Regional Editor

Kevin Brennan

Regional Editor

Kevin Brennan is regional editor for National Journal Hotline. He previously freelanced for the Associated Press and AOL Politics Daily. Brennan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Kevin Brennan's Latest Posts

The Romney-fication of Gabriel Gomez

By Kevin Brennan

Why Ken Block's Candidacy Is Bad News For the R.I. GOP

By Kevin Brennan

Gabriel Gomez Launches His First General Election TV Ad in Mass. Special

By Kevin Brennan and Scott Bland

Local Democrats Breaking With Party To Endorse Chris Christie

By Kevin Brennan

Cory Booker Scores Contributions From Famous Athletes

By Kevin Brennan

Why Gabriel Gomez (Probably) Isn't Scott Brown

By Kevin Brennan

N.J.'s Christie Poised to Launch First T.V. Ad

By Sarah Mimms and Kevin Brennan

Corbett Badly Trails Democrats in New Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Options Complicate N.H. GOP's Ballot Calculus

By Kevin Brennan

DSCC Outraises NRSC Again in March

By Kevin Brennan

Poll: Markey Leads Lynch By 10 Points As Campaigns Set to Resume

By Kevin Brennan

Mass. Senate Candidates Put Campaigns on Hold After Marathon Explosions

By Kevin Brennan

Inquirer Poll Shows Casey With 7-Point Lead

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Robert Casey , D-Pa., has an apparent lead in his surprisingly tight reelection race, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer poll released Saturday. Casey outpaces GOP nominee Tom Smith , 49 percent to 42 percent, with 9 p...

Dueling Polls, Indiana Senate Edition

By Kevin Brennan

Dueling internal polls released Friday paint very different pictures of the Indiana Senate race in the wake of GOP nominee Richard Mourdock 's controversial comments on pregnancies caused by rape. Read More »

Mourdock Says Media, Donnelly Misinterpreted Him

By Kevin Brennan

Under fire from opponents and some allies for the comments he made about rape at a debate Tuesday night, Indiana GOP Senate nominee Richard Mourdock argued at a press conference Wednesday that the media and his Democratic oppon...

Senate Fundraising Winners and Losers

By Julie Sobel and Kevin Brennan

During the third quarter this year, Democratic Senate candidates won the fundraising battle overall, with several of its candidates (Warren, Kaine, Baldwin) posting exceptional totals down the home stretch. It's become a near-neces...

Marquette Poll: Thompson 46, Baldwin 45

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 3:00 p.m. Read More »

SENATE RACES

Sleepy Pennsylvania Senate Race Wakes Up

By Michael Catalini and Kevin Brennan

As Election Day gets closer, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania now has a race on his hands. Read More »

Two Polls Show a Tight Race in Pennsylvania

By Kevin Brennan

Once considered a safe bet for reelection, Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., now has a marginal edge over GOP nominee Tom Smith , according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday. Read More »

Casey Raises More Than $1.5 Million

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., announced Monday that his campaign raised more than $1.5 million during the third quarter. He finished September with a robust $5.2 million in the bank. Read More »

Okla. House Nominee to Deliver Weekly GOP Address

By Kevin Brennan

House Speaker John Boehner has tapped Markwayne Mullin , the Republican nominee in Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District, to deliver the GOP's weekly address Saturday. Read More »

Tom Smith Internal Shows Dead Heat in Pennsylvania

By Kevin Brennan

With speculation on the rise that Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., could have a tougher-than-expected challenge on his hands, his opponent, businessman Tom Smith , released a poll Thursday showing the two candidates in a dead heat. Read More »

Poll: Tied Race in Wisconsin Senate

By Kevin Brennan

With fewer than four weeks until Election Day, the Wisconsin Senate race is neck-and-neck, according to a new Quinnipiac University/ New York Times /CBS News poll released early Thursday. Read More »

Poll: Fla.'s Nelson Leads Mack By Double Digits

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., is a significant favorite to win re-election, according to a new NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist poll. While the presidential race in the state is a toss-up, Nelson maintains a double-digit advanta...

Mack Outraises Nelson in Florida

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Connie Mack , R-Fla., outraised Sen. Bill Nelson during the third quarter. Mack has trailed Nelson in fundraising throughout the campaign. Read More »

Baldwin Has Slight Edge Over Thompson in New Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Tammy Baldwin , D-Wis., has a slight advantage over former Gov. Tommy Thompson in the Wisconsin Senate race, according to a Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday. Thompson was considered the favorite in th...

