Hotline On Call Editor

Julie Sobel

Julie Sobel has covered politics for National Journal Hotline since July 2010. She received a bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a master's in journalism from New York University.

Julie Sobel's Latest Posts

Iowa Dem Recruit Reconsidering Latham Challenge?

By Julie Sobel

Poll: Iowans Like Branstad's Job Performance, But Not a Sixth Term

By Julie Sobel

New Poll Shows Snyder and Schauer Tied in Michigan

By Julie Sobel

Nebraska Senate Draft Movement Shows Heineman's Clout

By Julie Sobel

Kinder, Steelman Join Field Vying To Replace Emerson

By Julie Sobel

DesJarlais Gets First Official Primary Opponent

By Julie Sobel

Brown Jabs at Markey on Hub Radio

By Julie Sobel

S.C. House Special Election Dates Set

By Julie Sobel

The Year's Best Campaigns

By Scott Bland, Julie Sobel and Kevin Brennan

Dems Clearing Field for Markey

By Julie Sobel

Markey to Run in Massachusetts Special Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

POLITICS

Inouye's Open Senate Seat Goes to Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz

By Julie Sobel

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced at a press conference Wednesday that he had appointed Democratic Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Daniel Inouye . Read More »

Hawaii Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz Appointed to Senate

By Julie Sobel

Gabbard Joins Hunt for Hawaii Senate Appointment

By Julie Sobel

Kerry Nomination Will Trigger Massachusetts Senate Special

By Julie Sobel

Update: The Six Unresolved House Races

By Julie Sobel

Now that Rep. Mary Bono Mack , R-Calif., has conceded, there are six uncalled House races remaining. Here's where things stand in California, Arizona, North Carolina, and Florida. Read More »

Hotline Sort: No More Mack Attacks

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Bono Mack concedes, West doesn't, Florida goes to Obama, and "The Simpsons" takes on Rove. Read More »

Update: Washington's Gubernatorial Race

By Julie Sobel

The only governor's race that hasn't been called yet is Washington's gubernatorial contest: 74.5 percent of precincts are now reporting, and former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee is holding his lead over GOP Attorney General Rob McK...

Steve King not Ruling Out 2014 Senate Bid

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Steve King , R-Iowa, won't close the door to challenging Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin in 2014. Read More »

Hotline Sort: The Not-So-Mighty Quinn

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . McAuliffe gets in the Virginia governor's race, Cory Booker's mulling over challenging Chris Christie, Obama gets teary talking to campaign staff, and Charles Darwin gets some support. Read More »

George P. Bush Files to Run for Office

By Julie Sobel

Who's ready for another Bush to run for office? Read More »

Inside the 7 Unresolved House Races

By Julie Sobel and Scott Bland

The election is over -- but not in a few House districts. First of all, GOP Reps. Charles Boustany and Jeff Landry have a December runoff coming up in Louisiana's 3rd District, after neither won a majority on Tuesday. But a han...

Flake's Lead Over Carmona Likely to Narrow

By Julie Sobel

GOP Rep. Jeff Flake 's win over Democratic former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona was one of just two Republican victories in close Senate races, along with GOP Sen. Dean Heller 's win in Nevada. But with reports that over...

Libertarian Plays Spoiler Against Rehberg

By Julie Sobel

Spoiler alert. Read More »

Berkley's Spooky Nemesis in Nevada Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Meet David Vanderbeek , the candidate 5 percent of Nevadans voted for in the hotly contested Senate contest: He's got some thoughts on "secret dark works," "secret elite societies," and, of course, "Franklin Sex Scandal-style devi...

Hotline Sort: Warner, Daley Consider Gubernatorial Bids

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . A few more election results trickled in Thursday, Inslee leads Washington's gubernatorial contest but it's still too close to call, Warner says he'll decide on a Virginia gubernatorial bid by Thanksg...

Hotline Sort: All Over But The Crying

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . President Obama wins a second term, Democrats hold their Senate majority and Republicans keep the House majority, Warren defeats Brown, and a number of races have yet to be called. Read More »

Round-up: Non-competitive Senate Races

By Julie Sobel

Results are as of 5 a.m.: Read More »

Matheson Hangs On, Defeats Mia Love

By Julie Sobel

Republican Mia Love conceded to Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson in Utah's 4th District. Matheson's narrow win comes as a surprise after recent polls showed Love with an advantage heading into the election. With 100 percent of prec...

Elizabeth Warren Defeats Scott Brown

By Julie Sobel

Democrat Elizabeth Warren defeated GOP Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race, after an expensive and close battle. NBC and CBS called the race, among the most closely-watched in the nation, shortly before 9:45 p.m. Read More »

Warren Ultimately Bests Brown

By Julie Sobel

It was always going to be a larger-than-life battle. The Massachusetts Senate race—the most watched Senate contest of the cycle—pitted incumbent Scott Brown, the first major tea party victor of 2010, against liberal superstar El...

Hotline Sort: The Long and Winding Road

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . It's Election Day! Plus, Bloomberg's PAC spends more hitting Webster, altered polling results in Utah's 4th District, and Dixville Notch is a tie. Read More »

Newspaper Endorsement Roundup: Week 5

By Julie Sobel

Just a day away from Election Day, here's out final batch of newspaper endorsements for Senate and gubernatorial candidates. If you missed them, you check out our first installment here , our second installment here , our third i...

Weekend Polls Round-up

By Julie Sobel

Here's a quick round-up after a poll-packed weekend: Read More »

Hotline Sort: The Final Countdown

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Romney cuts an ad for Rehberg, Berkley lends her campaign money, McMahon door-hangers say vote for Obama, and Kirk gives his first post-stroke interview. Read More »

Poll: Kaine Leads Allen By 3 in Virginia Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Tim Kaine has a 3-point lead over Republican George Allen just days away from the election in a new NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist poll. Read More »

Obama Cuts Ad for Chris Murphy

By Julie Sobel

President Obama cut a television ad for Rep. Chris Murphy , D-Conn. -- the first ad he has filmed for a Democratic Senate nominee this year. Read More »

Not That We're Counting...

By Julie Sobel

But 100 hours until the first polls close! And yes, we've taken the end of Daylight Savings into account. Read More »

Scott Brown: John Kerry Fan

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., really supports making Sen. John Kerry , D-Mass., secretary of state. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Casey's Final Pitch

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . New House Race Rankings, Mourdock trails badly in a new poll, a survey shows Love beating Matheson by double digits, and Biden talks love in the voting line. Read More »

Salt Lake Tribune Poll: Love 52, Matheson 40

By Julie Sobel

Republican Mia Love has opened up a wide lead over Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson in Utah's 4th District in a new independent poll released Friday. Read More »

Spence Running Gubernatorial Campaign His Own Way

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 8:20 p.m. Read More »

Akin Brings Up Rape, Abortion in Latest TV Ad

By Julie Sobel

In Missouri's Senate race, Claire McCaskill is no longer the only one on the air with an ad focused on Todd Akin , rape, and abortion. Read More »

MT's Hill Won't Contest Money Ruling

By Julie Sobel

A Montana district judge ruled on Wednesday that GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Hill cannot spend a contested $500,000 contribution from the state GOP -- and the Hill campaign doesn't plan to appeal the ruling at this point, the ...

Akin Receives Cash Infusion for Late Ad Blitz

By Julie Sobel

GOP Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin and the state party are making a joint ad buy in the neighborhood of $700,000 for the closing days of the race -- a huge buy compared to the congressman's previous small October buys. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Closing Time

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Romney cuts an ad for Flake, Hagel is endorsing Kerrey, Hassan edges Lamontagne in a poll, and a congressional candidate talks about "the rape thing." Read More »

Democratic Ads Target Republicans on Stem Cell Research

By Julie Sobel

As we reported this morning , Majority PAC is dropping over $7 million on an ad campaign in 7 Senate races. While most of the ads are pretty standard attacks on the GOP candidates, one spot stands out: The ad targeting George All...

