New Print Edition: Illinois 14 & Pennsylvania 7
September 8, 2009 · 9:00 AM EDT
The September 4, 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:
Illinois 14: Son of Speaker Man
By Nathan L. Gonzales
Republicans believe Cong. Bill Foster’s (D) election last year was a mistake, and even though Illinois’ 14th District sits in President Barack Obama’s backyard, GOP operatives believe their party has a great chance of taking back the seat.
Democrats seized the opportunity when Speaker Dennis Hastert (R) resigned his seat in Congress and Republicans were left with a damaged candidate after a bitter and divisive primary. Foster won the spring 2008 special election and cruised in the November general election, defeating Jim Oberweis both times.
This time around, Foster won’t face Oberweis, Illinois’ favorite son won’t be at the top of the ticket, and the congressman won’t likely have the political wind at his back. Republicans may still have a primary, but their hopes ride on the shoulders of young attorney Ethan Hastert, son of the former Speaker. Subscribers get the full story in the print edition of the newsletter.
Pennsylvania 7: Suburban Test Case
When Republicans lost Pennsylvania’s 7th District in 2006, many strategists didn’t think they’d have a chance of winning back the suburban Philadelphia district anytime soon.
But after only two terms, incumbent Cong. Joe Sestak (D) is vacating the seat to run for the U.S. Senate, and Republicans convinced former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan (R) to switch from the gubernatorial race to a U.S. House run, putting them in a very competitive position.
Meanwhile, Democrats are turning to Iraq war veteran and state Rep. Bryan Lentz (D), whom many party strategists thought would be a great candidate in 2006 before Sestak got into the race, to hold the seat in 2010.
Even though the district is becoming more Democratic, Lentz’s and Meehan’s profiles have the makings of a great race in which the national political environment could be a major factor. Subscribers get the full story in the print edition of the newsletter.