Brown, Kaine, Nelson Lead in New Polls

By Julie Sobel and Kevin Brennan

New NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist polls show Democratic Senate candidates leading in the Ohio, Florida, and Virginia Senate races, though the Virginia contest is closer than the other two. Read More »

Poll: Bill Nelson Has Narrow Lead

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., has a narrow advantage in his fight for re-election, according to a Suffolk University/WSVN-TV poll released Tuesday. Read More »

DCCC Shuffles Fall TV Reservations

By Kevin Brennan

With just five weeks left before Election Day, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has shuffled its television ad reservations in several key states, according to a Democratic source tracking ad buys. The committee has ...

The End for NMPolitics.net

By Kevin Brennan

It's a sad day for political junkies in New Mexico: NMPolitics.net , one of the top outlets covering the political scene in the Land of Enchantment, is shutting down after more than 6 years. Read More »

Mass. Senate Poll: Warren Holds Slight Lead Over Brown

By Kevin Brennan

Elizabeth Warren has a narrow edge over Republican Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race, according to a new poll released Sunday. The Boston Globe poll is the latest in a string of surveys to come out since the...

Two Polls Show Nelson Leading Mack by Double Digits

By Kevin Brennan

Two new polls in the Florida Senate race show Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., leading GOP Rep. Connie Mack by double-digits, adding to the growing perception that Nelson is pulling away from his challenger. Read More »

Casey Holds More Narrow Lead in Pennsylvania

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., holds a narrow lead in his bid for a second term, according to a new Quinnipiac University/ New York Times /CBS News poll released Wednesday. Read More »

Poll: Baldwin, Thompson Locked in Tight Race

By Kevin Brennan

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson and Rep. Tammy Baldwin are in a dead heat in the Wisconsin Senate race, according to a new NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist poll released late Thursday. The survey is the latest indication that B...

DCCC Outraised NRCC in August

By Kevin Brennan and Scott Bland

Updated 7:54 p.m. Read More »

Two Polls Show Baldwin Momentum in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan

After former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson narrowly won the Republican primary last month, several independent polls showed him leading Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin in the state's Senate race. But two new polls released Wednes...

Baldwin Holds Slight Lead Over Thompson in Internal

By Kevin Brennan

Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin has a slight advantage over former Gov. Tommy Thompson in the Wisconsin Senate race, according to a new poll conducted for Baldwin's campaign. Read More »

Poll Shows Bill Nelson With Double-Digit Lead

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., holds a double-digit lead over GOP Rep. Connie Mack , according to a new NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist poll released Thursday. Read More »

Poll: Heinrich Leads Wilson in New Mexico

By Kevin Brennan

Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich holds a significant lead over former GOP Rep. Heather Wilson in the New Mexico Senate race, according to a new poll released Sunday by the Albuquerque Journal . Heinrich leads Wilson 49 percent...

DCCC Poll Shows West in Tight Race

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Allen West , R-Fla., is in a dead heat in his quest for re-election, according to a new poll released Thursday by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Read More »

Mourdock Tries Bipartisanship in New TV Ad

By Kevin Brennan

Heinrich's New Ad Paints Wilson as Washington Candidate

By Kevin Brennan

Correction: Heinrich led by 7 percentage points in an internal campaign poll released last week. A previous version of this story misstated his lead. Read More »

Akin Trips up Smith in Pennsylvania Senate Race

By Kevin Brennan

Missouri Rep. Todd Akin is still causing headaches for Republicans around the country. The latest example came today in Pennsylvania, where GOP Senate nominee Tom Smith seemed to compare having a child out of wedlock to rape. Read More »

Internal Poll: Heinrich Comfortably Ahead of Wilson

By Kevin Brennan

The internal survey shows Heinrich leading Wilson, 51 percent to 44 percent, in the race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeff Bingaman . In a memo announcing the results, Heinrich's polling firm, GBA Strategies, wrote that the ...

NRSC Outraises DSCC In July

By Kevin Brennan

While the NRSC has been forced to spend the last several days dealing with the fall-out from Rep. Todd Akin 's, R-Mo., controversial comments on rape, the committee ended the week on a positive note: announcing that it out-raised t...

