the race for governor, Gov. Jim Hodges (D) leads Mark Sanford (R) 51 to 45 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lindsey Graham ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore's Low Profile Raises Questions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/15/2002 08:39:32 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "has neither spent much time tending to the mundane tasks of keeping a political network stitched together, nor necessarily improved his political standing in areas where he needed to work. Former supporters or advisers grumble he has not touched base with them," the Washington Post reports. However, the N ew York Times notes that "Gore campaigned across Iowa on Monday, invoking his own bitterly disputed loss in Florida in 2000 as he urged Democrats to vote." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Al Gore ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Manages Its Message STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:49:22 PM ----BODY: "White House journalists say they cannot remember a White House that was more grudging or less forthcoming in informing the press," the New York Times reports. However, reporters say "they have seen some cracks in the fortress recently, as inside information about rifts within the administration over its plans for Iraq has buzzed through their phone lines and into their stories." Update: USA Today says Bush suprised reporters by actually answering their questions. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: White House ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Stomps Fisher, But Not Schweicker STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:42:54 PM ----- BODY: A NBC 10 poll of Pennsylvania voters puts Ed Rendell (D) "comfortably ahead" of Mike Fisher (R). "But it also reveals that the current governor, Mark Schweiker (R), would easily win a Schweiker-Rendell contest." Rendell leads Fisher 49 to 31 percent. "But in a hypothetical race with Schweiker, Rendell would only receive 41 percent of the vote, compared with 58 percent for Schweiker." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ed Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend In Statistical Tie With Ehrlich STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:36:25 PM ----BODY: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) "has pulled ahead" of Bob Ehrlich (R) in a NEWS4 MasonDixon poll conducted over the weekend. But Townsend's lead is just one point, 46 to 45 percent, well within the poll's margin of error. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Kennedy Townsend ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush And McBride In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:32:40 PM ----BODY: Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "retains a slight lead" against Bill McBride (D), "despite a week of stinging press coverage over candid remarks," Florida Today reports. A SurveyUSA poll "shows 50 percent of those polled favored Bush, while 47 percent preferred Bill McBride. The margin of error is 4 percent, putting the results within the realm of a statistical tie." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Blagojevich Has Huge Lead Over Ryan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:28:00 PM ----BODY: A new CBS 2 poll shows Rod Blagojevich (D) leading Jim Ryan (R) 55 to 36 percent. And in the Senate race, Sen. Richard Durbin (D) holds a 20 percent lead over Jim Durkin (R). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Mexico, Richardson Expands Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:19:02 PM ----BODY: Bill Richardson's (D) "double-digit lead" over John Sanchez (R) in the New Mexico governor's race has grown, a Albuquerque Journal poll shows. Richardson leaads 50 to 32 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Richardson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Cruising Towards Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:14:26 PM ----BODY: According to a new Siena College poll, New York Gov. George Pataki's (R) lead over Carl McCall (D) has reached 17 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Pawlenty Slips Behind Penny And Moe STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/14/2002 10:11:05 PM ----BODY: Roger Moe (D) and the Tim Penny (I) "are in a virtual tie" in Minnesota's race for governor, while Tim Pawlenty (R) "trails close behind," according to a new KSTP statewide poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Moe Penny Pawlenty ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole's Lead Narrowing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:49:34 PM ----BODY: "North Carolina's Senate contest between Elizabeth Dole and Erskine Bowles appears to be tightening," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "A survey conducted for WTVD in Durham found that Dole was holding a 49-45 percent lead over Bowles, leaving the two candidates in a statistical tie, given the margin of error." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dole+Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Alexander Maintains Big Lead Over Clement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:18:04 PM ----BODY: In the Tennessee Senate race, Lamar Alexander (R) has a huge lead over Bob Clement (D), 49 to 36 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lamar Alexander ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Kirk Gaining On Cornyn STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:15:28 PM ----BODY: In the Texas Senate race, John Cornyn's (R) lead over Ron Kirk (D) is shrinking and now stands at 45 to 37 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Cornyn+Kirk ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Graham Extends Lead Over Sanders STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:12:18 PM ----BODY: In the South Carolina Senate race, Lindsey Graham (R) leads comfortably over Alex Sanders (D), 47 to 35 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lindsey Graham ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Carolina, Hodges And Sanford Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:10:06 PM ----BODY: In the South Carolina gubernatorial race, Jim Hodges (D) is in a statistical tie with Mark Sanford (R), 45 to 43 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sanford+Hodges ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Extends Lead Over Forrester STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:05:54 PM ----BODY: In the New Jersey Senate race, former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D) has moved into a big lead over Doug Forrester (R), 48 to 36 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Talent Moves Into Lead Over Carnahan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:02:51 PM ----BODY: In the Missouri Senate race, Jim Talent (R) now leads Sen. Jean Carnahan (D), 47 to 41 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carnahan+Talent ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Three Way Tie For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 10:00:36 PM ----BODY: In the Minnesota gubernatorial race, Tim Pawlenty (R), Roger Moe (D) and Tim Penny (I) are in a three-way a statistical tie, each with 30, 25, and 27 percent respectively, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Moe Pawlenty Penny ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Wellstone Now Leads Coleman STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 09:57:38 PM ----BODY: In the Minnesota Senate race, Sen. Paul Wellstone (D) has staged a dramatic turnaround with Norm Coleman (R), and now leads 46 to 37 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Paul Wellstone ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush And McBride In A Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 09:54:47 PM ----BODY: In the Florida gubernatorial race, Gov. Jeb Bush (R) barely leads Bill McBride(D), 48 to 45 percent, within the margin of error, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush+McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard And Strickland Tied In Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 09:50:59 PM ----BODY: In the Colorado Senate race, Sen. Wayne Allard (R) is in a statistical tie with Tom Strickland (D), 40 to 41 percent, a new MSNBC/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Allard+Strickland ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Hutchinson And Pryor Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 09:45:36 PM ----BODY: In the Arkansas Senate race, Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R) is in a tie with Mark Pryor (D), 45 to 45 percent, a new MSNBC/Arkansas Gazette/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hutchinson+Pryor ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Huckabee Leads Fisher By Ten Points STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/13/2002 09:43:58 PM ----BODY: In the Arkansas gubernatoral race, Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) leads Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) 50 to 40 percent, a new MSNBC/Arkansas Gazette/Zogby Poll shows. For a detailed report on this race and additional tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Visits Again To Help His Brother STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/11/2002 07:25:55 AM ----BODY: President Bush, "who's been to Florida five times this year already, may be in the state again next week to campaign for the governor. Amid coverage of recent Jeb Bush gaffes at the week's start, a Republican confides a private poll had him losing ground to Democrat lawyer Bill McBride," the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Gains On Pataki STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/11/2002 07:13:59 AM ----BODY: A Newsday/NY1 poll shows New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "for the first time holding only a single-digit lead" over Carl McCall (D), "with the governor ahead 41 percent to 32 percent and Independence candidate Tom Golisano drawing 13 percent of the vote." However, the New York Report shows Pataki’s lead over McCall has reached 17 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Pataki ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Has Double Digit Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 10:43:50 PM ----BODY: A Suffolk University poll says Shannon O’Brien (D) "has surged to a 12 percent lead" over Mitt Romney (R) in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race. The poll also "showed a severe gender gap... Amongst women, O’Brien toppled Romney by a 48 to 28 percent margin. Between men, the race is still too close to call, evident by O’Brien’s 35 to 32 percent lead." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: O'Brien+Romney ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Montana, Taylor To Quit Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 10:04:11 PM ----BODY: Mike Taylor (R) will withdraw from the Montana Senate race today, "saying a Montana Democratic Party television ad has destroyed his campaign," the Billings Gazette reports. Taylor said the ad, which "insinuated that he was a gay hairdresser, had pushed his poll numbers through the floor." Unconfirmed rumors say Taylor will be replaced by former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot (R). However, the AP says "Racicot, the current chairman of the Republican National Committee, was approached about replacing Taylor but said he was not interested." And Reuters quotes a source who says Taylor "will not try to have his name removed from the ballot."

Update: Congressional Quarterly says Racicot "reportedly declined offers to run as a write-in candidate." Meanwhile, Andrew Sullivan is predicatably outraged: "This is a classic - destroying a candidate, who once ran a business selling hair-care products, by playing on the cheesiest anti-gay imagery. And now it's being used by the Democrats." Josh Marshall " was ready to slam this attack ad... But I became a bit more equivocal when I actually saw it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: mike taylor baucus ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Chafee Switch Parties? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 05:15:48 PM ----BODY: Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) "paused a little too long for the GOP leadership's liking" when asked by a CNN's Jonathan Karl "whether he might switch parties if the chamber is deadlocked at 50-50 again after the election," Roll Call's Ed Henry reports. When pressed, Chafee paused and said, "That's a decision that I'd really find difficult to make, very, very difficult. I've been a Republican a long time." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lincoln Chafee ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Sometimes Your Toughest Opponent Is Yourself STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 11:45:44 AM ----BODY: "Call them what you will: political gaffes, cases of foot-in-mouth disease, strategic stumbles. A handful of gubernatorial candidates have seen this election campaign get a lot rougher and they only have themselves to blame," the Chicago Sun Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, GOP Blundered In Torricelli Attacks STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 11:32:03 AM ----BODY: Business Week's Washington Watch says New Jersey Republicans "did such a great job hounding" Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "for ethics transgressions that they drove him right out of the reelection race. But now, they face the prospect of losing to Frank Lautenberg, a liberal who will buck President Bush at every turn. Republicans would have even been better off returning the Torch to Washington. He, at least, repeatedly backed Bush on key issues such as the 2001 tax cut." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Former Presidents Campaigning Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 10:32:25 AM ----BODY: "Former presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush are scheduled to drop in on the Massachusetts gubernatorial race today in a deja vu of their 1992 presidential contest," the Boston Herald reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Maintains Huge Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 09:20:01 AM ----BODY: The latest KDKATV News Poll in the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race "shows the little change over last week's results." Ed Rendell (D) lost one point and Mike Fisher (R) gained one point, but the poll still shows Rendell with a 21 point lead. Meanwhile, a Philade lphia Daily News reporter travelling with Rendell found "signs that seeds sewn in Rendell's relentless campaigning had sprouted into blossoms of support." Update: The Washington Post says some Pennsylvania Republicans are suggesting the party "pull a Torricelli" and dump Fisher. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ed Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Port Intervention May Hurt Republicans STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 09:11:01 AM ----BODY: "President Bush's move to end a 10-day shutdown of West Coast ports may be good news for the economy, but labor leaders say the fallout will hurt his party in next month's congressional elections," USA Today reports. The Washington Post notes "the Bush administration held a briefing for business lobbyists seven hours before seeking a court order reopening West Coast ports but provided no similar briefing for labor unions." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: west coast ports ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: War Talk Hurts Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 09:06:40 AM ----BODY: "The prospect of war with Iraq is pushing" the Democrats' "best issues into the background, while also damaging fundraising and voting enthusiasm among key constituencies upset over the party's failure to challenge war plans," the Washington Post reports. "With the House and Senate elections less than four weeks away, several Democratic officials cite a troubling drop in contributions from disaffected groups and they fear a sluggish Election Day turnout from minorities, women, suburban professionals and others." The AP says Democrats in tight races are siding with Bush on Iraq. Doonesbury accurately shows the GOP strategy. Meanwhile, the Washington Times says "Democrats are wondering whatever happened to Al Gore, who had led an attack on President Bush's plans to disarm Iraq but now seems to be absent from the war debate being waged in Congress and throughout the country." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: war on Iraq ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Governor's Race Is Tightening STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 08:58:56 AM ----BODY: The California gubernatorial race "is almost too close to call," according to a new News10/SurveyUSA poll. The poll shows Gov. Gray Davis (D) "is holding a seven point lead" over Bill Simon (R), 44 to 37 percent, with a 4.2 percent margin of error. "The margin between the two candidates has shrunk in the last two weeks. In a survey conducted on September 21, Davis led Simon by 12 points, 47 to 35 percent." Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle says Davis called for Simon "to withdraw from the campaign" for "falsely accusing" him "of accepting an illegal contribution in a Capitol office." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: gray davis ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Governor's Race Now In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 08:39:38 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows the Iowa governor's race "is very tight," WHOTV reports. Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) is still leading challenger Doug Gross (R) by 4 percentage points, but the poll's margin of error is 4.1 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Vilsack+Gross ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Has Solid Lead Over Ganske STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/10/2002 08:37:20 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) "holds a sizeable lead" over Greg Ganske (R) in Iowa's Senate race, WHOTV reports. A new poll has Harkin with the support of 53 percent and Ganske trailing at 44 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Harkin+Ganske ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clintons Did Not Report Gifts STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 10:43:09 PM ----BODY: "Republican Congressional investigators have released documents showing that Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton were given roughly $1 million in unreported gifts while in the White House," the New York Times reports. "The gifts were not disclosed by the Clintons because the couple turned them over to Bill Clinton's presidential library... Under federal law, gifts that the first family do not keep for themselves are exempt from the public disclosure requirement on presidential gifts." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Shaheen Has Momentum In Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:55:35 PM ----BODY: "With four weeks to go, the New Hampshire race for U.S. Senate is too close to call," according to a new WMUR poll. "After a summer of playing catch-up in the polls, it appears Shaheen has caught and maybe passed Sununu... Shaheen holds a slight 47 to 44 percent lead over Sununu." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen Sununu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Doyle Still Leads McCallum STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:45:55 PM ----BODY: A new poll shows Jim Doyle (D) "holds a slight lead" over Scott McCallum (R) in the race for Wisconsin governor, the AP reports. Doyle lead 44 to 36 percent, with Libertarian Ed Thompson picking up 6 percent and Green Party candidate Jim Young polling 3 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Doyle+McCallum ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland Maintains Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 12:48:25 PM ----BODY: A new University of Connecticut poll gives Gov. John Rowland (R) a 18 percentage point lead over Bill Curry (D) "among those likely to vote in November," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Rowland ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Not Responding To Attacks STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 12:41:55 PM ----- BODY: The AP 's Christopher Graff wrote an open letter to Gov. Howard Dean (D) that appeared in most of Vermont's newspapers over the weekend. "With all that travel you may not be aware of what’s being said back here in Vermont." Recent comments by gubernatorial candidates "translate into attacks on you and your record and also because what they are saying doesn’t square up with what you are saying as you travel the country promoting your presidential bid." Meanwhile, CNN is calling Dean "the caffeinated candidate -- because of the pace of his campaigning for the presidency." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Howard Dean ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oregon, Race For Governor Narrows STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 12:31:38 PM ----BODY: "The race for Oregon governor has turned into a close contest while the race for U.S. Senate could become a rout," according to a new Oregonian poll. In the gubernaotrial race, Ted Kulongoski (D), "who emerged from the May primary in a commanding position in the governor's race, now holds a relatively small lead of four percentage points" over Kevin Mannix (R). In the Senate race, Sen. Gordon Smith (R) leads Bill Bradbury (D) by 55 to 34 percent. KOINTV says "Poll results show that Kulongoski's support for a proposed temporary income tax increase may be hurting him in the race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Kulongoski Mannix ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Has Small Lead Over McBride STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 11:52:27 AM ----BODY: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) leads Bill McBride (D) 47 to 42 percent, with 11 percent undecided, according to a new Inside r Advantage poll. The poll has a margin of error of 4.5 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bush+McBride ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Has New Book On 2000 Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 09:21:15 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers has seen an advance copy Sen. Joseph Lieberman's new book, An Amazing Adventure: Joe And Hadassah's Personal Notes On The 2000 Campaign , and offers this anecdote after Al Gore withdrew his concession to George Bush on Election night: "Gore deadpanned that Bush didn't take the news well. After a pause, Lieberman mimics a line Bush uttered earlier in the campaign when referring to New York Times reporter Adam Clymer. 'He's a major-league asshole.' Laughing, Gore repeats Dick Cheney's reaction to Bush: 'Oh, yeah, big time.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lieberman ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Control Of Senate Hinges On Seven Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 09:00:05 AM ----BODY: "Four weeks before Election Day, the battle for control of the Senate appears to hinge on seven closely contested states, including a reshaped New Jersey race that has dramatically bolstered Democrats' chances of holding their fragile majority," USA Today reports. Meanwhile, The Hill says "Senate Democrats, hoping a shift in attention from Iraq to the nation’s economic problems will help them prevail in the midterm elections, have scheduled a bipartisan economic forum on Capitol Hill on Oct. 11." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: senate+control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Goes On Attack STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:59:38 AM ----BODY: New Jersey Senate candidate Frank Lautenberg (D) "clearly relished the opportunity," to be on the offensive, accusing Doug Forrester (R) "of using 'character assassination' and legal obfuscation to distract voters from his conservative positions," the New York Times reports. After Forrester tried to attack Lautenberg's record on national security issues, the Lautenberg campaign distributed a news release, titled "Doug Forrester's Record on Foreign Affairs and National Security." The rest of the page was blank. Meanwhile, the Trenton Times says Lautenberg will support President Bush on Iraq. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oklahoma, Watts May Run For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:58:15 AM ----BODY: As Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK) "brings his brief but high-profile tenure in Congress to a close by retiring this year, he is leaving the door open to running for the U.S. Senate in the future," telling the Washington Times that "he could see the timing working out six years from now." In six years Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) would be up for re-election. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: J.C. Watts ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Fisher Cuts Back Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:56:06 AM ----BODY: Mike Fisher (R) "slashed his television advertising in Philadelphia... a probable signal that his fund-raising is falling off and that he intends to save his money for commercials in areas of the state where he has a better chance of cutting into" Ed Rendell's (D) lead, the Philadel phia Inquirer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Republicans Fed McCall Story To Reporters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:54:11 AM ----BODY: New York Republicans "spent nearly $500 on photocopies at the New York State Archives two days before The New York Post published the first of a series of letters" Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Carl McCall wrote "on official state letterhead and pitched the résumés of Mr. McCall's wife, daughter and other relatives," the New York Times reports." Meanwhile, the New York Observer says McCall has hired former Clinton aide Harold Ickes. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: carl mccall ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Will Back Bush On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:29:49 AM ----BODY: "After months of criticizing the Bush administration's approach to Iraq," Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "plans to announce today that he will vote for a resolution authorizing military force if necessary to conduct weapons inspections and remove the country's dictator," the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: john kerry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Building Legacy Of The Permanent Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:27:42 AM ----BODY: Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-MO) "has long campaigned for a Democratic majority in the House and the race is nearing the finish line. In the process, he is building a significant legacy in the evolution of modern American politics," the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood writes. "The 'permanent campaign' -- the ceaseless mingling of public policy, campaign politics and fund raising -- is often ascribed to Bill Clinton." But "two partisan leaders in Congress have been its more enduring exemplars. One is Newt Gingrich; the other is Mr. Gephardt." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Gephardt ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Vermont, Legislature May Pick Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:24:23 AM ----BODY: "One of the oddest races for governor is in Vermont, where there are three strong candidates: a Democrat, a Republican and an independent. The Democrat, Lt. Gov. Douglas Racine, is expected to finish first, but is unlikely to win a majority. The governor would then be chosen by the newly elected state legislature on a secret ballot. Republicans will probably have a majority in the legislature. But the prevailing view is that the lawmakers will choose whoever finished ahead at the polls," the New York Times reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Vermont gubernatorial ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Harvard Bailed Out Bush's Energy Firm STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/09/2002 08:21:38 AM ----BODY: "Newly unearthed documents show that when the energy firm that helped make Bush a multimillionaire teetered on the brink of bankruptcy in 1990, Harvard University, headed by a Bush political supporter, charged to the rescue," the Wall Street Journal reports. One of the deals that was "critical to the company's survival" involved "a partnership used to move troubled assets and large debts off the company's balance sheet -- much like the controversial investments that Enron Corp. set up before it filed for bankruptcy-court protection." Update: The Washington Post also picks up the story. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Harken Energy ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kansas, Sebelius Keeps Wide Lead Over Shallenburger STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 10:21:11 PM ----BODY: Kathleen Sebelius (D) "continues to maintain her lead" over Tim Shallenburger (R) in their race to become the next governor of Kansas, according to a Wichita Eagle poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Sebelius ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Lose Momentum For Control Of House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 04:10:47 PM ----BODY: "Democrats have failed to make the 2002 midterm election a referendum on Bush economic and domestic policies," according to a new Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report poll. However, the report says "four weeks in politics represents a lifetime... But with evidence that voters are not voting based on their opinions of how Bush handles economic and domestic policy, Democratic candidates will not catch a tail wind from voter concerns about those domestic and economic policy issues -- unless and until Democratic candidates change the way voters frame their vote decisions." Topline results are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: control of House ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Reno Campaigns For McBride STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 03:19:17 PM ----BODY: "The little red truck that Janet Reno rode across Florida in her quest to challenge Gov. Jeb Bush now sports a Bill McBride for Governor bumper sticker," the Miami Herald reports. "As she conceded defeat to McBride a week after the primary, Reno pledged to do 'everything possible' to see that McBride is elected. And she has kept her word." For the latest tracking polls on this race, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: Janet Reno ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Perry Gets Key Democratic Endorsement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 03:11:26 PM ----BODY: Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Morales "today endorsed Republican Gov. Rick Perry over Democrat Tony Sanchez, who defeated Morales in a bitter party primary earlier this year," the Houston Chronicle reports. Meanwhile, the San Antonio News-Express says the gubernatorial candidates have spent a record $75 million so far in the campaign.

Update: A NBC 5 poll shows Perry with a comfortable lead over Sanchez. For the latest tracking polls on this race, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Rick Perry ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Talent Catches Carnahan In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 01:46:18 PM ----BODY: In the Missouri Senate race, Jim Talent (R) has eliminated the lead held by Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO), KSDKTV reports. A new Survery USA poll shows Carnahan and Talent are tied at 48 percent. For the latest tracking polls on this race, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Carnahan+Talent ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oklahoma, Largent In Close Race For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 12:12:05 PM ----BODY: Steve Largent (R) "remains the front-runner in his bid to succeed" Gov. Frank Keating (R) -- "but the latest independent poll indicates the contest is not the cakewalk many expected," Congressional Quarterly reports. The latest poll shows Largent with 45 percent; Brad Henry (D) with 39 percent; and Gary Richardson (I) with 13 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Steve Largent ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Vermont, Governor's Race Focused On Debates STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 09:58:23 AM ----BODY: Vermont's gubernatorial candidates "are appearing in as many debates and forums as they can stuff into their schedules," the Rutland Herald reports. "Before Election Day, the candidates will have met roughly 36 times. By comparison, only one gubernatorial debate is expected in California. Texas expects two and Ohio and Iowa will have three. The frenetic pace of the debate schedule is starting to become a joke, even among some of the people organizing the forums." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Vermont gubernatorial ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, TV Stations Refuse To Run GOP Ad STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 08:52:03 AM ----BODY: Four North Carolina TV stations "have decided to pull" a National Republican Senatorial Committee ad that criticizes Senate candidate Erskine Bowles (D) for "his involvement in the Connecticut state pension's loss of millions of dollars," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Erskine Bowles ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Clinton Bails Out McCall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 08:47:42 AM ----BODY: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) "came to the rescue" of Carl McCall (D), "extracting about $1 million in pledges from a group of her supporters to help replenish the dwindling campaign treasury of the Democratic candidate for governor," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Hillary Rodham Clinton ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard Backs Off Term Limits Pledge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 08:45:24 AM ----BODY: Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) "a longtime term limits supporter who has said he wouldn't seek a third stint in the Senate, hedged on his future Monday," the Denver Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Wayne Allard ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Proves Tougher Than GOP Thought STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 08:43:42 AM ----BODY: "There is hardly a Democrat anywhere in the country that Republicans would rather defeat" than Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), but he "has proved elusive, and even a recent controversy triggered by a campaign dirty trick does not appear to have done what Republicans had hoped," the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, the Des Moines Register notes that no criminal charges will be filed in the case of a former aide to Harkin "who taped a campaign meeting of Harkin's Republican rival Greg Ganske." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Tom Harkin ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Another Poll Has Lautenberg In Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/08/2002 08:39:23 AM ----BODY: The New Jersey Senate race between Frank Lautenberg (D) and Doug Forrester (D) "is a dead heat -- 44 percent to 44 percent," the Newark Star-Ledger reports. "Among potential voters, Lautenberg holds a 46 percent to 40 percent lead." Meanwhile, in response to news the Supreme Court would not hear a GOP appeal to take him off the ballot, the New York Times quotes Lautenberg saying Republicans "had resorted to legal battles for the same reason they had focused on the ethical problems that forced" Sen. Robert Torricelli from the race: "to distract voters" from Forrester's "position on issues like abortion rights, Social Security and the environment." Josh Marshall on Forrester: "He's campaigning with all the grace and pizzazz of a live fish on a hot griddle." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Ryan Gains Ground In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 10:45:03 PM ----BODY: In the Illinois gubernatorial race, Jim Ryan (R) is gaining on Rod Blagojevich (D) in a new poll, according to the B eacon News. "Ryan has cut Blagojevich's lead from 17 percentage points to 9.7 percentage points in the last four weeks." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Blagojevich ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Stock Market Prefers Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 05:03:11 PM ----BODY: "Democrats are much better for the stock market than Republicans, Slate says. Carol Vinzant "ran the numbers and found that since 1900, Democratic presidents have produced a 12.3 percent annual total return on the S&P 500, but Republicans only an 8 percent return." The Stock Trader's Almanac "which slices and dices Wall Street performance figures like baseball stats, came up with nearly the same numbers (13.4 percent versus 8.1 percent) by measuring Dow price appreciation." And the same is true for real GDP growth. "Since 1930 (the first year decent data is available), GDP growth was 5.4 percent for Democratic presidents and 1.6 percent for Republicans." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: stock+market+Democrats ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien And Romney In Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 02:48:30 PM ----BODY: A new NECN poll shows Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates Mitt Romney (R) and Shannon O'Brien (D) "in a dead heat, each polling 40 percent support." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Romney+O'Brien ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Doyle Leads McCallum In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 02:25:53 PM ----BODY: Jim Doyle (D) leads Gov. Scott McCallum (R) 40 to 31 percent in the Wisconsin governor's race, with 18 percent undecided, according to WMTV-TV. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Doyle+McCallum ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Goes Into Debate With Big Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 02:22:58 PM ----BODY: Jennifer Granholm (D) "continues to lead" Dick Posthumus (R) by double digits in the Michigan governor's race "as the two head into their first debate," WOODTV reports. Granholm leads 53 to 41 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Granholm+Posthumus ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Lautenberg Leads Forrester STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 01:38:33 PM ----BODY: A poll conducted late last week shows that former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) leads Douglas Forrester (R) 46 percent to 40 percent, the Bergen Record reports. Meanwhile, a new Quinnipiac poll shows Lautenberg ahead of Forrester by four percentage points, 49 to 45 percent, within the margin of error. "More than half the state's voters - 54 percent -- say the last-minute switch of Sen. Bob Torricelli for Lautenberg is unfair, but just 30% say they can't vote for Lautenberg because of the switch." For the latest tracking polls on this race, subscribe to Zogby.