Halloween Ad Roundup

By Julie Sobel

Happy Halloween! Here at The Hotline , we're celebrating by rounding up the political Halloween ads from the past week -- from the creepy to the silly: Read More »

LCV Going Up in Wisconsin Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

The League of Conservation is entering the Wisconsin Senate race for the final week prior to the election with a $1 million ad buy in support of Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin . Read More »

Berg Edges Heitkamp in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

GOP Rep. Rick Berg has a slight, 2 point edge on Democratic opponent Heidi Heitkamp in a new poll of the tight North Dakota Senate race -- a big difference from a Forum Communications Co. poll conducted in mid-October and s...

Hotline Sort: Rubio Helping Out Rivera

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Romney cuts an ad for Rehberg, Brown won't reschedule the final debate with Warren, tough new DSCC ad in Arizona, and Mack's campaign predicts their exact margin of victory. Read More »

Q Poll: Kaine Leads, But Race Narrows

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 9:58 a.m. Read More »

Polls Show Two Swing-State Dems Leading

By Kevin Brennan and Julie Sobel

New Quinnipiac/ New York Times /CBS News polls in the Ohio and Florida Senate races show Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown and Bill Nelson leading their GOP opponents by comfortable margins. Read More »

Poll: Warren Leads Brown by 7

By Julie Sobel

After a Boston Globe poll showed a tied Massachusetts Senate race Monday, a Suffolk University/WHDH-TV poll released Tuesday shows Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren leading Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., by 7 points. Read More »

Newspaper Endorsement Roundup: Week 4

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 11:50 a.m. Read More »

Court Decision Puts Hill Campaign at Standstill in Montana

By Julie Sobel

Montana GOP gubernatorial nominee Rick Hill 's campaign says they've cancelled ads, polls, and a tour of the state during the final week of the election after a judge ordered the campaign to cease using a contested $500,000 donati...

Hotline Sort: Christie, In The Spotlight

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Christie praises Obama's storm response, Donnelly ad hits Mourdock on the rape comment, Clinton campaigns for Heitkamp, and the Oregon ballot initiative to legalize marijuana is struggling. Read More »

Final Massachusetts Senate Debate Rained Out

By Julie Sobel

It appears that the final Massachusetts Senate debate is off, courtesy of Hurricane Sandy. Read More »

McCaskill's Mother Passes Away

By Julie Sobel

Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill 's mother, Betty Anne McCaskill , passed away Monday, just over a week prior to the election. Read More »

American Crossroads Going Up in Nebraska

By Julie Sobel

American Crossroads is going on the air in Nebraska for the final week of the Senate campaign, according to a source tracking media buys. It's a signal that Republicans are concerned about state Sen. Deb Fischer 's prospects in th...

Massachusetts Senate Race Dead Heat in Globe Poll

By Julie Sobel

The Massachusetts Senate race is a dead heat in a new Boston Globe poll , with both candidates getting 47 percent support -- a shift from many recent polls which have showed Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren with an edge ove...

Hotline Sort: Calm Before the Storm

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . McCaskill hits Akin on the rape comments again in a new spot, Casey and Smith meet for their one debate, Clinton campaigns for Chris Murphy, and House Majority PAC goes back into DesJarlais's district. Read More »

Ohio Senate Poll: Brown 51, Mandel 47

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, leads GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel by just 4 points in the new Ohio Newspaper Organization poll -- a smaller lead than other recent independent polling has showed. Read More »

Poll: Kaine Leads Allen in Va. Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Democratic nominee Tim Kaine holds a 7-point lead over GOP opponent George Allen in Virginia's Senate race going into the final week of the election, according to a new Washington Post poll released on Sunday. Read More »

Second Woman Claims Affair With DesJarlais

By Julie Sobel

A second woman has come forward saying she had an affair with Rep. Scott DesJarlais , R-Tenn., while he was her doctor, the Chattanooga Times Free-Press reports . Read More »

House Majority PAC Launches New Attack on King

By Julie Sobel

House Majority PAC is going back up in Iowa's 4th District with a new ad buy -- their fourth spot to run in the district -- which will air in Des Moines through Election Day. Read More »

Heitkamp Internal Poll Shows Her Up Four

By Julie Sobel

North Dakota Democratic Senate nominee Heidi Heitkamp leads GOP Rep. Rick Berg by 4 points in the state's tight Senate race, according to a new internal poll conducted for her campaign. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Carmona's Two Republican Friends

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Our latest Governors Race Ranking are out, new Carmona ad uses footage of McCain and Kyl, a poll shows Duckworth leading Walsh by 10 points, and find out what your sports preferences say about your p...

Poll: Heller Has Slight Edge in Nevada Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

GOP Sen. Dean Heller holds a slight lead over Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley in a NBC News/ Wall Street Journal /Marist poll released Thursday. Read More »

DSCC Ad Highlights Mourdock's Rape Comments

By Julie Sobel

Now or Never PAC Launching $1 Million Arizona Buy

By Julie Sobel

Now or Never PAC is jumping into Arizona's tight Senate race with a $1 million ad buy starting tomorrow. Their commercial is a brutal spot that invokes GOP Rep. Jeff Flake 's hard-hitting attack ad going after Richard Carmona a ...

McMahon Clones Her Opponent in New TV Ad

By Julie Sobel

Must be nice to have an essentially bottomless campaign warchest in the closing weeks of the election. Read More »

Moran's Son Resignation Came Day After Dad Sent AG Letter

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Jim Moran 's son Patrick resigned from his dad's reelection campaign after activist James O'Keefe released an undercover video showing Patrick giving advice to someone on committing voter fraud. Read More »

Hotline Sort: McCain Keeps Distance From Mourdock

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . McCain wants Mourdock to apologize, the DCCC borrows $17 million, Sheldon Adelson donates $1.5 million to support George Allen, and Rubén Hinojosa forgets which amendment is second. Read More »

Judge Orders Rick Hill to Stop Spending $500,000 From State GOP

By Julie Sobel

A Montana district judge has temporarily ordered GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Hill to cease spending a $500,000 donation from the state Republican Party. The Missoulian : Read More »

Bill Owens Endorses Matt Doheny

By Julie Sobel

What's in a name? Read More »

9/11 Attacks Front and Center in Wisconsin Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Suddenly, the 9/11 attacks are the focus of one of the nation's closest Senate races. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Mourdock's Muff

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 9:18 a.m. Read More »

Majority PAC's First Pennsylvania Ad

By Julie Sobel

Tuesday afternoon, we reported that Majority PAC was going on the air in Pennsylvania's Senate race. Here's the ad, which hits GOP businessman Tom Smith on education issues and calling him "tea party Tom Smith:" Read More »

Martin O'Malley's Brotherly Love

By Julie Sobel

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and his brother don't see eye to eye on everything. Like same-sex mariage. And the state's Senate race. Read More »

Poll: Murphy Takes Lead in Conn. Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy has a 6-point lead over GOP opponent Linda McMahon in a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday morning, closely mirroring the results of an internal poll the Democratic Senatorial Campaig...

Poll: Warren Holds Apparent Lead Over Brown

By Julie Sobel

Elizabeth Warren hits the 50-percent mark and leads Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., by 6 points in a new poll released Wednesday morning. Read More »

Mourdock: When Rape Leads to Pregnancy, God Intended It

By Julie Sobel

After an Indiana Senate debate, Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly 's campaign pounced on comments GOP Treasurer Richard Mourdock made about pregnancy resulting from rape being something "God intended to happen." Read More »

Majority PAC Going Up in Pennsylvania

By Julie Sobel

Majority PAC is going on the air in Pennsylvania for the first time, signaling that Democrats are concerned about Sen. Bob Casey 's reelection bid. Read More »

DSCC Poll: Murphy Leads McMahon By 6 in Connecticut

By Julie Sobel

An internal poll conducted for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee shows Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy leading Republican nominee Linda McMahon by 6 points in the Connecticut Senate race, a contest that has tightened th...

