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Doug Ose

After 2012 House Defeats, GOP Sees (Again) Golden Opportunity in California

About the only good thing you could say about California Republicans' election night in 2012 is that from adversity comes opportunity. Among other negative results for the party, three Democratic House candidates -- Reps. Ami Bera, Raul Ruiz, and Scott Peters -- unseated long-term Republican incumbe...
black soldiers - civil war

Today Is the 150th Anniversary of Black Regiments in the Military

One hundred fifty years ago today, the War Department ordered the establishment of the United States Colored Troops.  
Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, I-64

Why You Won’t Own Your Road

Cash-strapped states such as Virginia are turning to the private sector to help finance large infrastructure projects.
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., announces his resignation from Congress, amid the intense controversy surrounding sexually explicit messages he sent online to several women.

Weiner's Spending Dwindled in Past Two Months

Anthony Weiner is still mulling whether to mount a run for mayor of New York this fall, and the former Democratic congressman's latest campaign filings do not indicate any concrete movement in that direction that haven't previously been disclosed. The filings, which cover from March 12 through this...
Absentee voting in Florida

How Colorado's Forthcoming Election Law Incentivizes The GOP

The Colorado state Senate on Thursday passed legislation requiring the state to conduct its elections entirely by absentee ballot. The party-line vote, and Gov. John Hickenlooper's likely signature, means Colorado will become the third state, alongside Washington and Oregon, to hold elections entirely by mail.
Early Voting In Ohio

The Democratic Comeback To Voter ID

In Colorado, Democrats looking to liberalize voting laws to their advantage.
google now

Google Now: Bringing Us One Step Closer to the Star Trek Computer

The firm is doubling down on search that is conversational, contextual, and personal.
Tom Corbett

Corbett Badly Trails Democrats in New Poll

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett faces long odds in his reelection bid, and it might not matter which Democrat emerges as his opponent. A Quinnipiac University poll released Monday shows the Republican trailing all three of the Democrats tested against him by at least nine points, and the Keystone...
denhamprofile

Democrats Land Buzzy Recruit in Another Obama-GOP House District

House Democrats have landed a recruit to run against Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., in the Central Valley's 10th Congressional District. Farmer and beekeeper Michael Eggman announced Tuesday that he will seek the seat, which was one of 17 in the country to split its votes between a Republican congressm...
Frank Guinta

Options Complicate N.H. GOP's Ballot Calculus

New Hampshire Republicans are engaged in a game of musical chairs: A host of familiar names are being linked to the 2014 gubernatorial, Senate and 1st District congressional races. Several of these potential candidates are considering running for more than one of these offices, and the decisions mad...
Rep. Justin Amash

Mich. GOP Establishment Hopes for Rogers, Frets Over Amash

Longtime Michigan Republican operatives are open about their desire to see Rep. Mike Rogers run in the state's open-seat Senate race, but they're worried Rep. Justin Amash -- who possesses little regard for the GOP establishment -- won't let the possibility of a damaging primary derail his ambition...
Barbara Buono

Poll: Buono Still Not Gaining Traction in N.J.

New Jersey state Sen. Barbara Buono is finding out that it's difficult to close a 30-plus-point gap in the polls when roughly four out of five voters don't know anything about you. A new Quinnipiac University poll released early Wednesday shows Buono, the almost-certain Democratic nominee in this y...
Nick Rahall at Energy Independence Press Conference

NRCC Recruiting Freshman State Legislator to Challenge Nick Rahall

Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., one of Republicans' top targets in 2014, may soon get his first challenger: The National Republican Congressional Committee is in the process of recruiting state Sen. Bill Cole to run for the seat. The NRCC sent staffers to West Virginia last week to meet with Cole, accord...
Reid's picks: Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

Max Baucus's Sudden Retirement Puts Pressure on Former Montana Governor

It's Schweitzer or bust for Democrats as they hope to hold a pivotal Senate seat.
Brian Schweitzer

Schweitzer Considering Bid For Baucus Seat

Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus's decision to retire instead of seeking a seventh term further complicates Democratic efforts to keep control of the Senate -- unless the most popular Democrat in Montana decides to take a shot at the seat. Former Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer is "leanin...
Anthony Weiner Rehab

Poll: Weiner Would Start Mayoral Race in Second Place

Disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner is asking for "a second chance," and a new poll released late Tuesday night shows Weiner in second place among New York City Democratic voters in this September's primary. The poll, conducted for WNBC-TV by the Poughkeepsie-based Marist College Institute for Pub...

