Monday, October 16, 2006
AP: Rivals Take Shots at Lieberman in Debate
HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP) -- Sen. Joe Lieberman might as well have worn a bull's-eye during Monday's debate with his Democratic and Republican rivals.
Democrat Ned Lamont labeled the three-term Connecticut senator a career politician in lockstep with President Bush on Iraq. Long-shot Republican Alan Schlesinger described himself as the only conservative in a race against two liberals, warning GOP voters about Lieberman's mostly Democratic voting record. Full story Foley's former district leaning Democrat
From CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In Rep. Mark Foley's former district, Democratic nominee Tim Mahoney holds a slight edge over last minute Republican candidate, state Rep. Joe Negron. The poll was conducted by the Sun Sentinel/Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers. Negron replaced Foley on the ballot after the Florida GOP Congressman resigned when it was revealed that he had sexually explicit instant message conversations with teenage pages.
Hatch leads Pawlenty in Minnesota Governor's Race
From CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
WASHINGTON (CNN) - Incumbent Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Republican, trails Democratic nominee Mike Hatch in a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. ghe poll shows Hatch with a nine point lead, 46% to Pawlenty's 37%. Independance Party candidate Peter Hutchinson receivecd 7 percent.
Sen. Stabenow ahead of Bouchard in Michigan
From CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
WASHINGTON (CNN) --In the race for Senate in Michigan, Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow holds the lead over Mike Bouchard, the Republican challenger. The poll by The Detroit Free Press/Local 4 shows Stabenow with a 13-point lead over Bouchard.
Gov. Granholm has edge over DeVos in Michigan
From CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, leads Republican challenger Dick DeVos in the race for Michigan Governor. The poll was conducted by Selzer & Co for The Detroit News, WXYZ, WOOD, WILX, AND WJRT. Granholm (D) 49% Former President Ford released from hospital
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (CNN) -- Former President Gerald Ford was released Monday after being rehospitalized last week for medical tests, according to his chief of staff, Penny Circle.
In a brief written statement, she said he was released from Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and was "returning home to resume normal activities." "President Ford, Mrs. Ford and the Ford family wish to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes," the statement said. Ad of the day: Clinton helps out Whitehouse in Rhode Island
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former President Clinton lends his political clout to Rhode Island Democratic Senate candidate Sheldon Whitehouse in a new ad released Monday. The former president says Whitehouse is "a gifted public servant," and urges Ocean State voters to "go out there and win it, not only for Sheldon but for yourselves, and your children, and your grandchildren." Clinton will also appear with Whitehouse at a fundraiser Monday night -- the second trip the former president has made to the Ocean State this election season. Recent polls indicate Whitehouse has a slight edge over the maverick GOP incumbent, Sen. Lincoln Chafee. View ad here For More of CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006 On the campaign trail with potential 'o8ers
Allen makes several Virginia campaign stops Tuesday
Who: Sen. George Allen, R-Virginia What: Campaigns across Virginia in his bid for a second term Details: -Attends Frederick Douglass Republicans Breakfast in Woodbridge -Appears at the Richmond Realtor's Conference -Visits the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Richmond with Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida On the campaign trail with potential 'o8ers
Kerry heads to Iowa Tuesday
Who: Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts What: Fundraising events for Iowa gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver and Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston Details: -Fundraiser for Iowa gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver in Cedar Rapids, October 17th -Fundraiser for Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston's reelection campaign in Cedar Rapids, October 17th Bush to Maliki: No deadline to take control of insurgency
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush told Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki Monday that the United States had not established a deadline for the Iraqi government to take control of the sectarian violence. Al-Maliki was concerned about a recent news report that indicated the White House was only going to give the Iraqi prime minister another two months to take control of the insurgency, according to White House Press Secretary Tony Snow. Snow said that al-Maliki had raised his concerns about a potential timeline, believing that one would undermine confidence in the Iraqi government and spur terrorists, during a phone conversation initiated by Bush Monday morning. Snow said the President expressed his continued confidence in al-Maliki's efforts. "It's important to realize, for the people of Iraq to realize, that the President and the United States government are behind Prime Minister al-Maliki's efforts to continue building democracy in Iraq and also to do some of the tougher and necessary business, including going after militias and terrorists," the press secretary said during his daily White House briefing. Read full White House Briefing transcript Poll: Iraq war takes toll on dealings with North Korea
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe the Iraq war makes it harder to deal with a nuclear North Korea, according to a poll released Monday by CNN.
