Tuesday’s political round-up

May 16, 2006

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items that wouldn’t generate a post of their own, but may be of interest to political observers:

* Rep. [tag]William Jefferson[/tag] (D-La.) denied bribery charges yesterday, but acknowledged that he expects to be indicted. As for how this might affect his political career, Jefferson vowed to stay in office and run for another term in November.

* In Colorado’s 5th congressional district, [tag]Jay Fawcett[/tag] (D), an Air Force lieutenant colonel, released a poll yesterday showing that “63% of the voters in Colorado’s historically Republican 5th District would be open to voting for a Democrat in November’s election.” The district will replace Rep. [tag]Joel Hefley[/tag] (R) this year, who is retiring. Seven Republicans are vying for the GOP nomination, though Hefley has endorsed former aide [tag]Jeff Crank[/tag].

* In North Carolina’s 11th congressional district, former NFL quarterback [tag]Heath Shuler[/tag] (D) released an internal poll showing him taking the lead over Rep. [tag]Charles Taylor[/tag] (R), 45% to 43%. In all, 42% of district residents said they want Taylor to have another term, while 48% want someone new. “While challenger Heath Shuler has nearly doubled his favorable rating, Taylor’s personal popularity, job rating and re-elect measure all continue to worsen,” the pollsters wrote in a memo.

* Voters in Massachusetts haven’t elected a Dem governor in nearly two decades, but according to a new Rasmussen poll, they’re in a good position this year. The poll shows both of the top three Dem candidates — state Attorney General Thomas Reilly, lawyer Deval Patrick, and wealthy investor Chris Gabrielli — leading Republican Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey by about 10 points. Businessman Christy Mihos, running an Independent campaign, has about 16% support.

* Ending the speculation about who might run as Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s (R) running mate, a press conference is scheduled for Thursday in which former state Rep. Michael Fedele (R) will be introduced as the Republicans’ nominee for lieutenant governor.

* It’s Primary Day in Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. The Louisville Courier-Journal has broken down Kentucky’s races by district; Pennsylvania has Senate and gubernatorial primaries where the outcome is already clear; but Oregon has a couple of interesting gubernatorial primaries, including a Dem challenge against incumbent Gov. [tag]Ted Kulongoski[/tag] (D),

The newspapers have been spelling out doom for Kulongoski but I predict he will easily win the nomination and go on to with the election in November. Either right-winger Ron Saxton or the state GOP chair and perennial loser Kevin Mannix will get the GOP nomination and lose to Kulongoski. Mannix lost to Kulongoski in the last governor’s race four years ago.

But then again I thought we would have beat back the gay marriage ban in 2004. 🙁

  • And for some other positive news, from Rasmussan:

    May 16, 2006–Republican Senator Conrad Burns once again trails both Democrats vying for his job. Perhaps even more stunning is that a relatively unknown GOP candidate now polls better than Burns when matched against the Democrats.

    Burns now trails State Senate President Jon Tester 48% to 44%. A month ago, Burns held a very slight lead over Tester. They were even at the end of March.

    After pulling to within two points of State Auditor John Morrison last month, Burns now trails by four, 49% to 45%. In March, Burns trailed Morrison by five points (see crosstabs).

  • Oregon also has an independent trying to get on the ballot for governor in November. Ben Westlund quit the Republican party last year. He’s been in the state legislature as representative and senator. I don’t think he’s got a chance even if he gets on the ballot but he may be the best solution for our state. Kulongoski is a nice guy though he hasn’t accomplished much, and better than the Republican alternatives, but Westlund is a true moderate and is even liberal in social issues. Our state is pretty well gridlocked with the fighting between the Rs and Ds and Westlund claims an indy can break it. Doubt it, but who knows.

    I’m going to work on unseating Rep. Walden (R, bush-a**kisser). Our district traditionally has had Rs in congress, but with the mood this year, it’s possible. There were four strong Dems running in the primary; I haven’t checked results yet… Walden even had a primary opponent I believe.

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