Five Staffers to Watch in the DCCC and NRCC

The battle for the House majority will rage across the country next year. And few groups will wield more influence on those races than the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee. Here are five staffers from each who will play a critical role in those campaigns.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley

The O'Malley Factor

Can Gov. Martin O'Malley ride his Maryland success to the White House? 
bob goodlatte

The House Member Who Can Change the Internet

Often overlooked on tech issues, Rep. Bob Goodlatte has a quiet approach that masks his power.
Christine Quinn

Poll: Quinn's Primary Lead Shrinks After Hits From Both Sides

Besieged on both her left and her right, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's commanding lead in September's Democratic mayoral primary is showing signs of slippage, a new poll released on Wednesday suggests. The Quinnipiac University poll still shows Quinn leading her closest Democratic...
Scott Brown 2012 campaign

Scott Brown Would Face Obstacles in N.H. Senate Bid

When out-of-state politicians travel to New Hampshire, talk of presidential ambitions follows. Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown's visit to the Granite State on Thursday set off alarms about a different race. Discussing his political future with reporters, Brown wouldn't rule out running against...
Michael Rubio

How a Calif. Legislative Race Complicated DCCC Recruiting Efforts

State legislatures, home to innumerable ambitious politicians pondering their next moves, are fertile ground for congressional recruiting. But in California's Central Valley, the state Senate has diverted Democrats’ congressional talent pipeline. An unexpected vacancy enticed a prospective Democra...
North Dakota

5 Controversial Measures From GOP Legislatures and Why They Matter

Democrats plan to take advantage of controversial laws in the states to attack Republicans.

What Did We Do?

Quinn, Catsimatidis deal with fallout from corruption arrests.

Ongoing Polarization of the House in 1 Chart

Charlie Cook's Partisan Vote Index maps 14 years of House elections, indicating fewer swing districts.
Frank Niceley

Tennessee's Colossally Bad Plan to Change Its Primary System

Most people hear bad ideas almost every day.  But only occasionally do you hear a colossally ill-conceived idea, one that you really have to wonder about someone who dreamed it up.
Nikki Haley

Democrats Spy Opportunities in Ruby-Red South Carolina

Sanford's and Haley's vulnerabilities hearten Democrats in typically hostile political territory.
Beer Brewer

Will Alabama Finally Let Its Citizens Brew Their Own Beer?

Home-brewing is legal in 49 states. Alabama may soon join the fun.
Kay Hagan

Hagan Backs Gay Marriage, Despite N.C. Ban

Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., became the first Southern Democrat in the chamber running for reelection next year to publicly announce her support for same-sex marriage Wednesday, joining a growing line of Democrats who have come out in favor of marriage rights in recent days, as the Supreme Court consider...
Charlie Crist Senate Judiciary Committee

Fla. Dems Pray for Crist's Resurrection

There are more than 4.7 million registered Democrats in Florida, but it looks more and more like only one is a viable -- and willing -- potential candidate to challenge vulnerable Gov. Rick Scott: former GOP Gov. Charlie Crist, who joined the Democratic Party in December. 2010 nominee Alex Sink and...
Wendy Greuel

Clinton Backs Greuel in L.A. Mayor's Race

Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Wendy Greuel on Monday became the latest beneficiary of Bill Clinton's five-year thank-you tour, when the former president endorsed her over another Democrat in the upcoming runoff election. Greuel, the city's controller, served as a senior advisor at the Department of Ho...
Rep. Justin Amash

The Senate Trouble-Maker in Waiting

Rep. Justin Amash has already led a failed coup against House leadership. His next play may be the upper chamber.
Rick Perry

The Man Who Could Turn Texas Blue: Rick Perry

By opposing Medicaid expansion, the governor could hurt the GOP in a must-win state.

Have Democrats Found Another Manchin in West Virginia?

Though for the last several weeks, Democratic hopes of retaining Sen. Jay Rockefeller's seat in 2014 have looked bleak, it seems party operatives may have finally found their unicorn in West Virginia: a wealthy, pro-coal, pro-business Democrat in the style of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. Attorney Nick Preservati has spoken with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee about running for the seat, in conversations that the committee found "encouraging," according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.
Sen. Joe Manchin

Have Democrats Found Another Manchin in West Virginia?

