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Greg Ball Drops Out of New York Race

Nov. 21, 3:39 p.m.

New York Assemblyman Greg Ball (R), the controversial conservative who had been waging an aggressive campaign against Rep. John Hall (D-N.Y.), announced Saturday that he would abandon his bid for Congress and run for state Senate instead.

Hoffman to Decide About N.Y. Challenge This Weekend

Nov. 20, 3:05 p.m.

Doug Hoffman will likely make a decision “over the weekend” about whether he will challenge the results of the special election in New York’s 23rd district, the Conservative Party candidate’s spokesman said.

DCCC Outraises NRCC in October, Has $10 Million More in Cash

Nov. 20, 2:20 p.m.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee outraised the National Republican Congressional Committee in the month of October, according to disclosures from both parties.

Harris Poll Shows Kratovil Down Double Digits

Nov. 20, 1:56 p.m.

The campaign of state Sen. Andy Harris (R) on Friday circulated an internal poll that showed Rep. Frank Kratovil (D) down by double digits in a hypothetical rematch of their 2008 race in Maryland’s Eastern Shore-based 1st district.

NRCC Burns Cash in October for Special Election

Nov. 20, 11:07 a.m.

The National Republican Congressional Committee spent more than it raised in the month of October, according to fundraising numbers due to be reported to the Federal Election Commission on Friday.

FEC Adopts New Travel Rules on Jets

Nov. 19, 7:11 p.m.

The Federal Election Commission approved new rules on Thursday that limit how Congressional campaigns use private and corporate jets.

State Senator to Challenge Boswell

Nov. 19, 6:32 p.m.

Iowa state Sen. Brad Zaun (R) is joining the race against Rep. Leonard Boswell (D) in the Des Moines-area 3rd district.

Coakley, Capuano to Report Nearly $2 Million in Fundraising

Nov. 19, 5:46 p.m.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) raised about $2 million more for her special election Senate bid over the past month and a half, nearly doubling her total receipts to $4.1 million, the campaign announced Thursday.

Will Giuliani Challenge Gillibrand?

Nov. 19, 5:20 p.m.

Political operatives from New York to Washington, D.C., are buzzing about whether former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) is getting ready to launch a campaign against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) next year.

FEC Fines Law Firm for Edwards Donations

Nov. 19, 4:09 p.m.

A Michigan law firm has been fined $131,000 for illegally reimbursing employee campaign contributions to then-Sen. John Edwards’ (D-N.C.) 2004 presidential campaign.

Huckabee Pens Money Appeal for Rice in S.C.

Nov. 19, 12:07 p.m.

Former Arkansas governor and potential 2012 presidential contender Mike Huckabee (R) is trying to stir up some fundraising enthusiasm for South Carolina state Rep. Rex Rice (R), who is running in a crowded open-seat contest that is noteworthy for its dearth of campaign donations.

NRCC, NRSC to Nix Dinner

Nov. 19, 12 a.m.

In a move that bucks a 30-year tradition, House and Senate Republican campaign leaders have agreed not to continue their annual joint fundraising dinner next year.

Fiorina Has Much to Prove in California Race

Nov. 19, 12 a.m.

As her Senate campaign finally gears up in earnest, Carly Fiorina has a lot to prove.
That’s the consensus among Republican strategists and political observers in California, who say that despite a rocky few months for the Hewlett-Packard CEO turned GOP Senate candidate, it is too early to tell how strong her bid to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) will be.

California Delegation Taking Stock of Primary Foes

Nov. 19, 12 a.m.

Newly minted California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina (R) is making the rounds in Washington, D.C., this week, giving members of the Golden State House Republican delegation the chance to size her up as they begin to take sides in her primary against state Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.

Democrats’ Words Are Weapons in New Ads

Nov. 19, 12 a.m.

The National Republican Congressional Committee is releasing TV ads today in a trio of districts held by centrist Democrats, using an interesting campaign tactic that may become more common.

NRSC Outraised DSCC in October

Nov. 18, 4:36 p.m.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee outraised its partisan counterparts last month by about $300,000, but the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee ended October with roughly twice as much cash in the bank.

Carnahan, Blunt Even in New Missouri Senate Poll

Nov. 18, 12:20 p.m.

