CONG POL

Members of Congress Taking a Position (at the Line of Scrimmage)

Richard Durbin (D-IL) is getting together a Senate Judiciary Committee inquiry into the recent NFL mini-scandal over the cash incentives players on the New Orleans Saints were given to hurt opposing players.

The NFL surely seems to be on top of punishing the misbehavior, but members of Congress regularly use the spotlight afforded to sports in order to engage in Mayhew-style credit claiming and position taking over issues that are relatively uncontroversial. There are probably few voters who are for injury causing styles of play in football making this an easy issue to take a tough stand on while getting some face time on SportsCenter. Who can forget the uncomfortable answers that Mark McGwire gave in 2005 to the House Government Reform Committee during his testimony at the hearings into steroids and baseball?

Perhaps this time around we'll get to see Brett Favre testify about what it feels like to know he had a bounty on his head?

Classic Overreach by Reyes

EDIT 3/23 No summary or intro to post? Related. I am mystified why so many of you paste links into the body and not the link bar. I like the pretty things people...

Retirement

Representative David Dreier is one of the 20 House members to be pushed into retirement because of the redistricting. There are also incumbent are going to have to face in a fight with challengers that they have not done in awhile.

Retirement

Michelle Bachmann Campaign Ad

Michelle Bachman Campaign Ad

EDIT What no comment/intro/summary?

Rep. Steve King Ad

This is the only ad for the current 2012 election that King's campaign has put up on its youtube account. It is an interesting ad called "It's my water, it's my shower head," which I believe is designed to show Rep. King as a rebel who is willing to "drill out," his "Al Gore," shower head that makes his showers take 12 minutes instead of three and that this act of civil disobedience should be followed by all. It is inexpensive, that is for sure, but I'm not really sure how effective it is. I suppose if the slowness of shower heads is a real salient issue for you as the voter this would be a very important message.

Here is an ad from Americans United against Steve King's choice on voting for a bill that would overhaul the medicare system that was a "form," add which was used for multiple politicians in multiple areas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma-mEGMC1TM

Aaron Schock's TV ad

Apparently Aaron Schock has no white constituents in his district?? This ad speaks for itself. As stated in class, race can play a major role in campaigns/elections and that is easily captured in television television ads. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9xJ5N6shEg

Spencer Bachus isn't a fan of Obamacare

Spencer Bachus appealing to the anti-Obama vote

Bachus Campaign Ad

Roscoe Reynolds Campaign ad

A pretty funny hate campaign ran against senator Bill Stanley in North Virginia. I, in particular, enjoy the fantastic graphic of Senator Stanley's one man UPS moving crew across the state.

Ed Perlmutter Colorado Rep. Ads

These are ads for Ed Perlmutter, the first one is a negative ad and the second is a positive ad. The first ad is all about how Perlmutter is okay with spending the people’s money to bail out Wall Street and he does it with a smile. He is a man who is always smiling even when he is hurting the Colorado people.

"Pure Pelosi"

The second ad is about how Perlmutter is such a good man that he even hears you out in the grocery store. This is taken from a community setting and showing that he is just like us and wants to listen to our problems and help you. Even though republicans know he is a democrat he still takes the time to listen.

Grocery

Schawosky

This is an ad for the Rep. I chose to do my paper on. The obvious theme is focus on your average middle class American. She probably made this ad because the economy was a major issue in 2010 (as it is now) and by focusing on the economy she may be alleviating some of the negative pressure that comes with having a president from your party in a bad economy.

Marcy Kaptur 2012

Marcy Kaptur "Service 2012"

In this 2012 ad, Marcy Kaptur is trying to show that she is not your typical representative; money is not important to her, she is committed to public service, to helping her constituents. Here, Marcy is standing in front of her modest childhood home (and current home) in attempts to relate to her constituents, to show that even though she is a member of congress, she is still just like them.

John Boehner Sighs

John Boehner:

We got 435 members. It's just a slice of America, it really is. We got some of the smartest people in the country who serve here, and some of the dumbest. We got some of the best people you'd ever meet, and some of the raunchiest. We've got 'em all.

