New Print Edition: Pennsylvania 10 & Illinois 10

The new April 4, 2007 print edition of the Rothenberg Political Report is on its way to subscribers. The print edition comes out every two weeks and the content is not available online. Subscribers get in-depth analysis of the most competitive races in the country, as well as quarterly House and Senate ratings, and coverage of the gubernatorial races nationwide. To subscribe, simply click on the Google checkout button on the website or send a check.

Here is a sampling of this week's print edition:

Pennsylvania 10: Unproven
By Nathan L. Gonzales

Republican Don Sherwood probably would rather forget the past couple of years. First, he admitted to an extramarital affair - though he denied allegations that he had choked his mistress - and then he lost his bid for reelection in the worst Republican year in almost a half-century. College professor Chris Carney (D) rode the wave and the circumstances to victory in 2006 in the Northeast Pennsylvania district.

The 10th District certainly leans Republican at the federal level, and NRCC Chairman Tom Cole has alluded to a potential stellar candidate that could help pull the seat back into their column.

That potential candidate is U.S. Attorney Tom Marino. But unlike some of his colleagues, Marino still has a job and would have to resign immediately were he to become a congressional candidate. So for now, Republicans are left waiting and wondering what Marino will decide.

Because the district is so heavily Republican, and the circumstances in which Sherwood lost so personal, other Republican candidates are considering the race and could well jump in, regardless of Marino's decision.

But until Republicans decide on a candidate, Carney will continue his work in Congress and attempt to prove himself to district voters as more than a fluke. The battle for the Keystone State in the next presidential race will serve as the backstop for a top tier race in the 10th District.

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Illinois 10: Captain Suburbia

Democrats are committed to proving that suburban America is moving in their direction. But Republican Cong. Mark Kirk's reelection in the 10th District of Illinois in the worst GOP environment in decades stands in stark contrast to the Democrats' claim.

Democrat Dan Seals ran a spirited and well-funded race in 2006, albeit in the shadows of two higher profile congressional races in the Chicago area and without much support from the national party. Now, Seals is very likely to seek a rematch, and looking to stand out as a challenger in a district John Kerry carried in 2004.

Kirk has proven to be a tough candidate to defeat. But Seals is young and impressive and starting very early this time around. And he wouldn't mind his race being positively affected by Sen. Barack Obama's presence somewhere at the top of the 2008 ballot.

The question is whether Democrats missed their opportunity here in 2006, choosing instead to put resources into Democrat Tammy Duckworth's 6th District effort.

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