Thursday, November 02, 2006
Democrats eyeing Arizona senate seat
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New York Sen. Chuck Schumer Thursday touted the prospect of defeating Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, next week and said he was putting $1 million of television advertising into the race. Schumer said that early voting data showed Democratic nominee Jim Pederson leading Kyl in a race that many analysts predicted the Republican incumbent would win. Republicans scoffed at the idea that Kyl would defeat Pederson. "Peterson has put in close to $13 million, and I am sure they feel they owe it to him," said Brian Nick, a spokesman for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. "Kyl is right on pace to win this election on Tuesday." Schumer also noted during the political briefing with members of the media that if Democrats take back the majority on Tuesday then Democrats would stand behind the Levin-Reid resolution that would take U.S. troops out of direct action, sooner rather than later. And when asked about Sen. John Kerry's controversial comments regarding U.S. troops in Iraq, Schumer said, "Look, he's apologized. He said he's not going to say anything else, and neither am I." For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 -- CNN's Katie Ross Reynolds has no regrets over handling of Foley
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Embattled New York GOP Rep. Tom Reynolds told CNN Thursday he does not regret his handling of former Rep. Mark Foley's questionable emails to a House page.
The chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee said he took the appropriate action when he told House Speaker Dennis Hastert last spring about a page's concern over an e-mail communication with Foley, and noted he immediately pressed for Foley's resignation when he learned of the more sexually explicit instant messages in September. "At that point, we moved forward, very quickly, to ask and get Mark Foley's resignation from Congress," Reynolds said on 'The Situation Room.' Reynolds had a lock on reelection before the Foley scandal unfolded and his role in the House leadership's botched handling of the matter came under fire. The NRCC chair is now is locked in a tight reelection battle with his Democratic challenger Jack Davis. --CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Talent: Michael J. Fox distorted my stem-cell stance
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Missouri GOP Sen. Jim Talent, locked in a close race with State Auditor Claire McCaskill, told CNN Thursday he does not want to criminalize stem cell research as a controversial ad starring Michael J. Fox suggests.
The embattled incumbent told CNN's Wolf Blitzer he has supported the research in the past, but is against the specific stem cell ballot initiative in his state because he says it funds the destruction of human embryos. "The allegations in the commercial are false," Talent said on the 'The Situation Room.' "I'm not saying anything with regard to Mr. Fox's intent. No, I've supported that research over the years. Now, I'm not comfortable crossing a line we've never crossed before and funding research--funding research that involves the destruction of a human embryos." The stem cell issue has become a lighting rod in this race since actor Michael J. Fox, stricken with Parkinson's disease, appeared in an emotional ad last week advocating for the controversial research. For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 --CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
AP: Rep. paying ex-mistress about half-million
ALLENTOWN, Pennsylvania (AP) -- A Republican congressman accused of abusing his ex-mistress agreed to pay her about $500,000 in a settlement last year that contained a powerful incentive for her to keep quiet until after Election Day, a person familiar with the terms of the deal told The Associated Press.
Rep. Don Sherwood is locked in a tight re-election race against a Democratic opponent who has seized on the four-term congressman's relationship with the woman. While Sherwood acknowledged the woman was his mistress, he denied abusing her and said that he had settled her $5.5 million lawsuit on confidential terms. The settlement, reached in November 2005, called for Cynthia Ore to be paid in installments, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is confidential. She has received less than half the money so far, and will not get the rest until after the Nov. 7 election, the person said Thursday. Rell leads DeStefano in Connecticut
WASHINGTON (CNN)--Gov. Jodi Rell (R) has a 22-point lead over Democratic challenger John DeStefano in the race for governor of Connecticut. The poll was conducted by Research 2000 for the New London Day and Manchester Journal.
Polling Dates: October 29 - 31, 2006 Sample Size: 600 likely voters Margin of Error: +/-4% CNN Political Reseacher Xuan Thai
Donnelly and Chocola neck-and-neck in IN-02
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democratic challenger Joe Donnelly is in a close race with Republican Rep. Chris Chocola in the Indiana 2nd Congressional District race. The poll was conducted by Research 2000 for South Bend Tribune and WSBT-TV.