On being Speaker of the House:

People think I've got this job as a leader. They don't realize that I have about 200 responsibilities and roles. I've gotta be the big brother, the father, I gotta be the disciplinarian, the dean of students, the principal, the spouse—you can't believe all the roles that I have to play! But one of them is, you know, some problems you can nip early. I had three guys in here a few years ago, I said "Boys, you're cruising down the wrong path." Two of them listened, one of them didn't. He's no longer here.

Average Dem. Incumbent loss of Vote Share Due to Healthcare Reform

Interesting article that outlines a recent study showing that the average incumbent Congressional Democrat lost 5.8 percent of the vote due to their voting for healthcare reform. I am skeptical of this stat, how often have you heard a partisan voter throw up a lame excuse for not having voted for the opposing ideology? At least 5% of the time I presume.

Rep. Hoyer Reads the Tea Leaves- Sees Big Win for House Dems.

Rep. Hoyer today predicted that if the economy continues to improve at the current pace up until November that not only will Pres. Obama be reelected but the Dems would regain a majority in the House. Rep. Hoyer is really one of the first members of the Democratic party to make such a bold prediction but if national unemployment drops under 8% who is going to argue with him?

JOBS Passes but Who Wins?

Although Rep. Cantor regarded the passing of the JOBS bill as a "as a significant bipartisan achievement and noted that the House action shows that even in an election year, legislative victories are possible," there remains debate of which party gets credit for the bill. With reps constantly under the gun to legislate, I guess politics can never truley escape any type of achievements or progress in Congress. Especially with upcoming elections each side is stating its case, even though the success of the bill is to be determined. Very short-sided logic.http://www.rollcall.com/news/with_jobs_bills_passage_both_parties_tussle_for_credit-212989-1.html?pos=hatxt

"Joe the Plumber" to face Rep. Kaptur in Ohio race

Incumbent Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich losses to 15 term Democratic incumbent after redistricting moved their districts together. Now that the Ohio Primary is over, Democrat Rep. Marcy Kaptur is now facing off against the Republican Primary winner Samuel Wurzelbacher. Wurzelbacher, also known as "Joe The Plumber," faces a major challenge as the district is heavily dominated by democratic voters. Despite this challenge, Wurzelbacher has promised a clean and fair campaign and wants to win on the facts. It will be interesting to see if this strategy will hold out in the long run as he runs against the long time House incumbent Kaptur.

Scouting and political leanings

How much does the early exposure to certain social environments shape later life choices? Especially so much so, that there is a disproportionate representation of Eagle Scouts in a very, very select field such as congressional representation.(paragraph 5)

2012 fundraising: Congressional races get more attention from GOP

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0312/73622_Page3.html

This recent article in Politico discusses the upcoming elections. In part due to the long drawn out primary season, and the lack of the Republican Presidential Candidates ability to inspire and motivate their base, Republicans are becoming concerned about their chances of winning the White House, and are becoming more focused on winning the upcoming congressional elections, and on maintaining their majority in the house. On the other hand Democrats are becoming more optimistic than last year about their chances of maintaining the White House and the possibility of a obtaining a majority in both houses. However, there appears to be a consensus, an agreement between both parties that the 2012 elections will be a tight race.

On Their Own

Echoing our readings on candidate-centered elections, Politico reports that Barack Obama's reelection campaign has informed Democratic leaders in Congress that they will receive limited financial support for their own electoral efforts. Holding on to the funds that congressional leaders otherwise had been expecting is being taken as a sign that the Obama campaign needs every last dollar in their own battle.

Illegal Campaign?