Though for the last several weeks, Democratic hopes of retaining Sen. Jay Rockefeller's seat in 2014 have looked bleak, it seems party operatives may have finally found their unicorn in West Virginia: a wealthy, pro-coal, pro-business Democrat in the style of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. Attorney Nick P...
Martin O'Malley

Will Martin O’Malley Be the Howard Dean of 2016?

The Maryland governor's progressive legislative accomplishments would enable him to make a play from the left in 2016.
Mark Sanford

Mark Sanford Advances to Runoff, But Recount Likely Looms for Second Place

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford finished first Tuesday in the GOP primary for South Carolina's 1st District, but his political comeback isn't complete just yet. In the special election to replace Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sanford will face the second-place finisher in an April 2 runoff for the...
Mark Sanford

The Five Candidates Most Likely to Take On Mark Sanford

Though the race for first place in Tuesday's special GOP primary in South Carolina's First District is a foregone conclusion, the battle to take on former Gov. Mark Sanford in an almost-guaranteed April 2 runoff is wide-open, according to several Republicans in the state. The list of candidates who...
Bill Bolling

Bolling Won't Mount Independent Va. Gov. Bid

Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) announced Tuesday that he will not run for governor as an independent, setting up an all-but-certain, grueling head-to-head matchup between Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe. Bolling, who e...

Frontrunner Quinn Declares N.Y. Mayoral Candidacy

The race for Gracie Mansion is on: New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the early frontrunner, officially declared her candidacy for mayor early Sunday morning, releasing a slick, five-minute biographical video through her campaign's social media accounts.
Gov. Mike Beebe

The Obama Administration's Super-Expensive, Legally Dubious Medicaid Plan

Arkansas is a test case for a new privatization plan that could win support from GOP politicians in other states.
Detroit

Detroit: A Sad Tale of 2 Cities and 2 Americas

My hometown is about to experience its umpteenth transition in a generations-long struggle against mighty odds.

Berger Mulling N.C. Senate Race

As the GOP eyes pathways to a Senate majority in 2014, Phil Berger, the president pro tem of the North Carolina state Senate, says he's been mulling a campaign against Sen. Kay Hagan, who is among a handful of vulnerable Southern Democrats up for reelection. "I've been approached by a number of fol...

Judd Ducks Senate Talk, Emphasizes Ky. Roots at D.C. Event

Actress Ashley Judd returned to the District on Friday for the second time in as many weeks, highlighting her Eastern Kentucky roots as speculation mounts about a potential Senate campaign against Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Judd spoke at a forum on women's reproductive rights, a pet issue of...

Poll Shows Quinn on Verge of Avoiding Runoff in N.Y. Mayor's Race

A new poll released Wednesday confirms that New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is nearing the critical 40-percent mark in this September's Democratic mayoral primary, the threshold for avoiding a runoff with the second-place finisher. The Quinnipiac University poll shows Quinn with 37 pe...

McAuliffe, Bolling Trading Calls in Run-Up to Bolling's Decision

ARLINGTON, Va. -- As Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling approaches his own March 14th deadline for making a decision about whether to enter the 2013 gubernatorial race as an independent, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe is doing everything he can to stay on Bolling's good si...

Gun Issue Propels Kelly to Frontrunner Status in Ill. House Primary

Former Democratic state Rep. Robin Kelly is an unlikely frontrunner in the special election in Illinois' Second Congressional District. Kelly's opponents a couple months ago included a former member of the House, Debbie Halvorson, Halvorson's former chief of staff and state Sen. Toi Hutchinson,...

Cuccinelli Sides Against McDonnell Again on Transportation

For the second time this month, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli bucked Gov. Bob McDonnell by opposing a transportation proposed backed by the outgoing GOP governor, whom Cuccinelli, a fellow Republican, hopes to succeed in this fall's general election. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a R...
Rick Scott

Florida Governor's Embrace of Medicaid Money Undercuts GOP Attacks on 'Obamacare'

Republicans who seemed united against "Obamacare" just two years ago suddenly find some prominent party leaders taking a different tack.
Mitt Romney

What Would President Romney Do?