Hotline Sort: Allen Ties Kaine to Obama

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama and Romney debate foreign policy, Allen ties Kaine to Obama in a new ad, Donnelly has a 2 point lead in an internal poll, and Reid calls himself a "one-man wrecking crew." Read More »

Donnelly Internal Poll Shows Dead Heat in Indiana

By Julie Sobel

An internal poll released by Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly 's campaign shows him in a dead heat with GOP Treasurer Richard Mourdock in the Indiana Senate race. Read More »

Newspaper Endorsement Roundup: Week 3

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 6:05 p.m. Read More »

Debates That Could Matter

By Julie Sobel

While most attention focuses on the presidential debates, across the country Senate and House candidates have been facing off as well. Most of the debates fail to significantly -- or even minimally -- impact the races. But a few de...

Kaine Edges Allen in Democratic Poll

By Julie Sobel

A new Virginia Senate poll conducted for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee shows Democratic nominee Tim Kaine leading Republican opponent George Allen by 4 points. Read More »

Poll: Insleee, McKenna Tied in Washington

By Julie Sobel

GOP Attorney General Rob McKenna and former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee are tied in Washington's gubernatorial contest in a new poll from Strategies 360, a Democratic-leaning consulting firm that has conducted independent polls ...

Mack Touts Praise From Reporter He Often Attacks

By Julie Sobel

Perhaps Connie Mack 's Florida Senate campaign is ready to bury the hatchet with Tampa Bay Times politics writer Adam Smith ? Read More »

Memorable Senate Debate Moments of 2012

By Julie Sobel

President Obama and Mitt Romney will face off in their third and final debate tonight. To celebrate, we present some of our favorite moments from the Senate race debates over the past month or so (check out our favorite House d...

Memorable House Debate Moments of 2012

By Julie Sobel and Scott Bland

Tonight, President Obama and Mitt Romney will debate for the third and final time. To celebrate, we present some of our favorite moments from the many House race debates over the past month or so: Read More »

Heitkamp Has Slight Edge in Internal Poll

By Julie Sobel

Days after a poll showed Rep. Rick Berg , R-N.D., with a 10-point lead in North Dakota's Senate race, Democratic candidate Heidi Heitkamp 's campaign will release an internal poll showing her with a slight edge. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Dog Days

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama and Romney debate foreign policy tonight, Casey leads by 8 in a new poll, Akin makes another controversial comment, and George McGovern passed away this weekend. Read More »

Todd Akin: McCaskill 'Like One Of Those Dogs'

By Julie Sobel

Embattled Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin stepped into it again. Read More »

Romney Cuts Ad For Mourdock

By Julie Sobel

Mitt Romney makes an appearance in a new television ad for Richard Mourdock , the South Bend Tribune reports . Read More »

Berg Leads Heitkamp in New N.D. Poll

By Julie Sobel

After months of polls showing a dead heat in North Dakota's Senate race, a new survey conducted for Forum Communications Co. shows GOP Rep. Rick Berg breaking out with a 10-point lead. Read More »

DSCC Outraises NRSC in September

By Julie Sobel

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee outraised the National Republican Senatorial Committee in September and finished the quarter with close to $4 million more in the bank. Read More »

House Majority PAC Goes After DesJarlais

By Julie Sobel

Casey Internal Poll Shows 13-Point Lead

By Julie Sobel

After two live caller polls showed a much tighter Pennsylvania Senate race earlier this week, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey released an internal poll Friday showing him with a 13-point lead over GOP opponent Tom Smith . Read More »

McMahon Contribution to Campaign: $27 Million

By Julie Sobel

If Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., is feeling bad for himself given his opponent Tom Smith 's $17 million in self-funding, perhaps he can look to Connecticut's Senate contest to feel a little better: Turns out Smith's contribution to his...

Hotline Sort: Rendell Rips Casey

By Julie Sobel and Steven Shepard

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . The Club for Growth makes its first foray into the ad war in Ohio's Senate race, Warren and Scott Brown have tough new ads out, Obama and Romney show off their lighter sides, and Rendell blasts Casey...

Poll: Baldwin Holds Slight Lead in Wisconsin

By Julie Sobel

Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin edges former Gov. Tommy Thompson in a new poll of Wisconsin's Senate race, holding a 4-point lead over the Republican. Read More »

Jesse Jackson, Jr. Speaks Out

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. , D-Ill, has been out of the public eye for months as he receives treatment for bipolar disorder. But Monday, The Daily found him outside of his Washington home, smoking a cigar, and spoke to the lawmaker --...

Hotline Sort: Going Dutchmen

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama and Romney meet for their second debate tonight, guest stars appear in new campaign ads, a new poll shows New Hampshire's gubernatorial race tied, and McGovern has moved into hospice care. Read More »

Monday Afternoon Fundraising Roundup

By Julie Sobel

With the third quarter fundraising deadline upon us, here are some last minute Senate fundraising numbers released by the campaigns this afternoon: Read More »

Newspaper Endorsement Roundup: Week Two

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 5:42 p.m. Read More »

LCV Targets Flake in First Arizona Senate Ad

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 3:51 p.m. Read More »

Thompson Trails Baldwin in Fundraising

By Julie Sobel

Former GOP Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson announced raising $3.6 million during the third quarter in his Senate bid, a substantial number but one that falls short of Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin 's nearly $4.6 million haul. Read More »

Schweitzer Talks 2014, 2016

By Julie Sobel

The Associated Press heads out to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer 's ranch to check in with him, and the popular Democrat maintains that he isn't interested in a Senate run or a House bid. The AP : Read More »

King More Than Doubles Summers Fundraising Haul

By Julie Sobel

Independent former Gov. Angus King raised $1.1 million during the third quarter, more than doubling the haul of his nearest competitor. Read More »

Warren Raises $12.1 Million, Brown Nearly $7.5 Million

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 10:01 a.m. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Batter Up

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . New fundraising numbers from Senate races, the DCCC outraises the NRCC in September, Arlen Specter passes away, and Brad Sherman isn't that worried about the debate video. Read More »

Thompson's Son: Send Obama Back to Kenya

By Julie Sobel

Not exactly on message: BuzzFeed reports that Jason Thompson , son of Wisconsin GOP Senate nominee Tommy Thompson , said while speaking at a brunch that "we have the opportunity to send President Obama back to Chicago -- or K...

Democratic Poll Shows Hassan With Apparent Lead

By Julie Sobel

In New Hampshire's gubernatorial race, Democrat Maggie Hassan leads Republican Ovide Lamontagne by 6 points in a Democratic internal poll released early Monday. Read More »

Friday Afternoon Fundraising Roundup

By Julie Sobel

With the deadline to report third quarter fundraising numbers just a few days away, here are a few new Friday afternoon numbers: Read More »

House Majority PAC Making New Buys in Seven Districts

By Julie Sobel

Responding to increased spending by Republican outside groups (Crossroads GPS this morning announced an $8.1 million spending blitz across 11 House districts), the Democratic-aligned House Majority PAC is making new buys in a slew ...

Bachmann Posts Huge Fundraising Haul

By Julie Sobel

Guess her many panicked emails paid off. Read More »

No Debate in Michigan's Senate Race?