How far do Congressmen go to really go fundraise to receive money? It seems here that the pressure may have gotten U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm where there was illegal campaign contributions made from a New York Rabbi made or threaten to give. The FBI is considering opening an investigation concerning the allegations.
New York Congressman's Fundraising

Endorsing Mitt Romney

The House Majority leader, Eric Cantor, is putting his endorsement to Mitt Romney. He also believes that Romney will win all of Virgina's Republican delegates coming this Tuesday. Cantor believes that Romney has the best plan for the future. This endorsement will sure help and possible persuade others in believing in Romney as well.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/mar/4/house-majority-leader-cantor-endorses-romney/

Creating a More Partisan Senate

This article talks about the Olympia Snowe's decision to not run again for her seat. This article also speaks to the pattern of moderate congressmen and congresswomen not seeking reelection. The article suggests that this will lead to Republicans having a more difficult time winning control of the Senate now. Another interesting comment in this article is from Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina who says that Olympia Snowe retired because there was no further light for her at the end of the tunnel in terms of the Senate.

Not About Congress But I Posted it Anyway

If the Republican Presidential candidates are hoping to do well over the course of of the new few months this article highlights some of the vulnerabilites and challenges they must face in order to make it through to elections!!

Four Candidates and the Next Four Months

Edited to add a title (hey it was missing one).

Dicks to leave Congress

I just felt like I had to post this one. Anyhow beyond a great title for a post Rep. Dicks' Washington counterpart in the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray, described Dicks as a "Washington state institution!" I do not doubt that.... Furthermore if you read between the lines in this article it sounds like Dicks has grown tired of the grind after 18 terms.

Weird Interview for Rhode Island's Senate Seat

I happened to see this article on Facebook. Watch the video on the lower portion of the article where Republican candidate Barry Hinckley gives an interview with his 5 year old son at his side. It seems as if his attempt to use his son as an advantage backfires into a pretty uncomfortable interview.

Birth Control Amendment Rejected by Senate

The Republican minority leader added this onto the transportation funding bill. It looks like he was trying to add another dimension to the transportation bill hoping he would get what he wanted with the birth control amendment. It still didn't work out for him.

EDITED to clean up that ugly mess of a link.... People!

That Lunch Table Shrinks (Again)

Olympia Snowe (ME-R) one of the few remaining moderates in the Senate has announced her plans to retire:

Unfortunately, I do not realistically expect the partisanship of recent years in the Senate to change over the short term.... So at this stage of my tenure in public service, I have concluded that I am not prepared to commit myself to an additional six years in the Senate, which is what a fourth term would entail.

The Washington Post suggests that with an open seat election the Democrats will be favored to take the seat this November.

Midterm on Wednesday

As promised, here is a study guide for our Midterm Exam.

Richard Lugar, the Grandfather of the Indiana GOP, fights for reelection

Richard Lugar fights for reelection

This article about 7 time incumbent GOP representative out of Indiana, Richard Lugar fights for another election. It presses on the difficulty of not only winning the election but winning the primary as well. Lugar, long-time incumbent now know as a "Washingtonian" more than an Indiana Hoosier still has the ability to outfinance his competition but fights to prove that he still worries about the issues that press the constituents of Indiana, even though he's lived in Washington for so long. I think this brings up a lot of the issues we discussed in class, like how incumbents win a strong majority of the time, especially when the article states that Lugar hasn't been involved in a close race since 1972!

Santorum Makes Case for Religion in Public Sphere

Santorum who has been consistently been reaching out to the "religious right" as he tries to gain support and how this will be received by voters. Things have definatly gotten fiery between Santorum and Romney as both leading Republicans try and "challenge the depth of the other's conservatism".

Edited to make it pretty – mtofias.

