The following diaries are examples of this week's Election Diary Rescue. This post features a collection of
82 diaries.
(MT-Sen) Amanda Curtis D-MT Generating Excitement in MT Senate Race by ButteDem - Since her campaign began two weeks ago, Democrat Amanda Curtis' campaign for the US Senate in Montana has raised over $260,000 and has received many large endorsements already including all major Labor Unions, The Montana Sportsman Association, The Montana Conservation Voters, Montana Firefighters Association, and many more.
(NC-06) Let's flip a House seat this November: support Laura Fjeld for Congress (D; NC-06) by DocDawg - North Carolina's freshly-gerrymandered 6th Congressional district, running just below the Virginia border in NC's central Piedmont and Triad area was engineered by the Republican super-majority of the state legislature in 2013 as a 'safe' Republican haven. When the octogenarian incumbent announced his retirement, all hell broke loose. Democratic candidate Laura Fjeld has much to offer and is doing well.
(NY-StAssmbly-113) NY-AD-113 - Carrie Woerner's Assembly Campaign Gearing Up, Opening Two New Field Offices by Upstate Blue - Carrie Woerner is increasingly in a strong position to become the first Democratic Assembly person to represent the Upper Hudson Valley region of Upstate New York in nearly 150 years.
Friendly dkos Public Service Announcement by rexymeteorite - A reminder to make sure your voter registration is up to date if you want your vote to count.
This is the 35th weekly edition of Election Diary Rescue. It covers rescued down-ticket election diaries published from Sunday, August 31 through Saturday, September 6. We hope you enjoy the following gems dug up by our dedicated team of miners.
VOLUNTEER ALERT! As the election approaches we will be switching back to our traditional daily schedule for producing this blog. We will need a few good Kossacks to join the team.
Please e-mail us if you would like the opportunity to contribute to this legacy project. DKosEDR@gmail.com.
Diaries: (82)
Senate: (17) posts, (5) states
House: (7) posts, (5) states, (5) districts
State and more: (45)
General: (13)
EDR has compiled, described and linked
down ticket election related diaries since 2006.
EDR chronicles the passion, power and effectiveness of political engagement and shines a light on candidates and issues that might be otherwise missed. It gives quick access to races, hopefully inspires people to write about contests that interest them, and has become an archive for thousands of election related diaries over the years.
Archive links
Format and Tags
Diarists can help the EDR mining team by identifying the race in the diary title, for example: (FL-14) or (GA-Gov) or (NY-Sen). Using the "Elections" tag is also very helpful and keep in mind that your first sentence or two can be what you would like to see in the EDR description.
This edition of EDR was made possible by the following miners and editors: Alma, eeff, Joieau, Land of Enchantment, Patango, Pucklady, randallt, sylv, suejazz and turbonerd. Special thanks to Patriot Daily News Clearinghouse. Please welcome our two new crew members to the EDR team!
Senate - 16
(KS-Sen) Kansas GOP splits as dissidents back independent Orman for US Senate; Taylor drops out! by Keith Pickering - The dynamics of the Senate race in Kansas have completely changed. A group of about 70 (!) centrist Republican has announced its support for independent (and former Democrat) Greg Orman. In response, the Democrat, Chad Taylor, has dropped out.
(KS-Sen) Is Orman the “de facto” Democrat in Kansas Senate race? by silver spring - The Kansas senate race is unusually interesting this election and you can read about it here.
(KS-Sen) Breaking: Kris Kobach says Taylor Stays on ballot Update: Could (D)s Nominate a Hispanic Woman? by tmservo433 - Diarist has info on the Kansas Senate race with incumbent Pat Roberts (R) IND Greg Orman and Chad Taylor (D) who is trying to get his name removed from the ballot.
(KS-Sen) Game Change: Kansas! Sam Wang Model Gives Dems 90% Chance Of Holding Senate by pollwatcher - Diarist has some poll numbers on the Kansas Senate race between incumbent Pat Roberts (R) , Greg Orman (I) and Chad Taylor (D).
