Inside Elections

2012 Senate Ratings (March 3, 2011)

March 3, 2011 · 2:04 PM EST

Tim Pawlenty’s Michele Bachmann Problem

by Stuart Rothenberg March 2, 2011 · 12:05 PM EST

In a Republican presidential race that could include the likes of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) and Mississippi Gov. (and former Republican National Committee Chairman) Haley Barbour, Tim Pawlenty’s most troublesome potential opponent could well be a…

New York 26: Waiting for Hoffman

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 25, 2011 · 3:00 PM EST

If a shirtless photo of a married GOP congressman on Craig’s List didn’t keep Republican operatives up at night, the prospect of another special election in New York might do the trick.

Cong. Chris Lee abruptly resigned just hours after the story broke that he was sending provocative photos of…

California 36: Beachfront Property

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 25, 2011 · 2:59 PM EST

It only took a month of the 112th Congress for Jane Harman to decide she’d had enough.

Just a few weeks into her ninth term, the Democratic congresswoman announced she’d be resigning her seat in order to take a job at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, D.C.

Her exit leaves an open 36th…

New Mexico Senate: Open Seat Move to Tilt

February 25, 2011 · 2:58 PM EST

Sen. Jeff Bingaman’s retirement puts Democrats firmly on the defensive as the 2012 cycle is just beginning.

Democrats haven’t had to worry about his New Mexico Senate seat in almost two decades, but his exit creates an open seat headache for his party and an opportunity for Republicans.

2012 Senate Ratings (February 25, 2011)

February 25, 2011 · 2:57 PM EST

Personal Take on Brain Injuries and Senate Bids

by Stuart Rothenberg February 18, 2011 · 11:01 AM EST

While the buzz is still only a whisper, the idea that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D) might be well enough to run for Arizona’s open Senate seat next year is suddenly a hot topic.

Giffords’ “rapid recovery from the shooting creates at least the possibility that she could make the race, according to…

Change on the Horizon for House Democrats

by Stuart Rothenberg February 16, 2011 · 8:36 AM EST

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will celebrate her 71st birthday next month. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) will be 72 in June. And Assistant Leader James Clyburn (D-S.C.) turns 71 in July.

The young buck of the Democratic Party’s House leadership is Democratic Caucus…

Irish Immigrant Is Nexus of O’Malley’s DGA

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 15, 2011 · 8:23 AM EST

Colm O’Comartun grew up on another continent, but he’s stepping into one of Washington’s most important campaign positions.

The Irish-born O’Comartun couldn’t have known that one day he would be executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, but his love for policy and record of…

‘Mr. Hustle’ Takes Virginia Record to National Stage

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 14, 2011 · 10:20 AM EST

Phil Cox is the only left-winger in the country trying to get Republicans elected governor.

From the hockey rink to the campaign trail, Cox has never been the attention-getter. But after managing Republican Bob McDonnell’s gubernatorial victory in Virginia and now as the new executive director…