"Road" Island Lampoon of Joe Biden

I'm not sure why V.P. Joe Biden saying goofy stuff would be very shocking at this point but this is an interesting attempt to associate Joe's general extracurricular goofiness with Sen. Whitehouse. Republican candidate Barry Hinckley's campaign posted this video Wednesday night, and though it is hard to tell, it appears Hinckley's people are trying to highlight a gaffe in a White House release that mentioned V.P. Biden's visit to "Road" Island. I decided to post this link because I'm not sure what this ad accomplishes? It is really kind of uncomfortable to watch.

re: Harry Reid, U.S. Senate Majority Leader

"Reid looks to stick around"

This article is about the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid; the 72-year-old Democratic Nevada Senator still has five years left on his current term, and plans to remain leader of Democrats in U.S. Senate even if the Democrats lose their majority. Most of Reid’s Democratic colleagues support him, and his leadership role. Republican colleagues, however see Reid as a “polarizing leader” who refuses to let the U.S. Senate do its job. This article shows the importance of the leadership roles in the U.S. Senate, and the control and power the majority enjoys.

Intra-party struggles

This isn't a topic we have directly talked about, but intra-party negotiations are part of coalitions and win sets. It is interesting to see that the GOP continues to have issues utilizing its majority in the House due to party infighting.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72978_Page2.html

Representative Vulnerability

Good Example of some of the inherent difficulties in running for congress and keeping the job. Massachusetts democrat and freshman rep. Bill Keating narrowly won his 2010 primary over an ex-state senator and squeaked out a victory over a republican. As if getting elected as a rookie wasn't hard enough, Keating was redistricted having to change his residency and gainined some new constituents. Now he is already facing opposition within his own party for another primary battle in 2012. Although Keating will technically have the incumbent advantage, winning another primary and election seems expensive. And with our governments short terms and frequent elections Keating has probably already started campaigning for 2012 since he was elected 2 years agohttp://atr.rollcall.com/massachusetts-bill-keating-dodges-serious-three-way-primary-in-new-district/.

Debate on an Issue

Surprise, surprise individuals in Congress are disagreeing with each other and some with President Obama. There are so many issues where not everyone is going to have the same preference. There will be individuals who are further away from the status quo and believe that their opinion is the right one and should be the status quo. Here they are debating over whether President Obama is “attempting to force contraception.” The two members who disagree with each other are Paul Ryan, Wisconsin and Chris Van Hollen, Maryland. Ryan says that it is not about the contraception but this will hurt and spread into our First Amendment rights. http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-live/2012/02/paul-ryan-chris-van-hollen-clash-over-obama-contraception-114947.html

Upsetting the apple cart?

Repeal the Voting Right Act

How many of the representatives that aren't from these states, are truly willing to risk upsetting the apple cart and vote on a limited scope issue and risk the wrath of minority groups and risk losing a re-election campaign?

In my opinion, none. This is an issue that if you get painted as a racist, there is little to no chance of re-election.

The public doesn't know the truth

An article about the simple fact that there are people who don't know the rules governing the senate. These rules make changes to a what is meets the criteria of win set when they are employed in this manner.

Here is an article about the Super PACs and the impact that it has had on political opponents. It highlights that the mudslinging can lead even the most honorable legislators to compromise in order to gain support, while incumbent positions can come under fire if not backed by the super PACs.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72922.html

Another Look at Citizens United

Looks like Congressional Dems are going to try to get the IRS to investigate PACs to make sure they are breaking the 51% barrier of spending in their budgets in areas other than political activity. My stance is that each viewpoint has its own funding so I do not see a problem with the money in politics but clearly Dems in Congress do.

Single-minded seekers of re-election

Can Congress Ever Restore Payroll Taxes to Their Usual Levels?

The fight to extend the payroll tax cuts has put some congressional Republicans in a tough spot. Republican's usually favor tax cuts, but many have expressed concern that extending the payroll tax cuts will only add to the federal deficit. However a vote against extending the payroll tax cut, which puts money back in the pockets of workers would be politically unwise. This is an example of representatives as single-minded seekers of re-election, here the congressional Democrats benefit.

Republicans’ Bid to Extend Tax Cut May Shift Blame to Democrats

Now that the holiday season is over, here we go again. U.S. House Republican leaders proposed to vote this week to extend a payroll-tax cut that may move blame back in the direction of Democrats if they don't go for it. This can about after Republicans dropped their demand for spending cuts to offset the lost tax revenue through renewing the cut. However, overall discussions on cutting spending continues to go on separate of the payroll tax cut proposal. A move will have to be made before February 29th when it expires.