Polling Dates: October 30 - 31, 2006 Sample Size: 400 likely voters Margin of Error: +/-5% CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
Culver has the advantage over Nussle in Iowa
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democratic nominee Chet Culver has a five-point edge over Republican candidate Jim Nussle in the race for the open governor's seat in Iowa. The poll was conducted by Research 2000 for KCCI-TV.
Polling Dates: October 30-31, 2006 Sample Size: 600 likely voters Margin of Error: +/-4% CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
White House: President not avoiding blue states
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush's final campaign swing of the 2006 election season takes him to five states he won in 2004, but the White House maintains the president's absence from blue states is not an indication that his is a liability to GOP moderates this season.
"Not at all," White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters Thursday when asked if the President's travel schedule indicates he is a vulnerability to GOPers from blue states. "We haven't canceled any events. We go where we think we can have the biggest impact in winning these seats." The President will make stops in Montana, Nevada, Missouri, Iowa, and Colorado in the coming days before heading to Crawford this weekend. For more of CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 --CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Menendez has 10-point lead over Kean in N.J.
WASHINGTON (CNN)--Sen. Bob Menendez (D) has a double digit lead over Tom Kean, Jr. (R) in New Jersey's senate race. The poll was conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Polling Dates: October 25-31, 2006 Sample Size: 577 likely voters Margin of Error: +/-4% CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
Ahead on CNN
4 p.m. ET, The Situation Room
-Democratic strategist Donna Brazile and conservative commentator Bill Bennett will weigh in on how the midterm elections are shaping up. -Maryland Lieutenant Gov. Michael Steele, the GOP nominee running for Maryland's open senate seat against Democratic Rep. Ben Cardin, joins Wolf to discuss his race. 5 p.m. ET, The Situation Room White House Press Secretary Tony Snow will weigh in on the midterm elections. -Missouri GOP Sen. Jim Talent, locked in a close race with State Auditor Claire McCaskill, will discuss the state of his race. 6 p.m. ET, Lou Dobbs Tonight -Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, will weigh in on the potential problems of electronic voting. 7-9 p.m. ET, Special Primetime Edition of The Situation Room -Conservative blogger Andrew Sullivan and Jerry Falwell, President of Liberty University, will weigh in on the 2006 elections. -Rep. John Murtha, D-Pennsylvania, will discuss Iraq's impact on the 2006 elections. 10 p.m. ET, Anderson Cooper 360 -Actor and stem-cell research activist Michael J. Fox joins Anderson to discuss his role in some of this year’s hottest races. Schwarzenegger has wide lead in California governor's race
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has a double digit over Democratic challenger Phil Angelides in the race for governor in California. Two separate polls were conducted by Datamar Inc. and Field Research Corporation.
CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai Lynch has a commanding lead in New Hampshire governor's race
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. John Lynch (D) has a 53-point lead over Republican challenger Jim Coburn in the New Hampshire governor's race. The poll was conducted by the University of New Hampshire.
Polling Dates: October 29 - 31, 2006 Sample Size: 508 likely voters Margin of Error: +/-4.4% CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
Pawlenty and Hatch neck-and-neck
WASHINGTON (CNN)--Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch (D) is in a tight race with Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) in the race for governor of Minnesota. The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minnesota Public Radio.
CNN Political Researcher Xuan Thai
First lady urges GOP get-out-the-vote support
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- First lady Laura Bush urged the GOP faithful to support the Republican get-out-the-vote effort Thursday as the first lady-turned prolific campaigner heads into the home stretch of the midterm elections.
"Republicans must be able to match the Democrats' voter turnout effort person-for-person, dollar-for-dollar," Bush wrote in an email to supporters of the Republican National Committee. "But we cannot do it without your support." The first lady has played a highly visible role on the campaign trail for Republicans this year. --CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Thinking the unthinkable in Cheney country -- a Democratic win
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- When November arrives in Wyoming, Republican electoral landslides are supposed to be as dependable as the cold west wind that screams down the Rocky Mountain front.