By Julie Sobel

Yesterday, we wrote that the Pennsylvania Senate race may not feature a debate this fall, despite a tightening contest. Read More »

Casey Leads by 10 in Inquirer Poll

By Julie Sobel

One thing is clear: The Pennsylvania Senate race has tightened. Much less clear: Just how close Republican challenger Tom Smith has gotten to Bob Casey . Read More »

Hotline Sort: Etched In The Granite State

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Biden and Paul Ryan debate, Berman and Sherman nearly get into a fight at a forum, Warren hits Brown on women's issues in a new ad, and Romney gets a Lohan endorsement. Read More »

Berman, Sherman Nearly Come to Blows at Debate

By Julie Sobel and Scott Bland

The vice presidential debate wasn't the only heated one last night. California Democratic Reps. Howard Berman and Brad Sherman , competing in a member-member general election, nearly got into a fight during a forum. Read More »

The Elusive Joe Donnelly

By Julie Sobel

Apparently, Joe Donnelly can be tough to identify. Read More »

Casey and Smith: No Pennsylvania Debates?

By Julie Sobel

Polls show a tightening Pennsylvania Senate race -- but with less than four weeks out from Election Day, Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., and his GOP challenger Tom Smith have yet to set a single debate. Read More »

Heller Edges Berkley in Suffolk Poll

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Dean Heller , R-Nev., holds a slight lead over Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley less than a month from Election Day in a new poll conducted by Suffolk University/KSNV. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Getting Ugly in Arizona

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Flake debuts a hard-hitting ad against Carmona, major Senate debates in Massachusetts and Arizona, Inslee gets important help from Bill Clinton and Thaddeus McCotter is expected to testify today. Read More »

Polls Diverge in Va. Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Two new polls released early Thursday present a murky view of the Virginia Senate race: While one survey shows Democratic nominee Tim Kaine leading Republican George Allen by 7 points, the other shows a neck-and-neck race. Read More »

Ohio's Brown Increases Lead in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

Brown has 52 percent to GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel 's 41 percent in the survey, while 6 percent of voters remain undecided. Their previous poll, conducted in late Sept. and early Oct., had Brown at 50 percent to Mandel's 41 percent. Read More »

Warren Ties Brown to National GOP Throughout Debate

By Julie Sobel

In the third Massachusetts Senate debate, on issue after issue, Democrat Elizabeth Warren was much more aggressive about tying Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., to Mitt Romney and the national GOP agenda. Read More »

Lindsey Graham's Surprising Manchin Defense

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky., made a curious choice when his PAC ventured into the West Virginia Senate race Tuesday with a 6-figure ad buy. And Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C., made an even more surprising choice when he joined a confere...

Dueling Internal Polls, Arizona Edition

By Julie Sobel

Who's leading the race for the open Senate seat in Arizona? That answer on Wednesday depended on whom you asked. Read More »

DesJarlais Urged Abortion After Affair With Patient

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Scott DesJarlais , R-Tenn., put pressure on a patient to get an abortion after the two had an affair, per a transcript of a phone call obtained by the Huffington Post . DesJarlais is a physician who opposes abortion rights. ...

DCCC Scales Back Chicago TV Buy

By Scott Bland and Julie Sobel

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is cutting $740,000 -- 1,000 points -- from a Chicago television buy for the week of Oct. 23-29, according to a Democrat tracking media buys. The cancellation still leaves the DCCC wi...

Mourdock Haul: $3 Million

By Julie Sobel

Strong fundraising period for Richard Mourdock : Indiana's GOP Senate nominee will report bringing in $3 million during the third quarter, per his campaign. Read More »

King Holds Big Lead in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

A poll released Wednesday shows Independent former Gov. Angus King with a huge lead in Maine's Senate contest, contrasting with other recent polls that have shown a tightening race. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Manchin, Get Your Gun

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Massachusetts and Arizona Senate debates tonight, Manchin busts out his gun again in a new ad, the RGA helps Spence, and McKenna shows his Gangnam Style moves. Read More »

Tester Torches Rehberg on Firefighters

By Julie Sobel

The Montana Senate race is on fire -- literally. Read More »

Mandel Raises $4.5 Million

By Julie Sobel

Another blockbuster fundraising quarter for Josh Mandel -- in fact, it was his best yet. Read More »

Heinrich Has Double-Digit Lead in Internal Poll

By Julie Sobel

An internal poll conducted for Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich 's New Mexico Senate campaign shows his lead growing over former GOP Rep. Heather Wilson . Read More »

Poll: Casey Leads by 9 in Pennsylvania

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Bob Casey , D-Pa., holds a 9-point lead over GOP challenger Tom Smith in a new poll released Tuesday morning, though the incumbent falls well short of the 50 percent mark. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Clinton to the Rescue

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Romney leads in a Pew poll, the North Dakota Senate race is tied in a new survey, Clinton continues his campaign swing, and Ryan ends an interview. Read More »

Poll: Berg, Heitkamp Tied in N.D. Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

The North Dakota Senate race is a dead heat, with GOP Rep. Rick Berg and former Democratic Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp tied in a poll released Monday. Read More »

Thompson on Defense on Medicare Issue

By Julie Sobel

Medicare has become a major flashpoint in the Senate race in Paul Ryan 's home state, and clips from Wisconsin newspapers over the past few days show much of the focus is centering on former GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson . Read More »

Newspaper Endorsement Roundup: Three for Sherrod

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 2:40 p.m. Read More »

Rehberg Raises $2.4 Million

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Denny Rehberg , R-Mont., raised a solid $2.4 million during the third quarter in his Montana Senate contest, narrowly outraising Democratic Sen. Jon Tester . Read More »

Rivera Calls News Conference, Won't Talk FBI Investigation

By Julie Sobel

Embattled Rep. David Rivera , R-Fla., called a press conference Friday... but then refused to talk about the alleged FBI investigation into whether he secretly funneled money to the failed congressional campaign of Democrat Jus...

DSCC Internal: Yet Another Poll With Warren Up

By Julie Sobel

Another day, another poll showing Elizabeth Warren with a narrow lead over Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass: An internal survey conducted for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee by Harstad Strategic Research shows the Democrat...

Hotline Sort: McMahon, Murphy Spar in Heated Debate

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama has the best fundraising month of his campaign, Warren hits back at Brown over asbestos, Murphy and McMahon engage in a feisty debate, and Obama makes fun of his own debate performance. Read More »

Labor Training Resources on Three Key Senate Races

By Julie Sobel

Speaking with reporters in Washington this week, AFL-CIO political director Michael Podhorzer singled out the Ohio, Massachusetts and Wisconsin Senate races as key contests for the labor movement-- not just for Democrats maintain...

DCCC Sneak Attack in Florida's 2nd

By Scott Bland and Julie Sobel

Rep. Steve Southerland 's, R-Fla., Panhandle 2nd District has suddenly evolved into a battleground district over the last few weeks, and a poll released today by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee indicates why. Read More »

Chris Murphy Raises $3 Million

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Chris Murphy , D-Conn., announced raising $3 million during the third quarter -- money he badly needs to compete with GOP opponent Linda McMahon 's self-funding campaign in the tight Connecticut Senate race. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Ryan, Outraised

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama raised big money in September, a slew of new ads are out, Brown hits Warren on her work for Travelers Insurance, and Susana Martinez takes charge. Read More »

NRSC Going Up in Arizona

By Julie Sobel

The National Republican Senatorial Committee will go on the air in Arizona, marking the first time the committee has gotten involved in a race that was once considered a slam-dunk for Republicans. Read More »

House Majority PAC Hits Allen West in New Ad

By Julie Sobel

Allen Brings in $3.4 Million

By Julie Sobel

Virginia GOP Senate nominee George Allen announced raising more than $3.4 million during the third quarter, a hefty amount but one that lagged Democratic opponent Tim Kaine 's haul by over $1 million. Read More »

Hotline Sort: McMahon Maintains Lead Over Murphy

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Romney wins the debate in a blowout, Kaine raises $4.5 million, the DSCC's first Arizona ad targets women, and it's unclear whether voters will even see Jesse Jackson Jr. before the election. Read More »

Kaine Raises $4.5 Million

By Julie Sobel

Huge fundraising haul for Tim Kaine : The Democratic nominee in Virginia's Senate race raised approximately $4.5 million in the third quarter. Read More »

Carmona Has $2.2 Million Quarter

By Julie Sobel

Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona had a good fundraising period: The Arizona Democratic Senate nominee brought in $2.2 million during the third quarter, his campaign confirms. Read More »

McCaskill Posts Huge Fundraising Haul

By Julie Sobel and Dan Friedman

Updated at 2:44 p.m. Read More »

DCCC Cancels TV Buy in Ohio's 7th District

By Julie Sobel

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is cutting back ad time in three races where they feel their nominees are on a comfortable path to victory, as Roll Call reported this morning (Arizona's 2nd District, New Mexico'...

