In the House - House Election News - Dems Fear Scott Brown Redux
Apr 08, 2010

Nervous Democrats Eye May Special Elections

Politico is reporting that Democratic strategists are nervous about upcoming special elections in Hawaii and Pennsylvania.  Both seats have been held by Democrats for years – Neil Abercombie in Hawaii, who is running for Governor (not Senate as originally posted - sorry for the typo - Guy) and the recently deceased John Murtha in Pennsylvania.  Democrats fear that circumstances unique to these congressional districts could spur Republican wins next month.  If that were to happen the national media might portray the elections as indications that there is a nation-wide anti-Obama mood, which might lead to widespread Democratic losses in November.

In the House – House Election News – All About the Benjamins
Mar 25, 2010

NRCC Outraises DCCC

As FEC fundraising reports for February roll in, the National Republican Campaign Committee has outraised the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee – the first report in qjuite some time where they have done so.  The NRCC reported raising $5.1 million to the DCCCs’ $4.4 million.  The DCCC still dwarfs the NRCC in cash-on-hand however, $19.8 million to $6 million.

It will be interesting to see how the Democrats’ victory on health care reform affects both parties’ fundraising.  As the health care vote only happened at the end of March, however, we probably won’t see this reflected until April numbers are reported.

In The House - House Election News - Down on the boardwalk they're gettin’ ready for a fight
Mar 18, 2010

New Jersey Primary is Back On!

I blogged a few weeks ago that Republicans had avoided a nasty primary fight in NJ-03.  Oops!  Looks like I spoke to soon.  2008 candidate Justin Murphy  announced his candidacy last week.

Murphy was quick to attack his Republican opponent, ex-Philadelphia Eagle Jon Runyan, for lacking “substance” and coming late to the game, “while he's been a registered Republican for three months, I've been a registered Republican for 30 years."  He plans to attack Runyan from the right.  Sounds like it could get nasty.

Whoever wins will face freshman Rep. John Adler (D) who was endorsed by Council for a Livable World in 2008.

In the House - House Election News - Cattle Call on Cape Cod
Mar 11, 2010

I blogged earlier about rumors that Rep. Delahunt was considering retiring from his seat in eastern Massachusetts.  Last week, Delahunt confirmed the rumors by announcing he will not run for reelection in 2010.  Republicans, energized by Sen. Scott Murphy’s upset in January’s special Senate election, smell a pick-up opportunity.

Open seats are a rarity in Massachusetts and potential contenders are lining up on both sides.

The Massa Mess
Mar 11, 2010

UPDATE: John Stewart turns lemons into lemonade

The Massa Mess

If you read last week’s In the House we brought you the breaking news that upstate New York Rep. Eric Massa (D) was retiring.  In days since that post, the situation has morphed into an epic beltway sex scandal.  Massa has now resigned his seat and salacious revelations dominate the news.

A Google search for “Eric Massa” will bring up plenty of details, but a quick outline of recent developments is after the jump.

In the House - House Election News - Georgia On My Mind
Mar 04, 2010

UPDATE - Rep. Massa (D - NY) Quitting on March 8

BREAKING – Rep. Massa (D - NY) Retiring

In a move that took political junkies by surprise, upstate New York Democratic Rep. Eric Massa announced yesterday that he will not run for reelection.  Massa won a narrow victory over Republican incumbent Randy Kuhl in 2008, after losing narrowly in 2006.  Before Kuhl, the seat had been held for decades by the Republican Amo Houghton.  Massa was facing a tough reelection fight already, but now that he is out, this race, which nobody saw coming, immediately jumps into the “toss-up” category and will likely be a top priority for both parties.

The reason for Massa’s sudden retirement is unclear.  Initial reports cited a health issue, Massa survived a bout with cancer before running for Congress, so that is certainly plausible.  The inside-the-beltway Politico newspaper has quite a different story.  They claim, based on unnamed sources, that Massa, who is married with two children, was about to be accused of sexually harassing a male staffer.  At a press conference this afternoon, Massa acknowledged the allegations and admitted to using “salty” language, but called them “unsubstantiated” and reiterated that he was motivated by his health.

Whatever Massa’s reasons for retiring, Republicans now see New York’s 29th congressional district as a top pick–up opportunity.

In the House - House Election News - Nomination Shake 'N' Bake
Feb 26, 2010

Jockeying for the Democratic Nod in Pennsylvania

After a hectic few weeks, the crowded field for the Democratic nomination to succeed the recently deceased Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) seems to be narrowing down.   Democratic party leaders will choose a nominee on March 6th.

There was initial speculation that Murtha’s widow, Joyce Murtha, might receive the nomination.  However, she indicated earlier this week that she was not interested in filling the position and endorsed Murtha district director Mark Critz.  Another potential candidate, former Lt. Governor Mark Singel, dropped out yesterday and also endorsed Critz.  That leaves Critz and former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer as the leading candidates, although there are a few dark horse candidates remaining as well.  With the high profile endorsements of Singel and Joyce Murtha, Critz may be the favorite.

On the Republican side, party officials have failed to recruit any marquee names.  They are left to select between the ’08 nominee, William Russell, and local businessman and first-time candidate Tim Burns.  Party officials are rumored to be leaning toward Burns, but Russell has indicated a willingness to run as an Independent spoiler if he does not get the Republican nomination.  If Russell follows through on those threats, whoever the Democratic nominee is would be heavily favored to win.

In the House - House Election News - Trouble In River City
Feb 18, 2010

BREAKING: Rep. Brad Ellsworth to run for IN Senate

It is being reported theat Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) will run for the Senate seat left open by Evan Bayh’s surprise retirement. While Ellsworth will be a strong Senate candidate this decision instantly creates a competitive race for his House seat and a top Republican pick-up opportunity. The moderate Ellsworth and fit the district well with his strong law and order credentials from his days as a sheriff but it was won by both McCain and Bush in the Presidential races.  

State Rep. Trent Van Haaften is said to be considering running on the Democratic side.  There were already a number of Republicans running long-shot challenges against Ellsworth.  More prominent and viable Republicans are likely to get into the race in the coming days.

UPDATE - Ellsworth's office has called the report we linked to "inaccurate," but they have not stated that he will not run. UPDATE UPDATE - Ellsworth has confirmed that he IS a candidate.

In the House - House Election News - Retirement-a-Palooza
Feb 11, 2010

Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) Passes Away

The biggest story in politics this week was the death of Rep. John Murtha.  The story was so big that it merited its own blog post, which you can read here.

Retirement Bonanza!

The last few days have seen a slew of new retirement announcements.  There are now 18 open Republican seats and 14 open Democratic seats:

The Passing of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)
Feb 10, 2010

The biggest news in politics this week is the death of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA).  Murtha passed after complications arose from a gall bladder operation.  Council for a Livable World extends our condolences to his family and friends.

First elected in 1974, Murtha was the longest serving member of the Pennsylvania delegation.  Murtha was the first Vietnam veteran elected to Congress.  Murtha dominated Pennsylvania politics for decades, and as the long serving Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee he was a powerful player on Capital Hill.