But with less than a week to the election, Wyoming finds itself in the middle of perhaps the closest congressional race in a generation, with a well-funded Democrat -- Gary Trauner -- running roughly even with Rep. Barbara Cubin, a six-term incumbent who has won by at least 13 percentage points since she first took the seat in 1994. "When I started this out ...," Trauner said, "I don't think anybody could have expected that we'd be where we are today." Cheney heads to Idaho Thursday
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney stumps in Idaho Thursday to rally GOP grassroots volunteers in Hayden. The state that overwhelmingly voted for President Bush in 2004 is hosting a closely-fought gubernatorial race between GOP Rep. Butch Otter and Democrat Jim Brady. --CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney In Kansas, 9 former Republicans run as Democrats
MISSION, Kansas (Reuters)- Former Kansas legislator David Adkins may be a self-described "washed-up white male Republican politician," but come election night he and many others in the longtime Republican stronghold state of Kansas are placing their hopes, and votes, on Democrats.
A mini-rebellion is under way in an American Heartland state so historically unswingable that neither national party typically spends much time or energy stumping for candidates. But this year President Bush, the country's leading Republican, is making a last-minute campaign stop in Kansas, where at least nine candidates running on the Nov. 7 ballot are Republicans-turned-Democrats. They include a veteran county prosecutor seeking to unseat the Republican attorney general and a former state Republican Party chairman running as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 New Mexico GOP Rep. locked in close race
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Republican Rep. Heather Wilson has bested more than one tough opponent in her Democratic-leaning House district, where many voters depend on military and defense jobs.
But this year, the five-term incumbent's toughest challenge is overcoming her own party. Albuquerque voters' distaste for President Bush, Republicans and the war in Iraq have helped give a slight advantage to Wilson's opponent, the state's Democratic attorney general, Patricia Madrid. Wilson, an Air Force veteran known for occasionally bucking her party, has tried to make the race about local issues. She has struggled against a blitz of negative ads by Democrats contending that a vote for Wilson is a vote for Bush and the war. For more of CNN's coverage of key races, check out America Votes 2006 CNN's New Mexico Election Guide GOP faithful wait for Bush in Montana
BILLINGS, Montana (AP) -- A packed house of Republican faithful awaited President Bush's arrival here this morning, where he is hoping to give a boost to the re-election hopes of U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns.
Republicans handed out about 5,000 free tickets to the event at MetraPark Arena, aimed at rallying Burns supporters in the final days of a tough campaign battle against Democratic challenger Jon Tester. Tester was holding rallies of his own on the other side of the state Thursday and Friday with fellow Democrats Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Sen. Max Baucus. Bush was scheduled to campaign in Nevada later in the day after delivering his late morning comments. His visit comes one day after Vice President Dick Cheney visited Montana's Flathead Valley to stump for Burns and other Republican candidates. For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 CNN's Montana Election Guide Dems hold leads in three Senate races
(AP) -- New polls show Democrats holding leads in Senate races in New Jersey, Maryland and Minnesota, all of which the party will probably need to win if it hopes to take control of the Senate on Election Day.
Polls show the closest of those three races to be in New Jersey, where Robert Menendez, according to a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, holds a four-point lead over Tom Kean, Jr. That race has become increasingly negative, with Republicanstrying to paint Menendez as corrupt and Democrats trying to portrayKean as a mouthpiece for President Bush. In Maryland, a Baltimore Sun poll shows Congressman Ben Cardin still leading Republican Michael Steele by six points. A similar survey in September showed Cardin with an eleven-point lead. A poll done for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and Minnesota Public Radio shows Amy Klobuchar leading Mark Kennedy by ten points, down from an average of 15 points over the last ten polls. For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 McCain increases influence in South Carolina
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. John McCain added four South Carolina solicitors to his political action committee Thursday, only days after the Arizona Republican recruited 11 sheriffs from the Palmetto State. McCain is building a political network in this crucial presidential primary state ahead of a potential run for the White House in 2008.
--CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
Democrats eyeing Arizona Senate seat
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Illinois (CNN) -- While the nation is focused on Missouri, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia as states that would tip the balance of power in the Senate, Democrats are renewing their focus on Arizona and privately expressing some concern about taking Montana.
Arizona has always been on the bubble, Democratic insiders acknowledge but they now believe that this seat is "in play." Democratic nominee Jim Pederson is challenging GOP Sen. Jon Kyl for his seat. Conversely, what was once thought to be a win in Montana against GOP Sen. Conrad Burns is no longer a lock. Pointing to some recent polling, a Democratic political source tells CNN there is some concern that Burns is still in the game against his Democratic challenger Jon Tester. As for Virginia, where a new CNN poll has Democratic challenger Jim Webb with a slight lead over Republican Sen. George Allen, a Democratic source says they feel "pretty good" about that race. Related: Clinton to stump for Pederson For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006 -- CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley
Clinton to stump in Arizona
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former President Bill Clinton heads to Arizona Thursday to stump for Democratic Senate candidate Jim Pederson who is challenging incumbent GOP Sen. Jon Kyl. The former president will speak at a rally for Pederson in Tuscon. Recent polls indicate Pederson trails Kyl by double digits.
--CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
On the campaign trail with potential '08ers
Edwards heads to Baltimore Thursday
Who: Former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina What: Get out the vote rally with Maryland Democratic candidates Details: - Will appear at a get-out-the-vote rally with gubernatorial candidate Martin O'Malley, senate candidate Rep. Ben Cardin, Rep. Al Wynn, and congressional candidate John Sarbanes Schumer to assess midterms Thursday
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, the head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, will meet with reporters Thursday to discuss how the country's key senate races are shaping up with only five days until Election Day. The briefing will take place at the DSCC headquarters in Washington. Check back with the ticker for coverage of Schumer's remarks
On the campaign trail with potential '08ers
Obama heads to two tight senate races Thursday
Who: Sen. Barack Obama What: Campaign events for Virginia Democratic senate candidate Jim Webb and Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey Details: -Will headline a rally for Webb in Richmond, Virginia -Will headline a rally for Menendez in Jersey City, New Jersey U.S. troops in Iraq stick it to Kerry with funny photo
BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A widely-circulated photo from soldiers in Iraq pokes fun at the recent "stuck" in Iraq comments by Sen. John Kerry, with a U.S. military spokesman telling CNN on Thursday "it was a humorous response to ongoing remarks."
The picture was taken on Wednesday morning in Iraq by service members of the 1st Brigade 34th Infantry Division at Tallil Airbase, which is near Nasiriya in southern Iraq. Eight soldiers are shown holding a banner that says "HALP US JON CARRY -WE R STUCK HEAR N IRAK. The "k" in "stuck" is the written backwards. Speaking at a campaign rally in California on Monday, Kerry said: "You know education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." His remarks created a firestorm across the country, with people incensed over what was taken as a negativecharacterization of the U.S. troops in Iraq. Kerry said he didn't mean to say that, pointing out that a prepared statement was "mangled." He issued a written apology Wednesday, saying he "never intended" to disparage U.S. troops with a "poorly stated joke." The U.S. military spokesman said: "They were having some fun." Boehner: Let's not blame Iraq woes on Rumsfeld
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Majority Leader John Boehner's call for critics to lay off Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld because the generals are responsible for the conduct of the war in Iraq has sparked outrage among Democrats.
In an interview Wednesday on CNN, Boehner said, "Let's not blame what's happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld." CNN's Wolf Blitzer replied, "But he's in charge of the military." "The fact is, the generals on the ground are in charge, and he works closely with them and the president," Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said. This latest political flap comes in the middle of a firestorm over comments made by Democratic Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts that many regarded as slighting U.S. troops in Iraq. Kerry apologized on Wednesday. Democratic leaders acted quickly to describe Boehner's comments as derisive. Both Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Boehner was blaming U.S. generals for failings in Iraq. Both immediately demanded a mea culpa from the powerful Republican. FULL STORY Believe it or not: Vt. candidates refrain from personal attacks
WOODSTOCK, Vermont (AP) -- Perhaps it's Vermont's famous maple syrup or the Ben and Jerry's ice cream, but this year's campaign for the state's only House seat is almost sweet.