(KS-Sen) Go ahead and celebrate! Greg Orman is a fine choice for Kansas Dems! by bluebarnstormer - Diarist is pleased that Democrat Chad Taylor has dropped out of the Senate race, as it strengthens Independent Greg Orman's bid. Because it's important that incumbent Pat Roberts be replaced with someone sane.
(KS-Sen) Don't Celebrate Yet - Why an Orman Win in Kansas is No Gain for Progressives by Rose City Rose - A look at why Independent Senate candidate Greg Orman's win is nothing for progressives to celebrate despite his willingness to caucus with Democrats.
(KS-Sen) A Closer Look At Some Kansas Senate Numbers by pollwatcher - Before the new poll numbers come out, diarist digs around in the numbers we've already got to see if they generate some good predictions.
(KS-Sen) Pat Roberts (R-KS) strange, feisty Debate performance in Hutchinson (Video) by tmservo433 - Pat Roberts put on a feisty and attack-prone case in the Senate debate that may not last long enough to get him elected.
(KY-Sen) Alison Lundergan Grimes should make the Kentucky Senate race a referendum on Obamacare and Kynect by Jed Lewison - Diarist has info on the Kentucky Senate race between incumbent Mitch McConnell (R) & Alison Lundergan Grimes.
(KY-Sen) KY-Sen: Grimes (D) Channels McConnell's (R) 1984 Missed Votes Message In New Attack Ad by poopdogcomedy - Diarist links the latest ad and the old McConnell ads.
(KY-Sen) New ad hits McConnell for abandoning his old Kentucky home by Joan McCarter. The Senate Majority PAC is investing resources to support Alison Lundergan Grimes's challenge to incumbent Sen. Mitch McConnell, the current Republican Senate Minority Leader. They've released a low-key but powerful ad highlighting McConnell's votes supporting the outsourcing of jobs over a gentle musical score of Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" (the state song.)
(ME-Sen) Susan Collins: the 7th worst Democrat in the House by RLMiller - Senator Susan Collins(R) of Maine is very weak on climate issues unlike her Democratic opponent Shenna Bellows. The diarist, a founder of Climate Hawks Vote gives a thorough analysis of Collins' dismal record and makes the case that Bellows will be a leader on climate issues if she is elected.
(MT-Sen) Amanda Curtis D-MT Generating Excitement in MT Senate Race by ButteDem - Since her campaign began two weeks ago, Democrat Amanda Curtis' campaign for the US Senate in Montana has raised over $260,000 and has received many large endorsements already including all major Labor Unions, The Montana Sportsman Association, The Montana Conservation Voters, Montana Firefighters Association, and many more.
(NC-Sen) Tillis mansplains his way through North Carolina Senate debate by Laura Clawson - Republican Senate nominee Thom Tillis has had his problems with women. He didn't do himself any favors on that front in his first debate with Democratic incumbent Senator Kay Hagan either.
(NH-Sen) NH Senate GOP Primary: Scott Brown's path is choppier than it seems by DougTuttle - A detailed analysis of the Sept. 9 Republican primary for the Massachussets New Hampshire Senate seat.
(Senate-Gen) New York Times model predicts GOP have a 66% chance of controlling Senate - Make your own forecast by HoundDog - The NYT makes all of their assumptions and inputs available to us to change and invites us to make own assumptions and offers a special award to whomever makes the best prediction.
House - 7
(CA-17) Ro Khanna has a Big Money problem #CA17 by Glen The Plumber - Most of those watching Ro Khanna's efforts to unseat the popular Dem Congressman Mike Honda are not shocked to learn Republican challenger Ro Khanna is number 2 in the country with "Fat Cat" donors. Here's details.
(NC-06) Let's flip a House seat this November: support Laura Fjeld for Congress (D; NC-06) by DocDawg - North Carolina's freshly-gerrymandered 6th Congressional district, running just below the Virginia border in NC's central Piedmont and Triad area was engineered by the Republican super-majority of the state legislature in 2013 as a 'safe' Republican haven. When the octogenarian incumbent announced his retirement, all hell broke loose. Democratic candidate Laura Fjeld has much to offer and is doing well.