Huckabee Defends Akin, Wants Him to Stay in Race

By Jordain Carney and Kevin Brennan

While an array of Republican leaders and conservative activists have called on GOP Rep. Todd Akin to withdraw from the Missouri Senate race, Mike Huckabee is rallying to the embattled congressman's defense. Read More »

Poll: Sherrod Brown, Mandel Neck-And-Neck

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, is locked in a neck-and-neck battle with Treasurer Josh Mandel in the Ohio Senate race, according to a new poll released Thursday by the University of Cincinnati. Read More »

Second Poll in Two Days Shows Thompson Up

By Kevin Brennan

A second poll in as many days shows former Gov. Tommy Thompson with a significant lead over Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin in the Wisconsin Senate race. A Quinnipiac University/CBS News/ New York Times poll released Thursday s...

Nelson Leads Mack, Hits 50% in New Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., holds a significant lead and has cracked the critical 50-percent threshold over Republican Rep. Connie Mack , according to a poll released Thursday by Quinnipiac University/CBS News/ New York Times . Read More »

Thompson Leads Wis. Senate Poll After Narrow Primary Win

By Kevin Brennan

Buoyed by his victory in last week's crowded Republican primary, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson enters the general election campaign as the favorite to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl , according to a Marquette L...

Rehberg Left Off Romney's "Ranchers" Email; Is on Coalition

By Kevin Brennan

2:55 p.m. update: Rehberg is, in fact, on the Romney campaign's Farmers and Ranchers Coalition, and was left off the email in error . Read More »

ELECTION

Thompson Wins Wisconsin Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Thompson Wins Wisconsin Senate Primary -- AP. With 82 percent of precincts reporting, former Gov. Tommy Thompson has 35 percent to businessman Eric Hovde's 30 percent, former Rep. Mark Neumann's 23 percent, and state A...

Tommy Thompson Wins Wisconsin Senate Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Updated, 11:43 p.m. Read More »

Esty Defeats Donovan in Connecticut's 5th District

By Kevin Brennan

Former state Rep. Elizabeth Esty won the Democratic primary in Connecticut's 5th District Tuesday, defeating state House Speaker Chris Donovan , the one-time favorite. Read More »

Connie Mack Easily Wins Florida Senate Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Connie Mack easily won the Republican primary in Florida's Senate race Tuesday, setting up a high profile match-up with Sen. Bill Nelson in one of the races that could determine control of the Senate. Read More »

John Gregg Hits Political Ads in First Political Ad

By Kevin Brennan

Previewing the Florida GOP Senate Primary

By Kevin Brennan

With Rep. Connie Mack poised to win the Republican primary in Florida Tuesday, a long, strange nominating process will come to a close. A relatively late entrant into the race, Mack faces little competition for the Senate nod afte...

Previewing the Wisconsin Senate Primary

By Kevin Brennan

The Wisconsin Senate race can't seem to escape from the shadows. First, the unsuccessful attempt to recall Gov. Scott Walker dominated the state's political landscape for the better part of a year. Then this weekend, just hours af...

Hirono, Lingle Advance to General Election in Hawaii

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Mazie Hirono won the Democratic nomination in Hawaii's Senate race Saturday, setting up a November match-up with former Gov. Linda Lingle , who coasted to the GOP nomination. Read More »

Late Money on Neumann

By Kevin Brennan

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson , businessman Eric Hovde and former Rep. Mark Neumann are locked in a tight, three-way race for the GOP nomination in Wisconsin, and no one in the Badger State seems to have a handle on whic...

Previewing the Hawaii Senate Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Republicans celebrated last year when former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle decided to run for Senate , giving the GOP -- in its eyes, at least -- a rare pick-up opportunity in one of the bluest of blue states. Republicans point to Lin...

Steve Bullock Releases First Ad in Montana

By Kevin Brennan

Marquette Poll: Thompson Leads GOP Field

By Kevin Brennan

With less than a week until the primary in the Wisconsin Senate race, former Gov. Tommy Thompson remains atop the GOP field, according to a poll released Wednesday by Marquette University Law School. Read More »

Hirono Poll: Hirono 50, Case 33

By Kevin Brennan

With just four days left before the Democratic primary in the Hawaii Senate race, Rep. Mazie Hirono 's campaign released a poll conducted last week that shows the congresswoman with a commanding lead over former Rep. Ed Case . Read More »

Hovde Campaign Accuses Thompson of "Illegal Coordination"

By Julie Sobel and Kevin Brennan

Nelson Shifts Quickly, Launches Mack Attack

By Kevin Brennan

Americans for Job Security Hits Hovde in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson has complained about the money being spent against him in the Wisconsin GOP Senate primary, but it appears he's getting some outside help. Americans for Job Security released a television ad today ...