In an election season noted for its vitriol, Republican Martha Rainville and Democrat Peter Welch said they wanted to run campaigns free of personal attacks -- and that's what they've done. The race's detour onto the high road is particularly noteworthy because the contest is for an open seat being vacated by Rep. Bernie Sanders, an independent who is running for the Senate. Party leaders and the campaigns of the House candidates say it's the only contested race in the country accentuating the positive. -- For CNN's coverage of the midterms, check out America Votes 2006 S. Dakota has own sex scandal involving legislative pages
PIERRE, South Dakota (AP) -- While the U.S. House investigates ex-Rep. Mark Foley's sexually explicit instant messages to former Capitol Hill staffers, South Dakota is dealing with its own page scandal.
The state Senate is scheduled to convene in a special session November 27 to look into allegations that Sen. Dan Sutton, a Democrat from the eastern town of Flandreau, "sexually groped" an 18-year-old page in this year's legislative session. Sutton, who is seeking re-election, has not responded publicly to the allegations, but his lawyer, Mike Butler, has said Sutton has done nothing wrong and will not resign. He pointed out that state investigators have not filed criminal charges. Allen blames Webb for 'provoking' backers to slam blogger
LEESBURG, Virginia (AP) -- Sen. George Allen and Democrat Jim Webb entered the final week of their bitter and sometimes bizarre campaign with Allen refusing to denounce his supporters' manhandling of a liberal blogger and accusing Webb of provoking the incident.
On Tuesday, men wearing blue Allen lapel stickers put University of Virginia law student W. Michael Stark in a choke hold and slammed him to the floor after an Allen rally at a Charlottesville hotel. "It was typical of the Webb campaign, wanting to provoke an incident," Allen said Wednesday. He did not say why he believes the Webb campaign provoked the stunt. Webb said he did not know Stark, nor did he know what happened. "But I certainly regret the conduct of certain people there yesterday," he added. -- For CNN's coverage of the midterms, check out America Votes 2006 Democrats find religion
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Democratic politicians have found religion and that may help explain why they are suddenly more popular among churchgoing Americans.
As they push to win control of the U.S. Congress in Tuesday's elections from Republicans, who have long enjoyed support among conservative religious voters, more and more Democrats have shed a reluctance to talk about their faith. -- For CNN's coverage of the midterms, check out America Votes 2006 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... BOEHNER: Let's not blame what's happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld. BLITZER: But he's in charge of the military. BOEHNER: But the fact is, the generals on the ground are in charge, and he works closely with them and the president. DNC Chairman Howard Dean: "After the Bush administration's numerous failures in Iraq, to blame our brave troops is just wrong... Once again, Republican leadership is pointing fingers rather than taking responsibility for their failures." Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada): Boehner "ought to be ashamed... He's blaming our troops for failures in Iraq. If he wants to cast blame, he can start by looking in the mirror, because he and his congressional Republican colleagues have rubber-stamped the Bush administration's failed policy for nearly four years." "29 percent of Americans approve of the way President Bush is managing the war, matching the lowest mark of his presidency. Nearly 70 percent said Mr. Bush did not have a plan to end the war." "Mr. Bush's overall approval rating was 34 percent" "Among registered voters, 33 percent said they planned to support Republicans, and 52 percent said they would vote for Democrats." President's Schedule: At 4:40 pm ET, Bush attends a Nevada Victory 2006 rally at the regional airport in Elko, NV. He'll jump back on AF1 and overnight in Springfield, MO. At 10:55 am ET, she attends a Michigan Victory 2006 Rally at the College of Aviation in Battle Creek. At 1:10 pm ET, the First Lady delivers remarks at an Illinois Victory 2006 Rally at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. At 3:40 pm ET, Mrs. Bush delivers remarks at an Iowa Victory 2006 Rally at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo, IA. At 9:15 pm ET, Mrs. Bush delivers remarks at a California Victory 2006 Rally at William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA. Also