Hotline Sort: Fight Night

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . First presidential debate is tonight, Ryan is hosting a fundraising for Tommy Thompson, New Hampshire's gubernatorial race looks tight in a new poll, and you can vote on your favorite presidential ca...

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 »

West Raises Big, Spends Big

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Allen West , R-Fla., announced raising more than $4 million during the 3rd quarter of the year, a huge haul that left him with over $3 million in the bank on September 30. Read More »

Murray Highlights Brown's Praise of Scalia

By Julie Sobel

Democrats are seizing on Scott Brown 's comment during last night's Massachusetts Senate debate that he considered Antonin Scalia his model Supreme Court Justice, and seeking to tie it to the Republican senator's positions on wo...

McCrory Raises $3.1 Million in 3rd Quarter

By Julie Sobel

Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory raised a hefty $3.1 million for his North Carolina gubernatorial bid during the 3rd quarter, leaving him with more than $2.3 million in the bank on September 30. Read More »

Club for Growth Spending To Save Mourdock, Flake

By Julie Sobel

Club for Growth Action announced $500,000 television advertising buys in the Indiana and Arizona Senate races -- two races where Republicans were once favored to easily win the general elections but that now appear to be close contests. Read More »

Shays Still Not McMahon's Biggest Fan

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 11:29 a.m. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Tale of Two House Races

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Check out The Hotline 's latest Senate Race rankings, Brown and Warren spar in their second debate, new Crossroads and Majority PAC ads out today, and Allen West's challenger raises $1.1 million in ...

Brown, Warren Trade Barbs in Second Debate

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., and Elizabeth Warren sparred in their second debate Monday night, an hour-long forum co-sponsored by the Boston Herald and UMass Lowell and moderated by "Meet The Press" host David Gregory . Read More »

DSCC Buys Ads in Ariz. Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

CORRECTION (7:19 p.m.): A previous version of this post inaccurately stated that the National Republican Senatorial Committee was advertising in the Connecticut Senate race. They are not. Read More »

NRCC Stops Ad Campaign in Iowa's 1st District

By Julie Sobel

The National Republican Campaign Committee isn't continuing their on-air support in Iowa's 1st District, and will go dark in the district this week, according to a Democratic source tracking media buys. Read More »

What's in Your Purse? Candidates Answer.

By Julie Sobel

Marie Claire asked several women running for office this fall they have inside their purses. From meditation beads to guns, here are a few of our favorites, via the New York Observer : Read More »

Tomblin Far Outraises Maloney in West Virginia

By Julie Sobel

Democratic West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin easily outraised his Republican opponent, businessman, Bill Maloney , in the last reporting period. Tomblin brought in more than $1.2 million while Maloney took in nearly $469,0...

Carmona Had Mutual Funds With Stocks in Tobacco Companies

By Julie Sobel

Bad optics: Richard Carmona , the Democratic nominee in Arizona's Senate race -- and a former U.S. Surgeon General -- until recently owned mutual funds that contained stocks in tobacco companies Altria Group and Philip Morris Inte...

Hotline Sort: Angus King Goes Negative

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Warren edges Brown while Tisei leads Tierney in new polls, Angus King goes negative, Schwarzenegger talks secrets, and Lindsay Lohan gets into trouble with a congressional staffer. Read More »

Dueling New Mexico Senate Internals

By Julie Sobel

Both Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich and former GOP Rep. Heather Wilson released internal polls Friday in the New Mexico Senate battle -- and the two surveys showed differing results. Read More »

DSCC Enters Three-Way Race in Maine

By Julie Sobel

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will make its first foray into the Maine Senate race, where the three-way contest has narrowed in recent weeks. Read More »

Allen West Hits Opponent Hard on Bar Fight

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 11:00 a.m. Read More »

McCaskill: Akin Makes Bachmann Look Like A Hippie

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Claire McCakill , D-Mo., is "at a loss" over Rep. Todd Akin 's most recent eyebrow-raising comments, she told hosts on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" today. Read More »

Hotline Sort: The Chamber's California Play

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Scott Brown attacks Warren over her Native American claims in a second straight ad, Heller and Berkley trade jabs at a debate, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will spend in nine California House races, ...

N.H. Gov. Race Neck-and-Neck in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

Democrat Maggie Hassan and Republican Ovide Lamontagne are locked in a tight battle in New Hampshire's gubernatorial race. A new poll shows Hassan leading her opponent by just 2 points. Read More »

Poll: Heller Leads Berkley in Nevada Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

GOP Sen. Dean Heller holds a 6-point lead over Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley in the Nevada Senate race, according to a new poll released Thursday. Read More »

Poll: Kaine, Allen Tied in Virginia Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

After several polls showed Tim Kaine edging George Allen in the Virginia Senate race last week, a new poll Thursday shows a dead heat. Each candidate clocks in at 44 percent in the Suffolk University/WWBT-TV survey. Read More »

Akin: McCaskill Was More "Ladylike" in 2006

By Julie Sobel

Since Missouri GOP Senate nominee Todd Akin 's comments about "legitimate rape" rarely causing pregnancy, he has attempted to do damage control with women voters. He noted, in an apology ad, that he has two daughters and wants "to...

Hotline Sort: Mourdock's Newfound Moderation

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama releases a two-minute ad making the case for his re-election, Berkley and Heller debate tonight, Democratic outside groups are spending in the Arizona Senate race, and the Connecticut GOP score...

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Wants Brown Apology

By Julie Sobel

Elizabeth Warren spent months playing defense in the controversy over her claims of Native American ancestry. But in the aftermath of a video showing a member of Sen. Scott Brown 's, R-Mass., staff doing "tomahawk chops" and "...

Conservative Cavalry Rides In For Akin

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 3:38 p.m. Read More »

Carmona Internal Poll Shows Dead Heat in Arizona

By Julie Sobel

A poll conducted for Richard Carmona 's Arizona Senate campaign shows the Democrat in a dead heat with GOP Rep. Jeff Flake , in a race where the Republican is generally considered the favorite. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Gangster Edition

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Bob Casey's lead narrows in a new poll, the DSCC is launching their first ad in Virginia, Blunt and the Missouri GOP support Akin as the deadline passes, and another bad story for Rivera. Read More »

Poll: Brown Holds Double-Digit Lead Over Mandel

By Julie Sobel

A second poll in the course of two days shows Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, holding a double-digit lead over his opponent, GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel . Read More »

McCaskill Attacks Akin for 'Rape' Comments in New Ad

By Julie Sobel

Claire McCaskill is not wasting any time. Read More »

Stop Us If You've Heard This One...

By Julie Sobel

Last time we're writing this story: In case you were still wondering, Todd Akin made it clear, yet, again, that he won't be dropping out of the Missouri Senate contest by today's 5:00 p.m. deadline. Read More »

Arizona Democrats Poke Fun at Obama in Email

By Julie Sobel

President Obama 's campaign fundraising emails have been widely mocked -- and the Arizona Democratic Party is getting in on it. Read More »

Poll: Brown Leads Mandel by Double Digits

By Julie Sobel

A new poll shows Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, with a double-digit lead over GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel -- a bigger lead than other recent polls have shown in the race. Read More »

Brown Staff Whoops It Up at Rally

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., has been doing everything he can to keep the controversy over Elizabeth Warren 's Native American heritage in the spotlight -- but he may not like the attention over this. Read More »

A Little Less Blunt?