UPDATE 4-Obama birth-control rule stokes election-year fight

House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner denounced President Barack Obama's new rule on contraceptives stating it was an attack on religious freedom and is vowing to overturn it. This seemed to only fuel the outcry from religious leaders in the Catholic Church and social conservatives over a requirement that they will be forced to provide health insurance plans that offer birth control to women. I wonder how much this issue might become part of reelection campaigns in Congress as well as for President.

Who is electable?

Why don't Americans elect scientists

I found this to be a very interesting article on who is considered electable and what makes an American politician. I found that combining the middle, often sound byte (technical spelling intentional) adverse, positions that scientists take on issues with the drive to the extreme of the current parties in the primaries held for most elections makes a scientist unelectable in most current political elections. A house election where there is a bi-annual need to prove one's loyalty to the party, is the opposite of what most sciencetists want to do.

Vulnerable Incumbent MoC

Hey, this ties in well with the article we read about the vulnerable american politician. The intro is a little confusing because it refers to the 2010 election and how people who did not lose their seats are still vulnerable, but then lists 5 republican house members, so that is a little strange. It is nonetheless interesting to see their reasons as to why each seat is vulnerable.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0212/72819.html

Trustees Vs Delegates, Wisconsin Edition

Following up on our discussion of the different role types available to representatives, here is an example of Wisconsin legislators choosing or perhaps more accurately being asked by their leaders to behave as trustees:

Republican lawmakers were told: "Public comments on this map may be different than what you hear in this room. Ignore the public comments."

However, the JSO reporting suggests that there seems to be a lack of clarity if the instructions were related to a de facto suggestion for role types or merely an indication of a media strategy.

First Nuclear Reactors in 30 years

U.S. Federal regulators approved the first two new power plants in 30 years to be built in Georgia. With this major shift in policy for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission I am wondering if there is any political positioning involved with the timing of this. Pres. Obama and many who have been elected to Congress over the past 3 election cycles have said that they agree with a balanced energy policy to move the U.S. from a fossil fuel based system, does this move provide some political cover for them going into November?

Three-state sweep by Santorum bolsters his case

Even though this doesn't regard a Congressional Race, I think its important to keep an eye on what's happening in the Presidential Race as it can effect the outcome of House and Senate races. Plus, with these three wins behind him, will Santorum be able to launch himself back into range of the top two spots. I find it all very interesting and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Retirement Funds

We've talked briefly about the importance of retirements in the process of incumbent exit from Congress. But we know it's really all about the Benjamins. So what happens to all of that campaign contribution dough that an outgoing incumbent has balled-up in a war chest? From Roll Call, we learn that While a retiring member of Congress is allowed to use the money for charity or save it for a potential future campaign, much of the money ends up with their co-partisan legislators and their parties' campaign committees.

Of course we'll be talking more about retirements and money in congressional campaigns later in the semester.

And We're Back!

Winter Break

Thanks for some top quality blogging this semester folks. Have a nice winter break. Hopefully, I will see some of you in POL SCI 421 in the Fall. I know some of you are already in POL SCI 387 this Spring.

Daisy: Updated

In an ad closely echoing President Johnson's 1964 "Daisy" ad, the American Values Network has updated the sentiments of the "Daisy" ad to warn against delaying ratification of a new arms treaty with Russia.

Republican power

This article continues the saga of the Tax cuts and discusses how Senate Republicans are working together to ensure that no bill gets passed unless the tax cuts are extended for all. It is very interesting to see these kind of tactics being used when such bills as money for 9-11 rescue workers is being sidelined in order to push a tax cut for the richest portions of Americans.

House Republicans Overhaul Work Calender

This is just a cool article dealing with what the GOP is going to change within the House, not just in its agenda but within the structure of the work hours of the House and other things like how long they will meet, how many days and when they will end their session. It will be much different then when the House was controlled by Democrats.