on the Political Radar: ================================================================= Political Hot Topics (Today's top political stories from news organizations across the country) BUSH'S IRAQ APPROVAL AT 29 PERCENT: A substantial majority of Americans expect Democrats to reduce or end American military involvement in Iraq if they win control of Congress next Tuesday and say Republicans will maintain or increase troop levels to try to win the war if they hold on to power on Capitol Hill, according to the final New York Times/CBS News poll before the midterm election. The poll showed that 29 percent of Americans approve of the way President Bush is managing the war, matching the lowest mark of his presidency. Nearly 70 percent said Mr. Bush did not have a plan to end the war, and 80 percent said Mr. Bush's latest effort to rally public support for the conflict amounted to a change in language but not policy. New York Times: With Election Driven by Iraq, Voters Want New Approach FULL POLL RESULTS (pdf via NYTimes.com) BUSH SAYS 144K TROOPS IN IRAQ ARE SUFFICIENT: President Bush says he has not received any request to send more American forces to Iraq and that commanders have told him the 144,000 troops already deployed are "what they can live with." Bush also said "it's hard for me to tell" if U.S. troops will still be in Iraq when he leaves office in January 2009. Five days before the midterm elections, the president said he understands the anxieties of Republicans who have distanced themselves from his Iraq policies. "People will run the race they need to run," he said. Bush said Democrats "don't have a plan for victory." Bush spoke in an interview with The Associated Press and others Wednesday, a day before he headed out for five days of campaigning up to Election Day. He plans to vote Tuesday in Crawford, Texas, and then fly back to Washington to await returns at the White House. AP via Yahoo! News: Bush: Iraq troop level said sufficient DEAN, REID JUMP ON BOEHNER'S SITROOM COMMENTS: House Majority Leader John Boehner's call for critics to lay off Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld because the generals are responsible for the conduct of the war in Iraq has sparked outrage among Democrats. In an interview Wednesday on CNN, Boehner said, "Let's not blame what's happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld." CNN's Wolf Blitzer replied, "But he's in charge of the military." "The fact is, the generals on the ground are in charge, and he works closely with them and the president," Boehner, an Ohio Republican, said... Democratic leaders acted quickly to describe Boehner's comments as derisive. Both Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Boehner was blaming U.S. generals for failings in Iraq. Both immediately demanded a mea culpa from the powerful Republican. CNN: Boehner: Let's not blame Iraq woes on Rumsfeld KERRY APOLOGIZES, CANCELS EVENTS: Senator John F. Kerry yesterday canceled his remaining campaign appearances under heavy fire from Republicans -- and kept at arm's length by some Democrats -- over his comments that underachieving students would end up "stuck in Iraq." The senator released a statement yesterday saying, "I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended." The Massachusetts Democrat and the party's 2004 presidential nominee did not make planned appearances yesterday in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, and will not make stops today in Iowa, and Sunday in New Hampshire, saying he does not want to be a distraction to Democratic candidates. Bruce Braley, campaigning to represent Iowa in the House, told Kerry's camp that he did not want the senator by his side. Pressured by Republicans and some Democrats to apologize, Kerry abandoned the defiant stance he took on Tuesday, when he accused Republicans of twisting his words. Boston Globe: Kerry voices regret, stops campaigning STATEMENT OF SENATOR JOHN KERRY (via JohnKerry.com) AP DIGS UP '72 KERRY REMARKS ON VOLUNTEER ARMY: During a Vietnam-era run for Congress three decades ago, John Kerry said he opposed a volunteer Army because it would be dominated by the underprivileged, be less accountable and be more prone to "the perpetuation of war crimes." Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran who turned against the war, made the observations in answers to a 1972 candidate questionnaire from a Massachusetts peace group. After Kerry caused a firestorm this week with what he termed a botched campaign joke that Republicans said insulted current soldiers, The Associated Press was alerted to the historical comments by a former law enforcement official who monitored 1970s anti-war activities. AP via Yahoo! News: Kerry's '72 Army comments mirror latest THE STORY BEHIND THE "JON CARRY" PHOTO: A group of GIs showed they are smart enough to take on condescending Sen. John Kerry - by deploying a hilariously misspelled sign mocking the failed presidential candidate's comments about their education. "Halp us Jon Carry - We R stuck hear n Irak," read the sign, which was apparently the brainchild of a group of service members from the Minnesota National Guard. The picture was first revealed yesterday on the blog Web site of Milwaukee talk radio host Charlie Sykes, who said he got it from a listener who had a buddy in the unit. The picture soon raced around the Internet, and it got much of the nation chuckling when it went up on Drudge Report later in the day. Staff Sgt. Erik Holtan, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, says he saw the picture and recognized the insignia as that of his fellow Minnesota guardsmen - and he immediately put it up on his own blog site. New York Post: GIS DROP SMART BOMB ON KERRY "HALP US JON CARRY - WE R STUCK HEAR N IRAK" $3.1 BILLION SPENT ON MEDIA IN '06: There's a bonanza for media companies in this year's unusually large array of hotly contested election campaigns: Candidates and activists will end up spending a record $3.1 billion getting their messages out, according to research firm PQ Media. The total is 14.5% higher than 2004, even though that year included more than $1 billion for the presidential race. "The presidential election was very focused in 17 battleground states, and there weren't that many contentious House and Senate races," says PQ Media Vice President Leo Kivijarv. But this year political spending is up in 90% of the USA's 210 media markets. Those seeing the biggest percentage increases are Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Ottumwa and Sioux City — Iowa communities with contentious House races — and Lansing, Mich. About half of the total dollars go to broadcast TV, followed by direct mail, which accounts for 23%. USA Today: Elections rake in big bucks for media outlets ALLEGATIONS AGAINST GOP INCUMBENTS "SPRINGING UP LIKE BRUSHFIRES": Indictments, investigations and allegations of wrongdoing have helped put at least 15 Republican House seats in jeopardy, enough to swing control to the Democrats on Tuesday even before the larger issues of war, economic unease and President Bush are invoked. With just five days left before Election Day, allegations are springing up like brushfires. Four GOP House seats have been tarred by lobbyist Jack Abramoff's influence-peddling scandal. Five have been adversely affected by then-Rep. Mark Foley's unseemly contacts with teenage male House pages. The remaining half a dozen or so could turn on controversies including offshore tax dodging, sexual misconduct and shady land deals. Washington Post: Scandals Alone Could Cost Republicans Their House Majority TOUGH IMMIGRATION STANCE DOESN'T HELP AZ REPUBLICANS: Getting tough on illegal immigration is a winner in Arizona. Yet the issue is not playing out as House Republican leaders planned six months ago, when they bet their majority that a hard-line, no-compromise stance would rescue them in a brutal election climate dominated by the Iraq war and corruption. With Tuesday's election days away, in districts where illegal immigration is Topic A, Republican hardliners are the candidates in trouble here. As many as three GOP House seats are in jeopardy, including that of six-term incumbent J.D. Hayworth, whose race has slid from shoo-in to toss-up. The fire-breathing Hayworth, a staple of conservative talk shows and author of the border-security tract "Whatever It Takes" (Chapter One: "Overrun"), is in the battle of his career for the Phoenix suburbs against mild-mannered Democrat Harry Mitchell, an avuncular former mayor of Tempe who supports a guest worker program and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the country. San Francisco Chronicle: In Arizona, GOP finds the issue of immigration no help at polls "THINGS ARE LOOKING BLUE" IN MT: At a glance, Montana would seem to be reliable red-state territory: It voted for Bob Dole for president in 1996 and twice, by large margins, for George W. Bush. Yet Democrats have made major inroads in Montana in recent years, nowhere more than in this fast-growing resort town in the northwestern part of the state, where the main street boasts an eco-friendly fashion shop ("Look Good — Feel Good," a sign out front says), an organic dry-cleaning business, a sushi bar and a Sotheby's International Realty office. Democrats