(NH-01) Political insiders don't understand who Carol Shea-Porter is by DownstateDemocrat - Political insiders are writing off the re-election chances of Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, the Democratic Congresswoman from the 1st Congressional District of New Hampshire, because she doesn't suck up to the Democratic establishment, the corporate media, special interests, or...you guessed it, political insiders.
(NY-21) NY-21 - Activists Crash Elise Stefanik's Party (with video) by Upstate Blue - Citizen activists from Saratoga MoveOn greeted D.C. political operative and Republican candidate Elise Stefanik at her fundraiser with Ari Fleischer at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs. Fun ensued.
(WI-06) A Plea to Markos Moulitsas aka Kos by Edgeworth - Diarist is trying to get help for Mark L. Harris (D) in his run for the Open US House seat in Wisconsin's 6th district against Glenn Grothman (R).
(WI-06) The Deafening Silence of the Honorable Tom Petri by Edgeworth - An article in the Wisconsin State Journal revealed what could be a game changer in the effort to stop the ascension of State Senator Glenn Grothman (R) to the halls of Congress. No shiny endorsement here.
(Var) StephenCLE's Baseline House Ratings - Central Plains & Rocky Mountains by StephenCLE - In an ongoing series, the diarist discusses the electoral situation in House races in the Central Plains and Rocky Mountains. Unlike the other regions, he thinks there is good potential for both sides to gain seats here, and he thinks you will see quite a few seats change hands on election night. As of now, he has IA-3, NE-2, and CO-6 changing from red to blue, and UT-4 and AZ-2 going from blue to red. The result is that the democrats gain a net of 1 seat in the Central Plains/Rocky Mountains mashup, and are now at a net of +2 seats nationally.
State, local and more - 45
(AL-StHouse93) Heating Up in Southeast Alabam' by Karen Hedwig Backman - It's getting hot in the 93rd House District of Alabama. Incumbent Steve Clouse (R) has been oblighted to take unfamiliar positions on health care and education because of the challenge from Dr. Jennifer S. Marsden (D).
(AZ-Gov) Both Sides Do It! Arizona Governor Edition by Hi Jolly - Arizona Republic columnist condemns both sides of the Arizona gubernatorial ticket for raising college tuition in the state by shashing state funding.
(CA-Gov) CA: The One Gubernatorial Debate Was Last Night. Did You Watch? by gravlax - Thursday night saw what is likely to be the only gubernatorial debate between Republican Neel Kashkari and Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in California. Highlights and a link to the entire debate.
(CA-Local) Oakland Mayoral Race - Is Joe Tuman Really Moderate? Or Liberal? Plus Other Information by pipsorcle - Everything you want to know about the candidacy of Joe Tuman for Mayor of Oakland.
(CO-StSen19) Rachel Zenzinger deserves to return to Colorado State Senate by wade norris - Interview with Rachel Zenzinger touts her bi-partisan achievements at the Capitol.
(FL-Gov) Charlie Crist and Rick Scott tied in Florida governor's race, says latest poll by HoundDog - Incumbent governor and Voldemort stunt double Rick Scott and Democrat Charlie Crist are tied in a poll released by Gravis Marketing released on Friday.
(FL-Gov) Rick Scott Leads Charlie Crist 43% to 41% In Latest Mason-Dixon Poll by saintpetersblog - Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Mason-Dixon pollsters cautioned the results are not adjusted for possible turnout spikes and weighted to show current Florida registration. We'll see how well that works out for Scott.
(GA-Gov) Gov Nathan Deal(R) Hosts GOP Rally: Female Journalist Arrested & Male Journalist Left Alone by TeamSarah4Choice. In-depth coverage of the Georgia GOP rally, hosted by Gov. Nathan Deal, where citizen journalist Nydia Tisdale was harassed and arrested.
(Gen-SecSt) Stop the Republican War on Voting: Daily Kos endorses three more Democrats for secretary of state by Michael Langenmayr - Diarist has info on several candidates running for Secretary of State in several States.
(Gov-Var) Daily Kos Elections Power Rankings: The Governors (Back to School Edition) by Steve Singiser - The late August edition of rankings of the top ten governor's races based on competitiveness, pollworthiness and newsworthiness. With an explanation of how these criteria were arrived at.