Wisconsin boy making it big?

Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party, is running for RNC Chairman. Given the success he had it makes sense. One wonders if the national party had taken his approach of embracing the Tea Party instead of running against them (I'm talking to you Delaware and Nevada) if the "wave" could have been bigger. Perhaps we will find out.

Tea Party Chair

Sarah Palin turned down the chance to be the leader of the Tea Party in the Republican National Committee. Now the attention has been turned to Saul Anuzis of Michigan.

Vicki Kennedy possibly making a run at it..

We've talked about how much it means to be a Kennedy in Massachusetts so it wouldnt surprise me if she made a run at Scott Browns seat. Even with all that power of the Kennedy name it would still be a tough task to beat Scott Brown.

Liberal Arts Essay

Professor Tofias posted information about this essay competition a couple weeks back. I wrote an essay for this competition at UWGB in the Spring of 2008 and it was one of three selected to compete statewide. Regardless whether your essay is selected and regardless whether you win any money, you should all write an essay expressing your viewpoints on a liberal arts education and submit it. A diversity of points of view is the foundation for the liberal arts. If we all had the same perspectives and beliefs, then education would be pretty simple.

Those of you deciding to write an essay should read some of the previous winners' essays for guidance. I'm also available for assistance. My commencement speech had a lot of material on the liberal arts (some from my essay) and was actually published here: http://liberaleducation.uwsa.edu/pdf/Schmidt-Ben_CommencementSpeech20090516.pdf by the same group organizing this essay competition.

Good luck!

Talks of Redistricting

We talked about re-districting a couple of weeks or so. Well, this article discusses Nevada that I stumbled upon doing research for my project. It discusses how Nevada is expected to gain a seat. Currently, Nevada has three congressional districts, but is expected to gain a seat in the next census. One is quite Democratic which you will see a very beautiful presentation on Monday, one is quite Republican, and one is moderate/lean Republican, or at least has shown some middle ground. The question is how to re-district Nevada because currently, the districts are about even in population and also competetive. Although they are worred the seat gain could blow that up.

Poll on Bush Tax Cuts

Since the Bush Tax Cuts are supposed to expire at the end of this year I thought it would be interesting to find some information dealing with public opinion on this issue. I found a poll on CNN that has a pretty cool article about the cuts and this poll taken by CNN/Opinion Research Group.

Republicans and democrats at it again

This article focuses on three issues, the tax cuts, government funding, and the republicans versus the democrats in the lame duck senate. Republicans threaten to vote against any bill brought forth by the democrats unless the tax cut issue and government funding issue are resolved. The democrats have offered to pass the tax cuts but only for those making 250,000 or less, the republicans say that's not enough. So neither side seems willing to compromise or work together.

Wolf Politics

This article is a brief glimpse at one of the endless issues that special interest groups can have a influence upon. According to the New York Times, legislation to remove the gray wolf from protection by the Endangered Species Act, or alternately to exempt only those located in Idaho in Wyoming, is currently under discussion. As the article states, "Either would set a terrible precedent, opening the door for special-interest groups to push other inconvenient species off the list. The bills would undercut one of the primary reasons for the act, which was to relieve Congress of the impossible task of legislating protections species by species and leave the final determination to scientists and wildlife management professionals."

Pajama Party: New to Congress, Many Members Plan to Sleep Over

It seems more members of Congress will be sleeping in their offices come January. I think you know of my long time fascination with living conditions endured by our most treasured of public servants.

See also

[1] A Departure from Animal House.

[2] Frat House For Jesus: The entity behind C Street.

[3] The Girls in the House.

[4] House Members Sleeping In The Office.

The Palins Ensure They Stay in the News

This article takes a brief look at Sarah Palin's continuing efforts to stay in the news. While Palin may not have established herself yet as a definite presidential candidate for 2012, her current cross-country book tour will be taking her to key states on the electoral map.

