Monday’s political round-up

February 27, 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 Colorado’s gubernatorial race, Dems continue to search for an alternative to former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter (D), but in the meantime, Ritter continues to win over voters. The latest Rasmussen poll shows Ritter ahead of Rep. Bob Beauprez (R), 40% to 33%. Ritter does even better against Beauprez’s primary rival, University of Denver President Marc Holtzman, whom Ritter leads 41% to 28%.

* After their first four choices turned them down, Republicans in West Virginia turned to multimillionaire businessman John Raese to take on Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W. Va.) this year. At least so far, it’s not working out terribly well. The latest Rasmussen poll shows Byrd leading Raese in a head-to-head match-up, 58% to 32%. This is Raese’s third attempt at statewide office, following unsuccessful campaigns against Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D) in 1984 and then Gov.-Arch Moore in a 1988 GOP primary.

* Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi (D) formally kicked off his New York gubernatorial campaign over the weekend, and immediately started trading shots with his heavily-favored primary opponent, state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.

* Speaking of New York, state Republican leaders have not yet given up on their quest to find an opponent for Hillary Clinton this year. The latest rumor is that Gov. George Pataki (R) favors Kathleen Troia McFarland, a former speechwriter and public affairs official at the Defense Department during the Reagan administration. McFarland has never held elected office and has been a stay-at-home mother to her five children the last 20 years.

* Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R), once considered very vulnerable in light of his failed tax-increase proposal, now appears to be in good shape for re-election in November. A new Rasmussen poll shows Riley leading Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley (D), 53% to 37%. (In contrast, Baxley leads Riley’s primary opponent, disgraced judge Roy Moore, 46% to 44%.)

* And in 2008 news, Roll Call reports today that former-Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) is said to be “seriously mulling” a presidential bid. Reportedly, Daschle’s powerhouse lobbyist wife, Linda Daschle, isn’t crazy about the idea and is discouraging the idea of a campaign.

On top of everything, Daschle’s wife is a lobbyist? He better listen to her.

  • Dems continue to search for an alternative to former Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter (D),

    Why is that? It would appear that he is competitive. Is he just too conservative or what?

    As far as Daschle is concerned, oy vey!

  • Edo: I wonder why my state’s dems are afraid of Ritter, too. He’s personally pro life. So what. I hope we haven’t become a litmus test party like the other guys.

  • I’m equally confused on the Ritter business. Harry Reid is supposed to be “pro life” but I haven’t noticed that making any difference in his effectiveness or support. Go with a winner, I always say. 🙂

  • Kathleen Troia McFarland sounds ideal. Kids grown up, time on her hands. Let’s elect her Senator!

  • T Moore,

    thanks for the insight. That stance is likely the reason for the resistance. Reid is only supported because he’s an inumbant and can raise his own money. IMHO.

  • Shrub has been classified as a “moving, falling object” on the accident report when he crashed into a policeman last year while attempting to do the difficult maneuver of riding, waving and speaking simultaneously. I think Evel Knievel should take Shrub under his wing or we find a way to employ Shrub as ballast in the bottom of a boat somewhere. A much more efficent use of such a dense object.

    Scotsman article

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