For those convinced that President Obama doesn’t deserve any blame for the fiscal gridlock, let’s do a thought experiment. Let’s imagine that Mitt Romney was elected president and was dealing with the same Congress that Obama has faced so much trouble with in getting legislation to avert sequestration and myriad fiscal emergencies. Would a President Romney be confronting the same crisis?

Rick Scott Agrees to Medicaid Expansion, Despite Criticism of Health Care Law

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a long-time critic of Pres. Obama’s health care law, announced on Wednesday evening that the state would support a three-year Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. "I was a strong advocate for better ways to run health care,” Scott said during a press confer...

Pat Murphy Promises to 'Continue the Fight' in Bid for Bruce Braley's Seat

Iowa state Rep. Pat Murphy says he's ready to "continue the fight" of Rep. Bruce Braley, as he seeks the Democrat's seat in Congress. And as for the current and former representatives who share his name, well, the more the merrier. "We can't have enough Pat Murphys," he said in a phone interview. A...

Sanford Invokes 'God of Second Chances' in First Ad

Former Gov. Mark Sanford released his first ad of the special election race for South Carolina's First District on Monday, highlighting his record of fiscal conservatism during his tenure as governor, while also addressing the scandal that nearly brought it to an end.
Jackson Resignation Halvorson

The First Political Battleground Over Gun Control Is Between Democrats

As President Obama made his pitch for gun-control legislation Friday in his hometown of Chicago, the death toll in the Windy City continued its ceaseless climb. Chicago had the ignominious distinction of surpassing 500 homicides in 2012, and is on pace to exceed that number in 2013, with at least 50 committed so far in the first two months of the year.  On Friday night, four people were shot -- one fatally -- within a 90-minute period in the city.

Former Maine Gov. Discusses 'Baldacci 2.0'

Former Maine Gov. John Baldacci is saying everything that a would-be gubernatorial candidate would say prior to formally announcing a run for office. There's just one catch to him running: He's pushing the state's two Democratic U.S. Reps., Chellie Pingree and Michael Michaud, to seek the party nomi...

Poll: Quinn Leading Primary, General for NYC Mayor

A new NY1-Marist poll released late Thursday shows City Council Speaker Christine Quinn with a nearly three-to-one lead in the Democratic primary to be New York City's next mayor, and a 46-point lead against the leading Republican candidate, former Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Joe...
Will Ferrell

Why Will Ferrell and Salma Hayek Are Getting Into Politics

Los Angeles celebrities endorse Eric Garcetti's mayoral campaign.

N.C. Labor Commissioner Considering Run Against Hagan

North Carolina Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry is considering a run against Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in 2014. "I've been encouraged by quite a few people to look at this opportunity. I owe it to them and myself to at least consider my options. This means talking to my family and key supporters. An...

LG Mark Darr Won't Run for Governor in Arkansas, Endorses Hutchinson

Arkansas Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Darr ended speculation about his own 2014 gubernatorial ambitions Tuesday by endorsing former GOP Rep. Asa Hutchinson. "I have fielded many questions over the past few months from friends and supporters concerning the 2014 gubernatorial race," Darr said in a statem...
Latham and Boswell

Iowa Democrat Mike Sherzan Declares House Bid Against Latham

Iowa Democrat Mike Sherzan says he's been eyeing a congressional bid since 2010, but he needed time to transition his financial services firm in preparation for a run. Now, he says he's ready to go: Sherzan announced Monday that he is running for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, and he won't be...

Greer's Guilty Plea Spares Crist Some Embarrassment

Former Florida Republican chairman Jim Greer's decision to plead guilty to four counts of theft and one count of money laundering on Monday ends what was expected to be a rehashing of old party grievances and activities that could have potentially impacted former Gov. Charlie Crist, who was expected...

Mo. GOPers Pick Jason Smith for Open House Seat

Missouri state House Speaker Pro Tem Jason Smith has been tapped as the Republican nominee in the special election to replace former Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo., and the district's Republican lean makes it likely he will win the June 4 special election. On Saturday, Smith was nominated following a u...
Nemo

Republicans Fear Blizzard Could Leave Them Without Mass. Senate Candidate

With a blizzard poised to blanket Massachusetts with over two feet of snowthis weekend, some Bay State Republicans are concerned that the storm could jeopardize the ability of state Rep. Dan Winslow and other GOP candidates to qualify for the ballot in the special election to replace Secretary of State John Kerry.