(IL-Gov) IL GOP gov candidate's 7 vehicles by Molly Weasley - Billionaire Bruce Rauner, who is trying to buy his way into the Illinois governor's mansion, has had a bad week. He was caught wanting to get rid of the minimum wage. He had to admit that he belongs to a $100,000 wine club. So he cut an ad saying he'd drive a 20-year old van to work.
(IL-Gov) Rauner brags about his 'trashcan van' to distract from the minimum wage and $100,000 wine clubs by Laura Clawson - Bruce Rauner, the super-wealthy Republican nominee for Illinois governor who once clarified that he was in the top .01 percent, has been trying to emphasize his 'ordinary guy' status. It's not working.
(KS-Gov) Sam Brownback (R-KS) Discusses Obama's Weather Machine and Chickens in strange new ad by tmservo433 - Incumbent Gov. Sam Brownback (R-Crazytown) takes on the Prairie Chicken and slams President Obama's nonexistent weather control machine.
(KS-SecSt) Every (D) SHOULD support Jean Schodorf, (D-KS) for Sec of State.. Immediately by tmservo433 - The ills of Republican incumbent Kris Kobach - from voter registration roll shenanigans to his policy of Dual Track Voting have not moved national Democrats to get interested in the Secretary of State race. But recent polls show Democrat Jjean Schodorf DEAD EVEN with him.
(KS-Gov/Sen) Paul Davis (D), Sam Brownback (R) KS Debate for Governor (Video) by tmservo433 - Rundown and video links to the Kansas gubernatorial debate, plus link to full commentary.
(MA-Gov) Massachusetts Candidates on Helath Care: A Quick Primer by teddywolf - The diarist discusses the healthcare positions of all the candidates running for Governor of Massachusetts in the primary on September 9th. He believes that Don Berwick is head and shoulders above the other candidates on this issue.
(MA-Gov) Top Ten Reasons Don Berwick Should Be Governor of Massachusetts come 2015 by teddywolf - Primary's coming up, diarist lists ten reasons why Don Berwick should be the Democratic nominee and future governor.
(MI-Gov) MI Gov. Snyder's Labor Day Walk with Robot by DingellDem - Republican Governor Rick Snyder did the annual Labor Day Mackinac Bridge walk with a robot. How fitting.
(NY-Gov) Zephyr Teachout and the politics of positive speech by cinepost - The diarist believes that Zephyr Teachout, running against Andrew Cuomo for Governor of NY in the Democratic primary on September 9th, may not be able to overcome her late entry into the race. But he/she believes that "a vote for Zephyr Teachout is not a 'wasted vote.' It is a vote in support of politicians who inspire us to be our better selves. It is a vote in support of political rhetoric that is inclusive and that says our institutions can be a powerful force for change if corruption can be weeded out".
(NY-Gov) Time to "Go Big or Go Home" for Teachout-Wu by jbob - Diarist shares links and info on the Teachout-Wu campaigns’ run against Andrew Cuomo in the primary election.
(NY-Gov) Zephyr Teachout & Tim Wu File Suit Against NYS Democratic Committee, Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul by jbob - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout and running mate Tim Wu announced the filing of a lawsuit in state Supreme Court charging, among other things, that the state Democratic Committee has been illegally funding the re-election campaign of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kathy Hochul.
(NY-Gov) Why this former Special Counsel to the Moreland Commission supports Zephyr Teachout by janosnation - As an investigator of public corruption in New York state politics, diarist gives good reasons to support Teachout in the upcoming primary over incumbent Dem Andrew Cuomo.
(NY-Gov) NY Daily News Cites DKOS Diary In Story About Hillary Robocalls For Cuomo "Ticket" by Phoebe Loosinhouse - Daily News story and link to mention of DKos diary.
(NY-Gov) Video: Cuomo bodyman Percoco stands between Teachout and Cuomo by Darth Stateworker - At the Labor Day parade, Democratic challenger to Andrew Cuomo Zephyr Teachout tried to get to the Governor to shake his hand. What occurs is hilarity as Cuomo enforcer/thug Joe Percoco awkwardly moves repeatedly to keep himself between Teachout and Cuomo. See it here.