The poll indicated that while 21 percent believe the war in Iraq has no effect on dealings with the secretive communist nation, 72 percent think it does, in a negative way. Only 5 percent said the war makes it easier to deal with North Korea. Support for a military response to North Korea has slipped since the beginning of the war with Iraq. Only 40 percent said they favor military action if diplomatic efforts fail, compared to 47 percent who answered affirmatively in January 2003. The telephone poll of 1,012 adults was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation and carried out Friday through Sunday. Its sampling error was plus-or-minus 3 points. Agents search home of congressman's daughter in Weldon probe
From CNN Justice Producer Terry Frieden
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal agents searched the home of Pennsylvania Rep. Curt Weldon's daughter and other sites in the Philadelphia area and in Florida on Monday, a federal official said, as part of an investigation into whether Weldon used his position to steer contracts to his daughter's firm. Investigators served warrants at four locations around Philadelphia and two in Jacksonville, Fla., the senior federal law enforcement official, who is familiar with the investigation, told CNN. The searches were triggered by news accounts of the probe over the weekend, which prompted agents to move quickly to protect potential evidence, said the official, who did not want to be named because of the ongoing investigation. The Jacksonville searches are said to be of one residence and one business office associated with someone who is under investigation in connection with the Weldon probe, the official said. Two sources with knowledge of the investigation have told CNN that the Justice Department is looking into whether Weldon improperly tried to help two Russian companies and a foundation set up by two Serbian brothers. Those entities hired a lobbying firm co-owned by Weldon's daughter, Karen, and paid them more than $1 million in fees. The sources have said the lobbying contracts have been the subject of inquiry for months. Rep. Weldon, a 10-term Republican from suburban Philadelphia, insists he did nothing wrong, his lawyer, William Canfield, said. He said Weldon has heard nothing from the Justice Department and called the congressman's treatment "ludicrous." "Here is a sitting member of Congress, pretty high up, who unnamed sources said is subject of an investigation," Canfield said. "We, however, can't possibly confirm that because no one has told us if that's true. So how am I supposed to fight two unnamed sources?" Ahead on CNN
4 p.m. ET, The Situation Room
-David Kuo, former assistant director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives will discuss his new book, "Tempting Faith." -Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile and Bay Buchanan, chairperson of Team America PAC, will weigh in on each party's ground war three weeks ahead of the midterm elections. 5 p.m. ET, The Situation Room -Former Secretary of Defense William Cohen will discuss the new Iraqi insurgent video and the latest developments in North Korea. -Former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft joins Wolf Blitzer to discuss he new book, "Never Again." 6 p.m. ET, Lou Dobbs Tonight -Frank Gaffney and Gordon Ghang, two North Korean experts, will weigh in on today's confirmation of North Korea's nuclear test. -Author Michael Lind will discuss his new book "The American Way of Strategy," a critique of America's changing approach to foreign policy since the end of the Cold War. Poll: Support for war among Americans at all-time low
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A poll carried out for CNN over the weekend finds
support among Americans for the war in Iraq at an all-time low, with just 34 percent saying they approve, and 64 percent saying they disapprove. Women led the opposition, with seven in 10 saying they oppose the war and only 28 percent saying they favor it, the lowest support among women in any CNN poll taken since the invasion more than three years ago. Support among men was at 40 percent to 58 percent opposed. The telephone poll, carried out by Opinion Research Corporation, was carried out Friday through Sunday. Its sampling error was plus-or-minus 3 points. View full poll results AP: Reid Decides to Amend Ethics Reports
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid announced Monday he is amending his ethics reports to Congress to more fully account for a land deal that allowed him to collect $1.1 million for property he hadn't personally owned for three years.
Reid acted several days after The Associated Press reported the senator didn't disclose to Congress that he first sold the land to a friend's company back in 2001 and took an ownership stake in the company. He didn't collect the seven-figure payout until the company sold the land again in 2004 to others. Reid said his amended ethics reports will list the 2001 sale. Read full story AP: Pa. Senate Candidates Debate Work Ethics
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Sen. Rick Santorum and his Democratic opponent took jabs at each other in a morning radio debate Monday, each accusing the other of not focusing enough on the real work of politics.