Gubernatorial Candidates Put Decision Dates on Calendar

In at least three gubernatorial contests between 2013 and 2014, major potential candidates have given themselves rough deadlines to make decisions about whether they will run. But none of the possible contenders expect to do so in the next month. Here is a rundown of where things stand in the three...

Former N.H. House Speaker Mulling Kuster Challenge

New Hampshire GOP state Rep. Bill O'Brien is considering challenging Democratic Rep. Ann McLane Kuster in 2014. "I'm concerned for the country, I really am," O'Brien said in a phone interview Friday. "I think we need another fiscally responsible voice down in Washington." O'Brien served as the spe...
Washington, Virginia, Wisconsin, New Hampshire

Why Governors Could Teach Washington a Lesson

Despite the inactivity in the nation’s capital, states are taking the lead in passing consequential legislation that could end up impacting the debate in Washington. 

Poll: Christie Approval Remains High, But Not on the Economy

Just over two weeks after a Quinnipac University poll pegged New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's job approval rating at 74 percent, a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll reaffirmed that rating by giving the Republican a virtually identical approval mark of 73 percent. The leading Democratic challenger in the Nov...
Jan Brewer and Barack Obama

Why the GOP's Resistance to Medicaid Expansion Is Eroding

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer wants her state to join the expansion, key to Obama's health care reform. Will other Republican governors follow suit?
New Congress

Why Reforming the Primary Process Would Produce a More Productive Congress

Closed party primaries are the leading culprit behind growing polarization.

Report: N.H. 'Push-Poll' Case Nears Hearing

A lawsuit filed by the New Hampshire state attorney general's office against former Republican Rep. Charlie Bass continues to loom over the campaign polling industry at large. The suit, which is set to be heard in a Concord, N.H., courthouse next month according to a story published Thursday by the...

Meet Barbara Buono, the Democrat Likely to Face Chris Christie

What do you do when you're the frontrunner for your party's nomination but you're trailing in the general election by 41 points? If you're Democratic New Jersey state Sen. Barbara Buono running against GOP Gov. Chris Christie, you acknowledge your current standing but hope for the best. "If the election was held today, we know what the result would be," said Buono during a phone interview last week. "I fully expect my name recognition to grow."

Sweeney Latest N.J. Democrat to Pass on Christie Challenge

Scratch another name off the list of potential Democratic opponents for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: State Senate President Steve Sweeney has decided to seek reelection rather than mount a bid for governor, according to PolitickerNJ. Sweeney's decision leaves State Sen. Barabara Buono as the onl...

McDaniel's Involvement in Gun Lawsuit Haunts AR GOV Campaign

With gun control back on the national agenda, Arkansas Democratic Attorney General Dustin McDaniel may have been more involved in a lawsuit against Remington Arms than he has previously disclosed, according to court documents obtained by Hotline On Call. During his 2006 election, McDaniel said he w...
GolmacherOpener

The Waxman-Berman Machine Finally Shuts Down

For more than two decades in Southern California, if you wanted to run for office, you had to deal with the team of Howard Berman and Henry Waxman. That era is officially over with Berman’s loss last fall.

Cowboys Fan Christie Counts Hall-of-Fame QB Among Donors

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is making a habit of winning over his childhood idols. First, Bruce Springsteen heaped praise on the governor in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. And last month, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach donated $3,800 to Christie's reelection bid. Despite his...
Jerry Brown

How the Democrats Are Taking Over California

Demographic shifts and coastal liberalism have given huge power to Democrats. They control the state – but there's restlessness on the left.
Jerry Brown

Why the Democrats Are Golden in California

Demographic shifts and coastal liberalism have given huge power to Democrats. They control the state – but there's restlessness on the left.
Jerry Brown

Iconoclastic Jerry Brown Goes Back to Square One

The California governor is responding to demands for more government by preaching an “era of limits.”
US-Mexico Border

Mayors Preview Immigration-Reform Fight

If a gathering of mayors Thursday is any indication, the administration can expect to hear from dissatisfied officials as it tackles immigration reform.