Tommy Thompson, Forever Young

By Kevin Brennan

Tommy Thompson is 70 years old, but he's not slowing down, to hear the former governor tell it. With his age a potential vulnerability in his Wisconsin Senate bid, Thompson has emphasized his youthful vigor in nearly every profile...

Bill Nelson Launches First Television Ad

By Kevin Brennan

Crist Endorses Nelson

By Kevin Brennan

Charlie Crist , the former Republican governor of Florida, is supporting Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson 's reelection campaign. Read More »

POLITICS

With Dewhurst Loss, Perry Weakened Back Home

By Kevin Brennan

Rick Perry's help -- and that of several longtime Perry aides working for David Dewhurst -- proved insufficient to stem the tide of anti-establishment momentum enveloping Dewhurst's campaign. Read More »

Cruz Easily Defeats Dewhurst In Texas Senate Runoff

By Kevin Brennan

Previewing the Texas Senate Runoff

By Kevin Brennan

Texas Republicans head to the polls Tuesday to choose their nominee and, most likely, the state's next U.S. senator. Recent signs have pointed to momentum being on the side of former state Solicitor Gen. Ted Cruz , but Lt. Gov. ...

Dewhurst Holds Late, Modest Lead in Internal Poll

By Kevin Brennan

With less than two days until the runoff for the GOP nomination in the Texas Senate race, Lt. Gov David Dewhurst has a narrow lead over rival Ted Cruz , according to a Dewhurst campaign internal poll obtained by Hotline on Call . Read More »

LOBBYING

Gun Owners, NRA Members Back Some Restrictions

By Kevin Brennan

Neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney is eager to pick up a debate over gun control in the wake of last week's deadly rampage in Colorado. But even gun owners believe there's room for incremental steps to restrict some gun ownership. Read More »

Cruz Allies Ramp Up Spending

By Kevin Brennan

With just over a week left until Texas Republicans choose between former state Solicitor Gen. Ted Cruz and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a July 31 runoff, Cruz's allies are ramping up their ad spending in the Lone Star State. Read More »

Mason-Dixon Poll: Nelson 47, Mack 42

By Steven Shepard and Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., holds a slight lead over Republican Rep. Connie Mack , 47 percent to 42 percent, according to a new Mason-Dixon poll released Friday. Read More »

Nelson Raises $1.8 Million

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., posted another productive fundraising period, raising $1.8 million during the second quarter of the year. Nelson finished June with a whopping $11 million in the bank. Read More »

Dewhurst Leads Cruz by Eight in Own Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst has a lead in his runoff campaign against former state Solicitor General Ted Cruz , according to a poll obtained by Hotline on Call that was conducted last week for Dewhurst's Senate campaign. The ...

Cruz Internal Poll Shows Him Leading Texas Senate Runoff

By Kevin Brennan

Former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz has a 9-point lead over Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a recent internal poll of likely Republican Senate primary runoff voters, according to a source within the Cruz campaign. Read More »

Q Poll: Casey Up 17 in Pennsylvania

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Robert Casey , D-Pa., is a heavy favorite to win reelection, according to a Quinnipiac poll released on Wednesday. Casey leads Republican Tom Smith 49 percent to 32 percent, according to the poll. Seventeen percent of Keys...

Q Poll: Nelson and Mack Neck-and-Neck in Florida

By Kevin Brennan

A Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday morning shows Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla., and Republican Rep. Connie Mack running neck-and-neck . Nelson leads Mack 41 percent to 40 percent with 17 percent of voters undecided. Read More »

Previewing New York's House Primaries

By Kevin Brennan and Scott Bland

Tommy Thompson's Tea Party Toil

By Kevin Brennan

Former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson sits atop the polls in Wisconsin's Senate race, but he doesn't seem to be in any rush to get in the good graces of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell . Read More »

Hotline Sort: Mourdock's Miscues

By Kevin Brennan

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Mitt Romney releases new television advertisements in four swing states, Richard Mourdock cant control himself on YouTube, Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren finally agree on a fourth debate, and Presiden...