(NY-Gov) NY Gov Race - Whither the Working Families Party? by pragmatic social dem - The New York Gubernatorial primary is right around the corner, and it looks to be a very interesting contest. Diarist offers a look at how the endorsements have shaken out.
(NY-Gov) What Elizabeth Warren and Zephyr Teachout have in common by cinepost - Elizabeth Warren's ability to see to the heart of complex issues is fascinating. Diarist sees similarities with Zephyr Teachout's abilities.
(NY-Gov) Why Gov. Cuomo is scared of Tim Wu by Elm City Tree - Diarist is getting a lot of robocalls as the primary draws near, looks at why incumbent Governor Andrew Cuomo seems so concerned about Tim Wu.
(NY-Gov) Gov 1% Snubs Teachout At the Labor Day Parade/Lawsuit challenging Dem Party Thrown out. by Tool - Challengers for the Democratic nomination for Gov/Lt. Gov Zephyr Teachout and Tim Wu tried to sue the New York Democratic Party and Cuomo's campaign, but it was tossed because the law it was based on has been struck down. According to Cuomo, anyway. They may try again on the day before the primary.
(NY-Gov) SEIU/1199 all out for Cuomo/Hochul. Yah. by mightymouse - Why is a union - supposedly a bastion of liberalism - supporting a corrupt, republican-enabling governor? It's about access to power.
(NY-Gov) What Hillary Is Telling New York Voters About Hochul by Phoebe Loosinhouse - Hillary Clinton is doing robocalls on Cuomo and Hochul's behalf in New York. Here's context and content of those calls, which raises some puzzling questions.
(NY-Gov) Breaking: A New Zephyr Teachout/Tim Wu Endorsement by mole333. Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) is from the left end of the spectrum. Their New York City chapter has announced their endorsements for this primary cycle. Front-and-center is support for Zephyr Teachout's challenge against faux-Democrat turncoat Andrew Cuomo for Governor, in addition to other races. The diarist profiles several Teachout and four others of ADA's endorsed candidates.
(NY-LtGov) NY Post Says Cuomo Might Kick Woman Off the Women's Equality Ticket and put Tim Wu in a Booth by rexxnyc - Right wing rag analyzes what Cuomo might do if Tim Wu wins the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor over Cuomo's choice Kathy Hochul.
(NY-StAssembly-113) NY-AD-113 - Carrie Woerner's Assembly Campaign Gearing Up, Opening Two New Field Offices by Upstate Blue - Carrie Woerner is increasingly in a strong position to become the first Democratic Assembly person to represent the Upper Hudson Valley region of Upstate New York in nearly 150 years.
(NY-StSen49) NY-SD-49 - Veteran GOP State Senator Promoted Legislation Helping Loan Sharks Exploit Borrowers by Upstate Blue - Over his last term in office, veteran State Senator Hugh Farley (R - Schenectady County), the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, has repeatedly been criticized by watchdog groups and activists for authoring legislation aimed at making it easier for predatory loan check cashers to issue loans to low-income borrowers, after receiving about $15,000 in contributions from the industry. Two progressive Democrats are running in the primary on September 9th and whoever wins will be a strong opponent to Farley in November.
(NY-Gen) NY State Democratic Primary Sept. 9th--Major Endorsement Rundown by mole333 - Diarist lists major endorsements for various candidates across the state.
(RI-Gov) Why my friend Clay Pell, D-RI, should become the nation's youngest governor by Ben Wikler - Democrat Clay Pell's campaign for governor is about the kinds of ideas that have always propelled him: common-sense progressive ideas that will change lives.
(RI-Gov) Three Progressive Democrats Contend for RI Governor's Seat in Sept 9 Primary by kmareka - This election season the Governor's race has been tough for progressive Democrats, with the top five candidates spending over $10 million total. There are, however, three progressives in the race on the Democratic side, here's some info on them.
(RI-Gov) Why my friend Clay Pell, D-RI, should become the nation's youngest governor by Ben Wikler. The diarist has known the candidate for over a decade, offering a profile from personal experience.