made key gains in the Flathead Valley in 2004, winning a state Senate seat that helped give Democrats control of that body for the first time in 10 years. And Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat with a mint farm in the area, was elected governor. There are still plenty of conservative voters here, but those sorts of Democratic gains have turned the Flathead into a crucial battleground in the hard-fought U.S. Senate race between Republican incumbent Conrad Burns and his Democratic challenger, state Senate President Jon Tester. And they may also help explain why Tester has been slightly ahead in recent polls. Los Angeles Times: In Montana, things are looking blue PELOSI MAY FACE TOUGH CHOICE FOR INTEL GAVEL: It's a conservative talk show host's dream: a newly ascendant Democratic House speaker picking an impeached judge to head the highly sensitive Intelligence Committee. Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi may do just that. She is considering tapping as the next panel chairman seven-term Florida Democrat Alcee Hastings, who lost his federal judgeship almost two decades ago after being impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate. The selection would give critics an opportunity to attack Pelosi from the first days of a Democratic majority, which may result from next week's elections... Passing over Hastings has its own political risks for Pelosi because it may anger black Democratic lawmakers. Bloomberg: Pelosi May Face Tough Choice Over Hastings as Intelligence Head RUSSERT HELPS BRING A LITTLE "ZEST" TO FL SEN: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and opponent Katherine Harris sparred for the second and last time Wednesday, questioning each other's honesty, challenging each other's record and adding zest to what has been a lopsided race. Nelson and the Republican congresswoman from Longboat Key spent much of their time tangling over taxes and the war in Iraq during an hourlong debate at the University of Central Florida. Seated at a table with moderator Tim Russert, they were alternately testy, composed and, at times, long-winded. Both candidates were more aggressive than they were 10 days ago during their first debate in South Florida. Orlando Sentinel: Harris, Nelson turn testy in final debate NEGRON NOW "ALMOST NECK AND NECK" WITH MAHONEY: When Mark Foley resigned from Congress in disgrace five weeks ago, his Democratic challenger seemed headed for one of the easiest victories of the election season. But in this least predictable of states, Joe Negron, the Republican choice to run as Mr. Foley's replacement, is getting powerful help as the clock runs down, and now appears to be running almost neck and neck with Tim Mahoney, the Democrat. With the National Republican Congressional Committee pouring nearly $2 million into the race and Gov. Jeb Bush campaigning at his side, Mr. Negron, a member of the Florida House, is hoping that even the misfortune of having Mr. Foley's name on the ballot instead of his own - a consequence of the last-minute nature of the change - can be turned to his advantage. Republicans are posting signs urging voters to "Punch Foley for Joe," a reminder that a vote in the Foley column is actually a vote for Mr. Negron. New York Times: Republican Seems to Rally in Run for Seat Foley Quit PAT KENNEDY STILL GETS SUPPORT IN RHODE ISLAND: There's only one question Rep. Patrick Kennedy really answers this campaign. It came up at an ice cream social. It's raised on the street. He even hears it in bedrock Democratic neighborhoods. "How are you feeling?" asked a white-haired woman at a high-rise for the elderly. "I've never felt better," he said. "One day at a time." It's an answer some people - let alone politicians under intense media scrutiny - couldn't give after the year he's had: checking himself into a rehabilitation center, crashing his car at 3 a.m. into a security barrier outside the U.S. Capitol, returning to rehab and then pleading guilty to driving under the influence of prescription drugs. He's admitted battling depression, bipolar disorder, an addiction to prescription drugs and bouts of binge drinking. The drama doesn't seem to faze Rhode Island voters. A September poll by Brown University of 578 likely voters showed the six-term Kennedy with support from 60 percent of those surveyed, compared to 25 percent for Jonathan Scott. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. AP via Yahoo! News: Rep. Kennedy rebounds, seeks re-election |
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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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