Topic: The Cook Political Report

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Elections 101: Ten facts about Thaddeus McCotter and his run for president

Thaddeus McCotter, the GOP’s surprise dark horse, is stirring up the race. The five-term Michigan congressman declared his candidacy for president on July 2 in his home state.
A Beatles-loving, guitar-playing son of the heartland, Representative McCotter has strong conservative credentials and populist appeal. But there’s a problem. Thaddeus who?
10 of the closest statewide races heading into Election 2010

Here’s what’s going on in 10 of the closest statewide elections:
Nine 'tea party' candidates who stand a good chance of winning

Here’s something both Democrats and the GOP establishment in Washington are going to have to come to terms with: Tea party candidates will win some elections this fall.
Q&A: Five key questions about midterm elections in Congress

Will Republicans take control of the House and Senate? All 435 House seats are up for election every two years. A majority in the House is 218 seats. Republicans need a net gain of 39 seats in the Nov. 2 midterm election to get there. Polls now show the Democrats are in trouble. Why?
Gallery: House Republicans retiring in 2010

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Why Sarah Palin's pick could triumph in Nebraska's US Senate race in fall

Tuesday's victory by Deb Fischer, who had the endorsement of Sarah Palin in the Nebraska GOP Senate primary, is an upset. But Fischer may in fact be the strongest Republican to run against Democrat Bob Kerrey, analysts say.
In Election 2012, how much is the House in play? Three sides to the story.

Steve Israel outlines his scenario for the Democrats winning back the House. Pete Sessions says the GOP could actually increase its hold. Analysts say the reality is somewhere in between.
Why Democrats are cheering the Paul Ryan Republican budget plan

As they did last year, Democrats are attacking the Republican budget plan released by Rep. Paul Ryan as an 'end of Medicare as we know it.' They think it will help them in November.
Olympia Snowe delivers stunning rebuke in decision to leave Senate

Olympia Snowe, a moderate Republican senator from Maine, won't seek another term in the US Senate because intense partisanship has made her question how 'productive' it would be.
Election 2012: Can the Democrats retake control of the House?

Congressman Steve Israel says a net gain of 25 seats – what Democrats need to win back control of the House in Election 2012 – is 'in range.' The key, he says, is independents.
If Bob Kerrey runs for Senate, can he save the majority for Democrats?

Former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D) of Nebraska has until Thursday to decide whether to try for his old seat, being vacated by Sen. Ben Nelson. Even if he does, Nebraska has shifted to the right since he last served.
Mitt Romney favored in Nevada caucuses: Three big reasons why

Mitt Romney has three big things going for him in Saturday’s presidential nominating caucuses in Nevada: Momentum from Florida, a splintered tea party, and many fellow Mormons backing him.
Ron Paul's intense following contains seeds of disaster for GOP (+video)

Ron Paul, who is running a solid second in New Hampshire, has said he does not plan to run as a third-party candidate if he's not the GOP nominee. But some Republicans are worried.
Without Ben Nelson, can Democrats keep control of Senate in 2012?

The decision by Sen. Ben Nelson (D) of Nebraska not to run for reelection in 2012 is a 'blow' to Democrats' efforts to retain their Senate majority, analysts say.
A third-party candidate in 2012? It's going to happen, pollster says. (VIDEO)

Stanley Greenberg, a major Democratic pollster, says unhappy and undecided voters make a third-party presidential candidate likely in 2012, introducing uncertainty into the battle to control Congress.
GOP's 2012 prediction: We'll lose some House seats, but not many (VIDEO)

The leaders of a new super PAC agree with a 2012 prediction by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report that Democrats will pick up five to 10 House seats.
The Vote
If harassment claims sink Herman Cain, which GOP rival will benefit?

As Herman Cain's response to sexual harassment claims continues to evolve, there’s no guarantee that his popularity will slip, even now. Will his rivals be able to lure his supporters?
GOP debate: What to watch for from Herman Cain and Mitt Romney

Herman Cain's front-runner status makes him a target. Mitt Romney needs to win over more conservatives. Can Rick Perry rebound?
Elizabeth Warren moves toward barnburner race against Sen. Scott Brown

Consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren filed paperwork Thursday to form an exploratory committee for a US Senate run in Massachusetts. Republican Scott Brown currently holds that seat.
Bigger threat to Michele Bachmann: Media scrutiny or Rick Perry?

For the moment, Rep. Michele Bachmann has established herself as the top threat to Mitt Romney in the race for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. A series of media investigations could take a toll, but the bigger potential problem is wildcard Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Elections 101: Ten facts about Thaddeus McCotter and his run for president

Thaddeus McCotter, the GOP’s surprise dark horse, is stirring up the race. The five-term Michigan congressman declared his candidacy for president on July 2 in his home state.
A Beatles-loving, guitar-playing son of the heartland, Representative McCotter has strong conservative credentials and populist appeal. But there’s a problem. Thaddeus who?
Michele Bachmann 'the one to watch' as she kicks off her presidential campaign

Michele Bachmann won neck-and-neck status with presumed front-runner Mitt Romney in the first Des Moines Register Iowa Poll. But with a serious candidacy come tough questions about her record and political assertions.
How Democrats plan to retake the House in 2012 (VIDEO)

Rep. Steve Israel, the Democrats' congressional campaign chief, hasn't said Democrats will retake the House – just that they might.
The Vote
Does upset in House special election matter? Dueling views from party leaders.

A Democrat pulled off an upset in a special election in New York's 26th District. DNC's Debbie Wasserman Schultz sees a repudiation of Republicans' stance on revising Medicare. NRCC's Pete Sessions sure doesn't.
N.Y. race heats up: Democrats test message on GOP plan to 'end Medicare'

In a special congressional election for New York's solidly Republican 26th District, the Democrat says her GOP foe would back Paul Ryan's plan to 'end Medicare.' The parties are taking notice.
Can Democrats hold the Senate in 2012? Now Herb Kohl says he's retiring.

Wisconsin Sen. Herb Kohl says he's retiring after his fourth term ends in 2012. He is the sixth Democrat-aligned senator to do so, compared with only two Republicans.
John Ensign resignation puts focus on Nevada elections. Will GOP have an edge?

Facing scandal, Sen. John Ensign (R) of Nevada is resigning. That allows Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval to name a replacement, which in turn could open up a US House seat.
Budget stalemate: Why America won't raise taxes

Budget stalemate has many on Capitol Hill crunching numbers. With any new budget, taxes may be the real third rail of politics. Can the U.S. solve its fiscal woes without more revenue?
Claire McCaskill: Will flap over her plane ground Democrat's career?

Sen. Claire McCaskill already was going to face a tough 2012 reelection in Missouri. But news about unpaid taxes on – and questionable use of – her plane are weighing on the Democrat's chances.
Sen. Jon Kyl retirement sets off two races: one in Arizona, another in D.C.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R) of Arizona announces his retirement, opening the door to candidates for his Senate seat as well as his position as the No. 2 Republican in the Senate.