Santorum said Democrat Bob Casey skips too many days in his job as state treasurer, while Casey said Santorum spends too much time writing political talking points for GOP candidates. Read full story For CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006 Lieberman and Lamont debate for first time since primary
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Joe Lieberman and Ned Lemont will meet Monday in their first debate since the Connecticut Senator lost his party's primary election and decided to run as an independent. The debate, featuring Lieberman, Lamont, and Republican candidate Alan Schlesinger, is being hosted by News 12 Connecticut and will be carried statewide by WVIT-NBC 30. Slated to begin at 1 p.m. ET, the debate is being simulcast online. For CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006 Clinton unveils third ad of reelection campaign
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton touts her record on a wide range of issues , including children's healthcare coverage and body armor for soldiers, in a new campaign ad released Monday. The 30-second spot is slated to run statewide. It is only the New York Democrat's third ad during what has turned out to be an easy reelection bid. Clinton continues to raise money at an aggressive clip even though her reelection is all but guaranteed. The freshman senator raised more than $3.8 million in the latest reporting cycle and has $15.7 million in her war chest as she coasts into November. For CNN's coverage of key races, check out CNN's America Votes 2006 Bush and Cheney have raised more than $220 million for GOP
From CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Despite being plagued by low approval ratings, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have raised more than $220 million this election cycle for the Republican Party, according to figures provided to CNN by the Republican National Committee. Bush, alone, has raked in nearly $188 million, while headlining 80 events including a private fundraiser in Georgetown Friday that took in about $900,000 for the RNC. As of Friday, Cheney had attended 113 events that raised $40 million. Meanwhile, first lady Laura Bush, who has been very active on the campaign trail of late, has attended 45 events that raised more than $15 million for the GOP and candidates. Biden to hold webcast on Iraq
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Joe Biden, D-Delaware, will deliver a live audio webcast Monday night on his vision for the future of Iraq. This address will be broadcast on Biden's new website, www.planforiraq.com. It is part of the Delaware senator's ongoing effort to educate Democratic congressional candidates and voters about his five-point plan for the war-torn Country. Biden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is eyeing a run for the White House in 2008. Allen to deliver another primetime address
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Two weeks after Sen. George Allen delivered a primetime address to Virginia voters, the embattled GOP Senator announced plans to deliver a second address Monday night with senior Virginia GOP Sen. John Warner by his side. Allen, in the political fight of his life with Democratic challenger Jim Webb, has bought time on five Virginia TV affiliates for the two-minute address, scheduled to air at 7:58 p.m. Monday. A Washington Post poll published in Sunday's edition showed Allen and Webb are locked in a statistical dead heat. Allen's fist address took place on October 2, at a time when he was trying to refocus his campaign after it had been sidetracked by allegations the Senator was racially insensitive. For more of CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006 Bush meeting with top U.S. diplomats postponed
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush's meeting Monday morning with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton will be rescheduled to later in the day or cancelled altogether, Press Secretary Tony Snow said. Rice is scheduled to head to Asia tomorrow.
Rice will hold a 1:30 pm ET briefing to discuss her trip to Asia. Edwards to discuss foreign policy on China trip
From CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards will travel to China this week to meet with Chinese government officials in Beijing. The 2004 vice-presidential nominee is slated to discuss a "wide range of critical questions in the U.S.-China relationship, including North Korea, trade, " and other issues, over a four-day period that began Monday, according to an advisory released by his One America Committee political action committee. When he ran for the White House in 2004, Edwards was criticized by his opponents for his thin foreign policy portfolio. He is considering another run for the White House in 2008. AP: Michigan Senate candidates square off in first debate
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (AP) -- Democratic U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Republican challenger Mike Bouchard sparred over issues ranging from the economy to the Iraq war on Sunday as they met in their first debate.
Bouchard, the Oakland County sheriff, said Stabenow has been ineffective and has flip-flopped on several issues. "She says one thing here and does another thing in Washington," he said. Stabenow, seeking a second term, said Bouchard would support the "failed policies" of the Bush administration. Full story AP: Montana Senator on the defensive
(AP) -- Sen. Conrad Burns, in the fight of his political life against Democrat Jon Tester, has been citing home-state money and projects to try to convince voters that they should re-elect him. For many people in this expansive state, it appears to be reason enough.
Yet not everyone is on board. The race has become a referendum on Burns, and he is not helped by the unhappy mood of voters. Many expressed frustration with President Bush, who received almost 60 percent of the vote in Montana two years ago; most believe the war in Iraq has gone on too long. Burns has hurt his cause, his mouth getting him into plenty of trouble. Full story Second time a charm for Kerry?
