Friday’s political round-up

February 3, 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:

* In Nevada’s competitive gubernatorial race, Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-NV) is ahead, but his lead is hardly insurmountable. In a new Rasmussen poll, Gibbons leads Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson (D) 43% to 38%, and leads State Senator Dina Titus (D) 46% to 41%.

* Speaking of Nevada, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman’s (D) interest in a Senate campaign against incumbent Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is apparently serious. Goodman had meetings in DC last week with Sens. Barack Obama, Ted Kennedy, and DSCC Chair Chuck Schumer.

* The race among Kansas Republicans vying to take on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) was once lonely, but is now suddenly crowded. In the past two weeks, three GOP candidates have thrown their hats into the ring: former Kansas House Speaker Robin Jennison, state Sen. Jim Barnett, and author Ken Canfield. A recent poll showed Sebelius leading all of her potential rivals by double digits.

* Len Munsil, a far-right activist who helped create an advocacy group called the Center for Arizona Policy, has jumped out in front of the Republican gubernatorial field thanks to a strong fundraising effort. Munsil is still considered an underdog against Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D), who enjoys a 60% approval rating.

* By way of my friend KB we learn that Patty Wetterling, who dropped out of Minnesota’s U.S. Senate race last month, announced this morning that she will run for the House instead. Wetterling will run in Minnesota’s open race for the 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Mark Kennedy (R), who’s giving up his seat to run for the Senate. Wetterling will likely compete for the Dem nomination against Elwyn Tinklenberg, who launched his campaign after Wetterling assured him she wouldn’t run for the seat. Tinklenberg added that he is “absolutely” staying in the race.

I hate to sound negative about any of our Democratic freedom fighters, but this business of assuring a candidate that they won’t compete for the same office and then jumping into the race anyway is not good business.

First Sherrod Brown, now Patty Wetterling. It makes them look like mere political opportunists and gives aid and comfort to the other side by diverting attention and resources from the main struggle.

This is not good and I think they should stop doing that. Personal integrity still counts around here, and this is not good citizenship.

  • I hate to sound negative about any of our Democratic freedom fighters, but this business of assuring a candidate that they won’t compete for the same office and then jumping into the race anyway is not good business.

    Curmudgeon, that’s a good point and it’s well said. I like some of the candidates who’ve done this, but it’s bad form and Dems everywhere should be much more cautious about it.

  • A lot of things need to be considered before passing judgement on the Wetterling candidacy in the Minnesota 6th.

    Tinklenberg is a great guy and a terrible candidate. Patty got talked into running for Senate when she was particularly well-positioned in the 6th. Democrats in Minnesota are almost unanimously behind Patty’s move and the result will likely be +1 for the good guys.

    The likely winner in the Repub primary in the 6th is either a Norquist tax hater or a Dobsonesque social conservative. Tinklenberg would have trouble beating either one. Patty will take either down.

    If you want to complain about a real bad move, wait until Mike Ciresi jumps into the Democratic Senate race. . . a foolish and vain move against a very good candidate, Amy Klobuchar. And this comes from someone who supported Mr. Ciresi’s Senate campaign in 2000.

  • reidmc is right about a couple of things, A lot of things need to be considered when talking about MN-06. I don’t get the feeling that Patty Wetterling considered anything very carefully when heeding the D.C. consultants prodding. Patty got talked into running for Senate, but she made an independent choice to go back on her word to Elwyn. She’s given up the one advantage she held in a political contest and pre-packaged it for the right-wing attack machine

    Tinklenberg is a great guy. Right again. Though I can’t agree with your take on his candidacy. I’d say that with his background – Methodist Minister, 10-year mayor of the 2nd largest city in the district, and State-wide Commissioner of Transportation – he’s exactly the candidate we need to win in the 6th. http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/1/24/18361/6239 He’s also never lost an election. Coming close isn’t going to win the fight.
    Democrats in Minnesota are almost unanimously behind Patty’s move? Nope. Surely not in the 6th. DFLers are plenty frustrated by her poor decision-making. And if the result is to be +1 for the good guys, Patty will need to be the one leading a unanimous endorsement of El.

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