SEARCH: Advanced Search

Powerful Interest Groups Weigh In on Key Primaries

Feb. 9, 2:59 p.m.

A pair of powerful Washington, D.C.-based interest groups and one of the city's most prominent conservatives announced new Congressional endorsements during a snowy Tuesday in the nation's capital.

Former Berry Aide Enters Race to Succeed Congressman

Feb. 9, 12:13 p.m.

Chad Causey, the former chief of staff of retiring Rep. Marion Berry (D), announced Tuesday that he will run to succeed his old boss in Arkansas’ 1st district.

DeMint’s Special Brand

Feb. 9, 12 a.m.

On Wednesday, Sen. Jim DeMint’s (R-S.C.) Senate Conservatives Fund will be a major contributor to a “money bomb” fundraiser for the Senate campaign of former Florida Speaker Marco Rubio (R) with a goal of raising $200,000 in 24 hours.

Who Gets Grass Roots in Kansas?

Feb. 9, 12 a.m.

With a bad fundraising quarter behind Rep. Todd Tiahrt, Rep. Jerry Moran could officially be considered the frontrunner in the GOP primary for Senate in Kansas.

Road to 2012 Is Paved With PAC Donations

Feb. 9, 12 a.m.

It’s never too early to line up support for a presidential run, so it’s not surprising that several possible 2012 Republican contenders are using their political action committees to dole out large amounts of cash to an array of GOP Members and candidates this cycle.

Hoyer Axes Tuesday Night Votes

Feb. 8, 5:53 p.m.

The House will not hold votes Tuesday night because of a second major snowstorm expected to hit the region Tuesday afternoon, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s (D-Md.) office announced in an e-mail to House staff Monday.

Special Election to Replace Murtha Likely in May

Feb. 8, 5:53 p.m.

Pennsylvania election officials are looking at holding a special election to fill the vacancy created by the death of Rep. John Murtha (D) on May 18, the previously scheduled statewide primary date.

The ‘Texanization’ of Rob Jesmer

Feb. 8, 12 a.m.

It’s a wonder how a man as loud as Rob Jesmer has been so successful by keeping quiet.

NRCC Expands Candidate Management System

Feb. 8, 12 a.m.

This week is set to be a busy one for the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” campaign program.

Palin Mixes Up the Pauls

Feb. 7, 10:21 a.m.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) provided a less than vigorous defense of her endorsement of Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul’s (R) campaign on Sunday, vaguely referencing his “domestic” agenda while mixing him up with his father, Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

GOP Bets on Super Bowl Vets in 2010

Feb. 6, 4:15 p.m.

Jon Runyan expected to be in Miami right now, getting ready to play in another Super Bowl, but instead he’s in New Jersey preparing to challenge an incumbent Member of Congress.

Boozman Enters Arkansas Senate Race

Feb. 6, 3:39 p.m.

Arkansas Rep. John Boozman (R) made his Senate bid official on Saturday, adding his name to a crowded GOP primary field in the race against Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D).

Davis Takes Heat for Cautioning NRCC Involvement in Mississippi Race

Feb. 5, 10 a.m.

At a meeting two weeks ago to discuss the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” program, Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) offered what he said was a “minor observation” regarding how the committee should proceed in terms of involvement in Mississippi’s 1st district Republican primary.

RNC Taps Heye as New Communications Director

Feb. 4, 5:47 p.m.

The Republican National Committee has tapped Doug Heye, a veteran GOP spokesman, to be their new communications director.

Fourth-Quarter Reports Give Open-Seat Clues

Feb. 4, 12 a.m.

Like a strong cup of coffee, a slap to the face or a cold shower, campaign fundraising reports have a way of bringing instant clarity to a cloudy situation.

Dissecting Mass. Hysteria

Feb. 4, 12 a.m.

When Scott Brown is sworn in today as the 41st Republican Senator, it will be the exclamation point on the Massachusetts GOP’s euphoria that has reigned since his special election upset two weeks ago.