Lame-Duck Session Looking Longer

Democrats are scrambling to get things done during the lame-duck session, but worried about being stalled by republicans or even by the "lame-ducks" who have likely lost their motivation along with losing re-election. The title of this article makes it seem like the drawing out of the session is a big deal, but as I understand this, the usual "target date" to adjourn is rarely met.

Crazy Alaska

If Sarah Palin was not enough, now Alaska has more problems with the Republican Party. The Republican primary winner, John Miller, lost the election to Lisa Murkowski, who he beat in the primary due to ballot write ins. Now he is taking this to the courts over the matter of counting ballots with spelling errors.

Censure

Someone posted about Charlie Rangel earlier and how a ethics committee reccommended a censure for him. Well, I didn't exactly know what that meant. Maybe I should have from past classes and just didn't pay attention, which wouldn't be entirely too shocking. Well, here is a document explaining what exactly a censure is. It is basically a big public reprimand.

And the winner is?

When passengers on airlines have to now remove prostatic parts to prove they will not blow up airplans, but continue to allow women wearing their hijabs, we as a country have lost our way. Israel has screaning process correct, they profile. Seems to be working fine, but until we as a country make our representatives understand this enhanced searching or having your body scanned, 80 year old women and citizens with prostatic parts are the suspects, not the people that look the part.

Liberal Education

Your thoughts on your liberal education might be worth $2,000.

Sarah Palin's Alaska

I figured this would be relevant since Sarah Palin claimed that she could beat President Obama in 2012, and the candidate that she backed for the Alaskan Senate seat lost. It's pretty evident that Ms. Palin is using this show to advance her political career, at one point she talks about the fence she built as an example for what America could do to keep out illegal immigrants, and in another she elaborates on her political catchphrase about "mama grizzlies"

Miller Sues to Prevent Alaska Vote Certification

House members use lottery to choose offices

I thought this was pretty interesting that it is pure luck of whether or not you get a good office.

Mark McGwire tesifying to Congress

I know we talked about this in class so i posted it. Its a short video but everyone knows he lied to congress about taking steriods but eventually fesses up to it. Not a big deal because everyone knew he was on steriods plus now he for sure wont be in the Hall of Fame which he doesnt belong in anyways so that's a good thing.

Obama's electoral coalition

Follow up to my previous article about the Dems shrinking coalition, this time focusing on the President and the elctoral map. I was stunned at the results from the PPP(D) generic polling (we can argue about generic polling but I think it has some value). Especially him being down so much in New Hampshire, Nevada and other blueish states he should still be favorable in.

Call for Censure for Rangel

This blogging feature from the New York Times offers an interesting look at the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct in its proceedings today over the case of Representative Charles Rangel, who was earlier this week charged with committing numerous ethics violations.
The Committee eventually concluded that Rangel be subjected to a formal censure, which, if approved by the House, will entail the public rebuking of Rangel before his colleagues by the Speaker. As we continue to discuss their importance in class, this is an interesting glimpse of a committee in action and its power to influence and affect those who serve in Congress.

Pelosi wins

Pelosi has been elected to lead the democrats in the House as the minority leader. This article ties into some of the information discussed on Monday about house leadership.

Midwest Battle Gounds

I thought this was a good informative article. It highlights some key reasons why the Midwest voted so strongly in favor of the GOP in the recent midterms. Most notably it points to white blue collar workers with no college degree as the main demographic responsible for the unfortunate 2010 election results.

This, however, is not surprising. The hardest hit group by the economic downturn has indeed been this demographic. Milwaukee, for example, has recently jumped from the 8th poorest city in the U.S. to the 4th. It is understandable that the fear of job loss and poverty should arouse desires for a shift in leadership. Yet, in this case, making that shift meant voting against one’s own interests. If the blue collar workers of Wisconsin are struggling now, they will be even worse off if Republicans cut construction projects such as the rail, badger care, various government jobs, and many important social programs.

Dems shrinking coalition?

