Governor News & Analysis

GOP’s Brand In More Trouble Than Its Candidates

by Stuart Rothenberg December 15, 2015 · 10:03 AM EST

“Political brands are important,” I wrote more than a year and a half ago in a lede that was much less interesting than the entire column. Now, though, I am wondering whether political party brands are so different from soap brands or over-the-counter medicine brands, which loyal consumers…

What Does It Take To Crack the Inner Circle of Political Consultants?

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 10, 2015 · 10:12 AM EST

Democrat John Bel Edwards’ “prostitutes over patriots” ad will be remembered as one of the most-hard hitting television spots in campaign history. But did it catch the attention of national Democratic strategists?

Political consulting is a competitive sport with millions of dollars at stake. There is plenty of jockeying…

Outsider Bevin Hires Insider Chief of Staff

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 14, 2015 · 9:35 AM EST

Maybe Republican Matt Bevin isn’t going to burn down Frankfort after all.

The Kentucky Republican rocked the GOP establishment by challenging Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in last year’s primary and irked some party strategists this year by running his gubernatorial campaign strictly on his own terms.

But the…

Is Vitter on the Verge of Losing Everything?

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 11, 2015 · 10:23 AM EST

Louisiana isn’t anywhere close to belonging on a list of swing states, yet Republican David Vitter is at risk of losing not only his gubernatorial race this month, but also his Senate seat next year.

The Pelican State’s senior senator has struggled to unify the Republican vote after finishing…

What Does Bevin’s Victory in Kentucky Mean for Vitter’s Chances?

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 4, 2015 · 7:07 PM EST

Matt Bevin’s victory in the Kentucky governor’s race is yet another sobering reminder that polling is a risky business. And for some Republicans, Kentucky could be a glimmer of hope for GOP Sen. David Vitter’s gubernatorial bid in Louisiana.

Bevin’s victory wasn’t the political shockwave on par with Eric…

Vitter’s Primary Performance Prompts Rating Change in Louisiana

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 27, 2015 · 10:30 AM EDT

Louisiana has transitioned to a Republican state, but GOP Sen. David Vitter will test the political gravity of the Pelican State in next month’s gubernatorial runoff.

Vitter was regarded as the front-runner to replace presidential candidate/current Gov. Bobby Jindal for much of the cycle, but the senator’s consistently poor performance…

Report Shorts (October 16, 2015)

October 16, 2015 · 2:57 PM EDT

California’s 21st District. Democratic accountant Connie Perez entered the race against GOP Rep. David Valadao in the Central Valley district. But, unfortunately for Democrats, history may be repeating itself. 

Valadao represents a Democratic district (President Barack Obama received 55 percent in 2012), but the congressman has proven to be a…

Hassan’s Decision Changes Outlook in Two New Hampshire Races

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 5, 2015 · 12:02 PM EDT

After months of speculation, Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan announced her bid to challenge GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire, setting up what should be one of the most competitive senate races in the country. 

Hassan’s decision is yet another victory for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which continues…

Report Shorts (October 1, 2015)

October 1, 2015 · 3:57 PM EDT

Arizona’s 2nd District. Democrats are targeting GOP Rep. Martha McSally after she knocked off Democratic Rep. Ron Barber in a close race last year. Republicans recently released a handful of automated polls which showed McSally and some of her vulnerable colleagues start the general election in decent shape for…

Does Voter Anger Explain the Success of Presidential Outsiders?

by Stuart Rothenberg September 29, 2015 · 10:58 AM EDT

Those of us who report on and analyze politics for a living have been talking ad nauseam about voters’ frustration and anger.

It’s the hot topic that presumably explains Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Bernard Sanders, as well as the problems that political veterans such as Hillary Rodham Clinton…