Former FEC Chairman Warns of Fallout From Supreme Court Ruling

Feb. 3, 6:16 p.m.

A former Federal Election Commission chairman warned Members on Wednesday that a recent Supreme Court decision could eviscerate the Republican National Committee, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and other party-led organizations.

Kirk Poll Shows Him Up Big

Feb. 3, 2:03 p.m.

The day after winning the GOP Senate nomination in Illinois, Rep. Mark Kirk’s campaign released a poll Wednesday that showed him ahead of state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) by 12 points.

Coats Draws Pence Endorsement, DSCC Attack

Feb. 3, 11:02 a.m.

Former Indiana Sen. Dan Coats (R) is set to announce Wednesday that he will challenge Sen. Evan Bayh (D), and there are already signs that he will run with the backing of influential Republicans.

Hannity to Headline March NRCC Dinner

Feb. 3, 12:26 a.m.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has tapped TV and radio host Sean Hannity to address its annual fundraising dinner in March, according to two sources familiar with the decision. The dinner is scheduled for March 23 at the National Building Museum.

Seals to Face Dold in 10th District

Feb. 3, 12:02 a.m.

Businessman Bob Dold won the Republican nomination in Illinois’ 10th district on Tuesday and will face marketing consultant Dan Seals (D) in the race to succeed Rep. Mark Kirk (R) in November.

Hastert Upset in 14th District Primary

Feb. 2, 11:39 p.m.

State Sen. Randy Hultgren defeated attorney Ethan Hastert in the GOP primary in Illinois’ 14th district on Tuesday, and he will face Rep. Bill Foster (D) in November.

Ex-Sen. Coats to Challenge Bayh

Feb. 2, 10:53 p.m.

Former Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) is expected to announce Wednesday that he will challenge Sen. Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) in November, the Howey Political Report reported Tuesday evening.

Kirk, Giannoulias Headed to November Showdown

Feb. 2, 10:37 p.m.

Rep. Mark Kirk handily won the GOP Senate nomination in Illinois Tuesday night, setting up what is expected to he a highly competitive general election contest with state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) for the seat once held by President Barack Obama.

Deutch Wins Nod Handily in South Florida Special

Feb. 2, 9:35 p.m.

Florida state Sen. Ted Deutch is well on his way to becoming the next Congressman from the Sunshine State’s 19th district after winning the special election Democratic primary Tuesday against former Broward County Commissioner Ben Graber.

Speier Staying Put in the House

Feb. 2, 8:01 p.m.

After setting off heated speculation that she would run for state attorney general, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) announced Tuesday afternoon that she will run for re-election after all.

Poll: Boozman Leads Lincoln by 23 Points

Feb. 2, 12:29 p.m.

Rep. John Boozman (R), who is set to enter the Arkansas Senate race this week, holds a commanding lead over Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D), according to a new survey by a Democratic polling firm.

Conway has $1 Million Cash Lead Over Mongiardo in Ky.

Feb. 2, 11:22 a.m.

Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway (D) ended 2009 with about $1 million more in his Senate campaign war chest than his top primary rival, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo (D).

Senate Fundraising Reflects Unease

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

Fourth-quarter fundraising reports filed this week provided the latest evidence that 2010 is developing into an anti-establishment election year, as several Senators reported seven figures’ worth of campaign expenditures in an effort to blunt the negative aspects of incumbency.

Targeted House Incumbents Armed With Cash

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

If the Democrats suffer significant losses in House elections this fall, it won’t be because their incumbents weren’t ready for the fight.

Mark Warner Meets Reality

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

Just days before cruising to an easy victory in the November 2008 Senate election, Democrat Mark Warner was having a drink at an Applebee’s in Wise, Va., after yet another campaign rally when he was asked what kind of Senator he hoped to be.

Illinois Goes to the Polls

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

Voters will head to the polls for the first primaries of 2010 today in Illinois, where a Senate race and a few competitive House races have been overshadowed by intraparty bickering in the gubernatorial contest.

Special Election Favorite Has Ascended Rapidly

Feb. 2, 12 a.m.