By Julie Sobel

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich campaigned Tuesday with embattled GOP Missouri Senate nominee Todd Akin , and predicted that Republicans will be back to help the congressman after today's deadline for him to petition for remo...

Hotline Sort: Jerry Moran, Next NRSC Chair?

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . New ads from Donnelly, Carmona, and Allen, Boston papers scrutinize Warren, today's the deadline for Akin to drop out, and don't miss the naked truth about a political ally of embattled congressman D...

Warren Responds to Brown Attack in New Ad

By Julie Sobel

RGA Boosts Manchin While Hitting Tomblin

By Julie Sobel

How little hope do Republicans have of unseating Sen. Joe Manchin , D-W.V., in November? The Republican Governor's Association just dropped their second ad in the state's gubernatorial race, and they give the senator a boost in ...

The Re-emergence of the "Blank Check" Strategy?

By Julie Sobel

The National Republican Congressional Committee is releasing a slew of new ads, a number of which tie a Democratic candidate to President Obama . But in the ad against Democratic Rep. Nick Rahall , in West Virginia's 3rd Distri...

Hotline Sort: Scott Brown, On The Warpath

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Grimm's office is burglarized but questions remain, Brown hits Warren on her (alleged) Native American ancestry, the NRCC launches a major ad blitz, and Biden likes a personal touch. Read More »

Brown Up 7 In Ohio Newspaper Poll

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, holds a 7 point lead over GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel in a new poll of the Buckeye State's Senate contest. Read More »

SCF May Back Akin; Akin Will Back SCF Earmark Ban

By Dan Friedman and Julie Sobel

The Senate Conservatives Fund, the former political action committee of Sen. Jim DeMint , R-S.C., turned Super PAC, may help embattled Rep. Todd Akin , R-Mo., raise money for his race against Sen. Claire McCaskill , D-Mo., after...

Israel: Romney Has Coattails ... for Democrats

By Julie Sobel

Last week, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Steve Israel told reporters that Paul Ryan was a "down-ballot disaster," whose selection in August as Mitt Romney 's running mate had given Democrats momentum. Read More »

McCaskill, Akin Face Off in First Debate

By Julie Sobel

When the Missouri Senate candidates faced off for their first general election debate Friday morning, the first question broached GOP Rep. Todd Akin 's controversial comments on rape -- and Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill said ...

Hotline Sort: Romney Surrogate Spars With Tommy Thompson

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Brown and Warren spar, McCaskill and Akin will face off today, a targeted New York Republican leads big in a new poll, and Sean Astin of "Rudy" fame hits South Bend on Saturday. Read More »

Brown, Warren Spar Early and Often in First Debate

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., and his Democratic opponent called each other "nice" early in their first debate Thursday -- but from the first minute, the debate was anything but. Read More »

DCCC Pulls One Week of Kissell Ads

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 7:00 p.m. Read More »

Nixon, Spence Attack in New Ads

By Julie Sobel

The ad war is officially on in Missouri's gubernatorial race. Read More »

Lingle Latest to Distance from "47 Percent" Comments

By Julie Sobel

Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is the latest Republican Senate candidate to distance herself from Mitt Romney 's "47 percent" comments -- but she didn't do so until after her Democratic opponent, Rep. Mazie Hirono , criticized...

Bennett Points out Howell Could Die in Office, Too

By Julie Sobel

Utah's Senate race continued its morbid turn: After Democratic nominee Scott Howell suggested in a fundraising email that 78-year-old GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch could die in office, former Utah Sen. Bob Bennett pointed out that H...

Hotline Sort: Senate Fight Night

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. . It's debate night in two pivotal Senate races, House Majority PAC targets Allen West, Baldwin and Tester debut new ads, Cicilline leads in an internal poll, and is Pawlenty skeptical of Romney's pr...

Brown Edges Warren in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

It's been a poll-filled week for the Massachusetts Senate race -- but while several polls have showed Democratic nominee Elizabeth Warren leading GOP Sen. Scott Brown , the latest shows the incumbent edging his opponent. Read More »

Kaine Touts Work With Bush, Obama in Ad

By Julie Sobel

Tim Kaine is going where no Senate candidate has gone before. Read More »

Gingrich Fundraising for Akin Next Week

By Julie Sobel

This should further dwindle whatever hope Republicans have left that Missouri GOP Senate nominee Todd Akin may still drop out of the race by the September 25 deadline: Newt Gingrich is attending a fundraiser for him on Monday. Read More »

Mack Declines to Distance from "47 Percent" Comments

By Julie Sobel

We've flagged some Senate candidates who've distanced themselves Mitt Romney 's controversial, secretly videotaped remarks about 47 percent of Americans wanting government handouts. Read More »

Warren Leads Brown in Another Poll

By Julie Sobel

Yet another poll is showing Elizabeth Warren edging GOP Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race. A new WBUR-FM survey has the Democratic nominee leading Brown by 5 points. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Extreme Makeover, Campaign Edition

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Check out The Hotline 's latest Senate Race Rankings, George W. Bush shows up in a Tim Kaine ad, Tommy Thompson says his campaign was broke after the primary, and Jindal and Santorum hit Iowa. Read More »

Quinnipiac: Kaine 51, Allen 44

By Julie Sobel

A new Quinnipiac/ New York Times /CBS News poll of the Virginia Senate race shows Tim Kaine leading GOP nominee George Allen by 7 points -- a result that differs from other recent polls of the race showing the two contenders in...

Brown, Akin React To Romney Comments

By Julie Sobel

Earlier, we flagged two GOP Senate candidates who sought some distance from Mitt Romney 's secretly taped comments at a fundraiser. Here are two other interesting Senate candidate reactions: Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown and ...

New DSCC Ad Portrays Mourdock as Radical

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 5:00 p.m. Read More »

McMahon, Long Separate Themselves From Romney

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 3:04 p.m. Read More »

Flake Ties Carmona to Obama in First General Election Ad

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 4:50 p.m. Read More »

Howell Suggests Hatch Could Die During Term

By Julie Sobel

Most blunt fundraising email ever? Sen. Orrin Hatch 's Democratic opponent, Scott Howell , writes in a money appeal that the 78-year-old Utah Republican could "die before his term is through." Per ABC Salt Lake City: Read More »

Hotline Sort: Clinging Edition

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Romney has his "guns and religion" moment, Warren edges Brown in another poll, Crossroads GPS is launching their first House ad, and Angus King talks trackers. Read More »

Another Poll Gives Warren the Edge Over Brown

By Julie Sobel

Maybe it's Elizabeth Warren 's new ad strategy. Or a convention bounce. Perhaps Democrats are simply starting to come home as the election nears. Maybe Todd Akin is to blame. Maybe it's a little of everything. But a new poll sho...

Wilson Releases Internal Poll Showing Her Down 5

By Julie Sobel

Not a good sign for your campaign: Releasing an internal poll showing you down five points. Read More »

Stabenow Unveils First TV Ad

By Julie Sobel

Brown, Warren Lower Expectations Before Debate

By Julie Sobel

Ahead of Thursday's debate in the tight Massachusetts Senate race, both Sen. Scott Brown and his Democratic opponent Elizabeth Warren are working to lower expectations. Read More »

On Tim Kaine's New Spanish-Language TV Ad

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 2:21 p.m. Read More »

Mack, Cruz Back Romney on Middle East Attacks

By Julie Sobel

In the wake of Mitt Romney 's criticism of President Obama 's response to the attacks in the Middle East last week, former Michigan Rep. Pete Hoekstra was the only Senate candidate to echo the criticism. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Poll-ar Opposites

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Polls everywhere, Manchin releases his first television ad, Cuomo helps the DCCC, and Christine O'Donnell thinks she owes her supporters another Senate run. Read More »

Indiana Senate Race Tight in Donnelly Poll

By Julie Sobel

Another internal poll conducted for Rep. Joe Donnelly 's Indiana Senate campaign shows the Democrat in a tight race with GOP Treasurer Richard Mourdock . The poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group, shows Donnelly with 45 percen...