From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Americans have a history of giving presidential hopefuls second chances, Sen. John Kerry said Sunday as the Massachusetts Democrat acknowledged he is seriously considering another bid for the White House. Kerry cited President Ronald Reagan and President Richard Nixon as candidates who were unsuccessful in earlier attempts to win the presidency. He also noted that Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, failed to win the GOP nomination in 2000, but is now considered a frontrunner in 2008, as examples in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." "I think in America, Americans give people a second chance," Kerry said. "And if you learn something and prove you've learned something, maybe even more so. Now, I don't know what I'm going to do yet. We'll make that decision down the road." Kerry also defended how he ran his 2004 bid for the White House. "I'm not embarrassed by that campaign," he said. "We did a hell of a job. Our people were extraordinary. You know, I'm proud that I won 10 million more votes than Bill Clinton did winning reelection in '96." America Votes 2006 AP: Schwarzenegger expands global warming effort
SACRAMENTO, California (AP) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is taking his green initiatives to the other side of the country. The governor was to announce an executive order Monday in New York that joins California's landmark global warming law with the Northeast's program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The order is the first step in creating a system that helps California's biggest manufacturers comply with stricter environmental regulations, a Schwarzenegger administration official said. Full story CNN Political Ticker AM
For the latest, breaking political news, check for updates throughout the day on the CNN Political Ticker. All politics, all the time.
Compiled by Stephen Bach CNN Washington Bureau Making news today... President's Schedule: Also on the Political Radar today: ================================================================= Political Hot Topics (Today's top political stories from news organizations across the country) HAGEL, WARNER CALL FOR "NEW STRATEGY" ON IRAQ: Two leading Republican senators called Sunday for a new strategy in Iraq, saying the situation in getting worse and leaving the United States with few options. Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and John Warner of Virginia are part of the growing list of Republicans who are speaking out against President Bush's current plan for Iraq as U.S. casualties rise. "The American people are not going to continue to support, sustain a policy that puts American troops in the middle of a civil war," Hagel said on CNN's "Late Edition." Hagel said he agreed with Warner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who said after a recent visit to Iraq that Iraq was "drifting sideways." AP via Yahoo! News: 2 GOP senators want new Iraq strategy THE "ACCIDENTAL SPEAKER... A CROSS BETWEEN ACTOR WILFORD BRIMLEY AND JABBA THE HUTT": Ever since an odd combination of scandal and turmoil catapulted Hastert into the speaker's job in 1999, the beefy former wrestling coach -- who's a bit bearlike himself -- has pushed House Republicans to work as a team. And he's had remarkable success. Largely unknown outside Washington, routinely underestimated as a powerless figurehead inside Washington, the accidental speaker has helped unify his fractious caucus, promote President Bush's agenda and expand the House's GOP majority... Democrats across the country are portraying him as a symbol of a see-no-evil Republican House... Hastert doesn't seem capable of intense anything; he has a conservative voting record but a moderate temperament. He looks like a cross between actor Wilford Brimley and Jabba the Hutt, and his unassuming Midwestern public demeanor makes for dull television. Washington Post: Hastert's Team Mentality to Be Tested as Foley Scandal Unfolds '07 COULD SEE RECORD NUMBER OF WOMEN IN THE SENATE: The door to the women's club in the traditionally male-dominated Senate appears to be inching wider. If polls hold true, there will be a record number of women in the Senate next year, up from the current all-time high of 14 - nine Democrats and five Republicans... In Minnesota, Democrat Amy Klobuchar leads Republican Rep. Mark Kennedy 49%-41%, according to a Mason-Dixon poll from late September. In Missouri, Democrat Claire McCaskill narrowly leads Republican Sen. James Talent, 44%-41%, according to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken Sept. 27 to Oct. 1. USA Today: Women look to gain more ground in Senate COULD "SPEAKER PELOSI" AND BUSH SET ASIDE THEIR "RHETORICAL DISDAIN?" Mocking Rep. Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco is now a standard part of President Bush's campaign pitch... For Pelosi, ripping Bush has long been a part of her repertoire... So if Pelosi's party wins control of the House for the final two years of Bush's presidency, can the new Democratic speaker and the Republican chief executive put aside their rhetorical disdain long enough to forge a productive relationship? "They'll be thrown together in kind of a shotgun marriage where they will have to cooperate on a number of things," said Norm Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the nonpartisan American Enterprise Institute. "And they are probably not going to get through this campaign and be in a mood to be warm and compromising." San Francisco Chronicle: Can Pelosi and Bush get along? GOP WRITES OFF DeWINE SEAT AS "HEADED FOR DEFEAT"; GOP TO FOCUS ON MO, TN, VA: Senior Republican leaders have concluded that Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio, a pivotal state in this year's fierce midterm election battles, is likely to be heading for defeat and are moving to reduce financial support for his race and divert party money to other embattled Republican senators, party officials said... Republicans are now pinning their hopes of holding the Senate on three states - Missouri, Tennessee and, with Ohio off the table, probably Virginia - while trying to hold on to the House by pouring money into districts where Republicans have a strong historical or registration advantage, party officials said Sunday. New York Times: In Final Weeks, G.O.P. Focuses on Best Bets NATIONAL (AND INTERNATIONAL) MOVEMENT TO SAVE SANTORUM: [Sen. Rick] Santorum, an outspoken advocate of banning same-sex marriage, restricting abortion, and other social conservative causes, is considered this year's most-endangered senator. It is a four-alarm fire for conservatives, who are bringing water buckets from all corners of the political world. Across Pennsylvania, pastors are preparing to stuff voter guides into their Sunday bulletins. In Washington, D.C., Paul Weyrich, a national conservative leader, hosted a conference call to give a pep talk to Republicans in Pennsylvania. In England, some Santorum fans are planning to cross the Atlantic to help campaign. "I think it's important for people across the country to recognize how important it is not only to pay attention but to get engaged in this race, whatever way they can," said Colin Hanna, head of Let Freedom Ring, a conservative group based in Pennsylvania. "If Rick Santorum were to lose, it would be cited as a turning point in the social conservative movement." Los Angeles Times: GOP on a Mission to Save Santorum TONY SNOW'S "TERRA INCOGNITA" - PRESS SECRETARY/CELEBRITY IN DEMAND: In the six months since Mr. Bush enlisted him to resuscitate a White House press operation that was barely breathing, Mr. Snow, a former Fox News television and radio host and a conservative commentator, has reinvented the job with his snappy sound bites and knack for deflecting tough questions with a smile. Now, he is reinventing it yet again, by breaking away from the briefing room to raise money for Republicans, as he did [in Illinois] on Saturday night for Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. Mr. Snow, who will make 16 such appearances before Election Day, acknowledged he had entered "terra incognita"; to his knowledge, no other White House press secretary has raised money for political candidates while in the job. But with his star power from television and his conservative credentials, Mr. Snow, unlike his predecessors, is in hot demand. New York Times: Bush's Press Secretary Is Raising Money, and Some Eyebrows KENNEDY, KLOBUCHAR FACE OFF ON "MEET": "Coffee, water or whiskey?" joked Tim Russert, who seemed to be in a fine mood Sunday morning when his Minnesota guests -- Senate candidates Amy Klobuchar and Mark Kennedy -- showed up for a debate in his NBC television studio in Washington... After the laughs and pleasantries, the hard-nosed Russert got down to business and got Klobuchar and Kennedy to display big differences on some big issues in their network television debate. As they sparred for nearly 40 minutes, they traded especially sharp barbs on the war in Iraq and tax policy. Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Sharp exchanges in national spotlight LAMONT'S WIFE, "THE INVESTING POWERHOUSE": Ms. Lamont, one of the most successful women ever in the lofty realm of venture capital, is the not-so-hidden hand behind her husband, Ned, the political novice who managed to topple a three-term incumbent in the Democratic primary. He counts on her for money - the couple has contributed $8.7 million to the campaign - and for message, and even sometimes to manipulate his schedule. If he beats Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, now running as an independent, again in the general election, Ms. Lamont may have to adjust her high-powered career to avoid conflicts of interest and accommodate his commuting to Washington. But in mailings to voters and televised appearances, she is the petite, well-dressed blonde at the rim of the frame. New York Times: Not-So-Hidden Asset, His Wife, Is Force in Lamont's Senate Bid "VICIOUS" PIRRO-CUOMO DEBATE CENTERS ON ETHICS: Jeanine Pirro and Andrew Cuomo squared off in a bruising attorney-general debate yesterday - with each trashing the other's ethics in their first face-to-face exchange. "Just so we're clear, there is a candidate who is being accused of criminal wrongdoing and is under investigation by a number of law-enforcement agencies and had their