Poll: Lhota Starts NYC Mayor Bid as Heavy Underdog Against Quinn, Dems

Former MTA chairman Joe Lhota is generating a slew of headlines in the New York tabloids, but the Republican has a lot of ground to make up in a new poll of the New York City mayoral race. A Quinnipiac University survey released Wednesday shows Lhota trailing three potential Democratic opponents by...
Arkansas

Lawyers, Guns, and a Sex Scandal: How an NRA Ally Became a Front-Runner for Governor

A sordid political sex scandal in Arkansas involving a popular Democrat is increasing the odds that the NRA's leading emissary against gun control will be the state's next governor.

Cuccinelli Won't Have To Submit Petitions, But McAuliffe Will (And So Would Bolling)

A quirk in Virginia commonwealth law will allow Republican Attorney General Ken Cucinelli to avoid having to submit 10,000 valid petition signatures to qualify for the general election ballot as a candidate for governor, while former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe will have t...

Pat Quinn Feeling Heat From His Own Party

Rust Belt Republicans aren't the only governors facing labor heat, and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's no good, very bad week could be an indicator of long-term problems if the unions who helped elect him continue to feel antagonized by his pension proposals. Quinn has made pension reform his signature i...
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D_WV)

Jay Rockefeller Retirement Brings the Old Money, Big Fame Era to an End

Jay Rockefeller’s announcement that he won’t seek reelection in 2014 marks the end of an era in American politics.
Barney Frank

Barney Frank’s Public Hunt Hurts His Senate Chances

Barney Frank undercut his own explicit hopes for a Senate seat with a public lobbying campaign that makes the man with the power to appoint him less likely to go along.  
Andrew Cuomo

Gun Control: Cuomo's 2016 Presidential Play

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's newfound gun control activism is heightening speculation that he's already preparing for a presidential campaign in 2016.

Internal GOP Politics Contributing to Growing N.Y. Mayoral Field

New York Republicans had hoped that a contentious Democratic primary would give their nominee an advantage in this year's mayoral race. But the GOP field is getting more crowded and rivalrous by the day. The city's five county Republican chairs were divided between billionaire John Castimatidis and...
Bobby Jindal CPAC

Opinion: The Rising U.S. Electorate Needs Its Own Leaders

Before we are swept up in the maelstrom of another presidential race, our attention should be focused on building a pipeline of diverse leaders for the 2013 municipal and 2014 state assembly elections. Given the dysfunction in Washington, it is at the state and local level where much of the important legislation that affects immigrant communities is being made.
McAuliffe

Races to Watch in 2013

In the era of constant campaigning, politics never stops. While the White House moves on President Obama's second-term agenda and Washington debates the next fiscal cliff, immigration reform and potentially even gun control measures, the strategists and party officials who plot to elect them are already hard at work developing their approach to elections this year -- and laying the foundations for 2014.

Lessons From Snail Mail

Working a holiday week means having no more excuses. So my desk, which had turned into the place where election-year research goes to die, needed my attention.
Markwayne Mullin

Oklahoma, 2nd House District: Markwayne Mullin (R)

Little Dixie, the swath of southeastern Oklahoma that makes up the bulk of the 2nd District, has long been Democratic in heritage, but Republican plumber Markwayne Mullin claimed an easy win here, capitalizing on discontent with the national Democratic Party. He beat former Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Wallace to succeed retiring Rep. Dan Boren, one of the House’s few remaining conservative Southern Democrats.
Donald Payne

New Jersey, 10th House District: Donald Payne Jr. (D)

Donald Payne Jr. is set to replace his father in the House next year. After the death of Donald Payne Sr. from colon cancer in March 2012, Payne Jr. became the heir apparent in this heavily African-American and Democratic district. Once he secured a victory in the Democratic primary, Payne Jr. coasted to victory in the fall.

Don't Forget The Other Castro Brother

It's a given that San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, tapped by President Obama for the same Democratic National Convention keynote slot that rocketed him to prominence in 2004, will command attention Tuesday (and likely many days after). But don't forget about the man who comes before him tonight: Twin brother Joaquin Castro, the Democratic nominee in Texas's 20th Congressional District, is in line to make a faster impact on Washington, D.C. The House Democratic caucus badly needs young stars, and the younger Castro brother -- by about a minute -- has all the tools to become one.
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