Akin, Hirono Skipping House Votes

By Julie Sobel

Congress was back from August recess for a short time this week, but a look at House roll call votes shows two members running for a promotion played a little hooky. Read More »

Mike Rounds Forming 2014 Exploratory Committee

By Julie Sobel

Former GOP South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds is forming an exploratory committee for a 2014 bid challenging Democratic Sen. Tim Johnson . Read More »

Hotline Sort: Granholm Flashback

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama is heading to Wisconsin, another poll shows a dead heat in Virginia's Senate race, Wayne Gilchrest eyes a comeback in Maryland's 1st District, and Granholm appeared on "The Dating Game" in 1978. Read More »

Poll: Kaine, Allen in Dead Heat

By Julie Sobel

A new poll shows -- yet again -- a dead heat between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen in the Virginia Senate race. Read More »

Poll: Brown Leads Mandel in Ohio

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, holds a 7-point lead over Treasurer Josh Mandel in a new poll released Thursday evening. Read More »

Washington Governor's Race: Both Sides Ramping Up

By Julie Sobel

In Hotline Sort this morning, I flagged that the PAC supporting former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee in Washington's gubernatorial race has now reserved close to $5 million in ad time (they had previously reported $3.2 million). Read More »

Hotline Sort: Rahm, Under Fire

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama and Romney are pulling their negative ads for 9/11, Crossroads GPS launches a new Senate ad blitz, Jesse Jackson Jr. is back in Washington, and the pizzeria owner didn't know he'd hug the president. Read More »

Previewing New Hampshire's Gubernatorial Primaries

By Julie Sobel

New Hampshire voters head to the polls to choose their gubernatorial nominees Tuesday. Here's today's Hotline Spotlight , on the year's final primaries: Read More »

Tomblin Debuts First TV Ads of His Reelection Campaign

By Julie Sobel

West Virginia Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is launching the first television ads of his reelection campaign, two positive commercials that focus on coal and his record on fiscal issues in the state while distancing him from Pr...

Hotline Sort: Heinrich's Momentum

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Obama outraises Romney in August, the NRCC launches a new ad blitz, Heather Wilson lags in a new poll, and Obama and Biden make new friends on the campaign trail. Read More »

Woman Arrested After Threatening Gowdy With Gun

By Julie Sobel

A woman pointed a gun at Rep. Trey Gowdy , R-S.C., while he was parked in a church parking lot Sunday night. Gowdy was able to drive away, and was not injured, according to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal . Read More »

Angus King Releases His First TV Spot

By Julie Sobel

Two Papers, Two Takes on Elizabeth Warren Speech

By Julie Sobel

Scott Brown Praises Michelle Obama Speech

By Julie Sobel

Elizabeth Warren may be speaking in prime-time at the Democratic National Convention tonight, but Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., made sure to chime in on First Lady Michelle Obama's Tuesday night remarks. And unsurprisingly, he had on...

McCrory Leads Dalton By Double Digits in New Poll

By Julie Sobel

Former GOP Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory holds a significant lead over Democratic Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton in North Carolina's gubernatorial race, according to a new poll released Monday. Read More »

How It Played: GOP Senate Hopefuls at the Convention

By Julie Sobel

A few Senate candidates had their moments in the spotlight at the Republican National Convention Tuesday: Texas nominee Ted Cruz , Nebraska nominee Deb Fischer , and North Dakota nominee Rick Berg all spoke during the first day'...

Akin Attacks McCaskill in New TV Ad

By Julie Sobel

Top Arizona Election Official in Tampa on Primary Day

By Julie Sobel

It's primary day in Arizona today, but Secretary of State Ken Bennett is otherwise engaged -- in Tampa, at the Republican National Convention. The Arizona Republic : Read More »

Carmona Launches First Television Ad

By Julie Sobel

Poll: Brown Leads Mandel

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Sherrod Brown , D-Ohio, holds a significant lead over GOP Treasurer Josh Mandel , according to a new Quinnipiac University/CBS News/ New York Times poll released on Thursday. Read More »

Outside Alaska, Palin Favors Third-Party Run

By Julie Sobel

Two years ago, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was not too excited about Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska, losing the GOP primary and then running in the general election. On Tuesday, she advocated for vanquished Missouri Senate can...

Akin's Biggest Critic? Scott Brown

By Julie Sobel

Many Republicans up for reelection all over the country are concerned that Missouri GOP Senate nominee Todd Akin 's continued candidacy could have a negative impact on their campaigns, and over the past few days, a number of Republ...

Hotline Sort: All You Need Is (Mia) Love

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Akin doesn't rule out withdrawing in morning TV interviews, Baldwin hits Thompson on releasing tax returns, the House runoff in Georgia's 12th District is too close to call, and Bo needs to cool it on...

Akin Won't Rule Out Withdrawing From Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Embattled Missouri Senate candidate Todd Akin embarked on a morning show media blitz Wednesday, and acknowledged that he wouldn't rule out stepping aside from race before the final deadline to withdraw on September 25. Read More »

Akin Says He Won't Drop Out of Race

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 2:21 p.m. Read More »

Akin Acting Like He's Not Leaving Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

CORRECTION: The new ad buy is for the apology ad. An earlier version of the story reported that it was for a new, different ad. Read More »

Major Missouri GOP Donor: "Akin is a Moron"

By Julie Sobel

Yesterday, National Republicans put the full-court press on Rep. Todd Akin to step aside as Missouri's GOP Senate nominee, with many prominent Republicans (including Mitt Romney ) condemning his remarks and some asking him to d...

Hotline Sort: Akin Apologizes, On Air

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Todd Akin cuts a new apology ad, Majority PAC and Patriot Majority are launching an $1.6 million ad offensive in four Senate races, the NRCC outraises the DCCC in July, and the FBI was investigating M...

NRSC, Crossroads Haven't Touched Fall Ad Buys in Missouri

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 4:16 p.m. Read More »

Akin Apologizes on Huckabee Show

By Julie Sobel

Missouri Senate nominee Todd Akin appeared on Mike Huckabee's radio show Monday for his first interview since the eruption over his controversial comments on rape Sunday. Akin apologized for his comments and said he'd "spoken in...

Second GOP Senator Calls Akin To Resign Nomination

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis., became the second GOP senator to call on Missouri GOP Senate nominee Todd Akin to resign the nomination Monday in light of his provocative comments on rape. Read More »

Brunner Preparing for Akin Dropout Scenario

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 11:39 a.m. Read More »

Scott Brown Calls On Akin To Resign Senate Nomination

By Julie Sobel

Updated 11:04 a.m. Read More »

McCaskill Blasts Akin On "Morning Joe"

By Julie Sobel

Sen. Claire McCaskill , D-Mo., appeared on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" Monday, where she declined to weigh in on whether GOP Missouri Senate nominee Todd Akin should drop out in the wake of his controversial comments that "legitimate...