(TX-Gov) Greg Abbott's 'Debate and Switch' by TexasLeftist. Greg Abbott, current Lt. Gov. of Texas is reneging on plans for a debate with Democratic candidate Wendy Davis, planned since last spring. When there was embarassing blowback, he proposed a replacement event designed to get significantly less attention. The process of Texas turning blue is underway, even if there still is a ways to go.
(TX-Gov) Must read: How Greg Abbott shut down drive to register low-income voters in Houston by nomandates - Yet another scandal is unfolding this weekend regarding Texas attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott (R). Link to help Wendy Davis (D) inside the diary.
(TX-Gov) Gov. Perry, The Eyes of Twitter Are Upon You! by BetteNoir - Apparently Texas Governor Rick Perry was enjoying a little gubernatorial downtime this Labor Day weekend when a terrible thing happened on Twitter...
(TX-Gov) Wendy Davis' Memoir by lorell - Diarist offers a preview of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis' memoir, Forgetting to Be Afraid.
(TX-Gov) Wendy Davis: "Changed. Forever Changed." by nomandates - Another look at the San Antonio Express-News' preview of Wendy Davis' memoir.
(TX-StHouse133) Texas Leftist Candidate Q&A by LauraNicol - Diarist as candidate offers her answers to questions asked by Texas Leftist in a recent interview.
(TX-Gen) Good Morning, Texas! Political News with a Texas Accent by Libby Shaw - Roundup of Texas political news and blogs covering state politics.
General - 13
The Science Of GOTV, It's Not Your Father's GOTV. by pollwatcher. In which the diarist reviews approaches to motivating sporadic voters to turn out in the midterm.
'Stuck in the past' on women? Play offense, say GOP strategists by Dante Atkins - The Republican Party's version of going on offense to combat their dragging poll numbers among women and on women's issues is to ignore women's top economic issues, blame the poor, and hope they can agree to disagree on aspects of reproductive justice without paying an electoral price for the extreme tactics the conservative movement has used across the country.
Democratic Party to use Ferguson protest to mobilize black voters in 2014 (and beyond..) by Seattle Socialist - The diarist quotes an article in the NY Times which states, "With their Senate majority imperiled, Democrats are trying to mobilize African-Americans outraged by the shooting in Ferguson, Mo., to help them retain control of at least one chamber of Congress for President Obama’s final two years in office."
Senator Gillibrand's Labor Day barbeque by debtov - Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has held a Labor Day barbecue every year since she was elected to the House in 2006. The diarist attended this years event and pens an interesting account of the Senator talking about current politics and issues, and answering questions from her longtime supporters.
How OFA could win the House by Frank Palmer - How OFA could really help with dem. turnout this election.
What are you doing to win right now? We need all hands on deck! by mole333 - Diarist shows how one person can make a big impact on local races.
Texas Voter ID Law Heads To Trial In U.S. Court by Ole Texan - Upcoming trial in Federal court will see Republicans claiming the Texas voter ID is necessary to protect the integrity of elections and the US Dept. of Justice claiming they disenfranchise minorities and lower income people.
Latest battle in three-year fight over Texas voter ID law gets underway by Meteor Blades - A test of the Department of Justice's new approach to fighting what it views as discriminatory voting laws began in a federal district court in Corpus Christi, Texas, Tuesday. The case is expected to last about two weeks.
GOTV VI: Sandra Fluke Motivates Millennials by ShoshannaD - Diarist has a video of Sandra Fluke talking about getting out the vote.
Stephen Colbert's Midterm Round Up: "Hello, ladies" by Michael Langenmayr - Diarist offers clips of Colbert's masterful takedown of the GOP's woman-problem.
Friendly dkos Public Service Announcement by rexymeteorite - A reminder to make sure your voter registration is up to date if you want your vote to count.
A Love Letter from the Ohio Secretary of State by cynnymynn - Must be voting season, as Ohio SoS Jon Husted reminds people. Pretty nervy for a guy that has tried everything in his power to keep citizens from voting.
Want a private meeting with Ted Cruz? Write a check. by Joan McCarter. If you've got the means to donate in the six-figure range, like Republican donor Andrew Sabin, who brags that you can garner significant perks - like office holders (Ted Cruz, Rick Scott) making house calls to come see you.