One year before their likely matchup in a key 2010 Senate race, Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) and Rep. Roy Blunt (R) are locked in a dead heat, according to a new survey conducted by the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling.

Ball Campaign Poll Didn’t Sample Entire N.Y. District

Nov. 17, 4:02 p.m.

An internal poll released this week by New York Assemblyman Greg Ball’s (R) campaign that showed him in a competitive position in his challenge to Rep. John Hall (D) did not represent a cross section of voters from the entire 19th district but rather two-thirds of the district — Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, in the east.

Capuano’s Legislative Hallmarks Are Earmarks, Ethics

Nov. 17, 12 a.m.

In the first televised debate of the Massachusetts Senate special election last month, Rep. Mike Capuano (D) observed wryly that his three Democratic opponents “should come to me when they want to know how Washington works. I’m happy to train them.”

Ways and Means Slot Can Buoy Fundraising

Nov. 17, 12 a.m.

How much is one of the coveted spots on the powerful Ways and Means Committee worth to a Member?
There’s no exact math to it, but consider this: During the first three quarters of the 2008 cycle, Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) reported $268,000 in campaign contributions.

Lack of Open Seats Could Complicate GOP Math

Nov. 17, 12 a.m.

A lack of competitive open-seat House races in 2010 could complicate Republican efforts to fully maximize a favorable national environment and make large seat gains after back-to-back elections where the political winds were blowing in the opposite direction.

Schakowsky Endorses Giannoulias’ Senate Bid

Nov. 16, 12:18 p.m.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D) endorsed state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) over the weekend, becoming the fifth Member of the state’s Congressional delegation to support the party’s frontrunner in the race for President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.

NRCC Reaches Out After Loss

Nov. 16, 12 a.m.

The National Republican Congressional Committee met with a number of conservative leaders over the past week after the loss of a special Congressional election in upstate New York earlier this month showed serious divisions within the GOP.

Kratovil Navigates Different Shores

Nov. 16, 12 a.m.

EASTON, Md. — They call it “book club,” but the only pages that get read are the ones on the drink menu.

Norquist Warns Candidates

Nov. 16, 12 a.m.

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist has a blunt message for anyone already angling for the GOP’s presidential nomination in 2012: Focus your energies on anything but next year’s midterm elections at your own risk.

Hutchison to Delay Resignation Until After 2010 Primary

Nov. 13, 6:47 p.m.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison won’t resign her seat until after the Texas Republican gubernatorial primary next March, reversing course after initially signaling she would leave Congress this fall to focus on her bid.

Etheridge Won’t Run Against Burr

Nov. 13, 3:38 p.m.

North Carolina Rep. Bob Etheridge (D) has decided to pass, for a second time, on the opportunity to take on Sen. Richard Burr (R) next year and instead will seek re-election in 2010.

Reid Launches Fourth Campaign Ad

Nov. 13, 1:35 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) continued his airwave offensive Friday with the launch of his fourth television ad of the 2010 campaign, another sign that despite his nonchalant attitude, the four-term Senator is aware that his re-election chances are in peril.

Pelosi to Endorse Capuano in Massachusetts Senate Race

Nov. 12, 2:29 p.m.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will endorse Rep. Mike Capuano (D) on Friday in the Massachusetts Senate special election — throwing her support to a fellow colleague over the EMILY’s List-backed frontrunner in the race to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy (D).

New Poll Shows Dismal Numbers for Dodd

Nov. 12, 12:35 p.m.

Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) is running behind or even with each of five of his possible Republican opponents, including political newcomers who have not held elective office, according to a Quinnipiac poll taken Nov. 3-8.

Former NFL Player May Take on Adler

Nov. 12, 12:02 p.m.

Jon Runyan (R), a former Philadelphia Eagles lineman, announced Thursday morning that he is considering running for Congress in New Jersey.

Self-Funder Ganley Begins Airing TV Ads in Ohio

Nov. 11, 3:24 p.m.

Cleveland automobile dealer Tom Ganley (R) is airing a statewide television ad to introduce himself to the primary voters who will decide whether he or former Rep. Rob Portman should be the party’s nominee in a key open-seat Senate race next year.

Democrats Face Pros and Cons in Nationalizing 2010 Races

Nov. 11, 2:46 p.m.

David Axelrod has a cure that may be worse than the disease he’s trying to alleviate.