Q Poll: Nelson Holds Small Lead Over Mack

By Kevin Brennan

Thompson Leads in New Wisconsin Senate Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Two weeks after Republican Gov. Scott Walker beat back a historic recall challenge in Wisconsin, former Gov. Tommy Thompson is favored to win the state's Senate race, according to a poll released Wednesday by Marquette Univers...

The Thinking Behind Ted Cruz's New Broadcast Buy

By Kevin Brennan

Leppert Up With Multi-Million Dollar Ad Blitz

By Kevin Brennan

Former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert is launching a major television ad blitz in the month leading up to the May 29 Senate primary in an effort to catapult himself into a runoff for the GOP nomination. Leppert's campaign will spend cl...

Madison Capital Times Backs Barrett Over Falk

By Kevin Brennan

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has emerged as the favorite for the Democratic nomination in Wisconsin's gubernatorial recall, and it is looking less and less likely that former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk will be able to ...

Lugar Mailer Ties Mourdock to Obama

By Kevin Brennan

Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock 's campaign has made a habit of referring to Republican Sen. Richard Lugar as President Obama 's "favorite Republican" in television ads . But Lugar's campaign has launched an Obama-themed att...

Smith Wins Pennsylvania Senate GOP Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Businessman Tom Smith won the Republican nomination in Pennsylvania's Senate race Tuesday, emerging from a crowded but undistinguished GOP field after spending more than $5 million of his own money on his campaign. With 73 percent...

CAMPAIGN 2012

Pa. GOP Senate Race Shaping Up as Embarrassment for Corbett, Establishment

By Kevin Brennan

When Pennsylvania Republicans head to the polls on Tuesday, they will select a relatively anonymous nominee to take on Sen. Bob Casey . Three candidates -- businessmen Tom Smith and Steve Welch , along with former state Rep. Sa...

Leppert Steps Up Aggression in New TV Ad

By Kevin Brennan

Why Lugar is in Trouble in Indiana

By Kevin Brennan

If you're looking for insight into why many Indiana Republicans now privately concede that Republican Sen. Richard Lugar is probably going to fall to Treasurer Richard Mourdock in the May 8 GOP primary, pick up a copy of Wednesd...

LeMieux Raises $305,000

By Kevin Brennan

Former Sen. George LeMieux posted another underwhelming fundraising total, raising just $305,752 over the first three months of the year. He finished March with $1.2 million in the bank, his campaign announced Friday. Read More »

POLITICS

Mourdock Holds His Fire Against Lugar at Indiana Senate Debate

By Kevin Brennan

Facing the fight of his political life, Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar attempted to burnish his conservative credentials in the first and only Republican primary debate Wednesday night, touting his support for entitlement reforms, his...

Mack's First TV Ad Slams Nelson Over Spending

By Kevin Brennan

Dewhurst Raises $1.66 Million

By Kevin Brennan

Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst raised $1.66 million during the first quarter of the year, his campaign told Hotline on Call on Wednesday. Dewhurst's impressive haul should increase his already considerable financial advantage...

Falk Releases First TV Ad Of Wisconsin Recall Campaign

By Kevin Brennan

Dewhurst Camp Slams Cruz for Refusing to Back Cornyn for GOP Whip

By Kevin Brennan

When Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C., announced last week that he wouldn't run for whip next year, it gave Sen. John Cornyn , R-Texas, a clearer -- and potentially unopposed -- path to the No. 2 leadership post in the Senate's GOP hi...

Barrett Courting Liberal Support in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett 's entry into the recall campaign has the potential to split Wisconsin Democrats, but the Milwaukee mayor is already attempting to demonstrate his ability to appeal to all corners of the party. Read More »

Tester to Launch First Television Ad

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Jon Tester , D-Mont., will run the first television ads of his reelection campaign next week, going up on air before his expected opponent, GOP Rep. Denny Rehberg , in what promises to be one of the cycle's most competitive S...

Craig James's Curious Quotes

By Kevin Brennan

After retiring from the NFL, Texas Senate hopeful Craig James made a living analyzing professional and college football on television. His political punditry skills might need a little work, though. Read More »

The Spectre of Arlen Specter

By Kevin Brennan

Cruz Spending $222K on First TV Ad in Texas

By Sean Sullivan and Kevin Brennan

Carpet-bagging Charges May Not Sink Bob Kerrey's Campaign

By Kevin Brennan

New York City has been the defining issue of the first two weeks of former Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey 's Nebraska Senate campaign. After leaving the Senate, Kerrey and his family moved east, where he served as president of the New...