After Republican Scott Brown’s stunning Senate special election victory in Massachusetts, Democrats have insisted that they are taking no race for granted in the current political environment. But it would be difficult to find any party strategist willing to bet against Florida state Sen. Ted Deutch (D) becoming the next Congressman from the 19th district.

Rokita Running for Buyer’s Seat

Feb. 1, 11:19 a.m.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R) will run to succeed retiring Rep. Steve Buyer (R) in the state’s 4th district.

Ads Target Brown on Climate Change

Feb. 1, 8:10 a.m.

Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R-Mass.) hasn’t even been sworn in yet, but environmentalists are already launching Web and television ads targeting the incoming Senator on climate change legislation.

DSCC’s Poersch Driven to Win

Feb. 1, 12 a.m.

Within a matter of two weeks in January, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Executive Director J.B. Poersch endured what could easily be his highest and lowest points of the 2010 cycle so far.

Dorgan and Dodd’s $7.5 Million Question

Jan. 30, 10:59 a.m.

Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) together have more than $7.5 million in leftover campaign funds, but they have nowhere to spend it now that they’re not seeking re-election in November.

Bachmann Raises $592,000 in Fourth Quarter

Jan. 29, 1:10 p.m.

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) raised more than half a million dollars in the final quarter of 2009, pushing her total receipts for the year to $1.6 million and giving her a big financial edge over her prospective Democratic challengers.

Rep. McMahon Clears $1 Million in Cash on Hand

Jan. 29, 1:08 p.m.

A top target of House Republicans has more than $1 million in his campaign war chest as two GOP candidates battle to take him on.

Reid Raises $15 Million So Far for 2010 Campaign

Jan. 29, 12:49 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) campaign announced Friday that the four-term incumbent raised more than $2 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, pushing his total receipts to $15 million for his 2010 re-election campaign.

NRCC Now Debt-Free

Jan. 29, 11:09 a.m.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has erased all of its debt but only had $2.67 million in the bank heading into the 2010 election year.

Rep. Buyer Announces Retirement

Jan. 29, 10:52 a.m.

Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) announced Friday that he will not seek re-election this year because his wife is ill.

Radanovich: Pombo Should Have ‘Run in His Own District’

Jan. 28, 5:06 p.m.

Rep. George Radanovich (R-Calif.) wants to make one thing clear: He believes state Sen. Jeff Denham, not former Rep. Richard Pombo, is the best GOP candidate to succeed him when he retires this year.

Nixon Grandson Enters Race Against Bishop in N.Y.

Jan. 28, 12:06 p.m.

Attorney and businessman Chris Cox (R) is officially in the running for Rep. Tim Bishop’s (D-N.Y.) 1st district seat.

Dold Has GOP Momentum; Coulson, Green Still Hovering

Jan. 28, 12 a.m.

Even though several members of the Illinois GOP delegation are backing state Rep. Beth Coulson in the 10th district GOP primary, businessman and first-time candidate Bob Dold appears to have the momentum heading into Tuesday’s balloting.

Malcolm Reflects on a Career Spent Building a List

Jan. 28, 12 a.m.

After 25 years as the head of EMILY’s List, Ellen Malcolm’s last month on the job was perhaps her worst.

Sands of GOP Discord in McCain-Hayworth Primary

Jan. 28, 12 a.m.

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth’s all-but-official primary challenge to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has already started to reignite long-simmering tensions within the state’s Republican faithful.

Hamos-Seals Democratic Battle Too Close to Call

Jan. 28, 12 a.m.

With five days to go until Illinois primary voters head to the polls, the 10th district Democratic contest remains a tossup as it’s still unclear whether state Rep. Julie Hamos will be able to overcome marketing consultant Dan Seals’ name identification advantage.

Speier Mulling Statewide Run in California

Jan. 27, 8:01 p.m.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) is considering leaving the House to run for California attorney general, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

Rokita May Challenge Bayh

Jan. 27, 7:58 p.m.

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R) said Wednesday he is weighing a challenge to Sen. Evan Bayh (D).