Hanna Statement May Indicate Renewed Interest in ’10 Bid

Nov. 10, 4:04 p.m.

Construction executive and 2008 Congressional candidate Richard Hanna (R) dipped his toe into 2010 politics Tuesday with a press release condemning Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y.) for backing the House’s health care reform bill.

Roberts Drops Out of Race Against Minnick

Nov. 10, 1:32 p.m.

One of the two Republicans challenging freshman Rep. Walt Minnick (D-Idaho) is ending his 2010 campaign in the 1st district.

Barletta to Make Another Run at Kanjorski

Nov. 10, 12:55 p.m.

Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta (R) is likely this week to announce his third bid against Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), according to a Republican source with knowledge of his impending campaign.

Cunningham Won’t Run for Senate in 2010

Nov. 10, 11:11 a.m.

Former North Carolina state Sen. Cal Cunningham (D) informed supporters Monday night that he will pass on the 2010 Senate race. Cunningham generated some interest among party leaders as a possible recruit should Rep. Bob Etheridge (D) decline to run.

Rookies Take Two Tacks

Nov. 10, 12 a.m.

Freshman Reps. Glenn Nye and Tom Perriello share some similarities in their background and how they came to Congress.

GOP Senate Hopefuls Court Audience of 1,600 in Connecticut

Nov. 10, 12 a.m.

Connecticut Republicans are facing their first contentious battle for a Senate nomination in more than 15 years, but it’s not clear whether spending big bucks now ­— as some candidates are doing ­— will help in the long run.

Club Endorsement Should Boost Rubio's Finances

Nov. 10, 12 a.m.

After telegraphing its intention for weeks, the Club for Growth on Monday formally endorsed former state Speaker Marco Rubio (R) in Florida’s Senate primary, setting up a marquee showdown with national GOP leaders, who are backing Gov. Charlie Crist.

Tipton Joins Race Against Salazar

Nov. 9, 7:37 p.m.

Colorado state Rep. Scott Tipton (R) announced Monday that he will challenge three-term Rep. John Salazar (D) in 2010.

Danny Davis to Run for Re-Election

Nov. 9, 12:24 p.m.

Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) announced Monday morning that he will run for re-election in Congress instead of running for president of the Cook County Board in 2010.

Lamontagne Enters N.H. Senate Race

Nov. 9, 10:25 a.m.

Ovide Lamontagne, a former GOP gubernatorial nominee in New Hampshire, is filing Monday to enter the 2010 Senate race, adding to an already crowded GOP primary in the Granite State.

Club for Growth Endorses Rubio

Nov. 9, 10:17 a.m.

In a move that had been telegraphed for weeks, the Club for Growth on Monday formally endorsed former state Speaker Marco Rubio (R) in Florida’s Senate primary, setting up a marquee showdown with national GOP leaders, who are backing Gov. Charlie Crist.

Hamos Hits the Airwaves in Race for Kirk’s Seat

Nov. 6, 5:14 p.m.

Illinois state Rep. Julie Hamos (D) is the first candidate to hit the TV airwaves in the open-seat contest for Rep. Mark Kirk’s (R) seat.

Former Specter Foe to Back Sestak

Nov. 6, 3:54 p.m.

A one-time Democratic challenger to Sen. Arlen Specter (D) has endorsed Rep. Joe Sestak’s (D) 2010 bid to unseat the five-term Pennsylvania Senator.

Flake Endorses Moran in Kansas Senate Race

Nov. 6, 3:33 p.m.

Rep. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) is the latest Republican Member to pick a side in the Kansas Senate primary battle between GOP Reps. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt.

With Shurtleff Out, Bennett May Escape Serious Primary Challenge

Nov. 6, 11:36 a.m.

A day after he shocked Utah political watchers by dropping his primary bid against Sen. Bob Bennett (R), state Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said in an interview late Thursday afternoon that he believes he still has a role to play in the effort to oust the three-term Senator next year.

Top GOP Senate Leaders Back Fiorina

Nov. 5, 6:15 p.m.

Eight influential Republican Senators jumped on board former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina’s (R) California Senate campaign Thursday, a day after she officially launched her bid to take on Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) in 2010.

Potential Grayson Challenger Says No Thanks

Nov. 5, 1:12 p.m.

Scratch off another potential Republican challenger to outspoken Rep. Alan Grayson (D) in Florida’s 8th district.