Bracketology, Texas Senate Style

By Kevin Brennan

March Madness is under way -- in college basketball and in the colorful Texas Senate race. Read More »

Dewhurst Ties Himself to Supporter of Health Care Mandate

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 6:31 p.m. Read More »

Balderas Touts Momentum From Convention Results

By Kevin Brennan

Rep. Martin Heinrich , D-N.M., edged out state Auditor Hector Balderas at the New Mexico Democratic Party's pre-primary convention on Saturday, but Balderas and his supporters touted the close finish as a victory for his underdog...

Berkley Gets Pushback on Limbaugh Petition

By Kevin Brennan

Rush Limbaugh's insult of a Georgetown law student has garnered reactions from all corners of the political world, but few candidates have latched onto the issue as much as Rep. Shelley Berkley , D-Nev. Sensing an opportunity to ...

Walker Establishing Legal Fund for John Doe Investigation

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 7:00 p.m. on 3/10 Read More »

Prominent Indiana Columnists Boosting Lugar

By Kevin Brennan

Sen. Richard Lugar , R-Ind., is probably hoping that reports of the death of the newspaper industry have been greatly exaggerated. That's because two of Indiana's most prominent political columnists boosted Lugar's reelection candi...

How 'Bout Them Cowboys!

By Kevin Brennan

Troy Aikman and Daryl "Moose" Johnston are used to being on the same team. The former quarterback and former fullback led the Dallas Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships in the early 1990s, and they have both worked as NFL ...

The Mystery Nominee in Ohio

By Kevin Brennan

While Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt 's surprise primary loss generated a great deal of shock on Capitol Hill this week, the Cincinnati Enquirer highlights an equally shocking revelation about the district's Democratic nominee: No...

Snowe Retirement Means One Less Talking Point for Hatch

By Kevin Brennan

Reacting to Sen. Olympia Snowe 's, R-Maine, decision not to seek reelection, Sen. Orrin Hatch , R-Utah, said his colleague "will be missed" in the Senate. But Snowe's retirement also means Hatch will be missing one of the argume...

Lingle: I'm The Next Olympia Snowe

By Kevin Brennan

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle released a statement Wednesday making an argument you won't hear from many GOP Senate candidates this cycle: Elect me, and I'll be the next Olympia Snowe ! Read More »

Rahm Being Rahm

By Kevin Brennan

Rahm Emanuel hasn't lost his fastball. Read More »

Timing of Emanuel Fundraiser for Barrett Stokes Gov. Race Speculation

By Kevin Brennan and Sean Sullivan

In the clearest sign to date that Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is considering jumping into the Democratic primary in Wisconsin's likely gubernatorial recall election, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is scheduled to headline a fundrai...

Grimm Caught in Political Firestorm

By Kevin Brennan

One might think a former FBI agent and U.S. Marine would be the last person to find himself in the midst of uncomfortable ethical reports. But that's the position Rep. Michael Grimm , R-N.Y. finds himself in. Read More »

Ted Cruz Begins to Feel the Heat from the Opposition

By Kevin Brennan

For the past year, former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz has been playing a lot of offense in the open seat Senate race: He consistently tried to make the case that Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is not sufficiently conservative and ...

Obama Facing Breaks From Base On Contraceptive Mandate

By Sean Sullivan and Kevin Brennan

Senators up for re-election often serve as an early-warning system for presidential candidates, having an on-ground instinct of their constituents' feelings on an issue. And based on yesterday's reactions from senators and Senate ca...

FEC Wrap: One Day Out

By Kevin Brennan, Julie Sobel and Scott Bland

Some fundraising news, just one day away from the Jan. 31 deadline: Read More »

GOP Field Against Bob Casey to Be Narrowed this Weekend

By Kevin Brennan

In the early stages of the Pennsylvania Senate race, the field of Republicans vying to challenge Democratic Sen. Bob Casey has been described as crowded and without any clear frontrunner. But that could change this weekend when th...

Dewhurst Maintains Big Lead in New Poll

By Kevin Brennan

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst is maintaining his huge lead in the Republican primary race to replace retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , according to a new poll conducted for the Dewhurst campaign. Read More »

W Is for Waffle

By Kevin Brennan

At a rally for embattled Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker this weekend, former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson , who is running in a three-way GOP Senate primary, heaped praise on the controversial governor while addressing the crowd of...

