New Print Edition: Virginia 11 & Kentucky Senate

The May 30, 2008 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 brief sample of what's in this edition...

Virginia 11: Viva! Democrats!
By Nathan L. Gonzales

Unlike a few other Republican open seats this cycle, this one isn’t a surprise. But exactly why it’s open is another matter.

When Sen. John Warner (R) announced his retirement, Cong. Tom Davis (R) looked like a virtual lock to run to succeed him. But when former Governor Jim Gilmore announced his candidacy for the Senate and state Republicans opted for a convention rather than a primary, the moderate congressman knew his road would be tough, if not impossible. So he bowed out.

But instead of running for reelection, Davis has decided to end his political career, at least for now, leaving the GOP with another tough House seat to defend. For the rest of the story, you must subscribe to the print edition of the Report.

Kentucky Senate: Follow the Leader

There’s no running away from the Republican Party label when you’re leading the party in the Senate. But Sen. Mitch McConnell (R) is touting his leadership position in his reelection this year at the same time Democrats are trying to use it to drag him down.

DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer and the Democrats would love to have Kentucky’s Senate seat in their trophy case as an exclamation point to another good cycle and a partial payback for Majority Leader Tom Daschle’s (D) loss in 2004. For the rest of the story, you must subscribe to the print edition of the Report.