New Print Edition: New York 23 & California 45

The August 21, 2009 print edition of the Rothenberg Political Report is on its way to subscribers.

The print edition of the Report comes out every two weeks. 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 preview of introduction to this edition:

N.Y. 23: Democrats Flying High Again?
By Nathan L. Gonzales

It’s déjà vu all over again in Upstate New York. Less than six months after Democrats held onto the 20th District in a special election when Kirsten Gillibrand (D) left for the Senate, the neighboring 23rd District seat is set to become vacant.

President Obama reached across the aisle to nominate Cong. John McHugh (R) to be Secretary of Army conveniently leaving his congressional seat open and ripe for Democratic picking. Democrats successfully defended Gillibrand’s seat and are now on the offensive in what is arguably a more Democratic district.

Democratic strategists are practically Xeroxing their playbook from the 20th C.D. race in an effort to replicate the magic. They nominated attorney Bill Owens, a registered Independent, and utter the phrase “created jobs” at every opportunity. Republicans are looking to moderate state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava to keep the seat in GOP hands. She has broader appeal than the GOP candidate in the 20th, but she can’t afford to lose too many voters to Republican Doug Hoffman, who is running on the Conservative Party line. Subscribers get the whole story in the print edition.

California 45: It Never Rains in Southern California

After winning over 50 congressional seats over the past two cycles, Democratic targets are harder to come by these days. But after Barack Obama’s dominating performance in California and overall voter registration efforts, Democrats believe Cong. Mary Bono Mack is one of handful of vulnerable Republican incumbents in the Golden State.

Even though Bono Mack has coasted to reelection in the face of two Democratic waves, Democrats believe Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet is the well-financed challenger that can defeat the congresswoman. Subscribers get the whole story in the print edition.