Mack Versus ... Joe Kennedy III?

By Kevin Brennan

Joseph P. Kennedy III 's decision to explore a run for retiring Rep. Barney Frank 's, D-Mass., seat has brought a flurry of attention from media outlets in Massachusetts and D.C. eager to document the rise -- or fall -- of the n...

Breaking Down the Potential Democratic Field in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan and Sean Sullivan

This week in Wisconsin, two things became clear. First, after activists submitted over one million petition signatures in the effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker -- far more than the requisite 540,000+ required to trigger an elec...

Craig James Set to File for Texas Senate Race, Fundraiser Says

By Kevin Brennan

It's official: ESPN analyst Craig James is running for Senate in Texas. Roy Bailey , a GOP fundraiser and friend of the former SMU football star, told the AP that James will officially file for the race on Monday. Read More »

Craig James Set to Enter Texas Senate Race

By Kevin Brennan

ESPN college football analyst Craig James will file to run as a Republican by Thursday's filing deadline in the race to replace retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , R-Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News . Read More »

Why Jeff Fitzgerald Can Win in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan

While former Rep. Mark Neumann , R-Wis., and former Gov. Tommy Thompson have received most of the attention in the Wisconsin GOP Senate race, a lesser-known, and potentially equally formidable candidate is trying to make a splash. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Dewhurst Launches First TV Ad

By Sean Sullivan and Kevin Brennan

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Dewhurst hits the airwaves in Texas with his first TV spot, Romney and Gingrich get good marks for their debate performances, Gregg launches his governor's campaign in Indiana and Chelsea Clinton wil...

Popping The Ted Cruz Bubble

By Kevin Brennan

If there is a Marco Rubio -esque candidate anywhere in the Republican fold this year, a fresh face who can represent a changing party with a renewed take on conservatism, it should be Ted Cruz . Read More »

Bryant Wins In Mississippi

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 10:24 p.m. Read More »

Previewing the Mississippi Governor's Race

By Kevin Brennan

When Mississippi voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect a new governor, they will participate in an election that is equal parts historic and uneventful. Read More »

Haridopolos Backing Mack in Florida

By Kevin Brennan

In a role reversal, Florida state Senate President Mike Haridopolos endorsed Rep. Connie Mack 's, R-Fla., Senate campaign Wednesday, just a few months after Mack endorsed Haridopolos for the same office. Read More »

Club For Growth Noticeably Absent From Roster of Mourdock Supporters

By Kevin Brennan

As George Will noted recently , the Senate race in Indiana appears to present this cycle's best opportunity for conservative activists to take down an incumbent Republican senator in a primary. While Sens. Orrin Hatch , R-Utah, ...

Q Poll: Strong Support for Repeal of SB 5 in Ohio

By Kevin Brennan

A majority of Ohio voters favor repealing a recent law that limits collective bargaining rights for public employees, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Tuesday . A referendum on the Republican-backed measure, k...

HOTLINE ON CALL

Jindal Wins Reelection in Louisiana

By Kevin Brennan

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal easily won reelection Saturday, amassing a sufficient majority to secure a second term without a runoff and solidifying his status as a rising star within the national Republican party Read More »

Jindal on Cruise Control as Saturday Election Approaches

By Kevin Brennan

When the election results are released Saturday night in the Louisiana's gubernatorial race, the question won't be whether Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal won reelection, but by how wide a margin. Read More »

The Tea Party's Surprise

By Kevin Brennan and Sean Sullivan

From our piece in this week's National Journal magazine: Read More »

NEED TO KNOW: POLITICS

Tea Party Fuels Surge of Minorities Into Office

By Kevin Brennan and Sean Sullivan

The conservative movement has helped elect blacks and Hispanics who faced resistance from the Republican establishment. Read More »

Cruz Sees Path To Victory Despite Dewhurst's Huge Spending Potential

By Kevin Brennan

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst 's Senate campaign released some eye-popping fundraising numbers on Tuesday for his first quarter in the race: Dewhurst took in $2.64 million over the last three months, and made a $2 million personal ...

Buchanan Closes Door on Senate Run

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 5:50 p.m. Read More »

POLITICS

Johnny DuPree, the Unorthodox Underdog in Mississippi

By Kevin Brennan

The South once stood as a political stronghold for Democrats. Governor's mansions and state legislatures across the region remained mostly blue for at least a century after the Civil War. But as Hotline Editor-In-Chief Reid Wilso...

