New Print Edition: Hawaii 1 & Idaho 1
The January 29, 2010 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 updated 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 excerpt from this edition:
Hawaii 1: As the World Turns
By Nathan L. Gonzales
After Scott Brown’s (R) shocking win in the Massachusetts’ Senate race, the political world is set to turn almost six thousand miles away to Hawaii’s 1st District, where the cycle’s next contest will be fought.
Democratic Cong. Neil Abercrombie plans to resign at the end of February in order to focus on his gubernatorial run, setting up what will likely be a May special election. Even though a firm date has not been set, the candidate field is starting to take shape, and the parties are prepping for what could be an unexpectedly high-profile contest.
The winner-take-all special allows Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou (R) an opportunity to win with less than 50% of the vote as Democrats Colleen Hanabusa, former Cong. Ed Case and potentially other Democratic candidates battle for votes.
This is not a swing district, but the national and local dynamics could give Democrats an unneeded headache. Republicans have a great opportunity to take President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat in Illinois in November and now they’ve got a chance to take the congressional district where he was born. Subscribers get the lay of the land, candidate bios, and how it plays out.
Idaho 1: How the West is Won
By Nathan L. Gonzales
Walt Minnick was one of a number of Democrats swept into office in 2008, but the Idaho businessman is already planning to be a survivor in 2010, even if his party is buried nationally in a Republican wave.
Over the last year, Minnick, who represents an extremely GOP-friendly district in Idaho, has voted against virtually every piece of significant legislation pushed by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but his record on high-profile votes may not be enough to hold the dam.
Republicans will likely nominate former CIA office and Iraq War veteran Vaughn Ward, a first-time candidate with under-whelming fundraising. But the Rocky Mountain West appears to be moving back in the GOP’s direction, so Minnick doesn’t have much room for error.
Like many of his vulnerable colleagues, Minnick’s task is to localize his race in the face of a nationalized election. But that’s easier said than done. Subscribers get the lay of the land, candidate bios, and how it plays out.