Hotline Sort: Romney's Convention Makeover

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Republicans distance themselves from Akin's remarks, congressmen went skinny dipping in the Sea of Galilee, Scott Brown is up with a new television ad, and Schumer plays cupid. Read More »

Todd Akin's Abortion Comments Set Off Firestorm

By Julie Sobel

Missouri GOP Senate nominee Todd Akin claimed in an interview airing Sunday that victims of "legitimate" rape couldn't get pregnant because women have "ways to shut that whole thing down." Read More »

Dem Poll: Berkley, Heller in Dead Heat

By Julie Sobel

GOP Sen. Dean Heller and Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley are in a dead heat in the Nevada Senate race in a new poll conducted for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Read More »

Hotline Sort: Welcome Back, Charlie Crist

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . The Obama campaign launches its first Medicare ad, Van Hollen will play Ryan in mock debates, Tester "welcomes" McCain to Montana, and Charlie Crist stars in a new ad. Read More »

Linda McMahon's Debate Demands

By Julie Sobel

File this under debate challenges no one would ever accept. Read More »

How to Win Friends and (Not) Influence People

By Julie Sobel

Here's a way to avoid making an impact in a race: Endorse both general election candidates. Read More »

Polls: Mourdock, Donnelly Tied in Indiana Senate

By Julie Sobel

Two polls released Thursday confirm the Indiana Senate race is a dead heat, with Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly and Republican Treasurer Richard Mourdock separated by just two points in both outside group surveys. Read More »

The DCCC's First Target: Dan Benishek

By Julie Sobel

Hotline Sort: Neck-and-Neck in New Hampshire

By Julie Sobel and Steven Shepard

Updated at 10:40 a.m. Read More »

Annals of Fundraising Appeals

By Julie Sobel

Lately, we've looked at some campaigns' attempts at stand-out fundraising emails: There was Sen. Al Franken 's brief history of fundraising , and also Rep. Michele Bachmann 's frequent "URGENT" cash requests. Read More »

Stearns Concedes Defeat

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 3:10 p.m. . Read More »

Shays: Not Totally Over It

By Julie Sobel

Former Connecticut Rep. Chris Shays was no fan of his GOP Senate primary opponent Linda McMahon , and has said he wouldn't support her if she won the primary. After McMahon's sweeping victory Tuesday night, Shays struck a mor...

The Smiths and the Pennsylvania Senate Race

By Julie Sobel

Meet the other Smith running for Senate in Pennsylvania. Read More »

Mr. And Mr. Smith Running in Pennsylvania

By Julie Sobel

Businessman Tom Smith , the GOP nominee to challenge Democratic Sen. Bob Casey , has company -- Rayburn Smith , a retired postal worker running as a Libertarian. The Allentown Morning Call on Rayburn Smith: Read More »

Hotline Sort: Crossroads' Six Senate Targets

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Thompson wins in Wisconsin, Cliff Stearns looks like he's lost to a little-known veterinarian, Crossroads GPS launches a $4.7 million ad buy in 6 Senate races, and Lingle releases an attack ad to kick...

FL House Results: Alan Grayson's Good News

By Julie Sobel and Scott Bland

FL-26 [10:10 p.m.] Two-time Democratic congressional nominee Joe Garcia won the right to take on freshman Republican Rep. David Rivera Tuesday night in Florida's 26th Congressional District, setting up a rematch of their 2010 ...

McMahon, Murphy Win Big in Connecticut Senate Primaries

By Julie Sobel

Democratic Rep. Chris Murphy and 2010 GOP nominee Linda McMahon easily won their respective primaries in the Connecticut Senate race and will face off in November. Read More »

Tarkanian Faces Potential Bankruptcy Over Bond Payment

By Julie Sobel

Not the best message for a congressional candidate: Nevada's 4th District GOP nominee Danny Tarkanian 's lawyers said the candidate will go bankrupt if forced to post a bond in a court case. The Las Vegas Sun : Read More »

Dem Poll: Shea-Porter Leads Guinta

By Julie Sobel

New Hampshire GOP Rep. Frank Guinta lags behind his challenger Democratic challenger, Carol Shea-Porter , in a new Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee IE poll. Read More »

Cardoza Resigning From Congress

By Julie Sobel

Rep. Dennis Cardoza , D-Calif., announced his resignation from Congress effective midnight Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reported. Read More »

Inslee Links McKenna to Romney-Ryan

By Julie Sobel

On Monday, we reported that North Carolina GOP gubernatorial nominee Pat McCrory was the only Republican trying to distance himself from Paul Ryan 's controversial plan to reform Medicare. Now the Ryan issue cropped up in Washi...

Dem Poll: Heinrich Leads Wilson by Nine

By Julie Sobel

New Mexico Democratic Rep. Martin Heinrich has opened up a nine point lead over former GOP Rep. Heather Wilson in the state's Senate race, according to a new poll conducted for a coalition of environmental groups including the...

Joe the Plumber's Immigration Solution

By Julie Sobel

The immigration issue may seem complex to some -- but not Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher . His solution? Put up a border fence and "start shooting." Read More »

Hotline Sort: DCCC, Going On Offense

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . It's primary day in Wisconsin, Florida, Connecticut and Minnesota, Christie will keynote the GOP convention, Akin launches his first general election ad, and the DCCC finds new Republican targets over...

The Republicans' Anxious Candidate Caucus

By Julie Sobel

As Democrats and Republicans seek to define Mitt Romney's newly-minted running mate Paul Ryan , the impact from his selection is far from clear. But more than other running mate choices would have been, the issue of Ryan's entitle...

Hill Doubles Bullock's Haul in Montana

By Julie Sobel

McMahon Expected To Land Knockout Blow Against Shays

By Julie Sobel

When he entered the Connecticut Senate race, it looked like former Rep. Chris Shays would be able to give Linda McMahon a run for her money. McMahon, after all, had spent $50 million of her own money for her 2010 campaign -- an...

Hotline Sort: DSCC Attacks Akin on Entitlements

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Both sides aggressively seek to define the Ryan pick, the DSCC is up with an IE ad in Missouri, the NRCC targets four Democrats, and Hirono and Gabbard win their Hawaii primaries. Read More »

McCaskill Attacks Akin in First Post-Primary Ads

By Julie Sobel

Updated at 1:14 p.m. Read More »

Bob Casey Hits Opponent in New Ad

By Julie Sobel

Hotline Sort: Aloha Saturday

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Hawaii primaries are tomorrow, Crossroads GPS will take down a Heitkamp ad, Cardon still hasn't bought network ad time, and Bachmann has no time for formatting. Read More »

Heitkamp Localizing Health Care Politics

By Julie Sobel

Heidi Heitkamp has taken a novel approach to dealing with a tricky issue in the North Dakota Senate race: President Obama 's health care law. Back in June, the Democrat was the first candidate to run a television ad directly ...

Al Franken Delves Into American History

By Julie Sobel

It's hard to come up with something new amid the election year's constant barrage of fundraising emails -- just ask the Obama campaign, whose requests for money are often mocked . Read More »

Hotline Sort: McCotter's Mess

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort. Donnelly internal poll shows a dead heat in Indiana, Friends of Democracy is launching an ad campaign against four vulnerable House Republicans, Adelson files a libel suit, and Pawlenty's Wikipedia pa...

Donnelly, Mourdock Neck-and-Neck in Democrat's Poll

By Julie Sobel

An internal poll conducted for Rep. Joe Donnelly 's Senate campaign shows the Indiana Democrat in a dead heat with Republican state Treasurer Richard Mourdock . Donnelly has 41 percent of the vote to Mourdock's 40 percent, accordi...

Someone Persuaded by McCaskill's Ad

By Julie Sobel

Tommy Thompson Proves His Push-ups Claim

By Julie Sobel

Washington GOP Chair Talks Sacrificing Sheep

By Julie Sobel

How many state party chairs would kill to get their desired opponent in a race? Read More »

Hotline Sort: Winners and Losers

By Julie Sobel

Welcome back to Hotline Sort . Akin pulls off the upset in Missouri, Clay and Peters win the member-vs.-member primaries, two new ads are popping in Massachusetts, and Christie doesn't like to waste his time. Read More »