The Axe Man Cometh

By Kevin Brennan

Indiana Treasurer Republican Richard Mourdock 's primary challenge of Sen. Richard Lugar , hasn't gotten off to the fastest start. He has struggled to raise money and failed to win the endorsement of some conservative groups li...

Texas Senate Race: A Strategy Primer

By Kevin Brennan

When Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst made his long-anticipated entry into the Texas Senate race in July, the contest for the Republican nomination snapped into focus. Dewhurst's presence, along with the departures of Michael Williams an...

DuPree Wins Democratic Nomination in Mississippi

By Kevin Brennan

Updated at 11:13 p.m. Read More »

Mississippi Gubernatorial Race: Democratic Runoff Tuesday

By Kevin Brennan

It's election day again Tuesday in Mississippi as the Democratic runoff pits Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree against businessman Bill Luckett three weeks after the primary -- and it's unclear who has the advantage. The winner wi...

Williams' Campaign Manager Leaving

By Kevin Brennan

Kentucky Republican gubernatorial nominee David Williams' campaign manager is resigning in the middle of the state Senate president's race against Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear . Read More »

King Gives Democrats Second Win; All Eyes on 8th District

By Kevin Brennan

Democratic challenger Jessica King narrowly defeated Republican state Sen. Randy Hopper Tuesday in the recall election in the state's 18th senate district, giving Democrats a second victory in their bid to take control of the st...

Republicans Win Three of Four Races in Wisconsin So Far

By Sean Sullivan and Kevin Brennan

Republicans have won three races so far in Wisconsin's historic recall elections Tuesday, while a Democrat has won in the 32nd District. Two races remain up in the air -- tight contests in the 18th and 8th Districts -- and Democrats...

Cowles Holds 2nd District Seat in Wisconsin

By Kevin Brennan

Republican state Sen. Robert Cowles defeated Democratic challenger Nancy Nusbaum Tuesday in the recall election in the state's 2nd Senate District, allowing Republicans to maintain control of one of six seats they are defending ...

POLITICS

Poll: Republicans Take Hit Following Debt Debate

By Kevin Brennan

In the wake of the prolonged debate over the federal debt limit, Americans have a less favorable opinion of the Republican Party, according to data from a new CNN/ORC International poll released Tuesday. Read More »

POLITICS

Voters Still Blame Bush For Economy, Poll Says

By Sean Sullivan and Kevin Brennan

Does the Democratic argument that George W. Bush 's policies are responsible for the nation's economic plight still have legs, more than two years after he left office? According to the latest CNN/ORC and ABC News/ Washington Post...

Leppert: Texas Senate Race's Wildcard

By Kevin Brennan

With Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst 's set to enter the race this week and former Texas Solicitor Ted Cruz securing yet another high profile conservative endorsement , a tough primary fight appears to be brewing in the Lone Sta...

LeMieux's Big Fundraising Quarter

By Kevin Brennan

Former Sen. George LeMieux (R) raised more than $950,000 for his Senate run in the second fundraising quarter, his campaign said Monday. With the impressive total, LeMieux outpaced his two main rivals for the GOP nomination. State...

POLITICS

Senate Fundraising Scorecard

By Kevin Brennan and Julie Sobel

Update: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated Heller's fundraising numbers . Read More »

McCalister Jumps Into Crowded Florida GOP Primary

By Kevin Brennan

Retired Army Colonel Mike McCalister officially announced his Senate candidacy Wednesday, entering a crowded field of Republicans seeking to challenge Sen. Bill Nelson , D-Fla. Read More »

Texas Senate Field Starting To Take Shape

By Kevin Brennan

With former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams dropping out of the race to replace retiring Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison , R-Texas, Tuesday, the Republican field in Texas' Senate contest is beginning to take shape. Read More »

POLITICS

Inslee Running For Governor In Washington

By Kevin Brennan and Josh Kraushaar

Rep. Jay Inslee , D-Wash., will announce next week that he will run for governor, a Democratic source confirmed to Hotline On Call . Read More »

What To Watch For In The Wisconsin Recall Elections

By Kevin Brennan and Sean Sullivan

As we head deeper into the summer, the pace of the campaigns we cover regularly on this blog will likely slow. But in one state, high-stakes races will only be heating up. Wisconsin's recall elections -- which feature primaries lik...