Archive

2008 Senate Ratings

July 27, 2007 · 12:04 AM EDT

Here are our latest Senate ratings. Note- We have moved to our pre-election categories. The chart represents the vulnerability of the seat, and not necessarily the incumbent.

*UPDATE 9/8/07: Change Nebraska to Open. Keep as Clear GOP Advantage for now.



Toss-Up (3 R, 0 D)
  • CO Open…

When a Candidate’s Bio Doesn’t Give the Full Picture

by Stuart Rothenberg July 26, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

I am not entirely sure when I first met Larry LaRocco. It may well have been on June 26, 1990, when my calendar tells me that I interviewed the one-time aide to former Sen. Frank Church (D-Idaho) during his first run for Congress.

Later that year, LaRocco won a seat in the House, and two years…

Candidates Often Avoid Party Labels

by Stuart Rothenberg July 24, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

With former colleagues being dragged off to jail, an unpopular president, the Iraq War and huge losses in the 2006 elections, it’s no wonder that Republican candidates are shying away from the GOP brand. But why are some Democratic candidates still apprehensive about placing the “D” behind their…

Looking for the ‘Other’ 30 Percent of American Voters at a Concert

by Stuart Rothenberg July 23, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

Wish I Didn’t Know Now” — Toby Keith song (1994)

While most people spent Saturday evening reading or watching television at home, chilling out at the movies or partying with friends, Athanasios Genos (yes, that’s his real name) was working.

Marine Cpl. Genos wasn’t dodging bullets on combat…

Do Endorsements Matter in Today’s Presidential Races?

by Stuart Rothenberg July 19, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

“Score another big name endorsement for Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign,” crowed CNN.com on July 5, the day the Clinton campaign announced that former House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt (Mo.) would serve as an economic adviser and co-chairman of the presidential hopeful’s…

There’s Still Plenty of Uncertainty After McCain’s Shake-up

by Stuart Rothenberg July 16, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

First there were four, and now there are three — three top-tier GOP presidential candidates, at least if you count a guy who still isn’t officially a candidate. Sen. John McCain now has the second tier all to himself.

The shake-up at the McCain presidential campaign isn’t as much an answer to…

New Print Edition: Oregon Senate & Wisconsin 8

July 13, 2007 · 3:19 PM EDT

The July 13, 2007 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…

Historical Perspective on Second-Quarter Fundraising Numbers

by Stuart Rothenberg July 12, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

I can’t understand why so many political observers, including those who do observing for a living, seem to ignore history, even recent history, as they offer quick analysis and assessments of presidential candidate fundraising numbers.

One political blogger recently cited Sen. Barack Obama’s…

New Print Edition: Georgia 8 & Ohio 1

July 6, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

The July 3, 2007 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…

Cranky Grass-Roots Democrats Send a Message to Capitol Hill

by Stuart Rothenberg July 5, 2007 · 12:05 AM EDT

Democratic insiders agree that their party rank and file’s reaction to the passage of the supplemental appropriations bill, which was signed by President Bush a few weeks ago and included money to fund the Iraq War for three more months, was one of anger and frustration.

Possibly more…