In the New York Times, John Judis and Ruy Texiera use the New Jersey Senate race as a case study supporting their thesis in The Emerging Democratic Majority.

Update: Reuters reports the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the Republican Party's appeal of the New Jersey Supreme Court decision allowing Lautenberg to replace Torricelli on the ballot. Now, the Wall Street Journal says "Republicans are trying to keep Torricelli's campaign funds from flowing" into Lautenberg's campaign. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Lautenberg ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: First Book About 2004 Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 01:20:55 PM ----BODY: The Note says USA Today's Walter Shapiro has signed a contract with PublicAffairs to do a book that is tentatively titled The Invisible Primary, which will be "an impressionistic account of the early phases of the 2004 Democratic presidential race -- the decisions whether to run, the recruitment of campaign staff, the wooing of NY investment bankers and Hollywood deal-makers, how the candidates craft their personas, the care and feeding of New Hampshire and Iowa activists, etc. " ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: 2004+presidential+primary ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rothenberg: GOP Holds Edge In Close Senate Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 09:10:49 AM ----BODY: Stuart Rothenberg writes in Roll Call that, while Democratic Party "operatives remain hopeful" that they will pick up some of the five open Republican Senate seats, "the Republicans continue to have the edge" in all five contests. Meanwhile, Ron Faucheux looks at Senate incumbents and predicts that "four senators -- two of each party -- would lose re-election" under his model. "They are Tim Hutchinson (R-AR), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and Tim Johnson (D-SD). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: senate control ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Democrats Jump On Bush Gaffe STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 09:04:25 AM ----BODY: Democrats "pounced on" Gov. Jeb Bush (R), "taunting the governor with his own ta pe-recorded words saying he has 'devious plans' to ignore voters if they approve a popular state amendment requiring smaller public school class sizes," the Palm Beach Post reports. "It was a potentially devastating revelation in the final weeks of a close gubernatorial race in which improving education -- especially reducing class size -- has been the central issue of the campaign." The Tampa Tribune says "the state got a glimpse of a different Jeb Bush this week. And the unscripted revelations of an agenda he had not publicly shared with voters could haunt him for the remaining weeks of the campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Jeb Bush ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Ohio, Taft Leads Grows To Double Digits STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:58:50 AM ----BODY: A Columbus Dispatch poll says Governor Robert Taft's (R) "lead in the governor's race has grown in the last month." The poll shows Taft leading Timothy Hagan (D) 51 to 40 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Robert Taft ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Internal Polls Say Senate Race Tied STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:54:26 AM ----BODY: Last week's polls on the New Hampshire Senate race between Jeanne Shaheen (D) and John Sununu (R) provided contradictory information, but the Man chester Union Leader says "It’s just so happens that Shaheen appears to be gaining ground. We’ve learned of a Republican poll showing that an 8-point Sununu lead has shrunk to a dead heat. The National Republican Senatorial Committee added a Senate preference question to another GOP candidate’s poll, and the result has the race tied at 45 percent." Meanwhile, a new Research 2000 poll has Sununu up by 4 points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Shaheen+Sununu ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Armey Blames Newspaper For Son's Failure STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:44:04 AM ----BODY: House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) has blamed the Dallas Morning News "for his son's failure to capture the GOP nomination for his House seat," accusing the newspaper of "vicious unprofessionalism." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Dick Armey ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Another Poll Shows Rendell Way Out In Front STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:42:31 AM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) "has opened a commanding" 14-point lead over Mike Fisher (R), "with just four weeks left in the race for governor," according to the latest Pennsylvania Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Ed Rendell ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Criticize Bush On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:25:39 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), "who has been one of the most outspoken supporters of military action against Iraq, will today distance himself from the administration with a speech in which he accuses President Bush of conducting a foreign policy of 'arrogance without purpose' that is marked by 'gratuitous unilateralism,'" the Washington Post reports. The Raleigh News and Observer notes Edwards will call for "the creation of a new federal agency dedicated to domestic intelligencegathering that would supplant the work of the FBI in that area." Meanwhile, USA Today has a useful chart of where each possible 2004 presidential candidate stands on Iraq. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: John Edwards ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Scale Back Predictions For House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:23:57 AM ----BODY: "Democratic leaders who two months ago predicted a strong showing in Congressional elections this fall have markedly scaled back their views," the New York Times reports. The reason is the increased focus on war with Iraq and too little focus on the nation's economy. However, a New York Times/CBS News poll says "a majority of Americans say that lawmakers are focusing too much on Iraq and too little on issues at home." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: control of house ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Mexico, Richardson In Tougher Race Than Expected STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:23:04 AM ----BODY: Bill Richardson's (D) "return to New Mexico to run for governor last year seemed for a while like it would end up an effortless coronation," the Washington Post reports. "But as the election fast approaches, the race is not turning out to be the cake walk many predicted." Richardson "is still heavily favored to prevail over John Sanchez (R) in the nation's first all-Hispanic gubernatorial race in nearly 80 years, but independent polls show the race tightening." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Bill Richardson ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Senate Race May Come Down To War Vote STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/07/2002 08:20:04 AM ----BODY: Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) "is the only incumbent in a tight race who has vowed to vote against a war powers resolution," the New York Times reports. For the latest tracking polls on this race, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: Paul Wellstone ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Cleland Leads Chambliss By Nine STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/05/2002 09:02:03 AM ----BODY: Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) "leads a close race" against challenger Saxby Chambliss (R) "as Georgia's high-profile U.S. Senate campaign heads into its final, frantic month," the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The statewide poll "found 51 percent favored Cleland, 42 percent supported Chambliss, and 7 percent are undecided." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Maintains Lead Despite Taping Controversy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/05/2002 08:59:45 AM ----BODY: In the Iowa Senate race, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) is leading Greg Ganske (R) 51 to 42 percent, with seven percent undecided, KCCI reports. "Harkin goes down one point while Ganske goes up two points, compared to the last KCCI poll in September. This is the first poll to survey Iowans following the controversy over a Ganske campaign meeting by a former Harkin staff member." Meanwhile, in the Gubernatorial race, Tom Vilsack (D) is leading 50 percent to Doug Gross's (R) 40 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Democratic Poll Puts Lautenberg In Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/05/2002 12:39:07 AM ----BODY: A Democratic poll shows New Jersey Senate candidate Frank Lautenberg (D), "whose placement on the New Jersey ballot has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court," with an 11-point lead over Douglas Forrester (R)," Reuters reports. Meanwhile, a KYW poll shows Lautenberg ahead by just four points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Changes Fundraising Guidelines Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 12:41:12 PM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "who broke with personal precedent last year when he established his first political action committee, has changed his fund-raising guidelines again, dropping a $10,000 limit on contributions from individuals, a cap he had touted when establishing the PAC," the Boston Globe reports. Meanwhile, the Boston Herald notes that Al Gore, Kerry's potential rival in a 2004 presidential primary, will be in his backyard today. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien And Romney Running Even STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 12:37:43 PM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "failed to get a lift from her first major televised debate against" Mitt Romney (R), "and the pair remain deadlocked a month before Election Day," a new Boston Herald poll shows. The Boston Herald also notes Romney is trying to win the women's vote with a pledge "that women would make up 50 percent of top-level positions in his administration should he win the governor's seat." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Complain About Democratic Web Ad STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 12:34:42 PM ----BODY: A web advertisement, "designed as a combination attack on Social Security privatization and fund-raising appeal," is being criticized by Republicans, the AP reports. The ad shows "an animated image of President Bush pushing a wheelchair-bound individual off a cliff." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Says No One Listens To Gore STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 09:46:10 AM ----BODY: White House press secretary Ari Fleischer "dismissed Al Gore's criticism" of President Bush's economic policies, saying "nobody pays a lot of attention to what the former vice president said," CN N reports. Fleischer also brushed aside questions about a potential rematch between Gore and Bush in 2004, retorting "I think the question is do Democrats look forward to a rematch between President Bush and Al Gore." Meanwhile, the Tennessean says Gore is "mending fences" in his home state. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Schwarzenegger Ready For Politics STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 09:41:47 AM ----BODY: Arnold Schwarzenegger "is dipping his big toe into politics this election season," the Baltimore Sun reports. "But where he'll end up isn't scripted yet. In what is widely seen as an audition for a future statewide race, one of Hollywood's biggest stars is aggressively promoting a California measure that would expand state funding for programs that keep kids off the streets after school." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Focus On 401(k) Statements STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 07:19:41 AM ----BODY: "Democrats are attempting to use the imminent mailing of millions of dismal investment statements to return voters' attention to the struggling economy before next month's midterm elections," the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire notes "GOP House leaders want to avoid the issue. But a new business coalition bankrolls ads in states with hot election races, to promote Bush's idea of creating private investment accounts... Some Democrats expect Social Security to make the difference in Senate contests in Minnesota, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, North and South Carolina." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Supreme Court Asked To Intervene STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/04/2002 07:16:05 AM ----BODY: "Supreme Court justices could once again put themselves on the line in a New Jersey election case that could determine control of the Senate," the New York Times reports. But the Washington Post notes that "legal analysts said it was unlikely the justices would get into a case that could affect the composition of the body that would vote on their successors." The Trenton Times says Democratic party activists "now believe they are on the cusp of a political marvel that will result in Lautenberg winning the Nov. 5 contest." Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire notes that Senate Democrats weigh letting former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) "reclaim his 18 years of party seniority if elected to replace disgraced Democrat Torricelli. That would vault him ahead of his state's other senator, Corzine, and most other Democrats. Corzine's consolation? Perhaps Torricelli's Finance Committee seat. But New York's Sens. Schumer and Clinton want it, too, colleagues say." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Perdue Closing Gap With Barnes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 10:19:00 PM ----BODY: A new Insider Advantage poll shows Sonny Perdue (R) is "within striking distance" of incumbent Roy Barnes (D) in the race for governor, WXIATV reports. However, Barnes still leads the race 45 to 38 percent, with 17 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland Keeps Lead Over Curry In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 10:14:01 PM ----BODY: A new University of Connecticut poll gives Gov. John Rowland (R) a 14 point lead over challenger Bill Curry (D) among those likely to vote in November, the Stamford Advocate reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Democratic Poll Has Shaheen Ahead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 10:12:55 PM ----BODY: A Democratic poll shows New Hampshire Senate candidate Jeanne Shaheen (D) with a two percent lead, 46 to 44 percent, over Rep. John Sununu (R). The same firm's poll just two weeks ago had Sununu (R) ahead by three percent. Update: WMUR says an American Research Group poll has Sununu ahead 55 to 34 percent, with 11 percent were undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Keeps Lead In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 10:00:33 PM ----- BODY: A new Inside Michigan Politics poll shows Jennifer Granholm (D) "holding onto her double digit lead" over Dick Posthumus (R) in the Michigan governor's race, "but she has slipped below 50 percent and the number of undecided voters is growing," WOODTV reports. Granholm leads Posthumus 47 to 36 percent, with 17 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Los Angeles, Bratton Gets Top Police Job STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 09:05:06 PM ----BODY: William Bratton, "the former police commissioner of New York who claimed credit for the city's dramatic drop in crime in the mid-90's, has been chosen as the next police chief in Los Angeles," the New York Times reports. Bratton "openly campaigned" for the job, "distributing press clippings and copies of his 1998 book, Turnaround: How America's Top Cop Reversed the Crime Epidemic, to city officials and reporters." A Los Angeles Times piece called Mayor James Hahn's choice "a bold move that shows he is willing to share the limelight." KABC has Bratton's official statement. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Should Fisher Pull A Torricelli? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:26:06 PM ----BODY: What would happen if Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Mike Fisher (R) "dropped out in the next 24 hours, and Republicans replaced him with Gov. Mark Schweiker?" Politics PA asks. "That's what political commentator Bob Novak suggested last night. If Republican Schweiker were running, he'd be leading Democrat Ed Rendell by an 18-point margin, 47 to 29 percent," the Daily News/Fox Philadelphia Keystone poll found this week. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Raising Money -- And National Profile STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 01:54:07 PM ----BODY: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-NY) "fund-raising blitz moves so fast that sometimes the recipients of her political bounty don't even see her coming," the Ba ltimore Sun reports. "Few politicians are as busy raising campaign funds as the former first lady... Clinton's activities enhance the stature of those she helps -- as well as her own. At the least, she is working to preserve her influence in the Congress, since Democrats can achieve more when their party holds a majority." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Courts Allow Lautenberg On Ballot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 10:16:40 AM ----BODY: New Jersey's Supreme Court unanimously ruled that "Democrats could replace Senator Robert G. Torricelli's name on this November's ballot, effectively clearing the way for former Senator Frank R. Lautenberg to enter the race," the New York Times reports. The Trenton Times describes an energetic Lautenberg formally launching his campaign, promising supporters "the same kind of vigor he employed when he won his first term in 1982, his second in 1988 and his third in 1994." The Washington Post notes "the Senate Library could turn up no examples of a senator who came back after voluntarily retiring to private life." Roll Call says Lautenberg "plans a high-profile return to Washington today, huddling first with Senate Majority Leader Thomas Daschle (D-S.D.) and later with labor leaders to plot strategy." Meanwhile, Politics NJ says Kevin Hagen, will take a leave of absence as New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey's Deputy Chief of Staff, to become Lautenberg's campaign manager.

The Wall Street Journal notes "the move calmed Democrats' anxiety about a loss that could cost them the Senate, but it may not last. The GOP is to ask for an expedited review by the U.S. Supreme Court today."

As for Torricelli, the New York Times notes the Senator's allies "speculate that the only thing he may hate more than losing his seat to a Republican is seeing Mr. Lautenberg fill it." But the Newark Star Ledger quotes a "Torricelli confidant" who said "the senator and his supporters will help out, financially and otherwise." Washington Wrap has this interesting bit of gossip on the frosty relationship between the two former colleagues: "The nasty fight between Torricelli and Lautenberg even included a reported threat by the Torch to remove Lautenberg's genitals following a contentious Capitol Hill meeting." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Attacks Bush On The Economy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 09:19:19 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "excoriated Bush economic policies as 'Enron accounting,' extending a deepening rancor between the two rivals to the domestic front," the Wall Street Journal reports. Will Saletan says Gore "is right now the most serious candidate" and his speech "outlined an implicit message strategy for 2004." But the most interesting tidbit from coverage of Gore's speech was from the New York Times's Adam Nagourney: "At the end of the speech, a reporter asked Mr. Gore why he was not wearing his wedding ring. Mr. Gore's face turned scarlet as he confided that he had 'gained so much weight' that once he had taken off the ring 'I couldn't get it back on again.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Chicago, Moseley-Braun May Run For Mayor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 09:13:28 AM ----BODY: Former Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL), who has hinted about running for Senate again, "is also thinking about running against" Chicago Mayor Richard Daley (D), according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Michael Sneed. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oregon, Smith On Path To Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:53:31 AM ----BODY: If Oregon's Senate election were held today, Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) would easily beat his challenger, Bill Bradbury (D), 53 to 30 percent, according to a KGW poll. Full poll results are also available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Has Comfortable Lead Over Fisher STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:52:11 AM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) "has pulled comfortably ahead" of Mike Fisher (R) "as the race for Pennsylvania governor heads into its final weeks," the Philadel phia Inquirer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Dogged By Letters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:40:20 AM ----BODY: "Seeking to put an end to a controversy that has dogged him for days," Carl McCall (D) "released 61 letters on official state stationery that included or mentioned other people's résumés, while maintaining that he had done nothing improper in writing them," the New York Times reports. The New York Daily News says McCall promised "he would not write such letters if elected governor." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rothenberg: Democrats Not Likely To Take House STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:27:10 AM ----BODY: Stuart Rothenberg's analysis in Roll Call shows that "the Democrats need to prevail in all of the races currently leaning their way, as well as win several of the races currently leaning Republican. That's a tall order, particularly given the drumbeat of war." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lott Moves Up Leadership Elections STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/03/2002 08:24:14 AM ----BODY: "In a surprise move, Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) has abruptly advanced the date of Republican leadership elections by several weeks in what some GOP insiders believe is a bid to force the hand of Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK)," Roll Call reports. "There has been widespread speculation that Nickles will run against Lott for the top Republican spot, although the Oklahoman is keeping his own counsel about his plans." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend And Ehrlich Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 11:06:43 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) and Robert Ehrlich (R) in a statistical tie in the Maryland race for governor, the Baltimore Sun reports. According to the poll, "Townsend leads Ehrlich 45 percent to 43 percent statewide, an edge that rests within the poll's margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. Twelve percent of voters are undecided." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland Increasing His Lead Over Curry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 11:01:29 AM ----BODY: Connecticut Gov. John Rowland (R) has a 59 to 37 percent lead among likely voters over challenger Bill Curry (D), according to a new Quinnipiac University Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Is America Moving Leftward? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 10:30:32 AM ----BODY: The Economist runs a very favorable review of The Emerging Democratic Majority by John Judis and Ruy Teixeira saying the book is "so crisply clear in its exposition and so skilfully supported by statistical evidence and analysis that it may finally turn conventional wisdom on its head." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Democrats Choose Lautenberg STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 09:54:53 AM ----BODY: Former Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) "agreed to have his name placed on the ballot to replace Robert G. Torricelli in the New Jersey Senate race," the New York Times reports. The Trenton Times called the selection "the strangest twist yet in a bizarre election year." The AP calls it "a twist worthy of a novel." The New York Times runs a good profile of Lautenberg saying "with five weeks left until the election, his name alone is worth millions." Meanwhile, Politics NJ says "Democrats turned to him after initially offering the nod to Rep. Frank Pallone, and after former Sen. Bill Bradley and Rep. Bob Menendez declined to run. Pallone had reportedly accepted McGreevey's offer to run, only to get cold feet shortly before an scheduled announcement." The Philadelphia Inquirer described it this way: "The already confused candidate search broke into total chaos." Adding to the drama, the Washington Post notes that "everyone takes it as given" that Torricelli will not turn over his campaign funds to Lautenberg, a man he has feuded with for years.

As for whether Lautenberg will even get on the ballot, USA Today says Democrats believe "decades of state court decisions put voters' rights above filing deadlines and other technical guidelines." But, as Political Wire speculated yesterday, even if they lose in court, "there is another possible escape hatch" for Democrats -- "if Torricelli were to resign from the Senate, New Jersey law permits" Gov. Jim McGreevey (D) "to name a replacement who could then run for election." MyDD has good analysis on this option as well. But the National Review's Dave Kopel says the only viable path for Democrats is to "acknowledge that they are stuck with Torricelli on the ballot" and that "if he is elected, he will promptly resign." Kausfiles notes the law just isn't clear. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Eight Senate Races Too Close To Call STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 09:53:41 AM ----BODY: Senator Robert Torricelli's "stunning decision to drop his re-election bid has added new volatility to the battle for control of the Senate, with eight races now considered too close to call and Democrats in a fierce struggle to hang on to their precarious one-seat majority," the New York Times reports. The Hill explores "the possibility that the outcome of as many as three Senate races -- and control of the Senate -- may not be decided until after Election Day." A Washington Monthly piece says "the most pivotal issue facing voters in this congressional election is control of Congress itself." Nonetheless, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader's David Kranz says "Democrats have a slight edge to hold the Senate." However, CNN's John Mercurio takes the opposite view: "Republicans enjoy better footing in crucial U.S. Senate races than they did two months ago, when Democrats seemed well poised to increase their one-seat majority." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dowd: Clinton Planning 2008 Presidential Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:51:56 AM ----BODY: The New York Times' Maureen Dowd says that "in the latest sign that she is running for president in 2008," Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) "is staying away from Al Gore's kumbayah corner. Whatever doubts she may have privately about war, she is not articulating her angst as loudly as some of her Democratic colleagues... Hillary and Bill, her very own Dick Morris, have a grandiose master plan that calls for John Kerry or John Edwards — or Al Gore, if he can find any Democratic donors — to be the sacrificial lamb in 2004 to a popular wartime president." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Threatening To Sue TV Stations Is New Campaign Tactic STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:43:55 AM ----BODY: "Television station managers in small communities across the nation are being forced this fall to adjudicate a barrage of demands from Democratic and Republican Party lawyers pressuring them to pull political advertisements in closely fought Congressional races -- or face the risk of a defamation suit," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Fears The 401(k) Effect STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:35:35 AM ----BODY: "Investors will soon be getting their third-quarter financial statements showing a sharp drop in retirement wealth, and some Republican Party strategists fear they could lose House and Senate races in November if stocks decline further this month," the Washington Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Virginia May Move Up Presidential Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:26:11 AM ----BODY: Virginia Democrats may move up their presidential primary date to as early as February 3, 2004 -- the same day as South Carolina, and right after the early contests of Iowa and New Hampshire, according to the Charl otte Observer. North Carolina Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "has pushed for an earlier primary. His top strategists have traveled to Virginia at least once to urge party officials to make the change." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Fades In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:16:27 AM ----BODY: A Marist Institute poll has Carl McCall (D) trailing New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "by about 15 points, a backslide from an 11-point difference in another poll last week," the New York Daily News reports. The Albany Times-Union notes, amazingly, that Pataki leads McCall "even in heavily Democratic New York City, where he is ahead 6 points." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Surges In New Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 08:10:59 AM ----BODY: Ed Rendell (D) now has a 23 point lead over Mike Fisher (R) in the Pennsylvania governor's race, KDKA reports. And a new Pittsburgh TribuneReview poll gives Rendell a 15-point lead. Meanwhile, a Philadelphia Daily News poll says if Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker (R) were running for governor "he'd be leading" Rendell "by an 18-point margin." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard Backing Away From Social Security Privatization STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/02/2002 07:46:59 AM ----BODY: Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) "sponsored two bills requiring private Social Security accounts for all workers -- measures critics say contradict his recent pronouncements against privatizing the federal retirement program," the Denver Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Jeffords New Book Leaked On Capitol Hill STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 04:05:28 PM ----BODY: "Copies of a new bio of Republican-turned-independent Sen. James Jeffords, whose switch gave the Democrats control of the chamber, are making the rounds on Capitol Hill and confirm what every GOP-er always thought: The Vermonter was always a closet Democrat. On issue after issue, Jeffords writes in An Independent Man of his disdain for conservatives and their politics. He even brags on how former President Clinton considered him 'his favorite Republican senator,'" according to U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Senate Campaigns Head To Court STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 12:19:23 PM ----BODY: "Once again, an election is heading to court," the Newark Star Ledger reports. "Democrats will go to court today seeking permission to replace Sen. Robert Torricelli -battered by a reprimand from the Senate ethics committee and trailing in some polls -- with a new candidate to be chosen by the State Democratic Committee." The New York Times says the court challenges "added new uncertainty to the ferocious battle for control of the Senate." But the Wall Street Journal says "the paradox of Monday's tumult is that Mr. Torricelli's exit actually could improve Democrats' chances of holding his seat by letting the party offer a candidate untainted by scandal in a state with decided Democratic leanings. That is why Republicans signaled immediately that they will resist Democratic efforts to go to court for the right to put a replacement candidate on the ballot." The Hartfo rd Courant agrees: "Torricelli's sudden fall ultimately could be a boon to Democrats. If they can find a high profile figure to replace the senator, the race could be a tossup again." Charlie Cook also thinks it was smart political move: "Assuming Democrats can switch nominees -- and there is little reason to believe they will not -- this was not a good break for the GOP. The problem now for Republicans is that, in a sense, they will almost have to build a candidate from scratch. Up to this point, Forrester did not need to offer a vision or an agenda for the future. That was irrelevant to his mission -- but the mission has changed. In retrospect, the GOP hit Torricelli too hard, too early -- and now will probably face a considerably less flawed Democrat on Nov. 5."

Politi cs NJ has a long list of potential candidates. Update: On the Today show, Torricelli said the most likely replacement candidates were Rep. Frank Pallone, Rep. Rob Andrews or State Assembly Majority Leader Joe Roberts. The Note asks the key question: "Who is doing the vetting of these folks, we wonder, since there is no margin for error?"

Possible scenario: The Democrats seem to have a pretty safe alternative if the courts do not allow them to replace Torricelli on the ballot. Under New Jersey law, if Torricelli resigns his seat before Monday, Gov. James McGreevey can call a special election on November 5. Doug Forrester would then run against the person McGreevy names to fill Torricelli's seat for the remaining two months of his term. Roll Call Daily's Stuart Rothenberg agrees: "Unless Garden State Democrats get a break from the courts, Torricelli may well have to resign his seat in the next day or two so" McGreevey "can select a replacement and Democrats can pick a new general election nominee."