ethics questioned - that's not me, however," Cuomo said... Pirro said that many things Cuomo would outlaw at a state level - such as speaking fees for public officials and taking jobs from those with state business - are all things the Democrat himself did as President Bill Clinton's housing secretary. "Andrew, if it should be illegal today, what made it ethical then?" Pirro asked. New York Post: IT'S PRIME- TIME GRIME TIME MAHONEY LEADS 48-41 IN FL-16: Democrat Tim Mahoney leads Republican Joe Negron by 7 percentage points in a critical congressional election to replace disgraced U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, but the Foley page scandal is not influencing how most people plan to vote, according to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel/Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers poll. With partisan control of the U.S. House of Representatives hanging on a few closely fought races, a Democratic gain in Florida's 16th Congressional District -- typically Republican territory -- could be a decisive factor, national experts said. South Florida Sun Sentinel: Poll finds undecided voters may be key to Foley congressional seat MOST IN IL DON'T LIKE EITHER GOV CANDIDATE: Illinois voters are unhappy with Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but they like Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka even less, giving the incumbent the advantage less than a month before the election, a new Tribune/WGN-TV poll shows. The poll reveals widespread voter disillusionment even before the latest allegations of corruption, setting the stage for a lackluster turnout in the Nov. 7 election. And as the election moves closer, voters are becoming increasingly unsure about where to turn. More than half the voters surveyed aren't satisfied with the ballot choices for governor. A large majority believe the level of corruption is the same as in previous administrations, and nearly four in 10 think that neither of the major candidates would do the better job in cleaning up state government. Chicago Tribune: Voters face unhappy choice PATRICK TAKES A PAGE FROM CLINTON PLAYBOOK: The election was close, fall weather was turning chilly, and the candidate framed the race in stark terms. "This election is a race between hope and fear, between division and community, between responsibility and blame, between whether we have the courage to change, to stay young forever, or whether we stay with the comfort of the status quo." Sounds a lot like Deval L. Patrick. But it was Bill Clinton in 1992. Even Patrick appeared confused when the words were read back to him Friday. "Did I say that, or did he say that?" he asked. The Democratic gubernatorial nominee's rhetoric echoes the soapbox style of the former president, who comes to Boston to campaign for Patrick today . Just as Clinton did 14 years ago, Patrick portrays his candidacy as a movement for change, aiming at an electorate that polls suggest is ready for fresh leadership. Boston Globe: In Patrick pitch, a Clinton echo CULVER NOW LEADS IN IA: Democrat Chet Culver has moved ahead of Republican Jim Nussle in a hotly contested governor's race that was tied a month ago. A new Des Moines Register poll shows Culver leading Nussle, 46 percent to 39 percent, among Iowans who say they definitely plan to vote, or who have already voted, in the Nov. 7 election. The Iowa Poll, conducted over four days last week, has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points. While Culver has put a little distance between himself and Nussle since a mid-September Iowa Poll that showed the candidates tied 44 percent to 44 percent, the race remains fluid: Twelve percent of likely voters in the latest poll say they're undecided, and 3 percent back someone else going into the final weeks of the campaign. Des Moines Register: Culver takes 7-point lead over Nussle Sources: Justice Department investigates lawmaker for allegedly directing lobbying work to his daughter
From CNN Senior Justice Producer Kevin Bohn and Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Justice Department is investigating whether Rep. Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania used his position as a member of Congress to direct contracts to his daughter's firm, two sources with knowledge of the investigation told CNN Sunday. Spokesmen for the Justice Department and FBI refused to comment. The investigation appears to center around the Pennsylvania Republican's alleged efforts between 2002 and 2004 to aid two Russian companies and two Serbian brothers who formed a foundation. |
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• Hagel to announce decision on presidential bid Monday• Does Tiger Woods have a political future? • AFL-CIO makes push to keep unions united behind one presidential candidate • Obama: "No place for politics" in voter intimidation • Muslim congressman talks up 'American values' in State Department outreach • Year of the 'smaller' Pig • Pataki joins law firm • Bush 'sad' about Libby's conviction • House Dems urge colleagues to fund a withdrawal from Iraq • Romney recruits from the Sunshine State ARCHIVE
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