New Jersey and Virginia are becoming battlegrounds for the 2009 election cycle. The victory by Chris Christie makes the race for Governor in New Jersey a toss-up. Christie has been viewed as the stronger candidate for the general election.
Click on the link to read an article by The Hill:
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/going-from-blue-to-red-2009-06-02.html
James Sutliff
The RNC raised $5.7 million dolars in the month of April. The amount was less than the $6.7 million raised in March but it was still a strong showing. The most impressive statistic is that $5.4 million of the April funds came from individual donors. The DNC has not yet released their numbers for April so a comparison cannot adequately be made at this time.
To read a story in The Hill, click the link:
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/rnc-raises-5.7-million-in-april-2009-05-15.html
Jim Sutliff
The Tax Tea Parties are making a splash with the voters and the GOP hopes to cash in on the momentum. The message is being heard by the media which is a pleasant change for Republicans. For an article by The Hill, click here:
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-tries-to-fan-tea-party-flames-2009-04-18.html
James Sutliff
The 20th Congressional seat in New York is still a heated contest. The counting of absentee ballots is expected to begin on the 13th of April.
To read an article by The Hill, click here:
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/gop-democrats-trying-to-steal-ny20-2009-04-01.html
Jim Sutliff
Newly minted Senator Kristen Gillibrand could be facing a primary opponent from the liberal wing of the party. Carolyn McCarthy has been named as a possible candidate but others may come forward.
The Hill has a related article, click the link below:
James Sutliff
Barack Obama has been increasing ad spending in many states that are not traditionally battlegrounds. This is in hopes of forcing McCain to spend more time and money in North Carolina and Indiana. He is also outspending McCain in Virginia and Florida which are essential to the McCain strategy. All of this helps but not as much as the economic crisis has helped Obama in the polls. There is still plenty of time before election day.
To read a WSJ entry, click here:
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2008/10/08/obamas-big-day-33-million-on-tv-ads/
James Sutliff
Currently, Congressional Quarterly has the Democrat , Mike McMahon favored to win this district. Although CQ has been wrong in the past it is probably correct in this race. Bob Straniere is well behind in cash and not likely to receive much help from the DC machine. The main reason is that the seat will face redistricting in 2011 and will almost certainly be drawn for a Democrat to win. In a time when the Republicans are fighting to hold on in some Mississippi races there is little reason to spend the $5 million that would be required to remain competitive in New York City. The 13th district is likely to have a similar fate as the Long Island seat now held by Steve Israel. Once Israel was elected he managed to hold the seat even in a Republican stronghold like the North Shore. Furthermore, the Straniere campaign may not be ready for prime-time. His literature asking for votes in the September 9th primary hit mailboxes on Saturday, September 13th.
Jim Sutliff
A recent Zogby poll shows McCain pulling ahead of Obama. The Democratic convention seems to have little bounce for Obama.
Click the link for a recent article:
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/31/zogby-poll-puts-mccain-palin-in-lead/
Jim Sutliff
Alaskan Governor Sarah palin is the Republican candidate for Vice President. She is very popular in Conservative circles and is expected to help with the swing states.
To read a reuters article, click the link below:
Jim Sutliff
McCain is expected to announce his pick for VP. Possible selections are Pawlenty, Ensign or Burr.
Click the link below for an article:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601110&sid=aJEHSh0pSUgA
James Sutliff