Update: The New York Times says Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) is the frontrunner to replace Torricelli and met with Gov. McGreevy today. In an email, the ABC News Political Unit confirms Pallone is the Democrats' choice. Politics NJ also confirms the selection of Pallone. Check Google News for the latest. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arizona, Salmon And Napolitano In Close Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 11:47:39 AM ----BODY: Matt Salmon (R) and Janet Napolitano (D) are in a statistical tie in the Arizona gubernatorial race, according to a new statewide poll, the AP reports. Salmon has a slight lead 41 to 38 percent, with a 4 percent margin of error. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Bush Hold War Until 2004? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 10:14:09 AM ----BODY: Matt Miller says it's in President Bush's political interest to start a war with Iraq in 2004. "I can't shake the suspicion that this fall is all a dry run, and we'll be doing this again in 2004 when the real invasion is close at hand during President Bush's reelection campaign." Mickey Kaus says the strategy might work "if Bush gives inspections a chance to work this spring, and they don't, a war the very next winter would happen at roughly the same time as the campaigning for the 2004 primaries in New Hampshire and Iowa (where the Democratic candidates would be appealing to the party peaceniks). But The Scrum notes "it would be pretty difficult to both delay the war for two years while also maintaining the selling point (Saddam's evil and he may nuke us at any minute) as well as the sense of inevitability that has helped the White House with both diplomatically and politically." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Absentee Ballots Switch Party Affiliation STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 09:53:07 AM ----BODY: "Some absentee voters in rural northwest Missouri are choosing between Republican Jean Carnahan and Democrat Jim Talent in a U.S. Senate race," the AP reports. "Oops! Make that DEMOCRAT Jean Carnahan and REPUBLICAN Jim Talent. The party affiliation of the two Senate candidates was reversed on thousands of ballots printed for Holt County." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kansas, Sebelius Widens Her Lead Over Shallenburger STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 08:47:51 AM ----BODY: A new Wichita Eagle poll in the Kansas governor's race shows Kathleen Sebelius (D) holds a 20 point lead over Tim Shallenburger (R). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Davis Extends Lead Over Simon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 08:38:55 AM ----BODY: A new Los Angeles Times poll shows that California Gov. Gray Davis (D) "has opened a substantial lead" over Bill Simon (R) "as disenchanted voters turn to the incumbent Democrat as the better of two unsatisfying choices." Davis now leads 45 to 35 percent. The San Francisco Chronicle says Simon "hits the airwaves today with an unusual advertising tactic for a politician -- a commercial in which he acknowledges past troubles." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Campaigns For Dole STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 10/01/2002 08:36:46 AM ----BODY: For Sen. Bob Dole's (R-KS) "day job now" is "stumping for his wife, who is campaigning to join the club he left," the New York Times reports. The Kansas City Star says Dole also returned to Kansas to campaign for several House candidates. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, The Torch Is Out STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 12:48:40 PM ----BODY: Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "has decided to give up his re-election race," WNBC reports. (Full text and video of Torricelli's withdrawal speech are online.) "With the election just a little over a month away, party officials were considering a list of possible candidates including former Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Bill Bradley and current House members Bob Menendez, Frank Pallone and Rob Andrews, said sources in Washington and New Jersey. A Bradley associate said it was unlikely he would accept." The AP says "Under New Jersey law, a political party can replace a statewide nominee on the ballot if the person drops out at least 48 days before the election. But only 36 days remain... meaning Democrats would have to seek approval from the state attorney general." For more, see Google's roundup on this story. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Odds Shift To Republicans In November STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 09:13:10 AM ----BODY: "Democrats face an uphill battle to recapture control of the House in November's midterm elections, while Republicans have marginally improved their position in what remains a tense and wide-open fight for control of the Senate," the Washington Post's Helen Dewar and Juliet Eilperin report. (Update: This shift is mirrored in the Iowa Political Markets futures contracts.) But Newsweek says the fall election will be "a close-run thing," with control of the House and Senate "being decided by the late returns in the wee hours of election night." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain Considers Renegade Spokesman STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 09:05:58 AM ----BODY: Marshall Wittmann, "who recently bolted the GOP to officially become an Independent," has "emerged as a candidate to become" Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) new communications director, according to Roll Call's Ed Henry. Wittmann, who writes on the web as The Bull Moose, wrote in a Washington Post op-ed piece this month that "my dream presidential ticket for 2004 would feature John McCain and Bob Kerrey, two mavericks who defy the prevailing wisdom of their respective parties." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Nader To Decide On 2004 Campaign Next Year STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:59:05 AM ----BODY: Ralph Nader, "still blamed by many Democrats for costing them the 2000 presidential election, said he won't decide on another campaign until next year," the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Ganske Demands Harkin Come Clean STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:45:08 AM ----BODY: Rep. Greg Ganske (R) said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) "knows more than he is telling about his campaign's involvement in a secretly taped Ganske campaign meeting, while Harkin says he's dealt with the scandal and wants to move on," the D es Moines Register reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Democrats Keep Campaigning For Late Congresswoman STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:43:01 AM ----BODY: Rep. Patsy Mink (D), died Saturday "after a month-long illness," the Honolulu StarBulletin reports. The Honolulu Advertiser says state Democratic leaders "will aggressively campaign" the late Mink "in an effort to hold onto her congressional seat in the Nov. 5 election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Giuliani Wants To Execute Bin Laden STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:24:59 AM ----BODY: The New York Daily News has read former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's new book, Leadership, and has notes this bombshell: "If Osama Bin Laden is ever caught alive... Giuliani has one wish: He wants to be the one to execute the terrorist." A New York Times review says "Giuliani sounds so free of self-doubt that despite the book's mild tone, it will remind readers of the willful years of the Giuliani mayoralty, when there were few shades of gray." Meanwhile, the Washington Times notes "an increasing number of government analysts believe Osama bin Laden is dead, but the assessment is based on rational deduction, not hard evidence." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, The Torch Is Fading Fast STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:16:54 AM ----BODY: A Newark StarLedger/Eagleton-Rutgers Poll shows Doug Forrester (R) leading Sen. Robert Torricelli (D) by 13 percentage points. Just two weeks ago the race was a statistical tie. The Newark Star Ledger says "The poll shows Forrester's surge is being driven by independent voters, who make or break New Jersey campaigns." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Tip O'Neill Was Wrong STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 08:12:26 AM ----BODY: "With control of the House riding on a handful of competitive races, Tip O'Neill's dictum no longer holds; these days, all politics is national," the New York Times reports. There is a "nationalization" of House races this year, as evidenced by "the growing influence of outside interest groups and national parties on what the founding fathers intended to be profoundly local elections." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Ulmer Running Ahead Of Murkowski STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 01:30:52 AM ----BODY: "For the first time since the beginning of the election season," poll numbers (though not from an independent poll) are showing Alaska gubernatorial candidate Fran Ulmer (D) in the lead over Frank Murkowski (R), the Juneau Empire reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rove Has Already Drafted Bush's Re-Election Strategy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 12:27:47 AM ----BODY: Karl Rove "has already drawn up plans for the 2004 re-election campaign," Time magazine reports. "Ken Mehlman, his deputy, will leave the White House to be the official campaign manager. But Rove will run things from inside, following the example of James Baker, who managed Ronald Reagan's 1984 re-election effort as White House chief of staff." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Candidates Squeezing Last Soft Money Contributions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/30/2002 12:04:59 AM ----BODY: "Lawmakers and fund-raisers are working to wring the last bit of money from the current system before a campaign finance measure goes into effect," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Mexico, Richardson Ahead Of Sanchez By Nine STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 10:21:27 PM ----BODY: Bill Richardson (D) is leading John Sanchez (R) by nine points in the New Mexico governor's race, according to a Sante Fe New Mexican/KOB-TV poll. Meanwhile, the New York Times says the race has a new issue: "the worthiness of being a flight attendant." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Hawaii, Lingle Slightly Ahead Of Hirono STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 10:19:35 PM ----BODY: Linda Lingle (R) "has a slight lead" over Mazie Hirono (D) in Hawaii's race for governor, "but Hirono is gaining ground," according to the Honolulu Advertiser/News 8 Hawaii Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Montana, Baucus Way Out In Front STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 10:17:49 PM ----BODY: Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) "has mounted a wide lead" over challenger Mike Taylor (R), a new Billings Gazette poll shows. "The poll showed Baucus, who is seeking his fifth Senate term, topping Taylor by a 54 percent to 35 percent margin, with 10 percent of the voters undecided." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Holds Slight Lead Over Romney STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 10:15:40 PM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "holds a slight lead" over Mitt Romney (R) in the race for governor, according to a new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Johnson And Thune In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 09:23:27 AM ----BODY: "South Dakota's closely watched U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Tim Johnson and Republican Rep. John Thune is a dead heat," according to an Argus Leader poll. "Johnson was the choice of 44 percent of the respondents, and Thune received 43 percent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Mixed Polls On Economy And Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/29/2002 12:46:51 AM ----BODY: "With less than six weeks until the November mid-term elections, Democratic Congressional candidates have taken the lead among voters" as economic issues become more important than an invasion of Iraq, according to the latest Newsweek poll. If the November elections were held today, "more registered voters say they would vote for the Democratic candidate (47 percent) than the Republican candidate (40 percent) in their district." But a new Washington Post-ABC News poll says "Democratic hopes of making the November balloting a referendum on economic issues are being blocked by public preoccupation with terrorism and talk of war with Iraq." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush And McBride In A Dead Heat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/28/2002 07:43:44 PM ----BODY: A new poll shows the race between Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) and Bill McBride (D) is a dead heat, Fl orida Today reports. Bush Had 49 percent to McBride's 48 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin's Campaign Manager Resigns STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/28/2002 07:22:51 PM ----- BODY: Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-IA) campaign manager "resigned abruptly Friday, becoming the second casualty in an unfolding controversy stemming from a tape-recorded meeting of Republican rival Greg Ganske and his financial supporters," the Des Moines Register reports. Update: The D es Moines Register reports on a new poll: "Harkin has widened his lead over Republican opponent Greg Ganske over the past three months." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Special Offer For Political Wire Readers STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 11:57:58 PM ----BODY: Many readers have subscribed to the Zogby Tracking Polls. This gives you access to comprehensive reports and polls on the hottest races this fall, but they also help defray the cost of running Political Wire. For those who haven't sign up yet, Zogby is now offering a less expensive Topline Election 2002 Tracking service that they will deliver direct to your email. Thanks for your support! ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Used State Business As Lure To Hire Daughter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 03:28:24 PM ----BODY: New York State Comptroller Carl McCall (D) "successfully sought a job for his daughter from a top Verizon exec - while reminding him in the same letter that the state pension fund owned millions of the firm's shares," the New York Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Doyle Takes Lead Over McCallum STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 03:07:10 PM ----BODY: The first post-primary poll in the Wisconsin governor's race gives challenger Jim Doyle (D) an edge over Gov. Scott McCallum (R), "but it suggests support on both sides is soft, and 37 percent say they might change their mind before election day," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Doyle leads McCallum 43 to 35 percent. The Capital Times says "Doyle's campaign quickly hailed the results, while McCallum's questioned the validity of the survey." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hitchens Never Told Editors He Was Leaving STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 11:32:37 AM ----BODY: The Nation's editors first learned of Christopher Hitchens' resignation when they read the column he submitted for this week's issue, the Los Angeles Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Photo Is A Fake STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 11:19:18 AM ----BODY: It turns out a widely-circulated picture of President Bush holding an upside down copy of America: A Patriotic Primer is just another urban legend, according to Barbara and David Mikkelson. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Smith Backers Seek Write-In Votes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 11:08:57 AM ----BODY: Some supporters of Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH), "who lost a bruising primary to Rep. John E. Sununu, refuse to give up" and are waging a write-in campaign, the Man chester Union Leader reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, GOP Says Man Who Taped Session Was Harkin Aide STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 10:05:54 AM ----BODY: Iowa Republican officials said "they believe the man who taped a private meeting (listen to the tape) of Rep. Greg Ganske (R-IA) was a former aide to Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) more than 20 years ago, the Des Moines Register reports. The newspaper identifies the man as Brian Conley, who "wrote a l etter to the Register critical of Ganske in January. Conley worked for Harkin in the 1970s as a lower level aide for a short-time period." Update: The D es Moines Register says Harkin's campaign "has suffered severe damage" from the revelations. And the Quad City Times quotes a detective investigating the case: "What I'm getting so far is that [Conley] does not wish to talk unless he's guaranteed immunity, which, if he doesn't think he's committed the crime, what does he need immunity for?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: How Will Investors Vote In November? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 09:23:16 AM ----BODY: "As the stock market fell to its lowest level in four years this week," the Wall Street Journal raises "a burning political question: How will a whole class of voters -- America's millions of new small investors -- react in the congressional elections that lie just ahead?" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: South Carolina Gets Visits From Edwards And Kerry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 09:11:48 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "is heading back to South Carolina this weekend with an eye on courting black voters in the key 2004 presidential primary state," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. And the Columb ia State notes Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) will also be in the state this weekend seeking support for his expected presidential bid. Meanwhile, the Minneapolis Star Tribune says Al Gore will be campaigning for candidates in Minnesota. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney Ads Seek Women Voters STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 09:07:31 AM ----BODY: Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Mitt Romney (R) "appears barechested in a swimsuit in a new television ad in which he and his wife speak tenderly about their courtship," the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Romney "is downplaying the new strategy" and "his campaign denies it is an overt attempt to attract female voters." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Torricelli Memo Released STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 09:02:17 AM ----BODY: A U.S. district judge unsealed a Justice Department document "in which federal prosecutors said they found 'credible' the allegations of a now-imprisoned businessman" who said he gave Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "tens of thousands of dollars in cash and illegal gifts," the Washington Post reports. The Newark Star Ledger says Torricelli's, Douglas Forrester (R), "renewed his calls for the Democrat to resign." Meanwhile, WNBC aired a commercial-free report on Torricelli's troubles, including a jailhouse interview with David Chang. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Leading In Fight For House Control STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/27/2002 12:01:11 AM ----BODY: "With six weeks to go until the midterm elections, Republicans appear to hold a slight edge in this year's fight for control of the House of Representatives," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Term Limits Leader Wants Another Term STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 03:00:53 PM ----BODY: Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), "who once led the term-limits movement in Colorado, renounced his pledge to remain in the House for only three terms (see the letter), declaring that he needs to remain in Congress to lead the fight to slow immigration into the United States," the Denver Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Tough Choice For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 01:37:41 PM ----BODY: "The U.S. Senate race in New Jersey offers voters a difficult choice: A career politician in ethical hot water versus a corporate chieftain who won't say exactly how his company earned the money financing his campaign," the Wall Street Journal reports. A New York Times editorial calls it a "dreadful" race. Meanwhile, the Bergen Record says Torricelli "sounded a new campaign alarm" -- elect Forrester and New Jersey "will be stuck with an inexperienced senator who lacks the influence to bring home needed federal dollars to a cashstrapped state." Update: A new Fairleigh Dickinson poll shows Forrester leading Torricelli 42 to 38 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Poll Shows Pryor With Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 12:06:35 PM ----BODY: Mark Pryor (D) "continues to hold a double-digit lead" over Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) in the Arkansas Senate race, a second independent poll for the Arkansas News Bureau shows. Pryor leads Hutchinson 50 to 40 percent. In the governor's race, a poll shows Gov. Mike Huckabee's (R) lead over Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) "is up slightly." Meanwhile, Roll Call's Heard on the Hill says "Hutchinson is taking heavy fire from a former staffer who was sacked this month for allegedly fumbling a constituent service matter that the lawmaker feared would hurt his reelection bid." For more analysis on these races, and updated tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Make Your Own Bush Speech STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 11:14:45 AM ----BODY: This site lets you be a White House speechwriter. When you're done, you can even hear President Bush deliver your speech! ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Takes Jab At Gore STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 10:12:28 AM ----BODY: The New York Daily News notes Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) "slipped in an early jab at potential campaign rival Al Gore yesterday. At a breakfast with reporters in Washington, he was asked if he thought the man who lost to George W. Bush would run again." Said Kerry: "I just don't have a clue. Somebody told me the other day that the Republicans are concerned that he won't run." Meanwhile, Roll Call's Heard On The Hill says Kerry is "turning up the heat" on Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) to endorse his expected bid for president. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland Cruising To Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 09:08:09 AM ----BODY: "The uphill climb" for Bill Curry (D) "grew steeper" as a new poll put him 17 points behind Gov. John G. Rowland (R), the Hartfor d Courant reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Loses Ground In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 09:01:28 AM ----BODY: Bill McBride (D) "has gained some momentum on" Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), with a new poll showing McBride just 6 points behind, according to the Tal lahassee Democrat. For more analysis on this race, and future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Independents Favor Strickland STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:47:26 AM ----BODY: The MSNBC/Zogby poll "which paints the U.S. Senate race in Colorado as a dead heat contains another set of equally startling numbers," according to the Rocky Mountain News. The poll "indicates that voters who identify themselves as independent favor Democratic challenger Tom Strickland over incumbent Republican Wayne Allard by 53.7 percent to 25.7 percent." For the complete polls results -- and future tracking polls on this race -- subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Man Admits Taping Ganske Strategy Session STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:42:34 AM ----BODY: "In a bizarre twist to an already tangled election-year saga," a lawyer said that "his unnamed client" recorded a meeting of Rep. Greg Ganske's (R-IA) financial backers "and turned it over to" Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-IA) campaign "out of disgust," the D es Moines Register reports. The man "received an invitation to the meeting in August and once gave money to Ganske's campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Edwards Runs Ads To Boost Image STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:40:43 AM ----BODY: "In an apparent bid to bolster his standing back home," Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "plans to launch a series of paid television commercials today in which he encourages North Carolinians to vote in the 2002 elections," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Voters Do Not Want Daschle To Run For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:32:10 AM ----BODY: "More than half of South Dakota voters don't want their native son, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, to challenge President Bush for the White House in 2004," according to an Argus Leader poll. "Daschle has acknowledged some interest in running for president but says he will not decide until after the Nov. 5 elections that will determine control of Congress." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Davis Leading Simon By Eight Points STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:30:10 AM ----BODY: In the California gubernatorial race, Gray Davis (D) currently leads Bill Simon (R) 40 to 32 percent among likely voters, according to a new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California. "Although residents remain far more engaged in the current governor’s race than they were four years ago, they express dissatisfaction with nearly every aspect of the campaign, from the lack of focus on issues to the unhelpfulness of the paid advertising." Complete survey results are available. Meanwhile, the Washington Times says the Republican Governors Association is about to give Simon "the financial cold shoulder unless he more than doubles the $9 million he has already loaned his campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maine, Collins And Baldacci Keep Wide Leads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:24:05 AM ----BODY: "Heavy television advertising has not erased wide leads" for Sen. Susan Collins (R) and John Baldacci (D) in Maine's Senate and gubernatorial races, the AP reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Holds Big Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:20:30 AM ----BODY: A new poll in the race for Pennsylvania governor shows Edward Rendell (D) "maintaining a double-digit lead" over Mike Fisher (R), the AP reports. Rendell leads 46 to 35 percent, according to The Morning Call/Muhlenberg College Poll. Fifteen percent were undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hitchens Leaves "The Nation" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/26/2002 08:10:23 AM ----BODY: Christopher Hitchens will no longer write for The Nation, the New York Times reports. "His departure ends a 20-year relationship that has grown increasingly rancorous over the last few years. Mr. Hitchens and the editors of The Nation have been in something of an intellectual death match." The Washington Post's Reliable Source says "With a typically Hitchensian drum roll and flourish, he announces his abrupt departure in the column that went to press yesterday." Andrew Sullivan says "Now there really is no reason to read [the magazine] any more." Josh Marshall has the official statement from The Nation. Meanwhile, the New York Times reviews a new movie based on Hitchens' new book The Trial Of Henry Kissinger. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Demands Apology From Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 01:23:32 PM ----BODY: In a speech on the Senate floor, Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) accused President Bush "of seeking to politicize the debate over war with Iraq and demanded that he apologize for implying that Democrats were not interested in the security of the American people," the AP reports. The New Republic says "The most striking thing about Tom Daschle's stem-winder on the Senate floor today was how genuinely angry he seemed." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Still Ahead Of Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 11:30:28 AM ----BODY: A new bipartisan poll finds that Elizabeth Dole (R) is leading Erskine Bowles (D) by 11 percent in the North Carolina Senate race, the Raleigh News and Observer reports. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Leads McCall And Golisano STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 11:07:13 AM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki (R) holds a 46 to 35 percent lead over Carl McCall (D) among likely voters, with 14 percent for Thomas Golisano (I), according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Splits With Gore Over Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 10:00:29 AM ----BODY: Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), "sharply disagreed" with Al Gore's "assertion that President Bush was pandering to conservative Republicans with his push for military action against Iraq," the Washington Times reports. A New York Times piece notes Gore also "may have undercut some of the work he has done over the last 10 years in positioning himself as a Democratic hawk." Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal notes that "Gore's war critique this week has complicated life for Democrats. They had hoped to get an Iraq vote over with quickly and keep midterm elections from becoming a war referendum, but that appears harder now." The Washington Post observes "Bush is increasing his emphasis on terrorism and national security, shedding his previous determination to demonstrate his concern about the flagging economy." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rendell Does Not Favor Gore In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 09:55:04 AM ----BODY: Former DNC Chairman Ed Rendell said Al Gore "would make a fine, fine president," but added, "I don't know whether he's the best candidate in terms of winning or losing," the AP reports. Meanwhile, in Rendell's campaign for Pennsylvania's Governor, the Philadel phia Inquirer notes a chapter in Rendell's "acrimonious history with municipal unions came back to haunt him as the Philadelphia firefighters' union endorsed" gubernatorial rival Mike Fisher (R). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Says Bush Iraq Stance Based On Politics STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 09:40:36 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) said that President Bush's "saber-rattling against Iraq appears to be based more on politics than the existence of an imminent threat," the Boston Globe reports. Meanwhile, CNN reports that Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) is accusing Vice President Dick Cheney "of politicizing the Iraq debate by urging an audience in Kansas to vote for a GOP congressional candidate because he supports President Bush on the issue." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Armey's Comments Upset Jews STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 08:24:21 AM ----BODY: "Jewish leaders are bristling at comments made by U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey on Friday night," the Bradenton Herald reports. When an audience member asked why the Jewish-American community is so divided between liberals and conservatives, Armey said "I always see two Jewish communities in America. One of deep intellect and one of shallow, superficial intellect." The New York Times says Reps. Martin Frost (D_TX) and Nita Lowey (D-NY)," two Jewish members of the House Democratic leadership, seized on the remarks, describing them in a joint statement as 'breathtaking in their ignorance.'" Newsday quotes Armey saying he "stands by his comments." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kentucky, Patton Not Likely To Run For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 08:20:44 AM ----- BODY: "Turning his back on his hope of ousting" Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY), "a scandal-plagued" Gov. Paul Patton (D) said that "he doesn't anticipate running for the Senate 'in the foreseeable future,'" the Louisville CourierJournal reports. "Patton, answering questions for the first time since his tearful admission Friday of an affair, declined to rule out making the 2004 race but said he would stay out of politics indefinitely." The Lexington Herald-Leader says Patton will no longer answer questions "regarding politics or his personal life -- only questions about the administration of his office." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Morris: Don't Believe Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 08:12:58 AM ----BODY: Dick Morris says "Polling is in trouble. Big trouble. The data is no longer reliable and won’t be for several more years." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arizona, Governor's Race Dead Even STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 08:06:50 AM ----BODY: Janet Napolitano (D) and Matt Salmon (r) "are in a dead heat in Arizona's governor's race," according to a new statewide poll, the AP reports. "The poll conducted by KAET-TV of Arizona State University found that 37 percent of registered voters surveyed backed Napolitano and 36 percent Salmon -- well within the margin of error of 4.5 percentage points." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Likely To Hold Connecticut House Seat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/25/2002 07:33:51 AM ----BODY: Rep. Rob Simmons (R-CT) "has burst into an overwhelming lead" over challenger Joe Courtney (D) in Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District - "ahead by 22 points among likely voters in the latest University of Connecticut poll," the Hartford Courant reports. "Both national Republicans and Democrats have targeted the race as one of the most hotly contested in the nation, but UConn poll director Ken Dautrich said that the highly touted slugfest has not materialized." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kennedy Favors Edwards In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 11:00:40 AM ----BODY: The Washingtonian says Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) is cool to Sen. John Kerry's presidential ambitions. "Insiders say Kennedy has no plans to endorse his fellow Bay Stater -- a snub on Capitol Hill, where even marginal candidates for the White House usually can count on the token support of members of their delegation. Adding to the insult: Kennedy intimates say the liberal lion is smitten by one of Kerry’s rivals, Senator John Edwards of North Carolina... Behind closed doors, Kennedy has paid Edwards the highest possible compliment by comparing him to his late brother John F. Kennedy." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Alexander's Lead Grows In Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 10:55:39 AM ----BODY: "An 11-point lead Lamar Alexander (R) had over Bob Clement (D) in early July in the race for the U.S. Senate has widened" to 19 points, according to a new Tennessean poll. This is an even bigger lead than yesterday's Zogby poll shows. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Calls Bush Iraq Policy A Failure STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 09:33:13 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "accused the Bush administration of weakening the war on terrorism by turning the country's attention to Saddam Hussein," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post called his speech "one of the most forceful critiques to date by any leading Democrat." The Wall Street Journal says Gore told his audience "he would decide in December whether to challenge Mr. Bush again for the presidency in 2004." Meanwhile, British prime minister Tony Blair released his Iraq dossier. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Says Bush Hasn't Made Case STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 09:31:23 AM ----- BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) said that "he would endorse a pre-emptive strike against Iraq if it can be proven that Saddam Hussein has access to weapons of mass destruction and the means to discharge them" but that President Bush "has never proven that case," the Iowa City PressCitizen reports. Meanwhile, the Daily Iowan notes Dean said that "he would defeat President Bush by running to his right and leading the Democratic Party to the middle." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Battles That Shaped McCain STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 09:22:47 AM ----BODY: Jonathan Karl has a Wall Street Journal review of Worth The Fighting For by John McCain and notes that unlike his previous book, Faith of My Fathers, "this book involves political battles, not military ones. The stories are naturally less gripping and his enemies less ominous than his tormentors in Hanoi, but like the story of Mr. McCain the military man, that of Mr. McCain the politician is an engaging story of a fighter. He likes to be judged as much for the enemies he makes as the friends he attracts." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Beating War Drums Boosts Bush's Standing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:52:40 AM ----BODY: President Bush "has reclaimed center stage in American politics in September. With talk of war with Iraq dominating the news, to the exclusion of political reports in this midterm election year, registered voters are rallying around the President," according to the latest Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report polls. "Most notably, 47 percent would definitely vote to reelect Bush, 26 percent would consider someone else, and only 24 percent would definitely vote for someone else if Bush were on the ballot this year." Full results are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Rendell Is "Cruising On Charm" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:49:07 AM ----BODY: The Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine runs an interesting profile of Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell (D) saying "no one loves to campaign more than" Rendell. "His obvious joy in the travel, the debate, even the torturous hours has drawn comparison to the style of former U.S. senator and vice president Hubert H. Humphrey, the 'happy warrior.'" Meanwhile, the Philade lphia Daily News reviews last night's debate in which Mike Fisher (R) "rattled" Rendell. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Democrats Rally Around Townsend STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:44:44 AM ----BODY: Maryland Democrats are now rallying around Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's (D) gubernatorial campaign, the Washington Post reports. "Townsend even received a fond introduction from her political mentor, Gov. Parris N. Glendening, and warm praise from Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley, two key Democrats with whom relations have been tense." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Cuomo Will Remain On Ballot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:41:48 AM ----BODY: Andrew Cuomo (D), who backed out of the Democratic primary, "will officially remain on the ballot as the Liberal Party candidate for governor, with the passage of a deadline last night to remove his name," the New York Times reports. In addition, a court ruled that Tom Golisano (I) had defeated Gov. George E. Pataki (R) in the Independence primary and will also appear on the ballot. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Harkin Campaign Admits It Received Transcript STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:37:13 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-IA) campaign manager admitted that "the campaign had obtained a transcript of a secretly taped meeting" of challenger Greg Ganske (R) "and his supporters, then passed it along to a journalist," the D es Moines Register reports. Previously, Harkin's campaign "had denied knowing where the journalist, Kathie Obradovich, had gotten the transcript." The Chicago Tribune notes Iowa Republicans are calling for a police investigation. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Hilleary And Bredesen In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:22:52 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows Van Hilleary (R) "closing the gap" on Phil Bredesen (D) in the race for Tennessee governor, "with the candidates in a dead heat a month and a half before the Nov. 5 election," the Tennessean reports. Although the results are within the margin of error, Bredesen is ahead 44 to 42 percent, with 10 percent undecided. Meanwhile, the Tennessean quotes Hilleary saying that a vote for Bredesen "was a step toward supporting the presidential aspirations of Gore in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Era: Candidates Now Disclose Infirmities STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/24/2002 08:14:59 AM ----BODY: The Washington Post says we are in "a new era in national politics: the age of the openly ill. It began slowly and without fanfare, but now is unmistakably underway -- from the White House, where officials issue periodic updates on Vice President Cheney's diseased heart, to the campaign trail, where the clamor for candor now goes beyond campaign finances and positions on prescription drugs and into candidates' medical records." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Iowa, Ganske Campaign Alleges Taping STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 05:00:26 PM ----BODY: "There's a new controversy in Iowa's U.S. Senate race involving what one campaign is calling a secretly taped strategy session," the D es Moines Register reports. Rep. Greg Ganske (R-IA) is accusing Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-IA)campaign "of taping a meeting involving Ganske, some strategists and supporters" in hotel conference room earlier this month. Meanwhile, a Quad City Times piece notes the race has turned very negative. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Where Is Gore? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 04:28:48 PM ----BODY: Although Al Gore said he would "m end fences" with voters in Tennessee after the state went to George W. Bush in the 2000 election, Scripps Howard notes "Gore's home state may see little of him on the campaign trail, given the reluctance of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Phil Bredesen to be seen with him." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Reflecting On Nixon's Checkers Speech STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 03:18:22 PM ----BODY: Today is the 50th anniversary of Richard Nixon's "Checkers Speech" and the Orlando Sentinel notes "It was the first time a politician, bypassing news organizations, made a direct appeal to the public on television. The speech was watched by the largest audience TV had ever amassed. And, most historians now agree, it resulted in Eisenhower turning around a decision -- all but made, Nixon learned shortly before going on the air -- to drop him from the ticket." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kentucky, Patton Apologizes But Hurts Senate Chances STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 03:03:01 PM ----BODY: "A tearful Gov. Paul Patton (D) admitted that he lied when he earlier denied having a sexual relationship with Tina Boyd Conner, a Western Kentucky nursing home operator who sued him this week for sexual harassment," the Lexingto n Herald Ledger reports. (Listen to the confession.) A Lexington Herald Ledger editorial notes that "because harassment suits move slowly, this cloud probably will still be hanging over Patton in 2004 if he goes through with his plans to challenge" Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY). The Louisville CourierJournal wonders "whether the scandal's fallout will cripple Democratic efforts to recapture the state Senate this fall and keep the governorship in 2003." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Novak: Republicans Lack A Vision For 2002 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 10:03:46 AM ----BODY: Robert Novak makes an interesting observation on the GOP: "The crowding out of corporate corruption by war against Iraq unquestionably has brightened Republican prospects for winning both houses of Congress, saving President Bush from electoral disasters frequently visited on new presidents at midterm. However, apart from the war on terrorism, the Republican Party flinches from standing for much of anything in the 2002 election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maine, Collins On Track To Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 09:55:40 AM ----BODY: "With just six weeks to go before Election Day, there is scant evidence that challenger Chellie Pingree's (D) campaign is gaining traction" in her race against Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), Ro ll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain Unlikely To Run Again For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 09:50:14 AM ----BODY: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "said Sunday he doubts he will ever make another White House run," Reuters reports. The comment came on Meet the Press. As reported earlier, McCain also alludes to this in his new book, Worth The Fighting For. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Jeb Is A Trial Run For Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 09:48:34 AM ----BODY: The Florida governor's race "is front-and-center on the national political agenda" because the incumbent's name is Bush "and his state is Florida and his brother fought a historic no-holds-barred battle for the White House on this very field two years ago." Though President Bush "is nowhere on the ballot this year, so for Democrats, his brother is the next best thing," the Washington Post reports. "Jeb's a surrogate. A trial run." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Alexander Holds Lead Over Clement In Senate Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 08:06:40 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Lamar Alexander (R) leading Bob Clement (D 45 to 37 percent in the Tennessee race for Senate. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Cornyn Leading Kirk For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 08:05:06 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows John Cornyn (R) leading Ron Kirk (D), 42 to 30 percent in the Texas race for Senate. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Perry Leading Shanchez For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 08:03:44 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Gov. Rick Perry (R) leading Tony Sanchez (D), 44 to 32 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Johnson And Thune In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 08:02:31 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) slightly ahead of John Thune (R) 46 to 43 percent, within the margin of error. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Way Ahead Of Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 08:01:06 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Elizabeth Dole (R) leading Erskine Bowles (D) 55 to 32 percent in the North Carolina Senate race. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Torricelli Has Slight Lead Over Forrester STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:59:44 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) leading Douglas Forrester (R) 39 to 34 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. Meanwhile, the New York Times notes that DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe called Torricelli the Democrats' most vulnerable incumbent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Carnahan Leading Talent For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:58:12 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Zogby poll shows Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO) leading Jim Talent (R) 48 to 40 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Coleman Leading Wellstone For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:54:22 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Norm Coleman (R) leading Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) 47 to 41 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Penny And Pawlenty Lead The Pack STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:52:50 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Tim Penny (I) and Tim Pawlenty (R) each with 28 percent of the vote to Roger Moe's (D) 23 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Has Comfortable Lead Over McBride STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:49:58 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) besting Bill McBride (D), 49 to 39 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard And Strickland Dead Even STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:48:23 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Zogby poll shows Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) tied with Tom Stickland (D) 42 to 42 percent. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. Meanwhile, the Denver Post says Allard and Strickland "broke little ground in their 25-minute appearance on NBC's Meet the Press." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkasas, Pryor And Hutchinson In Statistical Tie STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/23/2002 07:46:35 AM ----BODY: The latest MSNBC/Arkansas Gazette/Zogby poll shows Mark Pryor (D) leading Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) 45 to 43 percent, within the margin of error. For more analysis of this race and early access to future tracking polls, subscribe to Zogby. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Tracking Polls This Weekend STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 11:50:54 PM ----BODY: Zogby will release new Election 2002 tracking polls and analysis on Sunday, September 22. Subscribe today to get three 2-3 page political reports on hot Senate and Gubernatorial races from 10 battleground states. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Economic And Security Concerns Make Close Election Likely STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 04:27:38 PM ----BODY: A combination of persistent economic concerns with recent war talk "seems to be a recipe for a close midterm election," according to the latest Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report polls. A generic congressional poll has Democrats leading Republicans 45 to 42 percent. Full results are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Libertarian Women Pose For Calendar STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 02:25:24 PM ----BODY: Rachel Mills, a Libertarian candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, "has put together a pin-up calendar featuring herself and 11 other Libertarian women, including five other candidates. The candidates plan to sell the calendar to raise money for their campaigns," the AP reports. The Liberatarian Party of Colorado has a similar calendar. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Chris Matthews Begins Sunday Morning Show STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 02:18:58 PM ----BODY: The Chris Matthews Show launches this weekend with The New Republic's Michelle Cottle, Newsweek's Mark Whitcher, and the Weekly Standard's David Brooks as guests. The syndicated show will be seen in 83 percent of the country, including 45 of the top 50 media markets. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Forrester Pulls Ahead In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 02:05:24 PM ----BODY: A new KYWSurvey USA Poll shows Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) is trailing by double digits to challenger Douglas Forrester (R). Forrester leads 52 percent to 38 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Rise Of Jennifer Granholm STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 01:30:47 PM ----BODY: The Economist runs a very favorable profile of Michigan gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Granholm (D): "Centrist politics, charm, even a fondness for new-age jargon: it is hardly surprising that Ms Granholm is being compared to a certain recently retired baby-boomer. Bill Clinton rose to prominence as a reformer who wanted to turn the Democrats from a party of workers to one of consumers, who wanted to talk about softer issues like education and the environment (both Granholm themes), who wanted to bring in women." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Strategy On Iraq Mirrors Past Battles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 01:03:11 PM ----BODY: The Washington Post's Dana Millbank writes about how President Bush seems to have successfully bypassed Democratic opposition on his Iraq policy, and notes it's "nothing new," having also been used to pass his tax cut, "fast track" trade authority and withdrawl from the ABM Treaty. "The pattern goes something like this: Bush finds himself in a jam, with heavy opposition to the position he advocates. After a sometimes painful period of stumbling, he casts aside all other issues so that he can focus his administration's attention -- and the public's -on just one topic. Then, he hammers away at the issue, using the bully pulpit with numbing repetition and marshaling all arguments to make his case. When one rationale doesn't sell, he drops it and adopts a new one." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien And Romney Tied For Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 11:34:06 AM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "has bounced into a tie" with Mitt Romney (R) in Massachusetts' race for governor, "chipping away his double-digit lead after a decisive primary win," a new Boston Herald poll shows. "In the first poll of the general election campaign, O'Brien takes 45 percent to Romney's 42 percent - a statistical tie considering the poll's margin of error." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Game Show To Pick Presidential Candidate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 10:00:57 AM ----BODY: According to Matt Drudge, "Rupert Murdoch's cable channel FX is set to mount an ambitious two-year endeavor that will culminate in the American public choosing a 'people's candidate' to run for president of the United States in 2004! The final episode will be an 'American Candidate' convention, held on the National Mall in Washington around July 4, 2004." Variety confirms the report. News24 says if you want to land a slot on the show, "applicants will have to fill out questionnaires, provide videotapes in which they explain why they would make a great president and put together a group of 50 supporters from their community who will serve as sponsors." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Sununu Leads Shaheen STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 10:00:47 AM ----BODY: An American Research Group poll finds Rep. John Sununu (R-NH) leading Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) in the New Hampshire Senate race, 47 to 38 percent, with 15 percent undecided, the Manche ster Union Leader reports. Republicans also lead in the race for Governor with Craig Benson (D) ahead of Mark Fernald (D), 55 to 30 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Democrats Worry About Carnahan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 10:00:02 AM ----BODY: "Some top Missouri Democrats are worried that Sen. Jean Carnahan's (D) campaign is not "running at full throttle," giving Jim Talent (R) the momentum in an already close contest," the Kansas City Star reports. Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: New Tactic Aims To Stop Opponent's Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 09:59:09 AM ----- BODY: "In a fast and furious guerrilla war involving high-powered lawyers and high-pressure threats, both Democratic and Republican operatives are finding ways to silence the other side's ads," the Washington Post reports. "And local television stations keep caving in, allowing complaining candidates to knock their opponents off stride while accusing them of misleading voters." Meanwhile, the AP notes "political advertising so far this year has been markedly more positive than two years ago." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Senate Candidate Prepare For National Debate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 09:06:01 AM ----BODY: Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) and Tom Strickland (D) will debate each other in front of a national audience on Meet the Press this weekend, the Rocky Mountain News reports. Meanwhile, the Denver Post says "Colorado will soon play host to a cavalcade of high-profile politicos as President Bush, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and perhaps even former President Clinton arrive to stump for candidates." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Edwards To Run Ads For Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 08:56:05 AM ----BODY: The North Carolina Senate campaign of Erskine Bowles (D) "got a financial infusion" from Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "who pledged $200,000 for proBowles commercials," the Charl otte Observer reports. Meanwhile, the Raleigh News and Observer says Bowles and Elizabeth Dole (R) "continued a running debate... tangling on issues such as Social Security and the minimum wage in new television ads and even a new Web site." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend's Campaign Now "Fixed" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 08:51:42 AM ----BODY: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's (D) campaign for governor "has corrected staffing and message problems that contributed to her precipitous slide in the polls, senior Democrats say, but they remain concerned that key officials in critical parts of Maryland are failing to rally behind her," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Democrats Show Unity STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 08:48:14 AM ----BODY: "Three former Democratic political opponents," Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bill McBride, Janet Reno and Daryl Jones, "raised their hands together in a display of party unity, but it was more than just for show," the Orlando Sentinel reports. "Florida Democrats are working together more than any time in years and may be poised for their strongest run at the Governor's Office in nearly a decade." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney Brings Back Weld STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 07:50:17 AM ----BODY: Mitt Romney's (R) gubernatorial campaign brought former Gov. William Weld (R) "back to Massachusetts to assail" Shannon O'Brien's (D) tax voting record, "but O'Brien dismissed Weld as an 'irrelevant' reminder of failed GOP administrations," the Boston Herald reports. The Boston Globe says Weld "blew in from New York... with his new hairstyle and familiar grin, to talk about a favorite subject: tax-raising Democrats." Meanwhile, another Boston Herald piece says Sen. John McCain will begin campaigning next month for Romney. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Sabato's Crystal Ball STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/20/2002 12:08:57 AM ----BODY: The Crystal Ball is a comprehensive election guide with hard-hitting analysis of campaigns across the country by University of Virginia Professor Larry Sabato. The sections on Governor and Senate include brief analyses of each race, while the House section is a general overview of the 2002 elections. There is also a 2004 section on the next presidential election. Highly recommended. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Rhode Island, York Leading Carcieri STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 09:34:36 PM ----BODY: A WPRITV poll says Myrth York (D) leads Donald Carcieri (R) 49 to 35 percent in the Rhode Island gubernatorial race, with 16 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Poll Says Voters Are Confused STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 09:29:29 PM ----BODY: An Illinois Mason-Dixon poll of likely voters shows that Rod Blagojevich (D) has an 11-point lead over Jim Ryan (R) in the race for governor. But a follow-up question, clarifying that Ryan is the state's attorney general and is not related to embattled Gov. George Ryan (R), results in Blagojevich's lead dropping to just five points. Meanwhile, Stuart Rothenberg says that Illinois may "go the way of California in terms of political noncompetitiveness." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Alumni Report STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 01:40:49 PM ----BODY: The recent primary losses of Robert Reich and Janet Reno "brings the batting average of Clinton administration alums seeking elective offices down to .500. Half of the 12 originals lost in primaries, and of the remaining six, only two are seen as likely winners in November," the Hart ford Courant reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Democrats Meet To Revive Townsend Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 12:55:07 PM ----BODY: Maryland's top elected Democrats gathered for "a frank post-primary critique of Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's flagging gubernatorial campaign and began plotting strategies to rescue a candidate they believe is in trouble," the Balti more Sun reports. WBAL-TV says much of the criticism was of Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley's (D)decision not to endorse Townsend. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Mixed Signals On The Gore Watch STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 11:45:04 AM ----BODY: Adam Nagourney writes in the New York Times about speculation whether Al Gore is running for president: Though some were encouraged by reports he will give a speech on Iraq next week, "more and more of his aides are taking note of the relatively low profile" Gore "has been keeping, particularly compared with the robust schedules kept by the Democrats who admit they are running, and they are concluding that he will sit this one out." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Will Move Political Operations To North Carolina STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 10:21:41 AM ----BODY: "With an eye toward a 2004 presidential bid, U.S. Senator John Edwards is planning to move his political operations from Washington to Raleigh after the first of the year," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "The move is consistent with efforts to position himself as a 'not-of-Washington' candidate in a Democratic primary field expected to include several Capitol Hill veterans." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Senate Democrats Plan Lame Duck Session STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 09:30:01 AM ----BODY: "Senate Democrats are prepared to bring legislative activity to a screeching halt in a lame-duck session if Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO) is defeated in November, an outcome that would temporarily give Republicans control of the chamber before the 108th Congress is sworn in," Roll Call reports. Republicans said "such preparation shows that Democrats fear the worst in the Missouri race." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest Missouri tracking polls. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Massachusetts Primary Results Explained STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 09:18:49 AM ----BODY: Patrick Ruffini has an interesting map of voting results for the Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary. The academic and high tech areas voted for Robert Reich. The blue collar, strong labor union towns went for Thomas Birmingham. Warren Tolman won only his hometown. Everything else went for Shannon O'Brien, the party nominee. The Boston Globe says the general election campaign of O'Brien vs. Mitt Romney (R) turned negative quickly. Meanwhile, the Boston Herald notes the national attention the race is already receiving. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Will Focus On Florida STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 09:16:18 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers quotes DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe on the Florida gubernatorial race: "We will deploy thousands of people on Election Day... This is as big a priority as we've got." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Simon Runs Out Of Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 08:57:43 AM ----BODY: "With almost no money left to buy television ads," California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon (R) "this week lent $4 million to his campaign for governor," the Los Angeles Times reports. The San Francisco Chronicle says Simon's outside contributions are "drying up." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Hutchinson Goes On Offensive STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 08:54:19 AM ----BODY: Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) criticized Mark Pryor (D) "for attending outof-state fund-raisers for his Senate campaign while 'ducking' a nationally televised debate in Washington," Arkansas News Bureau reports. Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Perry Leads Sanchez By Nine STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 08:51:38 AM ----BODY: Gov. Rick Perry (R) "holds a nine-point lead over Democratic challenger Tony Sanchez in the state's highest-octane, highest-dollar race this fall," the Houston Chronicle reports. KMOLTV says the polling "indicates close contests for three other high- visibility races in the state, including the U.S. Senate race, where Republican John Cornyn holds a six point lead over Democrat Ron Kirk." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Edwards Will Help Bowles STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 08:48:30 AM ----BODY: "After sitting on the sidelines during the protracted North Carolina Democratic primary, Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) is pledging to go all-out to help elect former Clinton White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles (D)," Ro ll Call reports. Meanwhile, the Raleigh News and Observer notes that Bowles opponenet, Elizabeth Dole (R), uses religion in her speeches, more than even outgoing Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Compares Bush To Hoover STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/19/2002 12:29:15 AM ----BODY: Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D) "offered a blistering assessment of President Bush's fiscal record, citing a 'tragic trend' of two million lost jobs, weak economic growth and a stock market decline he called unparalleled since Herbert Hoover," the New York Times reports. The Wall Street Journal says Democrats are "hoping to turn the pre-election spotlight onto President Bush's fiscal record." USA Today says the criticism has forced the administration to "shelve plans to seek a new round of tax cuts this year." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: But Did He Swallow? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 04:34:09 PM ----BODY: "In one of the most bizarre marijuana revelations yet," Illinois gubernatorial candidate Cal Skinner (L) "admitted to reporters that he unwittingly tried marijuana about 20 years ago when someone cooked up a batch of pot brownies for him as a birthday present and didn't tell him about the secret ingredient," the Chicago Sun-Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Caro Begins Final Book On LBJ STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 03:28:53 PM ----BODY: The New York Times has great news for Robert Caro fans: "Caro is easing himself back into harness. A restorative summer in Paris over, a warm-up spell in East Hampton done with, he's set to begin the fourth and, he swears, final volume of his biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson." If you haven't read Master of the Senate yet, you really should. And of course, Path to Power and Means of Ascent are also excellent books. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Wellstone And Coleman Still In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 12:45:42 PM ----BODY: The Senate race between Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-MN) and Norm Coleman (R) is very close with the incumbent leading 46 to 42 percent, according to the latest Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. "The tightness of the race, which is being closely watched nationwide, is sure to mean more pressure, more exposure and more money to be spent." The St. Paul Pioneer Press also has a poll showing Wellstone and Coleman "in a statistical dead heat." Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Still Ahead Of Posthumus STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 12:39:27 PM ----BODY: A new EPIC/MRA poll shows Jennifer Granholm (D) "continued to lead" Dick Posthumus (R) by 50 to 38 percent in the Michigan governor's race, the AP reports. Last month's poll had Granholm ahead 55 to 42 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Vermont, Racine Leads Douglas In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 12:14:51 PM ----BODY: In the race for Governor of Vermont, a new Vermont Public Radio poll shows Doug Racine (D) ahead of Jim Douglas (R) 34 to 28 percent with Con Hogan coming in third at 6 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Fisher Closes Gap With Rendell STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 12:07:20 PM ----BODY: In the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race, Ed Rendell (D) leads Mike Fisher (R) 51 to 44 percent among likely voters, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. Last month, Rendell led by 13 points. Meanwhile, PoliticsPA says Rendell was endorsed by Theresa Heinz, "the first time she has endorsed a Democrat in Pennsylvania." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Iraq And Economy In Political Tug-Of-War STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 10:45:11 AM ----BODY: "Republicans have gone on the offensive on Iraq and related national security topics in a handful of tight Senate races in recent days, in a sign of how they hope to use the issue against vulnerable Democrats in conservative states," the New York Times reports. The observation is also made in the Washington Post. But USA Today says "Democrats will focus relentlessly on the economy for the next six weeks with a barrage of speeches, news conferences and attention-getters tied to unemployment numbers and 401(k) statements. They have a detailed action plan designed to wrest control of the fall agenda from President Bush." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Top Democratic Contenders Back Bush On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 10:40:25 AM ----BODY: "In rapid succession, the leading Democrats considering a race against George W. Bush in 2004 are lining up behind the president's push for possible military action against Iraq," the Los Angeles Times reports. "This hawkish consensus could leave an opening for a so-called peace candidate... At the moment, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) ...appears the most likely to audition for that part." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Returns To Florida STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 10:34:51 AM ----BODY: Al Gore, looking ahead to 2004, returned to Florida "to urge state Democrats to shelve any hard feelings from a razor-close gubernatorial primary and unite to take down Gov. Jeb Bush (R) in November," the Orlando Sentinel reports. Update: The Hotline reports Gore is going to give a speech on Iraq on Monday. It will be open to the press, with audience Q&A afterwards. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kentucky, Patton Caught In Sex Scandal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 10:17:17 AM ----BODY: Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton (D) denied having "inappropriate contact" with a businesswoman "who alleged in a television broadcast yesterday that Patton sexually harassed her and retaliated against her business after she ended their two-year sexual relationship," the Louisville CourierJournal reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Schwarzenegger Considers Write-In Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 09:56:29 AM ----BODY: Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) "may run as a write-in candidate for California governor this year, in November, against Gray Davis and Bill Simon," Kausfiles reports. "Schwarzenegger apparently did some polling last week to gauge voter reaction to such a campaign." Meanwhile, a Contra Costa Times columnist suggests the movie actor will instead run in 2006. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Clement Upstages Alexander STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 08:41:22 AM ----BODY: Although President Bush was in Tennessee raising money for Lamar Alexander's (R) Senate campaign, his opponent, Rep. Bob Clement (D), "took advantage of the protocol to hitch a high-visibility ride back" on Air Force On "with the man who had come to town in an effort to help defeat him," the Tennessean reports. Special: Subscribe to Zogby to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oklahoma, Walters Prevails In Runoff STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 08:38:00 AM ----BODY: Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters (D) won the Democratic nomination for Senate over Tom Boettcher (D) in a "bitter runoff contest that cost Walters resources he had hoped to save for the general election fight against Sen. Jim Inhofe (R)," the Oklahoman reports. Tul sa World says Walters "quickly turned his attention to" Inhofe, challenging him to a debate during his victory speech. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien To Face Romney STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/18/2002 01:00:03 AM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "won the hard-fought Democratic primary race for governor last night with a decisive victory over three rivals," Mitt Romney's (R) "choice for lieutenant governor, Kerry Healey, triumphed over her opponent, James Rappaport," the Boston Globe reports. The Boston Herald notes O'Brien is "the first woman ever nominated for governor" in Massachusetts. Complete results for the Democratic and Republican< /a> primaries are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland Widens Lead Over Curry STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 03:04:28 PM ----BODY: Connecticut Gov. John Rowland (R) "has widened his lead" over Bill Curry (D), according to the AP. The new UConn poll shows Rowland leads his challenger 43 to 29 percent and it appears he "is managing to change the momentum of the race for governor." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Mexico, Domenici Cruising Towards Re-Election STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 02:57:31 PM ----BODY: Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) "towers over" Gloria Tristani (D) "in voter support as he seeks a sixth term," according to a Albuquerque Journal poll. "Sixty-six percent of likely voters surveyed statewide last week said they supported Domenici and 23 percent said they favored Tristani." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Ahead Of Bowles In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 12:31:24 PM ----BODY: A Mason-Dixon poll shows Elizabeth Dole (R) holds a 14 percentage-point lead over Erskine Bowles (D) in the North Carolina Senate race. Update: Subscribe to Zogby and be the first to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Ehrlich Leads Townsend In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 11:44:19 AM ----BODY: A new MasonDixon poll shows Rep. Robert Ehrlich (R-MD) leading Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) in the race for Maryland governor, with 46 percent of the vote to her 43 percent. Eleven percent were undecided. Update: The Hotline says Ehrlich is also ahead 47 to 46 percent in a Gonzales/Arscott poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kansas, Sebelius Has Huge Lead Over Shallenburger STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 11:13:52 AM ----BODY: In the race for Kansas governor, Kathleen Sebelius (D) "has a wide lead" over Tim Shallenburger (R), according to a poll by the Wichita Eagle. Sebelius has a 17-point lead and "owes much of her popularity to female voters." A Kansas City Star piece says Sebelius is also getting considerable GOP support. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: An Election Different Than All Others STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 10:23:39 AM ----BODY: ABC News offers an excellent analysis and a half dozen reasons why the November elections will be different this year. With just two months to go, they also offer a useful midterm election outlook. Meanwhile, UPI has a good roundup of the hot Senate races. Update: A new AP poll shows Americans evenly divided in their support for a Republican vs. Democratic congress. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Blagojevich In Flap Over Marjuana Use STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 09:09:44 AM ----BODY: "When it comes to marijuana," Illinois gubernatorial hopeful Rod Blagojevich (D) "seems to follow the party line of former President Bill Clinton with a slight variation -- he doesn't remember inhaling," the Chicago Sun Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Reform Party Ousts Buchanan Wing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:56:26 AM ----BODY: "The Reform Party has ousted the last remnants of the leadership from 2000 presidential candidate Patrick J. Buchanan and is returning to the playbook that scored an impressive third-party showing in the 1992 presidential election, when Ross Perot headed the party," the Washington Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Voters Go To Polls In Massachusetts And Oklahoma STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:55:48 AM ----BODY: Massachusetts voters head to the polls "to choose a Democratic nominee for governor and a running mate for Republican Mitt Romney, ending the most expensive primary races in state history and setting the stage for what is expected to be an intense general election contest," the Boston Globe reports. The Washington Post says the general election campaign "is likely to command more attention as November nears." And the Christian Science Monitor says "No matter who wins the Massachusetts governor's race, it'll make for intriguing politics." Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Tul sa World notes that it might be "two weeks before Democrats know who the winner is" in today's Senate runoff between David Walters and Tom Boettcher because Oklahoma officials "bowed to federal pressure and agreed to count overseas absentee ballots for two weeks after the polls close." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Conservatives Question Candidate Over Abortion STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:52:47 AM ----BODY: "The national Republican Party's drive to capture the Louisiana Senate seat now held by" Sen. Mary Landrieu (D) "has hit another snag as conservatives question the pro-life credentials" of Susanne Haik Terrell, "who has received financial backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee," the Washington Times reports. However, the Ba ton Rouge Advocate says all of Landrieu's GOP opponents are "unified with the national GOP message: Landrieu votes with the liberal Democratic Senate leadership of Tom Daschle and against Republican President George W. Bush." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Presents Strong Challenge To Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:51:19 AM ----BODY: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "faces a tougher race for re-election than he could have imagined not long ago," the Orlando Sentinel reports. McBride "threatens Bush with a personal appeal and political platform calculated to keep Bush up nights." With Janet Reno likely to concede defeat in the primary as early as today, the Tal lahassee Democrat says McBride "named a new campaign manager and turned his attention to picking a running mate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Carnahan Challenges Talent On Social Security STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:46:13 AM ----BODY: Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO) "challenged her Republican opponent, Jim Talent, to echo her pledge to never support the privatizing of Social Security," the Kansas City Star reports. Update: Subscribe to Zogby and be the first to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alabama, Sessions Keeps Big Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:44:13 AM ----BODY: A new Huntsville Times poll shows Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) with a big lead over Susan Parker (D). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Minnesota, Three Way Tie For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:43:43 AM ----BODY: The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports on a new poll that shows Tim Penny (I), Tim Pawlenty (R) and Roger Moe (D) "are locked in a statistical dead heat in their campaign for Minnesota governor." Update: Subscribe to Zogby and be the first to get the latest tracking polls from this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Governors' Races On Pace For Record Spending STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/17/2002 08:35:59 AM ----BODY: "Governors' races across the country are setting records for campaign spending, driven by wealthy, self-financed candidates, tight contests, donors seeking access in statehouses and aggressive fund-raising by incumbents," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Reich Fades In Latest Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 02:01:22 PM ----BODY: The Hotline reports a new Boston Herald poll shows Robert Reich fading dramatically in the last few days before Tuesday's Democratic gubernatorial primary in Massachusetts. The results: Shannon O'Brien now leads with 34 percent, compared to Reich's 16 percent. Warren Tolman has moved into second place with 21 percent and Thomas Birmingham is at 17 percent. This is a significant shift from the previous poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: An Anti-Incumbent Year For Governors STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 12:49:16 PM ----BODY: Stuart Rothenberg says that just 10 months ago he rated nine of this year's 36 gubernatorial races as "safe" for one party or the other. Now, that number has shrunk to just three. The cause? "State budget crises, which have developed because of shrinking revenue and balanced budget requirements in many states, continue to undermine incumbents of both parties. In open seats, the nominee of the incumbent governor's party is also suffering." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt Uses Concerts To Raise Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 12:07:38 PM ----BODY: By hosting concerts, Richard Gephardt (D) "may have found the secret to raising the money he needs for his 2004 presidential bid while obeying new campaign finance laws," U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers reports."But not with the likes of 'NSync or Aerosmith. Kids are cheap. He's talking $500 to $5,000, dinner included. That means targeting boomers and the AARP crowd. The bait ... Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Considers White House Bid STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 11:35:11 AM ----BODY: The New York Daily News says insiders "close to the Clintons confirmed talk" of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) "launching a bid to return to the White House has picked up steam among members of the couple's inner circle." However, on Meet The Press, Clinton positively ruled out a run in 2004. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maine, Collins Keeps Huge Lead Over Pingree STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 11:24:36 AM ----BODY: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) "held on to a sizable lead" -- 60 to 28 percent -- over Chellie Pingree (D), according to a poll commissioned by the Bangor Daily News. Meanwhile, a new poll "places Democrat John Baldacci a formidable 30 percentage points ahead of his nearest competitor in the race to become Maine’s next governor." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Mexico, Richardson Holds Double Digit Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 11:19:45 AM ----BODY: "Buoyed by strong support among members of his own party and a good showing in the Albuquerque area, Democrat Bill Richardson has a doubledigit lead over Republican John Sanchez in the governor's race," according to an Albuquerque Journal poll. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times notes that, over the weekend, Richardson set a world-record (for politicians, at least) of 13,392 handshakes for an eight-hour period, going "well beyond" Teddy Roosevelt's "record of 8,513 handshakes set at the White House." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Stephanopoulos Goes Solo On "This Week" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 10:38:01 AM ----BODY: Howard Kurtz gives George Stephanopoulos' solo debut on This Week a mixed review: "The good news is that Stephanopoulos was serious, substantive and smooth, and avoided any screw-ups. The bad news is that he has so stripped himself of any opinions that the program lacked pizazz." The New York Post's Linda Stasi says "Stephanopoulos to his credit, bends over backwards to be unbiased." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Questions Raised Over Iraq Timing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 10:12:23 AM ----BODY: "Though few doubt the merits of the case against Saddam Hussein, an increasing number are questioning whether the timing -- 60 days before an election -- was designed to benefit Republican candidates," the Washington Post reports. "Two weeks ago, the headlines were about a lethargic economy, a depressed stock market and corporate misdeeds; the news about Iraq was about policy disagreements among Bush advisers. Now, the debate has shifted almost entirely from Democrats' preferred domestic issues to preparations for military action, a GOP favorite." Meanwhile, the Boston Globe says Sen. John Kerry is leading potential 2004 Democrats in his criticisms of President Bush's foreign policy. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Steps Up Criticism Of Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 10:04:34 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "is ratcheting up criticism of President Bush," the Charl otte Observer's Charles Hurt reports. "While Edwards says it's not a deliberate strategy, others say North Carolina's junior senator must increasingly take on Bush directly to win national attention and establish himself as a presidential contender." Meanwhile, Roll Call's Ed Henry notes Edwards "has his eye on landing Gerry Cavanaugh, a top official at the Democratic National Committee, to help run his all-butannounced presidential campaign." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Rise Of The "NASCAR Democrat" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:25:48 AM ----BODY: A New York Times Magazine piece profiles a new political strategy designed to bring rural voters back to Democratic candidates, which "has lately become a burning preoccupation. Since the 2000 election map highlighted a deep cultural tension between the cities (the blue states) and the sticks (the red states), some Democrats in Washington have been calling on the party to concentrate its efforts on rural voters." Candidates following the strategy love NASCAR racing, favor bluegrass campaign theme songs and take strong pro-gun positions. One the political consultants pushing the strategy, David "Mudcat" Saunders, summarizes: "Democrats have the wuss problem. Rural white guys think we're all a bunch of wusses." Interestingly, this strategy goes against the new conventional wisdom of the bestselling book, The Emerging Democratic Majority by John Judis and Ruy Teixeira, which notes the increasing movement of voters from rural areas to the suburbs where Democrats do better. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard Faces Name Recognition Problem STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:10:07 AM ----BODY: A Denver Post poll identifies a big obstacle for incumbent Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO): "Only 37 percent could name Allard, and even fewer, 23 percent, knew he was running for re-election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Alexander Has Large Lead Over Clement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:07:47 AM ----BODY: The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that a new Tennessee Poll shows Lamar Alexander (R) "has a commanding lead" of 18 points over Rep. Bob Clement (D). ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Fisher Unveils New Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:05:24 AM ----BODY: Pennsylvania gubernatorial nominee Mike Fisher (R) "debuted a new television character in the first critical ads of the fall race for Pennsylvania governor: a sarcastic cabdriver who talks about how Democrat Ed Rendell 'took Philly for a ride' as mayor," the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Is The Star Of Dinner STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:04:18 AM ----BODY: Carl McCall's (D) "acceptance of an award at the annual Congressional Black Caucus dinner Saturday night might have once again pinned on him the very label he has tried, with mixed success, to avoid: that of prominent black candidate," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Candidates Prepare For Tuesday Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 09:01:03 AM ----BODY: Winning the Democratic primary for Massachusetts governor "has come down to one unglamorous but essential task: getting warm bodies into polling booths," the Boston Globe reports. And the Boston Herald highlights the key observation from this race: "If there's any message voters will take away from this season of political sound bites, it's that there's a 'mess on Beacon Hill,'" with all the candidates "invoking terms like 'outsider' and 'reformer.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Reno Backs Off Court Challenge STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/16/2002 08:57:40 AM ----BODY: Janet Reno's Florida gubernatorial campaign said that even if a final count shows her losing to Bill McBride "by a single vote in the race to be the Democratic nominee for governor, Reno will concede defeat rather than pursue a legal challenge," the Miami Herald reports. This is significant because the Tal lahassee Democrat notes the final tally is likely to be a lot closer than originally thought. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Will Run Again STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/15/2002 11:55:52 PM ----BODY: According to Matt Drudge, Al Gore has told aides he will run again for president. Meanwhile, in a speech to Democratic congressional candidates, Reuters says Gore attacked the Bush adminstration's economic policy and noted that "his dual themes of Republican economic recklessness and disregard for the ailing Social Security retirement fund also may have been a preview of campaign stump speeches to come, if Gore decides to seek a rematch with Bush in 2004." Update: The New York Post quotes a Gore spokesman saying a decision on his candicacy has not yet been made. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Influence Mixed This Cycle STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/15/2002 10:21:14 PM ----BODY: "Bill Clinton's coattails are a bit tattered," the New York Times reports. Newsday weighs in on the same theme: "It's been a political story with mixed success for Clinton administration alumni running for public office this year." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Blowout Becomes Nail-Biter STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/15/2002 10:13:38 PM ----BODY: The "double-digit popularity poll leads" that Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) "had in her campaign for governor of Maryland are gone," the New York Times reports. "'The fading lure of Camelot' was reported on recently by The Economist, the British weekly, which concluded that Mrs. Townsend has 'the thatched hair and toothy grin' of her father, but has run 'a shambles' of a campaign so far." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Rise Of Hillary Clinton STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 03:03:21 PM ----BODY: "After just two years of elective office, Senator Hillary Clinton is becoming a political kingmaker," write Seth Gitell in the Boston Phoenix. In New York politics, she is the person "who can make the political fortunes of others rise — or fall." And nationally, Clinton "could play an important part" in determining which of the potential 2004 presidential candidates gets the Democratic nomination. "It’s actually quite easy to imagine a scenario wherein Senator Clinton, still smarting over Gore’s 'distancing' himself from President Clinton in 2000, blocks the former vice-president from raising money." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain Considers His Future STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 10:00:14 AM ----BODY: "Saying he is satisfied with his accomplishments in behalf of the country," Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) "wonders openly in his new book whether it is time for him to retire to private life in Arizona," the Arizona Republic reports. The book, Worth The Fighting For, "is part political spin, part confession and part diatribe. It provides some intensely personal accounts of several key events, inspirations, mistakes, enemies and allies in Arizona and elsewhere in the life of one of the country's most intriguing political figures." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: More Buzz That O'Neill Might Resign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 09:17:05 AM ----BODY: Business Week speculates on a replacement for Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill: "After his boffo performance at President Bush's Waco (Tex.) economic summit last month, Charles R. Schwab is being floated as a possible successor to" O'Neill "if the Treasury Secretary steps down after the November elections." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Sour Grapes In New Hampshire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 09:00:29 AM ----BODY: Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH), who lost his reelection bid to Rep. John Sununu (R-NH) in Tuesday's primary election, skipped Thursday's unity breakfast, according to his staff, "so he could cast an important vote on the Senate floor," the Man chester Union Leader reports. "But Smith did not vote on yesterday's first order of business" and "also failed to vote in the afternoon." Meanwhile, another Man chester Union Leader piece says Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) attacked Sununu "as a tool of big corporations." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Loses Control Of Social Security Issue STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 08:59:14 AM ----BODY: "White House officials this summer approved an election-year effort by Republicans to distance themselves from the term Social Security 'privatization,' but White House allies now say the GOP's counterattacks on the Social Security issue could set back President Bush's efforts to reform the system," the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Washington, D.C., Williams Declares Victory STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 08:57:18 AM ----BODY: Washington Mayor Anthony Williams (D) declared victory "in his tortured bid for the Democratic nomination as unofficial results showed he had won a landslide in not just his own party's primary for mayor but in the Republican vote as well," the Washington Post reports. Update: Slate's Tim Noah wonders which Anthony Williams really won the primary. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Leads In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 08:55:51 AM ----BODY: Going into the final weekend of the gubernatorial primary campaign, a Boston Globe/WBZ-TV poll shows Shannon O'Brien (D) "holding a strong lead over her three rivals, although support for her, while broad, is not deeply held." This contradicts an earlier poll this week showing Robert Reich (D) tied for the lead. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Claims Victory But Reno Refuses To Concede STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/13/2002 08:48:57 AM ----BODY: "Nearly 48 hours after the polls closed in a primary marked by massive polling errors in Florida's most populous counties," Bill McBride (D) "claimed the Democratic nomination" for Florida governor, the Tal lahassee Democrat reports. However, a court battle is likely. The Miami Herald says Janet Reno (D) "girded for a fight to preserve her candidacy and, she said, the rights of voters to have their voices heard." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Davis Approval Drops To 39 Percent STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 01:47:13 PM ----BODY: Due to lingering budget problems, a new Field Poll shows that favorable approval ratings for California Gov. Gray Davis (D) have dropped to just 39 percent. KCRA-TV has analysis of the poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Democrats Descend On Iowa STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 01:40:52 PM ----BODY: The Hotline says Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) has been added to the list of possible 2004 presidential candidates making Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner appearances on October 5. Edwards "will likely be introducing Sen. Tom Harkin (D) at the dinner," and joins Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and VT Gov. Howard Dean, who will also be there. Meanwhile, the Clayton County Register says Dean is spending a lot of time in Iowa convincing voters the state is similar to Vermont. Update: The Raleigh News and Observer confirms that Edwards will be in Iowa. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore: American Democracy Under Threat STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 12:21:16 PM ----BODY: Al Gore warned that "American democracy is facing a dangerous threat from media conglomerates," in a speech to journalism students, according to Sidelines, the student newspaper at Middle Tennessee State University. Gore also specifically criticized the Bush administration's Homeland Security bill which states that "all local and state officials will be given the legal right to withhold from the news media even unclassified information." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Torricelli And Forrester Deadlocked STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 10:53:37 AM ----BODY: Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) and challenger Douglas Forrester (R) " are deadlocked, according to a new Star-Ledger/Eagleton-Rutgers Poll. In the survey, 41 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for or are leaning toward Torricelli, while 40 percent favor Forrester and 18 percent were undecided. Among 'likely' voters, Forrester led 44 to 39 percent." Update: A new Quinnipiac poll of likely voters gives Forrester a 48 to 44 percent lead. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerrey Backs Invasion Of Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 10:00:56 AM ----BODY: In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE) says "we've already invaded Iraq" and now must finish the job. "Regime change is the only way we can safely reduce our military commitment to the region. But regime change will unquestionably require a different--and probably larger--military effort than the one we are currently using." Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal also runs a story on Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), "a conservative Republican with impeccable military credentials" with "some deep reservations about going to war in Iraq." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend And Ehrlich Begin Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 09:45:01 AM ----- BODY: "Emerging from this week's primaries for governor victorious if slightly bruised," Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) and Rep. Bob Ehrlich (R) "must work harder to define themselves and their campaigns," the Baltimore Sun reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Golisano Keeps Slim Lead Over Pataki STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 09:40:01 AM ----BODY: Tom Golisano (I) "had a slim 900-vote lead" over New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "in the fight for the Independence Party line in which roughly 18,300 ballots were cast," the Albany Times Union reports. The Roc hester Democrat and Chronicle says Golisano spent more than $3000 "for each vote he received" which is "possibly the most ever spent per vote in American history." And the New York Post quotes a "top Golisano insider" to say he will spend not $75 million, but more like $100 million in the fall campaign. The New York Times notes Golisano "plans a fresh barrage of television advertisements within a couple of days." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Bowles Readies Ad Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 09:36:55 AM ----BODY: Elizabeth Dole's (R) "proposal to bar TV political advertising during the fall Senate election" was rejected, as Erskine Bowles (D) "prepared to open an advertising campaign with a commercial on trade issues this morning," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Republicans Rally Around Sununu STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 09:35:44 AM ----BODY: National Republicans "rallied behind" Senate Republican primary winner John Sununu, "although many of them had endorsed his unsuccessful opponent," Sen. Bob Smith, the Man chester Union Leader reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Daschle Urges More Senate Fundraising STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 09:34:04 AM ----BODY: "Making an urgent plea to help defend his party's one-seat advantage," Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) "this week exhorted his colleagues to step up their fundraising efforts before the Nov. 5 elections," Roll Call reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: What Happened In Florida? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 08:59:03 AM ----BODY: "An interlocking web of blunders and complications -- including lastminute changes in poll worker instructions and new machines that proved balky and complex -- entangled South Florida in its latest electoral fiasco," the Miami Herald reports. The Tal lahassee Democrat says "the biggest problems occurred in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, where widespread technical and human errors prevented some polling places from opening for hours or thwarted voters when poll workers couldn't get new touch-screen voting machines to work." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McKinney Considering Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 08:46:39 AM ----BODY: Green Party activists say Rep. Cynthia McKinney's (D-GA) "is strongly considering seeking the Green Party's presidential nomination in 2004," AP reports. Meanwhile, the Washington Post says "Another McKinney has been rejected by Georgia voters. State Rep. Billy McKinney lost the seat he has held for 30 years in a Democratic runoff Tuesday, three weeks after his daughter was denied a sixth term in Congress." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Will Face Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/12/2002 08:19:14 AM ----BODY: "Bill McBride is all but certain to be Florida's Democratic nominee for governor, clinching a remarkable come-from-behind upset over Janet Reno," the Miami Herald reports. Although the results have not been certified, the Herald declares McBride the winner based on an "analysis of outstanding precincts in Miami-Dade and Broward counties." The Tallahassee Democrat says "McBride had the votes to claim victory" over Reno, "yet waited to proclaim himself Florida's Democratic gubernatorial nominee as Reno considered challenging the results." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Republicans Should Read This Book STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 11:54:14 AM ----BODY: Rarely does a political book get so many good reviews from both ends of the political spectrum. George Will is the latest to praise The Emerging Democratic Majority by John Judis and Ruy Teixeira saying the book "shows that Republicans have work to do." The reason for the GOP to worry? "The most important political number is 270. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have voted Democratic in the last three presidential elections. In 2004 their combined electoral votes will be 260." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Cheney To Appear On Rush Limbaugh STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 11:27:40 AM ----BODY: On a day when many candidates postponed their "unity breakfasts" after yesterday's primaries and most have pulled their political advertising, Vice President Dick Cheney will appear on Rush Limbaugh's radio show this afternoon. Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe's statement on this is worth reading. Meanwhile, CNN says Cheney will spend most of the day at his "undisclosed location." Listen to Rush Limbaugh from 12 to 3 p.m. ET. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: What's Wrong With Florida? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 10:06:02 AM ----BODY: The St. Petersburg Times tells all you need to know in a headline: "What a mess!" The Tal lahassee Democrat explains that, in its first statewide election since the Election 2000 controversy, Florida stumbled again in Tuesday's primary balloting. Voting machine problems and ill-prepared poll workers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties kept hundreds -- perhaps thousands -of voters from casting a ballot when they first showed up. In response, Gov. Jeb Bush (R) ordered polls statewide to remain open an extra two hours Tuesday." So far, Bill McBride (D) is slightly ahead of Janet Reno (D) in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, but the AP says Reno is already considering challenging the results due to the voting problems. Update: The Miami Herald says although returns this morning still show McBride "ahead with a small lead," his margin "was dwindling as results delayed by Election Day mishaps trickled in from Reno's South Florida stronghold." Click here for most recent vote tallies. Based on these results and those reported by the AP, The Hotline estimates that "of votes yet to be counted show Reno could close to within .21% or 3K votes of McBride out of 1.36M cast." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Shriver Is Defeated STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 10:01:08 AM ----BODY: Christopher Van Hollen (D) "won a come-from-behind victory" over Kennedy cousin Mark Shriver (D) and will challenge veteran Rep. Constance A. Morella (R-MD) in November, the Washington Post reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Golisano Wins Spot On Ballot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 09:02:20 AM ----BODY: Billionaire businessman Tom Golisano (I) "appeared to defeat" New York Gov. George Pataki (R) "in the Independence Party primary for governor yesterday, a serious setback to Mr. Pataki in his bid for a third term," the New York Times reports. In the Democratic primary, Carl McCall won his party's nomination. The Note sums it up best: "Setting aside for a moment Pataki's huge warchest and his even bigger political skills (those are mega things, but put them aside), with New York you now have a heavily Democratic state; a heavily favored group of Democrats running for other offices; a candidate who will likely unite and turn out the Democratic base with his historic effort; the Clintons working hard to win this; and a multimillionaire who will pound Pataki with ads all fall, orchestrated by a wily, experienced consultant (Roger Stone) who remembers well his run-in with the Governor over Trump business." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Dole Will Face Bowles For Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 09:01:06 AM ----BODY: Elizabeth Dole (R) and Erskine Bowles (D), "two well-connected and seasoned Washington insiders, will face each other in a shortened fall Senate contest that could affect the balance of power in the nation's capital," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Sununu Defeats Smith In Senate Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/11/2002 08:54:52 AM ----BODY: Rep. John E. Sununu (R) ousted Sen. Robert Smith (R) "in a surprisingly easy primary election victory," the Man chester Union Leader reports. "With nearly 90 percent of the votes counted, Sununu led Smith 54 to 44 percent with 2 percent for Kenneth Stremsky." The Nashua Telegraph says Sununu's nomination "sets up a marquee matchup" with three-term Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D). The Washington Post's Balz and Broder say "Sununu's support was, like his campaign, less fervent — but much broader. His victory will make it more difficult for Democrats to win the seat." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Washington, D.C., Exit Polls Show Williams With Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:37:22 PM ----BODY: Washington, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams "had a wide lead" over Willie Wilson, according to Washington Post exit interviews with voters. "City election officials did not plan to begin counting tens of thousands of write-in ballots until Wednesday morning, but Washington Post exit poll interviews showed Williams ahead among both blacks and whites, and in most sections of the city." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Strong In Early Exit Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 01:44:15 PM ----BODY: Insider Advantage is reporting that, in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Bill McBride (D) has a "big lead" over Janet Reno (D) in early voting in Miami-Dade County. And the AP notes that Florida is once again having troubles with its voting systems. Update: The Miami Herald says Gov. Jeb Bush signed an executive order keeping polls open for an extra two hours due to reported voting problems. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Random Reports From The 2004 Campaign Trail STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 12:13:04 PM ----BODY: The D es Moines Register runs a letter to the editor from Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) suggesting Vermont's Medicare problems are similar to Iowa's. Meanwhile, the Daytona Beach News-Journal confirms that Al Gore is planning a major fundraising swing through Florida next week "to help raise money for the state Democratic Party." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Primaries Held In 12 States Today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:37:29 AM ----BODY: The Hartford Courant's David Lightman sets the stage for the biggest primary day of the 2002 season: "Voters in 12 states and the District of Columbia today may provide the biggest clues so far as to whether Sept. 11 is affecting 2002 politics." In particular, the primaries could give an indication whether "terrorism-related issues are taking precedence over old favorites such as the economy." The New York Times' Adam Nagourney provides a primary "viewers guide." There are races in Florida, New Hampshire, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. ABC News has poll closing times. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Reich Catches O'Brien In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:36:55 AM ----BODY: "The Democratic race for governor is locked in a virtual tie one week from the primary with former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich pulling even with state Treasurer Shannon P. O'Brien" according to a new Boston Herald poll. Meanwhile, with just one week to go before the primary, Warren Tolman (D) has escalated his attacks on Reich (D) with a web site called ActuallyBob.com. The site's tagline: "Because if Warren Tolman's campaign doesn't say it in September...Mitt Romney's campaign will be saying it in October." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Miller Remakes Democratic Party STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:36:44 AM ----BODY: "Zell Miller, Georgia's maverick U.S. senator and former governor, is hoping to bring victory to a ballot full of his friends and proteges who uphold his brand of personal, conservative politics in the Democratic party," the Wall Street Journal reports. "Georgia Democrats hope to gain as many as four House seats in Congress this November, and Sen. Max Cleland and Gov. Roy Barnes are now favored to win re-election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, NRA Moves Against Rendell STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:30:23 AM ----BODY: "Three years ago, the National Rifle Association praised thenPhiladelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell for his 'courageous leadership,'" the AP reports. "Now, the organization has turned against him and is trying to defeat the Democrat in his bid for governor." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Curry Gaining On Rowland STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/10/2002 09:28:55 AM ----BODY: With Connecticut's "budget shortfall and a lingering Enron-related financial debacle providing a political tail wind," Gov. John Rowland's (R) "less-known, less-financed, less-experienced but no less aggressive challenger," Bill Curry (D) , "suddenly seems capable of pushing the race to the wire," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki Lead Narrows STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 02:49:08 PM ----BODY: New York Gov. George Pataki's (R) "once-big lead" over Carl McCall (D) "has been trimmed, but it remains in double digits," the AP reports. Pataki now leads McCall 52 percent to 37 percent, according to Marist College's Institute for Public Opinion poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Assembles War Cabinet STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 09:58:51 AM ----BODY: "President Bush, preparing to make his case against Iraq at the United Nations, deployed five members of his war cabinet to yesterday's talk shows to argue that Saddam Hussein is aggressively assembling nuclear weapons and that waiting any longer to disarm him could prove catastrophic for the United States and its allies," the Washington Post's Mike Allen reports. The New York Times' Todd Purdum notes that they used "almost identical language that signaled a coordinated campaign." The Wall Street Journal says "Bush is confident he can win a vote in Congress, but is less sure of convincing the U.N." Meanwhile, Andrew Sullivan praises British Prime Minister Tony Blair for his support of Bush. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Some Democrats Still Avoiding Clinton STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 09:38:02 AM ----BODY: Former President Bill Clinton "is embarking on his most visible return to the political stage and has sent word to Democrats that he is eager to aid the party's battle for control of Congress," the Chicago Tribune's Jeff Zelaney reports. But "instead of graciously accepting the offer from the legendary campaigner, some Democrats have asked Clinton to keep his political distance." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Makes Presidential Race An Issue For Fall Elections STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 09:34:17 AM ----BODY: Al Gore "urged some 2,000 fervent supporters" over the weekend "to channel the anger they felt upon hearing he lost the presidency into electing Democratic candidates in November," the AP reports. Meanwhile, the Tennessean says Gore "has scheduled events soon in Florida, New Hampshire and Iowa, all pivotal states in a presidential run." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Has A Bubba Strategy STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 09:06:32 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), is "aiming to buck a 20-year trend" by "courting the conservative rural voters who are some of the Republican Party's most reliable voters," the Char lotte Observer's Charles Hurt writes. "The effort could make some traditional Democrats a bit squeamish, however, because it embraces gun ownership rights and trumpets cultural passions such as NASCAR that might be viewed by some as unsophisticated. Regardless of whether it succeeds, the strategy is already being closely watched by top Democrats nationwide." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Reno And McBride Push For Final Votes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:49:28 AM ----BODY: Tuesday's Florida Democratic gubernatorial primary will be "a test of which candidate can cajole more crucial supporters to go vote," the Orlando Sentinel reports. Bill McBride, "counts on statewide legions of labor-union activists prodding voters to the polls in North and Central Florida," while Janet Reno "hopes to carry her party's nomination with a march of black voters throughout the state and outpouring of loyal liberal Democrats in her home base of Southeast Florida." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, No Surprises Expected In Senate Primaries STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:47:15 AM ----BODY: "The expectation is that the two well-financed favorites who made most of their political reputations in Washington -- former Cabinet member Elizabeth Hanford Dole (R) and former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles (D) -- will capture their parties' nominations and face off in November," the Washington Post reports. The Raleigh News and Observer says candidates took part in "a frantic final push" over the weekend "to get the public to tune in to" North Carolina's Senate primary, which "is being held at an unusual time and that political pundits expect will draw fewer voters than any in recent history." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Senate Primary Goes Down To The Wire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:36:58 AM ----BODY: New Hampshire Republicans "must choose Tuesday between two candidates so philosophically alike" -- Sen. Bob Smith and Rep. John E. Sununu -- "that their hard-fought race has come down to quibbling over which man is more of a Washington insider," the Los Angeles Times reports. Ro ll Call says the race is a toss up: ""Although Sununu had surged ahead in some surveys, GOP insiders said the race remained a tossup, with even top Republican strategists saying they don't know who is going to come out on top." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Laura Bush Cancels Interview Over Cover Story STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:30:27 AM ----BODY: "President Bush and his wife are angry at U.S. News & World Report over a cove r story last week that dealt with Secret Service protection for their twin daughters," the Washington Post's Howard Kurtz reports. "So angry, in fact, that Laura Bush canceled a scheduled interview with the magazine." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Buchanan Starts New Magazine STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:22:13 AM ----BODY: "Patrick Buchanan has corralled a group of like-minded intellectuals to produce a magazine, The American Conservative, that will reflect his values and unapologetic nature," the New York Times reports. But here's the most interesting item from the article: "No publishing formula has been more efficient at putting money down a rat hole than has that of the political magazine. The constellation of magazines that try to own Beltway consciousness -The New Republic, The Weekly Standard, The Nation, The Washington Monthly, National Review and The American Prospect -- may differ on points of ideology, but share a distinct propensity for losing money." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Ehrlich Makes Inroads To Jewish Vote STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/09/2002 08:01:07 AM ----BODY: In his campaign for governor, Rep. Robert Ehrlich's (R) efforts "to win over Jewish voters in Maryland, many of whom have traditionally voted Democratic in the past, may be paying off," the Baltimore Sun reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Caller ID May Skew Polls STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/07/2002 11:12:30 PM ----BODY: "While the presence of polls hasn't declined in newspapers and TV newscasts -- especially now, as the election season begins to boil -faith in their reliability has," the Chicago Tribune reports. With Caller ID and voice mail, "pollsters are reaching a smaller percentage of people they're trying to reach, which may be giving us a skewed view of public opinion." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Rowland's Lead Cut In Half STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/07/2002 09:36:21 PM ----BODY: Connecticut Gov. John Rowland's (R) "lead in his race for re-election has dropped into the single digits -- 9 percentage points -- but his Democratic challenger, Bill Curry, has yet to capture voters who are moving away from the governor," the Hartford Courant reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: On The Road With Hillary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 03:50:51 PM ----BODY: The Washington Post reviews On the Road With Hillary: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Journey from Arkansas to the U.S. Senate by Patrick S. Halley, an advance man for Hillary Clinton's New York Senate campaign. "This is a book for the denizens of Hillaryland. For Democrats, and liberal Democrats at that. Republicans -- especially Newt Gingrich and Kenneth Starr -- are savage, evil hypocrites." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Government By Op-Ed STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 09:23:03 AM ----BODY: Michael Kinsley writes an excellent piece on the Bush administration's alleged "disarray" in coming up with an Iraq policy: "A better word than disarray might be democracy. In theory, at least, it's like a high-minded Jeffersonian dream that the national debate about war and peace should be framed by a series of essays penned by former government officials who have withdrawn to their farms, ranches, consulting firms, and suchlike contemplative retreats." The AP notes that former President Clinton is the latest to enter the debate saying Bush should get Osama bin Laden first before focusing on Saddam Hussein. Meanwhile, the New York Times runs an op-ed by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) who says Bush has not yet made a pursuasive case for invading Iraq. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Iraq Debate Could Frame Fall Elections STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 09:22:20 AM ----BODY: "The prospect of weeks of debate in Congress about granting President Bush the authority to oust Saddam Hussein means that events abroad, rather than the domestic issues pushed by Democrats this summer, could dominate the nation's political discussion for easily half of the general election campaign this fall," the New York Times reports. The Wall Street Journal's Washington Wire notes that the White House "call for debate... mutes talk of corporate scandals, which the pro-business GOP dreads. Democratic House candidates try to keep economic issues center-stage." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Ethics Dominates Senate Debate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 08:52:26 AM ----BODY: Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "conceded" that he had "made mistakes," but said "he was counting on voters to 'look at the totality of all that I've done' as questions about his ethics in Congress dominated his first debate with Republican challenger Douglas R. Forrester," the Bergen Record reports. The Philadelphia Inquirer says "Torricelli branded Forrester too conservative to represent the politically moderate state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, GOP Strategist Blasts Simon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 08:47:19 AM ----BODY: Lyn Nofziger, "a veteran GOP strategist touted as one" of Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon's top advisers "denounced Simon as 'inept, weak... and too dumb' to beat" Gov. Gray Davis, the Los Angeles Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Keeps Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 08:44:35 AM ----BODY: "Blanketing the airwaves with publicly funded ads," in the Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial primary, Warren Tolman (D) "has moved into a virtual tie for second place with Robert Reich (D) in the primary race for governor, according to a new University of Massachusetts poll, which also shows state Treasurer Shannon O'Brien (D) maintaining a commanding lead," the Boston Globe reports. The article notes "Reich's decision not to use his own wealth to pay for a strong media effort" as one factor in Tolman's gain. The Boston Herald, however, endorses Reich in the primary. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Tennessee, Gore To Campaign For Clement STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 08:40:05 AM ----BODY: Al Gore will appear with Tennessee Senate candidate Bob Clement (D) at a rally and fundraiser this weekend "for a belated Labor Day barbecue and rally," the Tennessean reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Gets Prime New Hampshire Speaking Slot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/06/2002 08:33:14 AM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "will be the 'special guest speaker' at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner Oct. 18," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. "The slot will provide exposure to more than 300 activists in the nation's first state to hold a presidential primary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Satire Site Takes On Davis STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 10:06:56 PM ----BODY: EGray is the most clever web site I've seen so far this campaign season. It's an obvious play on the online auction house EBay and argues that California Gov. Gray Davis (D) "has turned state government into a fundraising tool for his own political ambition, and ceased serving the public interest." Regardless of which side you take in the campaign, you have to agree it's well done. Update: Bloomberg says EBay "is weighing legal steps to block a Web site California Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon posted as a political parody of his opponent that imitates the largest Internet auction." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Wisconsin, Democrats Running For Governor Are Strong STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 02:43:54 PM ----BODY: Any one of the three Democratic candidates for governor in Wisconsin could beat imcumbent Gov. Scott McCallum (R) in November, according to a new poll, the AP reports. "The poll also indicates the race for the Democratic nomination remains close, with Attorney General Jim Doyle holding a slight lead over U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Could Take Senate Control In Lame Duck Session STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 02:27:29 PM ----BODY: The Kansas City Star's David Goldstein reviews an interesting, though somewhat "far-fetched scenario" involving the Missouri Senate race, in which Republicans could be back in control of the Senate soon after the November election. This is possible because the Missouri race is technically a special election, so if Jim Talent (R) beats Sen. Jean Carnahan (D), he could take office immediately. If the Senate is reconvened in a lame duck session, the GOP could assume control. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Buy Ads With Soft Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 09:22:19 AM ----BODY: Well, it looks like Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) has figured out how to spend the $2.5 million he raised in soft money (see an earlier story for why he must use the funds before Election Day.) The C harlotte Observer says Edwards will buy television ads urging people to vote in North Carolina. He may also put ads on the air in South Carolina, "home to the nation's third presidential primary contest" and possibly in in Iowa, "home to the nation's first presidential contest." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Decision Forces Democrats To Take A Position On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 09:04:40 AM ----BODY: "Now that President Bush has agreed to seek congressional backing for any action in Iraq, his political adversaries must weigh the risks of opposing him," the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood and Shailagh Murray report. "And there were signs Wednesday that some key Democrats will do just that," including Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and at least one 2004 presidential aspirant, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D). Travelling in Iowa, Dean sounded skeptical: "There's substantial doubt that [Saddam Hussein] is as much of a threat as the Bush administration claims." Al Gore had no comment, while Sens. John Kerry (D-MA) and John Edwards (D-NC)were leaning towards supporting Bush if he "makes his case." Roll Call says Bush may speak to a joint session of Congress to do just that. Dick Morris argues it was a smart political decision by Bush: "Pressing a vote will force every incumbent and each candidate to record his or her views on Iraq and will put the issue front and center where the Republican Party needs it to be on Election Day." Meanwhile, the Washington Post runs an op-ed by former President Jimmy Carter blasting Bush's Iraq plans. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Giuliani Contemplates Political Future STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 09:02:00 AM ----BODY: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) "was calm, direct and purposeful through the crisis of Sept. 11 and beyond, in reassuring control when nobody else was. And his bravura performance transformed him, overshadowing everything else" negative, the New York Times' Joyce Purnick reports. Now, Giuliani can contemplate "an unspecified political future that he could not have dreamed of before. And he is earning typically $100,000 a speech on the lecture circuit, running his own company, publishing a book next month on leadership, solidifying his Republican bona fides as he crisscrosses the country speaking and fund-raising for Republican candidates from California to North Carolina." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Riordan Could Beat Davis STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 09:01:47 AM ----BODY: In depressing news for California Republicans, the San Jose Mercury News reports on a new poll that found "voters are so discouraged by the two top candidates" for governor "that former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan -- who lost the Republican primary in the spring -- could beat the unpopular Gov. Gray Davis by 15 percentage points." However, in the race that will actually take place in November, Davis still leads Bill Simon (R) by 7 percentage points, 38 to 31. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Ryan Takes Shot At Ryan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 08:45:40 AM ----BODY: "Open hostilities broke out between the state's top two Republicans," the Chicago Tribune reports. Outgoing Illinois Gov. George Ryan (R) said that gubernatorial candidate Jim Ryan (R) "has run 'probably the worst campaign I've ever seen in the history of the state,'" the Chicago Sun-Times says. "Told of the comments, the attorney general shot back, 'He ran the worst administration in the history of Illinois. That's what I'd worry about.'" ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, New Poll Has Sununu With Large Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 08:41:03 AM ----BODY: Rep. John Sununu (R-NH) "has pulled ahead" of Sen. Robert Smith (R-NH) by 22 percentage points in a new poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center for WMURTV, the Washington Times reports. The primary is next week. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Television Ads Found Less Effective STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 12:25:08 AM ----BODY: In a very positive sign for American politics, Adam Nagourney of the New York Times reports that "the influence of television advertising on political campaigns is declining, leading political party leaders to embrace old-fashioned campaign tools like phone calls and door-knocking." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----- EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore To Visit Iowa And New Hampshire STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 12:19:31 AM ----BODY: Al Gore will campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire before the November elections "as he steps up his political travels and fundraising," the AP reports. Meanwhile, a Los Angeles Times poll out this week "showed that almost six in 10 Democratic voters said they would probably or definitely vote for Gore for the party's nomination." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Kansas, Graves Still Does Not Endorse Shallenburger STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/05/2002 12:02:49 AM ----BODY: Kansas gubernatorial nominee Tim Shallenburger (R) "finally got the meeting he had been asking for" with Gov. Bill Graves (R) -- but not his endorsement, even though Shallenburger won the GOP primary nearly a month ago, the Top eka Capital-Journal reports. "Emerging briefly from his office to meet with reporters, Graves, a moderate, said he and Shallenburger, a conservative, were making progress toward bridging their differences on budget and tax issues." Meanwhile, the Kansas City Star has details from the first debate between Shallenburger and his Democratic opponent, Kathleen Sebelius. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: CNN Sidelines Beckel After Scandal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 11:54:03 PM ----BODY: If The Smoking Gun is to be believed, the Washington Post's Reliable Source understates this story: "It has been a rotten couple of years for political guru Bob Beckel, who parlayed his fame as Democratic nominee Walter Mondale's 1984 campaign manager into a career as a ubiquitous television pundit." Beckel has now be put on "hiatus" at CNN and was "forced to quit a lucrative consulting job on a Senate campaign in Idaho." Update: The Fairfax Journal had the first article on this mess and Roll Call's Ed Henry gets the first interview with Beckel. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Incumbent Senators Most Likely To Lose STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 02:38:23 PM ----BODY: Political analyst Stuart Rothenberg says Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) now appears "likely to lose his seat" in November, according to the Washington Times' Inside Politics column. "In his latest newsletter list that analyzes and rates this year's 34 Senate races, Mr. Rothenberg has moved Mr. Torricelli from 'tossup' to 'leaning to takeover.'" Rothenberg's Roll Call column rates only two sitting Senators as underdogs -- Torricielli and Sen. Robert Smith (R-NH). However, when the National Review's John Miller reviews the "twelve hottest races," he finds that Sen. Gordon Smith (R) is most likely to lose in "the sleeper race of the year for Democrats." Reuters also has a good review of the key Senate races. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Davis Keeps Door Open To Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 12:59:20 PM ----BODY: California Governor Gray Davis (D) told Lou Cannon, in a taped interview to be published in California Journal, "that he did not mean to rule out a campaign for the White House when he told reporters last month that he was not planning to run." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Greens May Not Want Nader In 2004 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 11:09:58 AM ----BODY: "As the national Green Party discusses its plans for the 2004 election, The Scrum has learned a rift is emerging between what Green party activists want in a candidate and what Ralph Nader was willing to give them in 2000." In an unconvincing piece, the Progressive Review insists that Nader did not cause Al Gore to lose the 2000 election. Meanwhile, Nader was on Crossfire last night discussing the "corporate crime wave." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Republicans Hold Leads In Governor And Senate Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 10:59:54 AM ----BODY: According to a Scripps Howard Texas Poll, Gov. Rick Perry (R) leads Tony Sanchez (D) 42 to 28 percent in the Texas govenor's race. And in the state's Senate race, John Cornyn (R) leads Ron Kirk (D) 37 to 32 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend Criticizes Glendening STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 10:45:57 AM ----BODY: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) "chided her political mentor, Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D), for financing radio ads that paint Comptroller William Donald Schaefer as a sexist bigot, saying the ads were 'wrong,'" the Washington Post reports. The Los Angeles Times explains a possible motive: "What has stunned Maryland insiders at the Capitol in Annapolis, in key precincts in Baltimore's gritty neighborhoods and in tony Washington suburbs like Bethesda is how far and how quickly the candidate known as KKT has fallen." Meanwhile, the Baltimore Sun says "Glendening takes an unseemly feud to a new low." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Will Not Do A Talk Show STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 09:03:04 AM ----BODY: The last word (hopefully) on this subject: On CNN's Larry King Live last night, former President Bill Clinton closed the door to doing a television talk show saying "I really believe I should always spend more than half my time on public service, so I just don't see how I can do it." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, McKinney Not Running For Senate This Year STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 07:13:02 AM ----BODY: Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA) can rest a little easier in November. Defeated Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) "is not a write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate this year," the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Tom Baxter and Jim Galloway report. "After McKinney's defeat, a message appeared on her web site thanking supporters for their condolences and their thoughts about a campaign for the Senate. Tuesday was the deadline for all write-in candidates to register with the Secretary of State's office -- else their votes wouldn't be counted." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Tries To Regain Control Of Iraq Debate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 07:08:33 AM ----BODY: "After weeks of mixed messages from the administration, the president will meet today with Congressional leaders to make his case against Saddam Hussein," the New York Times reports. (Josh Marshall has good analysis on how mixed the message has been.) The Washington Post says Secretary of State Colin Powell admits there is a rift among Bush's advisors. But the Guardia n says there is no divide between Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, causing Andrew Sullivan to liken Blair to Margaret Thatcher. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will There Be A September 11th Effect In Primaries? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 12:17:15 AM ----BODY: Candidates in eleven states and the District of Columbia facing primaries next week are worried that voter turnout will be "affected by America's urge to commemorate last year's attacks," the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood reports. "Republicans say that, at minimum, it will interrupt the political momentum Democrats have built up by attacking GOP policies on taxes, the budget, Social Security and corporate scandal." Meanwhile, the New York Times notes that candidates "are responding to a sense of public insecurity with commercials that try to inspire confidence in their ability to handle a crisis." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Morris: The GOP Should Triangulate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 12:07:30 AM ----BODY: Dick Morris suggests Republicans follow the advice he gave Bill Clinton in 1996: "The entire Democratic agenda for the 2002 election could be crippled if the Republican Party simply abandoned its refusal to meet the Democrats halfway on the twin issues of prescription drugs for the elderly and the patients’ bill of rights. Without these two issues, the Democrats would have little to run on and the chances of a GOP fall in November would be markedly reduced. If Republicans passed -- and Bush signed -- these two bills, it would have the same castrating impact on the Democratic campaign that Clinton’s signing of welfare reform and his embrace of the balanced budget did on Republican fortunes in 1996." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Congress Prepares For New York Session STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/04/2002 12:03:39 AM ----- BODY: On Thursday, more than 180 members of the House and about half of the Senate are expected to attend a joint session of Congress at New York City’s Federal Hall to commemorate September 11th, The Hill reports. The AP notes the last time Congress met in New York City "it rejected royal titles, established the federal judiciary, approved the Bill of Rights and infused the new government with the breath of life." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride And Bush Tied In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 10:46:50 PM ----BODY: More good news for Florida Democrat Bill McBride: The St. Petersburg Times reports on a new poll (for a Democratic candidate) that shows, in a general election matchup, McBride and Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "are virtually tied, with Bush at 48 percent and McBride at 47 percent." If Janet Reno wins the Democratic primary, however, she would lose to Bush, 55 percent to 39 percent. The Tal lahassee Democrat says a new Mason-Dixon poll shows similar good news for McBride. Update: Matt Towery gives the candidates some final strategic campaign advice. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House And Senate Face Off On Homeland Security STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 10:18:15 PM ----BODY: "Senators returned from vacation stiffening their refusal to compromise over worker rights in the proposed Homeland Security Department, which could delay the new agency for months," the New York Times reports. The Wall Street Journal says the two sides "squared off once again" over "the president's demand that it be exempt from civil-service rules. Debate may last for weeks." The Washington Post says "battle lines hardened." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Pennsylvania, Hafer Crosses Party Lines To Back Rendell STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 03:23:19 PM ----BODY: In a surprise development, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Barbara Hafer (R) will cross party lines to endorse Ed Rendell (D) in his race for governor against Attorney General Mike Fisher (R), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's James O'Toole reports. After endorsing Rendell at a press conference "in Fisher's political back yard," Hafer and Rendell "will then set out on a cross-state tour with stops in Harrisburg and Philadelphia later in the day. Hafer is to continue to campaign actively for Rendell." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Cuomo Quits Governor's Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 11:24:30 AM ----BODY: "With his defeat in next Tuesday’s Democratic primary seeming increasingly unavoidable, Andrew Cuomo withdrew from the race for governor and threw his support behind rival H. Carl McCall," Newsday reports. "Cuomo’s offer to withdraw appeared to be an effort to salvage himself so that he could run for office in the future, perhaps even the governor's office in 2006." The New York Times says "senior advisers from both campaigns had spent the last two days negotiating a deal" but in his speech "Cuomo did not reveal details of any deal." This news comes as a new Quinnipiac University poll had McCall leading Cuomo, 47 percent to 25 percent. Update: Brian Lehrer explains in Slate why Cuomo dropped out. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Wire Gets International Recognition STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 10:52:35 AM ----BODY: Thanks to Th e Guardian for selecting Political Wire as one of their favorite news and politics weblogs. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Chris Matthews Ends His Newspaper Column STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 10:12:05 AM ----BODY: The San Francisco Chronicle runs Chris Matthews' last column today, in which he leaves readers with this final word: "I hate this war that's coming in Iraq. I don't think we'll be proud of it. Oppose this war because it will create a millennium of hatred and the suicidal terrorism that comes with it." You'll still be able to find Matthews on Hardball, his weblog, and a new NBC Sunday morning political show. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Texas, Cornyn May Not Get Much Bush Help STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 09:31:56 AM ----BODY: "The White House isn't commenting on how much, or even if," Bush will campaign for Texas Senate candidate John Cornyn (R), "but it would be a blow to Mr. Bush's prestige if a Democrat wins the seat" Sen. Phil Gramm (R) "has held for four terms in a state where all 37 statewide officeholders are Republicans," the Washington Times reports. The Chicago Tribune's Jill Zuckman notes that Cornyn "finds himself tied or slightly behind in opinion polls against" Ron Kirk (D). An AP lede says "Democrats could embarrass President Bush with a Texas-sized victory in his home state this fall." Update: A Political Wire reader reports that Carol Reed, Kirk's top political consultant, took the holiday weekend off from campaigning to go to the Labor Day Renaissance Weekend in Colorado. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Trial Lawyers Help Or Hurt Edwards? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 09:00:31 AM ----BODY: Perhaps he'll explain how it's an asset in his forthcoming book. In the meantime, the Washington Post's Jim VandeHei highlights how Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) "has aligned himself closely to a potent but controversial group that will open him to political attacks if he jumps in: wealthy trial lawyers... This tight relationship has helped Edwards make inroads in Iowa and other early primary states. But it's also emerging as a potentially nettlesome campaign issue as he nears a decision on whether to seek to challenge President Bush in 2004." Meanwhile, the Raleigh News and Observer notes Edwards spent the weekend in South Carolina, another early primary state. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Leads In Campaigning STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 09:00:27 AM ----BODY: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean,"an internist with big dreams and a small bank account," is the Democrat "who has traveled most extensively to five key states in pursuit of the presidency," USA Today's Jill Lawrence reports. Dean also seems to be making inroads with unions. On CNN's Capitol Gang, labor leader Andy Stern noted "One of the people who's making the most waves is" Dean, "and basically because he's talking about universal health care. And in this era, when you see so many people without health care, and so many people losing their health care, and, you know, the candidate who says, I did it in Vermont, I want to do it for the whole country, I think that's opening people's eyes." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Strickland Ads May Have Backfired STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 08:52:07 AM ----BODY: After running ads accusing Sen. Wayne Allard (R-CO) of "stalling accounting reforms," the "move may have backfired," because Republicans a week later "counterattacked with an ad showcasing Democratic candidate Tom Strickland's ties to Global Crossing Inc., the bankrupt Bermuda-based telecommunications giant," the Washington Times reports. The N ew York Times notes that recent polls have shown Allard with "a modest but steady lead, with the only good news" for Strickland that Allard's "support remains under 50 percent with about a fifth of respondents undecided." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush By The Numbers STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 12:06:49 AM ----BODY: The Washington Post's Dana Millbank writes an interesting piece on Mark Knoller, a leading collector of modern presidential trivia. Among the more revealing statistics on the current administration: "Bush has spent a whopping total of 250 days of his presidency at Camp David (123 days), Kennebunkport (12) and his Texas ranch (115). That means Bush has spent 42 percent of his term so far at one of his three leisure destinations." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall Gets Photo Op With Clinton STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/03/2002 12:00:01 AM ----- BODY: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo's (D) "diehard fans watched as his Democratic rival, Carl McCall, happily marched with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) in Brooklyn's West Indian Day Parade, while they waited in the pouring rain for more than an hour before their candidate arrived," the New York Post reports. The New York Times gave a more direct, if half-hearted, endorsement of McCall on Sunday. Meanwhile, the New York Times's Anthony DePalma says that for Cuomo's critics, a $688,000 report about his years as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, "released just weeks before the end of the Clinton administration, symbolized how Mr. Cuomo attempted to use HUD as a springboard for his campaign to be governor of New York, which started just nine days after leaving Washington." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Maryland Race Becomes A Political Grudge Match STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/02/2002 12:38:58 PM ----BODY: "Two of Maryland's wiliest and most enduring political titans have turned this year's race for the unsung, numbers-crunching job of state comptroller into a riveting public spectacle," the Washington Post reports. In the Democratic primary, "former governor and political legend William Donald Schaefer (D) faces a little-known challenger, Secretary of State John T. Willis." But the real battle pits Schaefer "against a man whose name appears nowhere on the ballot," Gov. Parris Glendening. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dodd Still Considering Presidential Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/02/2002 12:26:03 PM ----BODY: While making the rounds of state editorial boards, Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-CT) told the Danbury News-Times that he's still considering a run for president in 2004, though he acknowledged, "as have most Democratic contenders, that much hinges on what Al Gore does." However, Dodd, unlike fellow Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), "has made no past public promise to step aside if Gore wants in." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: GOP Running From Social Security Privatization STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/01/2002 11:35:23 PM ----BODY: This memo from the National Republican Congressional Committee to all GOP House candidates makes clear Republicans are very worried about voter backlash this year for their long held position of creating private social security accounts. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Catches Reno In Latest Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/01/2002 11:12:53 PM ----BODY: "In a development that seemed unthinkable only weeks ago, Bill McBride has eliminated Janet Reno's huge lead, putting the candidates in a virtual dead heat heading into their Sept. 10 Democratic gubernatorial primary," according to a new Miami Herald poll. A separate Orlando Sentinel poll also found McBride and Reno in a statistical tie. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Ohio, Taft On The Ropes STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/01/2002 11:02:27 PM ----BODY: Timothy Hagan (D), "lagging in name recognition, outgunned in campaign cash and all but written off by political experts -- is within striking distance" of Gov. Robert Taft (R) in the Ohio gubernatorial race, according to an independent poll done the Columbus Dispatch. The newspaper's lede expresses the shock of most political observers: "This is not supposed to be happening." Earlier, CNN had an interesting piece on Hagan's Star Trek connection. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Does Bush Want To Lose Control Of Congress? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/01/2002 08:46:45 PM ----BODY: "It sounds so Machiavellian, even treasonous, that no one at the White House would dare endorse such an outcome -- at least not in public," writes Rick Berke of the New York Times. "But many prominent Republicans, including some of President Bush's most faithful backers, are convinced that the most certain way for Mr. Bush to continue to rise politically, and ultimately win re-election in 2004, is for Republicans to, well, lose in November." However, The Scrum is "unconvinced that the White House is rooting for a routing of the Republicans this year." Political Wire has to agree. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Novak: Kerry Thinks Gore Won't Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 09/01/2002 07:26:46 PM ----BODY: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), "an aggressive hopeful for the Democratic presidential nomination, is privately giving his opinion that Al Gore will not run again in 2004," Robert Novak writes. "Kerry's prediction fits widespread speculation in Democratic ranks that Gore personally has no taste for a repeat attempt at the White House this soon after his 2000 failure." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards To Write A Book STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/31/2002 09:30:47 PM ----BODY: Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) has signed a book deal "to write about his years as a lawyer in North Carolina," the AP reports. A statement from Simon and Schuster says the 2003 book will "be a combination of courtroom drama and personal struggle that combine to give an important lesson about the power of individual citizens, the strength of family and the meaning of justice." The Raleigh News and Observer calls it "another rite of passage for the politically ambitious." Edwards joins Al Gore, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, and Sen. Tom Daschle as 2004 presidential aspirants moonlighting as authors. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney Tries To Save Running Mate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/31/2002 09:11:48 PM ----BODY: "Concerned about polls showing that his handpicked running mate is trailing in the Republican lieutenant governor's race, Mitt Romney is waging an all-out effort to convince voters that his ticket will be threatened if she loses," the Boston Globe reports. Meanwhile, the Boston Herald covers the Democratic gubernatorial debate: "With his poll numbers rising, Democrat Robert Reich wore the gubernatorial bull's-eye last night, while front-runner Shannon O'Brien found herself cornered by a snarling Thomas F. Birmingham." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: And They're Off! STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 10:11:09 AM ----BODY: Heading into the traditional campaign kickoff weekend, there are several articles sizing up the battle for control of Congress. The best is by the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood and Shailagh Murray: "The outcome of this fall's midterm elections rests on whether voters will focus on homeland-security issues and a possible war in Iraq or corporate skullduggery and economic malaise." USA Today says that as the campaign "enters its most intense phase this weekend... economic issues begin to eclipse the war on terrorism in voters' minds. That has made Democrats more optimistic than they have been in months." Adam Nagourney of the New York Times agrees: "The fight for control of Congress is revolving this Labor Day more around domestic than foreign concerns." And the Washington Post's Dan Balz says "Voter anxiety over the economy, health care and financial security threatens to put Republican candidates across the country on the defensive this fall, brightening Democratic hopes of gaining seats in a crucial round of midterm elections that could break the political stalemate in Congress." Congressional Quarterly provides analysis of which seats are safe and which ones are up for grabs. (Governor: Democrats, Republicans; Senate: Democrats, Republicans; House: All Races). And Business Week also handicaps the key House and Senate races. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Makes It Official STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:49:29 AM ----BODY: This comes as no surprise to Political Wire readers: Gov. Howard Dean (DVT) "dropped all equivocations about his presidential bid, saying 'I am running for president,'" the AP reports. "Previously, although Dean is traveling extensively throughout the country, he had added the public caveat that he would not make a final decision on his candidacy until after he left office in January." A campaign web site, Dean For America, was also launched this week. Meanwhile, the AP gives a pretty good summary of the early activities of potential Democratic presidential candidates. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Colorado, Allard's Lead Shrinking STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:45:40 AM ----BODY: Sen. Wayne Allard's (R-CO) "own polling shows his lead over" Tom Strickland (D) "narrowing, but voters' negative opinions of Strickland nearly doubling," the Rocky Mountain News reports. Allard leads Strickland 46 percent to 35 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Smith Poll Shows Even Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:42:36 AM ----BODY: A new statewide poll done for Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH) shows his Republican primary race for U.S. Senate with Rep. John Sununu (R-NH) is in "a virtual dead heat," according to the Nashua Telegraph. The AP says the two candidates "clashed over the need for fresh blood in Washington versus experience and seniority in a fiery debate Thursday as their key Senate primary nears." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: When Name Recognition Hurts STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:40:32 AM ----BODY: Illinois candidate for governor, Jim Ryan (R), seemed to have everything. "In a state known for producing powerful politicians with Irish monikers, and where the Chicago white pages list nearly 400 Ryans, his name traditionally would have been an asset," the Wall Street Journal reports. "But recently, that surname has taken a beating because of another Ryan on the political stage: current Gov. George Ryan (R), who while secretary of state oversaw a department rife with corruption -- including the acceptance of bribes in exchange for granting truckers' licenses." Update: The Chicago Sun Times says a new poll shows Ryan lagging Democrat Rod Blagojevich by 22 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Ehrlich Catching Up On Fundraising STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:38:10 AM ----BODY: "In a tally sure to further boost his confidence," Maryland gubernatorial candidate Robert Ehrlich (R) "raised five times more money in recent weeks" than Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) did, the Baltimore Sun reports. "Although Townsend's campaign for governor has raised more money overall - $6.8 million compared with Ehrlich's $4.5 million what began this year as a chasm between their bank accounts appears to be closing quickly." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Judge Hears Case For Removing Harris From Ballot STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:29:49 AM ----BODY: Katherine Harris (R) "should be kicked off the ballot for Congress because the former Florida secretary of state made mistakes in her resignation and signed an improper oath, her Republican primary opponent," the AP reports. A Tallah assee Democrat piece says the judge was skeptical of the charge. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Romney Tries To Shape Primary Outcome STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:21:49 AM ----BODY: Despite yesterday's report showing Robert Reich (D) a stronger challenger to Mitt Romney (R) in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race, the Boston Globe suggests Romney would rather face Reich than Shannon O'Brien (D). He's making "an unusual effort to shape the outcome of the opposing party's primary" by unleashing "a series of ads attacking" O'Brien, "with the latest spot urging voters to back 'anyone but' the Democratic front-runner." ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Parties Set To Shatter Fundraising Records STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/30/2002 09:14:48 AM ----BODY: "The two major political parties are on pace to shatter soft money fundraising records and their operatives are eagerly searching for loopholes that will allow the spigot to keep flowing after November when a new law banning soft money goes into effect," the Washington Post's Terry Neal reports. The AP's Ron Fornier says President Bush's fundraising has outpaced even that for former President Clinton, "fresh evidence that money is the oxygen of American political life." The Hartford Courant has a good summary of Bush's fundraising this summer. However, The Scrum says there is "obvious" disagreement about how much Bush has raised. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Bush Thinks He'll Face McBride STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 12:46:05 PM ----BODY: "Internal polling has convinced Gov. Jeb Bush's campaign that despite its efforts to help Janet Reno win the Democratic primary she will lose and Bush will be forced to run against Tampa lawyer Bill McBride," the Palm Beach Post reports. A Miami Herald piece says McBride's own polls also show the gap with Reno closing rapidly. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Washington, D.C., Barry Endorses Wilson STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 11:46:00 AM ----BODY: Former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry (made famous in this tape) plans to endorse Willie Wilson's bid for mayor, "giving a boost to his effort to topple incumbent Mayor Anthony A. Williams in the Democratic primary," the Washington Post reports. "Barry remains a polarizing figure in the city's politics but could solidify Wilson's standing as the leading challenger to Williams and could strengthen his support among African American voters who still feel loyalty to Barry." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Why Bush Doesn't Support Free Markets STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 11:16:49 AM ----BODY: The New Yorker's James Surowiecki says "there are reasons to doubt" whether the Bush Administration really believes in free markets. He notes that although much was made of the corporate credentials of President Bush's cabinet when they took office, it's now clear that most of the former CEO's Bush tapped were not entrepreneurs and "have more in common with crony capitalism, in which whom you know is more important than what you do and how you do it. That's the world Bush's key policymakers come out of: they've made their careers by circumventing the free market. Why expect them suddenly to embrace it?" ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, O'Brien Extends Lead; Reich Shows Strength STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 09:23:10 AM ----BODY: Shannon O'Brien (D) "has opened up a strong lead over her three rivals in the Democratic primary race for governor, according to a new Boston Globe/WBZ-TV poll that also reveals potential problems for Republican Mitt Romney." O'Brien now leads Robert Reich (D), 35 to 21 percent with Thomas Birmingham (D) and Warren Tolman (D) each getting 15 percent in the poll. However, a new Boston Herald poll says Reich "has emerged as the Democrats' best hope of beating" Romney. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Foster Tells White House To Stay Out STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 08:55:23 AM ----BODY: Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster (R), "angered over interference by national Republicans in a Republican primary contest for the U.S. Senate, yesterday told the White House to stay out of his state's politics," the Washington Times reports. Reuters notes that Republican campaign officials said "they would support Louisiana elections commissioner Suzanne Terrell over two other Republicans in the contest for the state's U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Mary Landrieu." The candidate Foster supports is Rep. John Cooskey (R-LA), who became known nationally for making the comment after September 11 that law enforcement officers should stop anyone with "a diaper on his head and a fan belt wrapped around the diaper." The Bato n Rouge Advocate sums it up: "So much for party unity." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards On A Soft Money Spending Spree STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 08:52:22 AM ----BODY: The political action committee run by Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) has $2.5 million in "soft money" that will become "illegal to raise or spend as of Election Day on Nov. 5. From now until then, he must spend it all," USA Today's Jill Lawrence reports. Edwards "is poised for an expensive multi-media drive to promote candidates, causes and voter participation in states that hold lead-off presidential nominating contests. The first three are in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina." In a related New York Times piece, several organizations are asking the FEC to be exempt from parts of the new campaign finance reform law, "contending that the rules would stifle their ability to convey their views on important public issues." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Hillary Clinton Still The GOP's Best Weapon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 08:35:33 AM ----BODY: "Voters around the country are seeing plenty of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) - as a negative figure that Republicans in three states are using as a weapon to wallop opponents," the New York Post reports. Anti-Hillary commercials are running in Texas, Tennessee and North Carolina. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Davis Widens Lead Over Simon STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 08:30:51 AM ----BODY: California Gov. Gray Davis (D) "has widened his lead against rival Bill Simon to 11 points, but Californians dislike both candidates," according to a new statewide opinion poll, the Sacremento Bee reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush To Seek Congressional Backing On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 01:13:07 AM ----BODY: Administration officials said they expect President Bush "to seek some sign of approval from Congress before launching any campaign against Iraq," the New York Times reports. Meanwhile, the AP and Wall Street Journal say that Sen. John Warner (R-VA), the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, requested hearings on Iraq because "there appears to be a 'gap' between facts possessed by the White House and those available to Congress." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman Pestered With "The Gore Question" STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 12:49:27 AM ----BODY: "Joe Lieberman in the odd role of the Caveat Candidate. He is actively exploring a run for president if Al Gore does not run, setting Lieberman on an awkward political stutter-step," the Washington Post reports. Lieberman's insistence that he will not run against Gore "should be simple enough, except that statements of political ambition are not easily taken at face value." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Investor Tax Cut Is Just Election Year Posturing STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/29/2002 12:00:11 AM ----BODY: "The White House has made it clear to concerned conservative economists that its plan to push for tax cuts for investors is designed more to help Republicans in the fall elections than to pass Congress this year," the Washington Post reports. White House economic advisor Larry Lindsey said President Bush is simply "giving GOP candidates an answer to Democrats who blame the president's party for this summer's dramatic stock slide." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McCain Unlikely To Run For President STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 03:07:09 PM ----BODY: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) commenting on the possibility of another presidential campaign in his new book, Worth the Fighting For: "I am sixty-five years old as I finish this book and facing the question that comes to everyone blessed with long life. Has my time passed? Is it time to withdraw from public duty, retire to my home on Oak Creek, and pursue my private interests? My third term in the Senate will end in 2004, and I must soon decide whether I want another. I have had a bout with cancer, and the immortality that was the aspiration of my youth, like all the treasures of youth, has slipped away. I did not get to be president of the United States. And I doubt I shall have reason or opportunity to try again." Chatterbox had held out the possibility he would run as an independent, but now "predicts there will be no McCain race for president in 2004 on any ticket." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In North Carolina, Bowles Leading Rivals In Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 02:19:17 PM ----BODY: "Despite the political pedigree, the money and the endorsements, in the final days of the primary" Erskine Bowles (D) "remains an unproven commodity, never having faced the judgment of voters," the Raleigh News and Observer reports. Congressional Quarterly's email newsletter says Bowles is leading in the latest poll with 34 percent, followed by Dan Blue's (D) 26 percent and Elaine Marshall's (D) 22 percent. Meanwhile, the Char lotte Observer recently profiled Elizabeth Dole (R), who is leading Bowles in a general election match up by 56 to 39 percent. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Pryor Leads Hutchinson In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 01:08:28 PM ----BODY: Mark Pryor (D) "holds a double-digit lead" over incumbent Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) in a new Arkansas NewsStephens Media Group independent poll (see results), "the first poll showing Pryor ahead outside the margin of error." According to the survey, Pryor has a 51 to 41 percent lead. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, Democrats Save Attacks For Bush STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 12:49:00 PM ----BODY: "Florida's Democratic candidates for governor took turns pounding" Gov. Jeb Bush (R) in their only debate before the primary, the Orlando Sentinel reports. The St. Petersburg Times says that "instead of trying to distinguish themselves for undecided Democrats, Janet Reno and Bill McBride spent the hourlong televised debate criticizing" Bush as "miserable for education, cold-hearted with child welfare and dangerous to the environment." The Miami Herald notes "the three Democratic candidates sat at desks, hands folded, and behaved like obedient schoolchildren." Update: A new Insider Advantage poll shows Reno leading McBride by only three points, 34 to 31 percent. Matt Towery analyzes the results. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gulf War Council Divided On Iraq This Time STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 10:19:57 AM ----BODY: "Vice President Dick Cheney's sharp rebuke this week of critics of the Bush administration's approach to Iraq is striking for two reasons: He wrote that passage into a speech himself, and the words were aimed at rebutting some of his closest colleagues from the first Bush administration," the Wall Street Journal reports. The Los Angeles Times notes that, for now, "the debate is almost entirely between two camps of Bush Republicans, with Democrats on the sidelines." The AP says the State Department tried to cool down the rhetoric Tuesday, all but confirming that Secretary of State Colin Powell is at odds with Cheney. Meanwhile, for those just tuning in, the Washington Post has a good primer on the conflict. For more on the "war council," see Bob Woodward's book on the Gulf War, The Commanders. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Fernald Has Lead Over Hollingworth STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 09:45:46 AM ----BODY: An independent poll suggests that State Sen. Mark Fernald (D) may beat State Sen. Beverly Hollingworth (D) for the Democratic nomination for Governor, PoliticsNH.com reports. Fernald leads Hollingworth 47 to 33 percent, with 20 percent still undecided. The Barlett Report says some senior Democratic Party officials "are also questioning Hollingworth's organization. Hollingworth, who many think should have walked away with the nomination, seems to keep stumbling over her own mistakes." In a related story, The Scrum notes which Democratic presidential hopefuls are already contributing to local New Hampshire races. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Pryce Backed For House Leadership Post STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 09:00:50 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says the White House and likely House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) have backed Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) for the leadership position opened up by the retirement House Conference Chair J.C. Watts (R-OK). "She apparently knows it: Word is that Pryce, though still trying to best two white guys, Reps. J.D. Hayworth of Arizona and Jim Ryun of Kansas, is already looking to assemble a new conference staff. The conference post, considered the top communications job in the House GOP, is fourth in line behind the speaker, majority leader, and whip." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Alaska, Murkowski To Face Ulmer For Governor STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 08:27:29 AM ----BODY: Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK) "seized an early lead and ran away with the Republican nomination for governor," the Anchorage Daily News reports. He will have "a November showdown with Fran Ulmer (D), who won in a 9-1 landslide over two unknowns in the Democratic primary." Reuters has a good backgrounder on the race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oklahoma, Largent Awaits His Opponent STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 08:24:05 AM ----BODY: Former Rep. Steve Largent (R-OK) "easily won his party's nomination for governor Tuesday, while Democrats Vince Orza and state Sen. Brad Henry appeared headed to a runoff," the Oklahoman reports. In the Democratic Senate primary, Tulsa World says "Tulsa attorney Tom Boettcher forced former Gov. David Walters into a runoff election." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Herseth Has Small Lead Over Janklow STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 08:18:49 AM ----BODY: Stephanie Herseth (D) has a slight lead over South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow (R) in the race for the state's sole seat in the House of Representatives, according to a new KELOLAND Election Poll. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Shriver Leading In Race To Face Morella STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 07:30:45 AM ----BODY: "With less than two weeks until the primary, state Del. Mark K. Shriver (D) has taken a narrow lead in the hotly contested race to challenge" Rep. Constance Morella (R-MD), a new Maryland Poll has found. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Connecticut, Internal Polls Show Simmons, Johnson In Lead STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/28/2002 01:35:33 AM ----BODY: "One day after national Democrats predicted victory for two Connecticut congressional candidates, a national Republican official said Tuesday that internal polls show his party's candidates with double-digit leads," the Hartford Courant reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: A More Serious Congress STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 10:02:32 PM ----BODY: The AP makes the same observation Political Wire made last week: "Congress is becoming blander... Sober times seem to be calling for sober politicians, and a variety of nonconformists with outsize personalities are on their way out." Update: Now, the New York Times runs the same story: "Some of the more outrageous, outspoken and polarizing characters of Congress will not be there when the new Congress is sworn in." Aren't you glad you read Political Wire? ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Oklahoma Voters Pick Candidates STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 01:19:39 PM ----BODY: Oklahoma holds primary elections today, the Oklahoman reports. Voters "will be selecting nominees in races ranging from governor to county assessor." The biggest question for Democrats is whether former Gov. David Walters (D) can avoid a runoff with attorney Tom Boettcher (D) which would give him an extra three weeks to campaign against incumbent Sen. Jim Inhofe (R). Tulsa World says officials are expecting "big turnout." Polls close at 7 p.m. Get election results here. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Happy Birthday Torch! STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 12:54:51 PM ----BODY: New Jersey Senate candidate Doug Forester (R) sent this very amusing press release celebrating Sen. Robert Torricelli's (D-NJ) 51st birthday: "What do you get the guy who already has EVERYTHING? He has a Rolex, a big screen TV,... a jammin' CD player, plenty of snazzy European designer suits, plush oriental rugs, antique grandfather clocks, a couple of brass statues, lucrative insider trading stock tips, and envelopes loaded with spending money... You know, he's received so many gifts of late that whatever we'd send would be a pittance." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Rove Thinks Bush Can Win New York STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 12:42:37 PM ----BODY: White House political advisor Karl Rove's belief "that President Bush can win New York in 2004 may be a big boost to the city’s chances of landing the Republican National Convention," the New York Sun reports. New York is in "what many believe is a heated two-way battle for the convention with Tampa Bay, Fla., a city in the ultimate swing state that is using its precarious status as part of its pitch." Earlier this month, David Broder also said Rove "thinks" that "despite its normal Democratic leaning, New York might become a possibility for Bush in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Dean Has A Voice That Demands To Be Heard STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 10:12:18 AM ----BODY: Gov. Howard Dean's (D) presidential campaign has been noticed by Hugo Young of The Guardian: Dean "is now embarked on the long haul to 2004, with a package of positions that define him as a realist but, more important, a style with the declaratory conviction that separates him from all those guarded poll-watchers." But possibly Dean's "greatest virtue is that he can speak. He has a voice. It is orderly, clear and unagonised. It says if you want an alternative that is truer than Bush to the great American dream of standing for a better world, here he is. There are worse beginnings for a candidacy." The Scrum "doesn't really know what to make of Young's take. It's a good piece for Dean, the sort of piece that could jumpstart a campaign, especially had been published in the U.S. Is the advice Dean should take away from it that he should try to unseat Tony Blair? So far, Dean hasn't ignited equivalent fervor on this side of the Atlantic." Update: Matt Miller also writes a favorable piece on Dean, saying he's "the only Democrat aspirant so far willing to discuss an agenda bold enough to challenge Bush." And the Rutland Herald says Dean’s "longest-serving and arguably most trusted political aide is leaving state government at the end of the week to run Dean’s presidential campaign full time." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Pryor Keeps Clinton Away STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 09:04:46 AM ----BODY: U.S. News and World Report's Washington Whispers says that reports that Arkansas Senate candidate Mark Pryor (D) "wants to distance himself from local-boy-made-good Bill Clinton have Clintonites spitting bullets. Their complaint: Without Clinton's support and avid fundraising for the Democrat, Pryor would be far behind in his race to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Tim Hutchinson, not just three points behind in a recent poll." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Oliver North's "Fictional" Tale Of White House Intrigue STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 08:58:51 AM ----BODY: The New York Times runs a piece on Oliver North's new novel, Mission Compromised, which is "a Tom Clancy-esque tale in which the hero is a fast-rising Marine officer on temporary assignment to the White House. The marine finds himself betrayed by an administration that expects him to do its foreign-policy dirty work and save the world." Sound familiar? ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Independence Party Becomes A Player STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 08:17:25 AM ----BODY: "Long dismissed as a ragtag collection of outsiders, the Independence Party is suddenly poised to become a potent force in New York politics," the New York Times reports. "Despite its associations with eccentric, controversial and wildly divergent public figures, the party has maneuvered itself into positions of influence in both the governor's race and on the city's Charter Revision Commission." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In South Dakota, Johnson And Thune Deadlocked In New Poll STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 12:10:53 AM ----BODY: According to a new Keloland News Poll, Rep. John Thune (R-SD) and Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) "are in a dead heat, both picking up 40 percent of the vote" in the South Dakota Senate race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush Seeks Secrecy For Clinton Pardon Decisions STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/27/2002 12:05:36 AM ----BODY: "President Bush's lawyers are trying to keep secret the inside stories of President Bill Clinton's last-day pardons by invoking a claim of executive privilege that extends far beyond the White House," the Washington Post reports. "The Bush administration contends that the privilege covers not only advice given to a president about individual pardons, but also government papers he has never seen and officials he has never talked to, such as the sentencing judge in a particular case." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Has Momentum Over Reno STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 01:57:30 PM ----BODY: Set to face off against Janet Reno (D) Tuesday night in their only televised debate, Bill McBride (D) "has won a clean sweep thus far in the editorial endorsements of Florida's major newspapers for the Democratic nomination for governor," the Miami Herald reports. The St. Petersburg Times, Tampa Tribune, Orlando Sentinel and the Bradenton Herald endorsed McBride over "his betterknown Democratic rival." In addition, positive profiles of McBride in the Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times could give McBridge the lift he needs before the September 10th primary. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, GOP Senate Primary Hinges On Generation Gap STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 01:33:09 PM ----BODY: A Washington Post article on the New Hampshire GOP Senate primary says "It is the hottest soap opera of the 2002 political season: a family feud among Republicans that teems with generational tensions, talk of betrayal and a sense of impending peril." Update: The Concord Monitor says "Maybe we're hearing wrong, but multiple sources say internal polls show the race between incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Bob Smith and challenger U.S. Rep. John E. Sununu has closed to a virtual tie." Meanwhile, Sununu won the Man chester Union-Leader's endorsement. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Illinois, Blagojevich Holds Big Lead Over Ryan STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 01:26:13 PM ----BODY: Rod Blagojevich (D) is "leading comfortably" in the Illinois governor's race, as Jim Ryan (R) "struggles to convince voters that both his name and his ethics are different from the current GOP administration," according to a new St. Louis Post-Dispatch/KMOV poll. Blagojevich leads Ryan 49 to 34 percent and tops his opponent "in every region of state." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Edwards Executing Plan For 2004 Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 01:09:26 PM ----BODY: The Chicago Tribune runs a profile of Sen. John Edwards (D-NC), "the media darling among the ambitious pack of Democrats eyeing a run for the presidency in 2004... But despite the splash he's made, Edwards faces questions about whether he has the experience and sophistication for a credible run for the presidency, especially in a time of global turmoil. His ability to reel off policy positions pales to that of rivals such as Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), who has served in the Senate for 17 years." Nonetheless, Edwards is executing "his carefully drawn plan to run for president" and, although he has not officially decided to run, "he has hired several top-flight strategists to prepare him." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Cook: Election Year Shaping Up For Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 10:25:55 AM ----BODY: "The conditions that could foster a pro-Democratic wave in the political climate appear to be forming," the Cook Political Report observes. But Cook hedges his bets with a big question: "Will it crest too soon, too late or just in time to maximize Democratic chances for the mid-term elections?" Meanwhile, the New Republic's Ryan Lizza says "by injecting himself into almost every key race in the United States," President Bush is "turning himself into this election's major issue." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, McKinney Exploring Senate Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 10:09:23 AM ----BODY: Rep. Cynthia McKinney's (D-GA) campaign web site says she "is going through all the letters and e-mails asking her to continue the struggle, to run again, to run for the US Senate. Shortly, there will be an announcement." Re id Stott has analysis: "She hasn't got a chance in hell, especially against Zell Miller... So bring it on. At the very least, it will be entertaining." Meanwhile, Eleanor Clift says McKinney's recent primary loss suggests there is a new political third rail in American politics: "Supporting Muslim issues this campaign season could end many a political career." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Already Wooing South Carolina STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 09:04:37 AM ----BODY: If anyone doubted that Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) is running for president, check out his op-ed in The State wooing South Carolina primary voters on drought relief. The state's "first in the south" presidential primary will be held on Feb. 3, 2004. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Reich Considers Using His Own Money STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 08:56:57 AM ----BODY: Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Robert Reich (D), "strapped for cash but gaining on rival Shannon O'Brien (D) in the polls, has one untapped resource that could transform the campaign: his own money," the Boston Globe reports. "With about $100,000 in his campaign account and tantalizingly close to leading the Democratic field, Reich has come under pressure to put as much as $1 million into the campaign, buying enough TV advertising to raise his statewide profile and take on O'Brien in a highly visible forum." Meanwhile, an interesting interview with Reich appears in In These Times. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, McCall's Running Mate Caught In Scandal STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 08:43:35 AM ----BODY: The revelation that New York gubernatorial candidate Carl McCall's choice for Lt. Governor fathered two children by two women while still legally married to his first wife "quickly turned into an exchange of accusations between the campaigns of" McCall and Andrew Cuomo, "over who had leaked the story to the news media," the New York Times reports. The New York Post was about to break the story when Dennis Mehiel acknowledged the "love child stunner." The New York Daily News says "Mehiel's stunning admission - and his accusation of dirty tricks - sent shock waves through both the McCall and Cuomo campaigns." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Missouri, Poll Shows Carnahan And Talent In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 08:40:38 AM ----BODY: A new poll shows Sen. Jean Carnahan (D-MO) in a statistical dead heat with challenger Jim Talent (R), the AP reports. However, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch analysis says that Talent "enters the final, 10-week stretch of the U.S. Senate campaign in a stronger position than the incumbent." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gephardt And Lowey Help Connecticut Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/26/2002 08:22:49 AM ----BODY: "If there was any question of how badly Democrats want to win back the House of Representatives, check out how high national Democrats are turning up the heat in Connecticut today," the Harford Courant reports. As Ti me notes: "When control of Congress is at stake, a politician can't afford to miss even the smallest opportunity to gin up votes." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Thompson May Be First To Exit Cabinet STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/25/2002 11:04:24 PM ----BODY: Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said "he is not committed to staying in his job past February and is entertaining offers to return to the private sector," the Associated Press reports. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Baker Warns Bush On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/25/2002 10:55:45 PM ----BODY: Former Secretary of State James Baker became the latest prominent Republican to warn President Bush of the perils in ignoring allies while waging war with Iraq, CN N reports. In a New York Times op-ed Baker said "Although the United States could certainly succeed, we should try our best not to have to go it alone, and the president should reject the advice of those who counsel doing so." On the Sunday talk shows, USA Today says Republicans "sounded a mixed message" for Bush "about whether, when and how to use military action to remove Saddam Hussein from power." And Newsweek profiles the cast of characters involved in the GOP debate. However, the Washington Post says Bush's lawyers "have concluded he can launch an attack on Iraq without new approval from Congress." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry Intervenes In Massachusetts Governor's Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/25/2002 10:41:45 PM ----BODY: Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA), "propelled by his own presidential ambitions," is playing "a major role in the Democratic Party's plans to try to defeat" Republican gubernatorial candidate Mitt Romney, the Boston Globe reports. The prospect of Romney being governor during the 2004 presidential race -- "when Kerry expects to be campaigning across the country - is worrisome to the junior senator. Romney could be a major weapon for the national GOP, undercutting Kerry at home." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Despite The Ban, Soft Money Is Back STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/25/2002 08:50:20 PM ----BODY: "Some of the biggest names in Republican and Democratic circles are establishing new groups to collect and spend the unlimited political donations that are supposed to be curbed by the recent campaign finance law," the Washington Post's Thomas Edsall reports. "Political activists on both sides are frantically creating new groups to fill the gap, using provisions of the tax code that allow the creation of taxexempt organizations that they say are not covered by the new law. These groups can raise and spend soft money as long as they do not coordinate their efforts with the political parties or candidates." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Harris Takes On Critics In New Book STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/25/2002 08:33:05 PM ----BODY: "Al Gore might have had a statewide recount if he hadn't decided to 'unleash the dogs of war' on Secretary of State Katherine Harris in Florida's postelection chaos," the Tallahasse Democrat says after reading the new book by Harris titled Center of the Storm: Practicing Principled Leadership in Times of Crisis. Specifically, she says, "Gore could have had a statewide recount if he had not tried to block her from certifying the election results." The books is organized by a list of the 12 principles Harris thinks public servants should live by. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Iowa Political Market Says Democrats Will Control Senate STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 12:32:15 PM ----BODY: The Iowa Political Market is an interesting alternative to polls since it has real people putting up real money to bet on elections outcomes. As of today, the market predicts a 41 percent chance Democrats will win control of both the Senate and House compared to just a 13 percent chance for Republicans to do the same. There is a 40 percent chance control will stay as it is today. That means traders believe there is an 81 percent chance the Democrats will maintain control of the Senate and just a 53 percent chance the GOP will control the House. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Louisiana, Foster Must Decide Today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 10:34:57 AM ----BODY: Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster (R) "has a 5 p.m. deadline to make up his mind whether to enter the U.S. Senate race against Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu and at least three prominent Republican candidates," the New Orleans TimesPicayune reports. Update: The AP says Foster backed out and "instead endorsed GOP Rep. John Cooksey in the race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Michigan, Granholm Maintains Lead Over Posthumus STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 09:45:19 AM ----- BODY: As Michigan's gubernatorial campaign prepares for the traditional Labor Day kick-off, Jennifer Granholm (D) "holds a double-digit lead" over Dick Posthumus (R), the Detroit Free Press reports. A new poll puts Granholm on top by 55 percent to 42 percent, with 4 percent undecided. Meanwhile, the Detroit News says Granholm "plans to name veteran state Sen. John Cherry as her running mate." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Emanuel Seeks To Be A National Player STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 09:41:29 AM ----BODY: The New York Times runs an interesting piece on Rahm Emanuel (D), "the Clinton White House insider now running for Congress in Illinois" who "is so determined to play on the national stage that he regularly calls national reporters to offer his opinions on national issues -- and talk about his own future." A similar Chicago Tribune piece notes that "to an extent unusual even for a veteran lawmaker -- much less an as-yet-unelected freshman -- the brash, famously impatient Clinton administration senior adviser already is deeply involved with political maneuvers in the capital's corridors." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: And You Thought Florida Was Bad... STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 08:42:02 AM ----BODY: The Washington, D.C. Board of Elections "anticipates that it will take seven to 10 days to count the thousands of handwritten ballots that are expected to be cast for the two major write-in candidates in the Democratic primary: Mayor Anthony A. Williams and Anacostia minister Willie F. Wilson," the Washington Post reports. The Baltimore Sun says the Williams campaign "was assumed to require all the effort of a lazy summer stroll" but is "now sweating buckets." The primary is on September 10. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Hampshire, Sununu Runs Attack Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 08:39:31 AM ----BODY: For all of Rep. John Sununu's (R-NH) "bravado," his "new attack ads could be a sign that his campaign is less sure of victory" in his primary against Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH), the Boston Globe reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Emerging Democratic Majority STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 02:23:19 AM ----BODY: Josh Marshall recommends The Emerging Democratic Majority by John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira. "No question: it's the political book of the year. It's not a rah-rah book; there's no Bush-bashing; it's not written by a leggy, blonde whackjob. But it's the most penetrating and prescient look at American politics you're likely to read for some time." The book's title is a play on Kevin Phillips' 1969 classic The Emerging Republican Majority, which predicted the conservative movement as the New Deal Democratic coalitions fractured. (Interestingly, Phillips complained about review by Judis of his latest book, Wealth and Democracy, in a letter to the New York Times.) There's more praise from Steve Neal: "It is this season's most important and insightful political book and could have impact for years to come." The New Republic and American Prospect run excerpts. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Political Ads Coming To Your Cell Phone STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 01:35:24 AM ----BODY: "A decision by federal election regulators to exempt text-based wireless ads from campaign disclosure rules has critics warning that consumers could find their mobile phones subject to a flood of political spam as campaign 2002 kicks into high gear," the Washington Post reports. CNET says the decision "treats text messaging on mobile phones essentially the same as bumper stickers." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Pataki's Strength Confuses Democrats STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/23/2002 12:33:15 AM ----BODY: "It's a curious political year for New York's Democrats. Their party controls both U.S. Senate seats and the trend lines are so favorable, yet the two hopefuls for governor are vying to defeat a formidable Republican incumbent," the Washington Post reports. The New York Times says Pataki released a new ad which "praises New Yorkers for their courage and compassion" on September 11. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In California, Simon Cuts Prices For Bush Fundraiser STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 10:27:15 PM ----BODY: The cost of getting into President Bush's fundraiser for California gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon (R) "just got a lot cheaper for some, indicating growing doubts about Simon's ability to win," the Orange County Register reports. The reception was originally billed as $1,000 per person, but cut-rate tickets at $250 each are now being offered. Update: While Bush will attend private fundraisers for Simon, the Modesto Bee notes that the president "is not expected to appear in public" with Simon during his entire visit. The Los Angeles Times explains: "Bush advisers have cringed at the prospect of an appearance by the president, who has professed zero tolerance for corporate wrongdoing, alongside a candidate whose family investment firm faces a $78-million judgment in a case involving alleged fraud." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Kerry's Wife Gets Media Handler STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 03:32:44 PM ----BODY: Washington Wrap notes that Chris Black, former political reporter for the Boston Globe and CNN, "has taken a job as communications director for the Heinz Foundation, headed by the outspoken Teresa Heinz, wife of likely '04 Democratic Presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry. Democratic sources tell CBS News that Black, who has covered a number of presidential campaigns, is likely to be Heinz's handler in the upcoming presidential race." The New York Daily News says Heinz needs someone help with her image: "The condiment heiress caused her husband to fidget and sigh during a June interview with the Washington Post in which she raged against Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) and mimicked Kerry having a Vietnam nightmare." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Narrows Gap With Reno In Some Areas STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 11:57:37 AM ----BODY: "With less than three weeks left in the race for his party's nomination," Bill McBride's (D) TV gains have boosted him into a statistical dead heat with" Janet Reno (D) "among likely Democratic voters in the Orlando area, according to internal campaign polling," the Orlando Sentinel reports. However, Reno still "maintains a significant lead statewide." Update: The Hotline says a new Garin-Hart-Yang (D) poll puts Reno ahead of McBridge 49 to 30 percent with 17 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Greenfield: Bush Should Avoid A Baseball Strike STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 10:36:11 AM ----BODY: Jeff Greenfield warns President Bush to avoid the mistakes of President Clinton and do everything in his power to avoid a baseball strike: "It would pose a distinct threat to the president's political health and safety. Clearly, the last one did. Look at what happened in 1994: The Republicans won a sweeping midterm victory, taking control of both houses of Congress for the first time since 1954. Some of the most powerful members of the House were kicked out of office, including the speaker of the House." The Hotline's Chuck Todd says the main reason we don't want to see a strike is that it "will bring about something all Americans should fear most -- political grandstanding." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Oregon, Poll Shows Smith And Bradbury In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 09:07:45 AM ----BODY: A Grove Quirk Insight poll (D) shows Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) "is in very weak standing with Oregon voters. When voters were asked for whom they would vote if the US Senate election were held today, Smith leads challenger Bill Bradbury (D) by a narrow 4% (Smith 45%, Bradbury 41%, Undecided 16%). In other words, this race seems very much up for grabs." As a result, the DSCC has increased its focus on this race. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New Jersey, Torricelli Shifts Into Campaign Mode STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 08:55:23 AM ----BODY: "Weeks before the average incumbent United States senator scurries into campaign mode," Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-NJ) "is all over New Jersey, in part, political analysts say, because recent poll numbers show him at best in a tie in his re-election bid," the New York Times reports. The Jersey Journal says the GOP is looking for challenger Douglas Forrester (R) to land the knock out punch: "Torricelli said he is a fighter, and he is - he's wobbly-legged, hanging onto the ropes." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush's Worst Fear: A W-Shaped Recession STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 08:04:42 AM ----BODY: "The possibility of a double-dip recession is what the White House fears most, especially just before the midterm elections," the New York Times reports. "The economics of it would be bad enough, but the perils of political parody would be even more nightmarish for President George W. Bush. The Dubya recession. The Dubya-dip downturn." Meanwhile, USA Today says Bush's senior advisers "are debating a capital gains tax cut that would let taxpayers subtract the effect of inflation from profits on the sale of stocks, real estate or other assets." But Slate's Will Saletan calls this simply "a bailout for rich investors." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: McKinney Loss Suggests Blacks May Face New Tactics STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/22/2002 12:17:34 AM ----BODY: "The defeat of Representative Cynthia A. McKinney in a Georgia Democratic primary carries implications for black politicians that go far beyond any single Congressional district," the New York Times reports. And a related Washington Post piece notes that Black and Jewish political leaders "voiced concerns" that the defeat of McKinney, "a critic of pro-Israel policies, by a challenger receiving extensive Jewish support might intensify ill feelings between two important Democratic constituencies." CNN says crossover voters made the difference. Meanwhile, Open Secrets examines the fundraising tactics in the primary and finds that McKinney relied much more heavily on out of state funds than her challenger. Update: A reader notes that these figures are only through July 29, and were probably just for the time period from June 30. Updated FEC filings for McKinney and Majette show more money raised, but do not break it out for in-state vs. out-of-state. It will be interesting to see what the final figures show for total money raised during the campaign. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Lieberman's Awkward Campaign STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 01:12:40 PM ----BODY: "It's never easy to run for president -- and even harder when your fate is in another candidate's hands. That's the predicament facing Lieberman as he 'actively explores' a 2004 run even while sticking to a pledge not to run if Gore does," the Wall Street Journal reports. Meanwhile, a Chicago Tribune article revisists Lieberman's recent criticism of Gore:"Gore associates initially insisted the disagreement had been smoothed over in a telephone call between the two men. But when asked about the call, Lieberman said no such conversation had taken place. Gore aides later conceded they had been mistaken." Update: The Connecticut Post quotes Lieberman saying "he has no intention of resigning his Senate seat if he runs for president." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Lousiana, Foster May Challenge Landrieu STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 10:20:13 AM ----BODY: Sources close to Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster (R) said "there's a 50-50 chance he will jump into the race against Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), who squeaked into the job six years ago and was thought to be among the most vulnerable Democratic senators this fall," the Washington Post reports. The Bato n Rouge Advocate notes that Foster "has won election by wide margins and has had strong approval ratings in voter polls." But a New Orleans TimesPicayune piece says it's unlikely Foster will run. PoliticsLA.com has more on a possible Foster run. Finally, The Note speculates on a political journalist's dream outcome: "If no one gets 50 percent, there's a run-off. And if the Senate emerges from November 5 a tie, Louisianna's run-off could well determine control. And if control is at stake, you can bet that the run-off will become tight, expensive, and nationally relevant in a heartbeat." Update: The AP says President Bush is expected to call Foster later today to encourage him to run. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, McBride Turns Negative Ad Into A Positive STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 09:32:28 AM ----BODY: Florida gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride (D) "sought to turn a negative Republican Party advertisement to his advantage... quickly countering with his own ad in which he says" Gov. Jeb Bush (R) "has singled him out for attack 'because he knows I'd be the toughest Democrat to beat,'" the Miami Herald reports. The New York Times notes that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon "will appear in South Florida" with Bush on Sept. 9 -- "the day before Mr. Bush's wouldbe challengers meet in the Democratic primary." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Clinton Silence Seen As Support For McCall STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 09:28:20 AM ----BODY: Bill and Hillary Clinton "have concluded that a victory" by Carl McCall in the Democratic New York gubernatorial primary "would help Mrs. Clinton's political prospects and those of New York Democrats as a whole," the New York Times reports. But "the Clintons are torn" because Andrew Cuomo "is a former Clinton administration cabinet officer who has claimed the Clinton mantle in this race." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, Barr And McKinney Ousted From Congress STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 01:16:10 AM ----BODY: "Two of the most polarizing members of Congress, Republican Rep. Robert L. Barr Jr. and Democratic Rep. Cynthia McKinney, were soundly defeated in primaries in Georgia last night, as large numbers of Republicans apparently crossed party lines to vote against McKinney while other Republicans rejected Barr for his equally conservative opponent," the Washington Post reports. Glenn Reynolds notes that "Politics ain't a clean business anywhere, but these Georgia primary races seem to be bringing out the worst in people." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: The Year Politics Got Serious STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 12:05:40 AM ----BODY: Will 2002 be dubbed "the year politics got serious?" Tuesday's primary defeats of Rep. Bob Barr and Rep. Cynthia McKinney -- polar opposites on the political spectrum, but equally controversial -- have expanded the list of so-called "colorful" politicians that are exiting the political stage this year due to either defeat, retirement or prison. Among the more interesting figures leaving political life include: Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), Rep. Gary Condit (D-CA), Gov. Jesse Ventura (I-MN), Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX), Rep. Jim Traficant (D-OH), Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK), Rep. Dick Armey (R-TX), and Rep. Earl Hilliard (D-AL). (Roll Call has the complete casualty list.) Howard Kurtz follows up on the same theme. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton In Talk Show Negotiations With CBS STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/21/2002 12:01:00 AM ----BODY: "Associates of Bill Clinton and executives from CBS are involved in negotiations to make the former president the host of a daily afternoon talk show," the New York Times reports. Meanwhile, The Note has details of Clinton's birthday party last week. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Maryland, Townsend Gets Help As Polls Narrow STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 02:21:11 PM ----- BODY: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) hired a veteran spokesman for her Maryland gubernatorial campaign, "responding to criticism from senior Democrats that her team has failed to effectively attack" her likely opponent, Rep. Robert Ehrlich (R), the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, The Hotline says that a new Gonzalez/Arscott poll shows Townsend barely leading Ehrlich, 47 to 43 percent with 10 percent undecided. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Primaries In Georgia And Wyoming Today STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 10:30:56 AM ----BODY: In Georgia, "two of the most outspoken members of Congress, Democrat Cynthia McKinney and Republican Bob Barr, are headed into what appears to be the toughest primary of their careers," the AP reports. Check back after 7 p.m. ET for official results. Update: Bil l Shipp reports that there is "tremendous crossover by Republicans" into the 4th Congressional district Democratic primary race between McKinney and challenger Denise Majette and that there is "huge turnout" in the race between Barr and Rep. John Linder. The A tlanta Journal Constitution and 11Alive note that some Republican voters have received recorded calls warning them not to vote in the primary. Meanwhile, the AP previews the Wyoming primaries in which "five Republicans and four Democrats seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Jim Geringer." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Women Make Gains In State House Races STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 09:36:15 AM ----BODY: "Women are poised to take over a record number of governors' offices this year," the Philade lphia Inquirer reports. "With strong candidates from Hawaii to Rhode Island, women are good bets to emerge from November elections holding as many as 10 of the 50 governorships, twice the five they now control. Long-shot victories in any of an additional six states could push that number even higher." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Massachusetts, Gubernatorial Campaigns Use Spies STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 09:10:44 AM ----BODY: The next time your candidate is giving a speech, be careful of the "fresh-faced kid with the Red Sox cap and the digital video camera" -- he may be a spy. The Massachusetts gubernatorial campaigns of Mitt Romney (R) and Shannon O'Brien (D) are videotaping opposing candidates on the stump and "stand out" as "a sign of the high stakes -- and open pursuit of missteps -- that mark this year's race," the Boston Globe reports. "Their job is to record the enemy, for the vague goal of 'research' and, some suspect, the added thrill of psychological warfare." A Bost on Herald article says O'Brien conducted an interview with the Associated Press in her campaign car "to avoid the camera's glare." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Washington, D.C., Write-In Campaigns Focus On Penmanship STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 09:07:23 AM ----BODY: Mayor Anthony Williams and the Rev. Willie Wilson "are both running write-in campaigns in the Democratic mayoral primary in Washington D.C. And all those W's could make for plenty of confusion in a city with an illiteracy rate exceeding 30 percent," the Wall Street Journal reports. Reuters notes the "fracas over thousands of bogus signatures has turned what promised to be a shoo-in re-election campaign" for Williams "into a chaotic embarrassment for the popular Democrat who has traded on his reputation as a skilled manager." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Florida, GOP Tries To Influence Democratic Primary STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 08:58:02 AM ----BODY: The Florida Republican Party, "airing the roughest TV ad of the governor's race, is attacking Democrat Bill McBride as a 'reckless' corporate lawyer playing tricks with campaign-finance laws," the Orlando Sentinel reports. A St. Petersburg Times column notes that McBridge has the momentum over Janet Reno in the Democratic primary. Meanwhile, the Miami Herald notes that as Florida's gubernatorial race "hurtles toward the Democratic primary in September and candidates scramble to shore up support among traditionally Democratic constituents, gay and lesbian voters are emerging as a key group to woo." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Bush's Summer Reading Has Clues On Iraq STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/20/2002 12:14:15 AM ----BODY: Looking for signs about President Bush's thinking on an Iraq attack? The Washington Post's Dana Millbank suggests looking at his vacation reading: Bush disclosed that he has been reading Su preme Command by Eliot A. Cohen, "a neoconservative hardliner on Iraq with the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Gore Has Much To Lose In Iowa STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 08:19:25 PM ----BODY: The Des Moines Register's David Yepsen says Al Gore "is in the same position Walter Mondale was in" during the 1984 Iowa caucus fights. "The questions the political community asked that year are the same ones that will vex Gore in 2004: He's a front-runner and a former vice president. Can he win by a margin worthy of a front-runner? If he doesn't win big - however that is defined - it will be interpreted as a sign of weakness." On Fox News, Yepsen predicted Dick Gephardt would beat Gore in Iowa if the caucuses were held today. And Time says Gephardt "has nurtured the organization, alliances and funding it takes to vault to the front of the pack." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Voters Say GOP Is Responsible For Congressional Agenda STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 02:09:43 PM ----BODY: "Registered voters believe by a decisive margin of 55 to 32 percent that Republicans, not Democrats, control the Congressional agenda in Washington," according to a new Ipsos-Reid/Cook Political Report poll. The bad news for the GOP is that voters "would like to see Democrats win control of the Congressional agenda, with 45 percent preferring that Democrats control Congress and 41 percent Republicans." Full poll results are available. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In New York, Democrats Already Looking To Spitzer In 2006 STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 01:55:46 PM ----BODY: "It’s a sign of the malaise" in New York's Democratic Party "that many insiders already are beginning to talk -- albeit very quietly -- about the chances of a Democrat winning back the Governor’s office in 2006. At the top of their wish list is" Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, "whose name recognition has shot through the roof in the last year, private pollsters say, and who appears -- for now, at least -- to have no negatives," the New York Observer reports. Meanwhile, in this year's Democratic primary race for governor, the New York Times says Carl McCall "has become a strong frontrunner" leading Andrew Cuomo in the latest polls. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Will Hannity Have The Next Conservative Bestseller? STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 01:20:34 PM ----BODY: If Ann Coulter's Sl ander wasn't enough, now Fox News pundit Sean Hannity "is making the jump to print with a new book which casts liberal thinking as an American health hazard," the Washington Times reports. Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty Over Liberalism will be released tomorrow. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ----- -------- AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Arkansas, Senate Race Still Dead Even STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 01:13:13 PM ----BODY: The Hotline says a new Zogby poll in the Arkansas Senate race shows Sen. Tim Hutchinson (R) leading Mark Pryor (D) 46 to 43 percent with 11 percent undecided, within the margin of error. In the governor's race, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reports Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) leads state Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher (D) by almost 16 percentage points. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Cheney Wants A Second Term STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 10:00:25 AM ----BODY: Although Vice President Dick Cheney "has broad support within his party, he made his declaration that he wanted to stay on" for a second term "with what seemed like a new assertiveness that caught Washington's attention -- striking because he had been maintaining such a low profile," the New York Times reports. The Scrum says the idea Cheney would not run is simply speculation "that seems only mentioned in order to be rebutted." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: A Political Vacation STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 09:55:27 AM ----BODY: "The White House calls President Bush's 25-day idyll at his Texas ranch a 'working vacation,' a phrase a lot of people dismiss as Republican spin about a chief executive who -- like psychiatrists and the French -- takes off the entire month of August. Truth is, the president is working hard - at politics," the New York Times reports. ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----- KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Clinton Preparing For Possible Presidential Run STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 09:52:19 AM ----BODY: Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) "has begun building a national political organization, softening her liberal image and taking a lead role in Democratic criticism of President George W. Bush -- steps toward a potential campaign to become the first woman president," the AP reports. However, "Clinton said Friday that she will not break a pledge to complete her six-year term that expires in 2006" and "flatly ruled out even a vice presidential bid in 2004." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Iraq Is Wild Card Issue For Elections STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 09:39:40 AM ----BODY: "Iraq is emerging as the wild-card issue of the 2002 election, with Democrats nervously watching a growing debate over military action that could shift attention away from the economic issues that now dominate their agenda," the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, the New York Times notes that Bush has called a security meeting at his ranch in Texas today and the likely topic is Iraq. And the Wall Street Journal says a Bush aide pledged that "Bush will explain any decision to attack Iraq." (For those who missed it while Political Wire was down for repairs, Brent Scowcroft, the national security advisor during the Gulf War, wrote an op-ed saying it was wrong for Bush to go to war with Iraq.) ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: Murray Proposes Halt To Political Ads STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 09:37:02 AM ----BODY: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) "the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has proposed a five-day political advertising moratorium during the week leading up to September 11," USA Today reports. Republicans have said they will not run any ads on Septermber 11th, "but there's no word yet on whether the better-funded GOP will agree to Murray's proposal for a longer ceasefire." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: In Georgia, McKinney In Tight Race STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 09:33:29 AM ----BODY: "The issues of war and peace in the Middle East may be what decide the Democratic primary battle in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District," the New York Times reports. The Washington Post says Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) has "found herself in the fight of her political life in Tuesday's primary, even though she is pitted against a former state court judge, Denise Majette, who is described by political analysts as a virtual unknown with almost no political experience." The Washington Times notes that "nearly 35 percent of the Republicans" in the district "are expected to cross over and vote in tomorrow's Democratic primary" in a coordinated effort to oust McKinney. Meanwhile, the Atlan ta Journal Constitution says that the Rev. Louis Farrakhan is campaining for McKinney. ----- EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------ AUTHOR: Taegan Goddard TITLE: White House Releases List Of Overnight Guests STATUS: Publish ALLOW COMMENTS: 0 CONVERT BREAKS: 0 ALLOW PINGS: 0 PRIMARY CATEGORY: CATEGORY: DATE: 08/19/2002 08:50:33 AM ----BODY: "A list of the 160 people who have enjoyed overnight stays in the White House reveals how different President Bush is from the man he succeeded," the New York Times reports. And though Bush has hosted fundraisers, "a review of both lists suggests that Mr. Clinton was more energetic and systematic in enlisting the White House in his fund-raising efforts." ----EXTENDED BODY: ----EXCERPT: ----KEYWORDS: ------------