New Print Edition: Colorado 4 & Louisiana 4

The June 27, 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...

Colorado 4: Fighting a Trend
By Nathan L. Gonzales

There are few certainties in life: death, taxes, and Marilyn Musgrave’s tough reelection races are near the top of the list.

Since her election in 2002, the Colorado congresswoman has seen a continuous downward slide in her reelection percentages. Whether it’s because of her personal style, third party candidates, or heavy outside spending by liberal groups, Musgrave’s foes smell blood in the water and are targeting her once again.

Businesswoman and former Senate aide Betsy Markey is the Democratic nominee and will try to do what two previous state legislators could not – defeat Musgrave.

But Musgrave will be ready and well financed, and her 4th District still leans Republican, by the numbers. Still, with more Democratic groups targeting her defeat and the NRCC on its heels, this might well be the cycle Musgrave won’t pull it out. Subscribers get the rest of the story.


Louisiana 4: Déjà vu, Y’All

Republicans have seen this movie twice already, and it doesn’t have a pretty ending.

After special election wins in Mississippi’s 1st District and Louisiana’s 7th District, Democrats have their sights set on a handful of other Southern seats, including northwest Louisiana’s 4th District.

The seat is open after Republican Cong. Jim McCrery announced his retirement in December. Democrats went out and recruited long-time Caddo District Attorney Paul Carmouche, considered one of the few Democrats in the district who can win the seat.

Meanwhile, Republicans will likely nominate either former Bossier Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Thompson or wealthy businessman Chris Gorman, but still have a four-way GOP primary to sort through.

It’s another classic Southern district that went heavily for President Bush, but has enough of an African-American population that could make things interesting with Barack Obama at the top of the ticket. Subscribers get the rest of the story.