Great article that really disects the voting breakdown, particularily in suburban and swing areas

Rangel Is Found to Have Violated House Ethics Rules

Former Democratic Ways and Means Committee Chair Charlie Rangel (NY-15) has been found guilty of 11 ethics violations. I wonder if his awfully close election would have gone the other way had this ruling had come out a couple of months ago...

Redistricting Hype Blurs Reality

A good number of political scientists explaining gerrymandering.

McConnell Caves On Earmarks, Pledges To Vote For Moratorium

Jim DeMint, taking care of the GOP brand name.

History Suggests That This Year's Midterm Losers May Try Again

Losers not going away is sorta a sub-theme of the course, no? Also, I think at least one of you is doing a project on a 2010 loser.

More on the Unexperienced Freshman in Congress

Here is also a link to a cool interactive map that shows all the newcomers and what their previous jobs experience is.

Obama reelection

This article discusses the recent gain of Republican seats in Congress from the midterm election and what it could mean for Obama in 2012. The article specifically looks at the states Obama won in the 2008 election that voted Republican for the congressional election and what this could mean for Obama in 2012. Another factor that could effect Obama in 2012 is his currently low approval ratings.

Most Inexperienced Freshmen Elected to Congress Since 1948

This article talks about the impact that Washinton's newcomers might have. The article does make the point that history suggests that Washington is more likely to change them. I think it will be interesting to watch what these newbies do or don't do...and if they will stick to promised term limits or if Washington power will sway them.

Tea Party and the RNC already going at it

I think this is pretty interesting considering youd think the RNC would try and make Tea party members part of the party.

Fox News, Republican? NO WAY!

This had been mentioned in class on Wednesday, so I looked into it a little bit and here it is, straight from the democratic white house.

Tax Cuts for all

The tax cuts might be extended for everyone and that is including the wealthy portion of Americans. According to the article the administration wants to keep its promise to the middle class and is willing to reach an agreement on the tax cuts with republicans.

Despite Losses, Nancy Pelosi to Run for House Post

As we discussed in class this week, party leadership can contribute significantly to the shaping of both a political party's power and agenda in Congress. This New York Times article discusses Nancy Pelosi's recent decision to run in next week's party elections in an effort to remain the leader of House Democrats, and whether or not Pelosi's decision may ultimately have a negative impact on the 2012 elections.

2010 Election

Here is an interesting article by the Pew Research Group. They look at Religion a little bit more close and it shows some interesting numbers.

New Speaker of the House and President

Even though President Obama and John Boehner are from different parties, they seem to have a lot in common. Which reminds people when Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich were in their office positions together. ... Is this a good or bad thing?

The 2010 Census

Gays and the GOP

The gay lobby gave the GOP some gains with the mid term elections, as they feel the GOP will be more inturne to there issues.

2012 Senate Race

Although the elections just ended, those running in 2012 are just about to kick off their campaigns. This article is solely about the Senate, however those in the House will have to start getting ready for their campaigns as well, just like we discussed in class.

A Historic Shift

This interactive feature from the New York Times takes a look at the national trends and demographic groups that played a large role this year's election results.

2012

Its never too early too look to the next election cycle. For all the talk of Republicans trying to win the Senate this year, that was likely unrealistic because 18 of the seats up this year were Rupublican seats, and many of the Democratic seats up were pretty safe (Cal, Conn, Del, New York x2, Was, Ore, Haw, and Vermont. But the 2012 Senate elections are a different story. There are no fewer than 14 Democratic seats that, based on the current climate, that will be very vulnurable.

Welcome, Senate Conservatives

This Op-Ed is AWESOME, Jim DeMint isn't my favorite Senator but he nails it in this piece. He discusses a lot of the pressures that face newcomers to Congress and it touches on a lot of what we've discussed in class with regard to the institutional challenges that have to be overcome

Republican Game Plan for 2010

This New York Times article talks about the Republican's game plan for taking over the House and how they have been planning it since before President Obama's election. Does anyone else think that if the Democrats had called them out more strongly on their methods they would not have lost as many seats? Or were national tides too strong to go against?

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