The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Susan Collins
Democratic Challenger: Tom Allen
The House:...
Maine's 1st congressional district: Incumbent Tom Allen is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Susan Collins in 2008. Democrats would be favored to hold this seat but would not be assured of victory; John Kerry won 55% here in 2004 (CPVI=D+6). Democrats who have already announced include: State Senator Ethan Strimling, former Common Cause President Chellie Pingree, who ran against Collins in 2002, and Iraq War veteran Adam Cote[83]. Other Democratic candidates include: former state Senator Michael Brennen, York County and District Attorney Mark Lawrence. On the Republican side, former state Senator, Northeast Small Business Administration Director and Iraq War veteran Charlie Summers, who ran against Allen in 2004, and small businessman Dean Scontras have announced their candidacies. Possible Maine Green to enter the race is former Maine Rep. John Eder.
House Retirements:...
Maine's 1st congressional district: Tom Allen (D): Retiring to run for U.S. Senate..
MAINE
MARYLAND
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
- Maryland's 1st congressional district: In a surprise, Wayne Gilchrest (R) was defeated in the Republican primary by conservative state Senator Andy Harris. Gilchrest is a liberal to moderate Republican and voted for the bill to set a timetable on the Iraq War. Only 2 Republicans voted for the bill, which passed 218-to-212, and also voted on April 25, 2007 for another Democratic Iraq War bill which passed 218-208. State Senator Andrew P. Harris was endorsed by the Club for Growth, [84] former Governor Bob Ehrlich [85] seven of eight state senators who represent parts of the district, and House Minority leader Anthony J. O'Donnell.[86] The Democratic nominee is Queen Anne's County State Attorney Frank Kratovil Jr., who was endorsed by Governor Martin O'Malley, and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. George W. Bush won with 62% here in 2004 (CPVI=R+10). A 2008-02-14 poll found Harris with a 37%-to-22% lead over Kratovil.[87]
- Maryland's 4th congressional district: After edging out political upstart Donna Edwards in 2006, Democratic Congressman Al Wynn (D) was soundly defeated by her in the Democratic primary in 2008. The primary had become increasingly negative, with Edwards accusing Wynn of supporting special interest legislation and Wynn accusing Edwards of failing to pay taxes during the 1990s.[88] Wynn has announced that he will be leaving Congress early in June to take up a job at a lobbying firm which could trigger a special election for the seat.[89] Edwards will face Republican Peter James and Green Party candidate Brian Crider[90] in the general election, though the district is overwhelmingly Democratic (CPVI=D+30).
Maryland's 4th congressional district: Incumbent Albert Wynn (D), who lost his battle for renomination to Donna Edwards (D) in Maryland's March primary, resigned his seat on May 31, 2008. Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has called for a special election to occur on June 17, 2008.[3] The district is heavily Democratic.[4] Edwards will face her November Republican opponent Peter James.[5]
MASSACHUSETTS
The Senate:...
Democratic Incumbent: John Kerry
Republican Challenger: TBA
The House:...
Massachusetts's 5th congressional district: Martin T. Meehan (D) resigned on July 1, 2007, leaving vacant the seat that he had held since January 1993. A special election was held on October 16, 2007. Niki Tsongas (D), widow of former Congressman and Senator Paul Tsongas, faced Republican Jim Ogonowski, brother of 9/11 Pilot John Ogonowski, Kurt Hayes (U, Independent), Patrick Murphy (U, Independent), and Kevin Thompson (Constitution Party). Tsongas won by 51% to Ogonowski with 45%.[91] Kurt Hayes is running for the Republican nomination and Eileen Donoghue (D) who has been mentioned as running an independent campaign.
MONTANA
The Senate:...
Democratic Incumbent: Max Baucus
Republican Challenger: Bob Kelleher
The House:...
MICHIGAN
The Senate:...
Democratic Incumbent: Carl Levin
Republican Challenger: TBA
The House:...
- Michigan's 7th congressional district: Tim Walberg (R) won this Republican-leaning district (which went to Bush with 54% to 45% in 2004) (CPVI=R+2) with 49.93% of the vote in 2006 after defeating freshman incumbent Joe Schwarz in the Republican primary with financial backing from the conservative Club for Growth. Walberg faces a tough race in 2008 as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has targeted his seat. 2006 nominee Sharon Reiner is running again. State Senate Minority Leader Mark Schauer will also run.
- Michigan's 9th congressional district: In January 2006, Joe Knollenberg (R) announced his intent to seek re-election in 2008. Knollenberg spent $2.7 million to keep his seat in the House.[92] Although his past Democratic opponents have not received support from the national party, the seat has now been identified as a "target" for the Democrats in 2008,[93] as the DCCC is targeting districts where Republicans garnered less than 55% of the vote.[94] Knollenberg, who will be 75 in 2008, won only 52% of the vote in 2006 in this eastern Oakland County district that gave George W. Bush only 50% of the vote in 2004 (CPVI=R+0) and is far from the Republican stronghold it once was. The district was once the most Republican in Metro Detroit, having sent Knollenberg's predecessor, Republican Bill Broomfield, to Congress for 36 years. The only Democrat to officially run is state Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters, the 2002 Democratic nominee for state Attorney General and former State Senator.[95] Radio talk show hostess Nancy Skinner, who was Knollenberg's 2006 opponent, decided not to run.[96] Controversial and well known pathologist Dr. Jack Kevorkian announced he is running as an independent candidate.[97]
MINNESOTA
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Norm Coleman
Democratic Challenger: Al Franken
The House:...
- Minnesota's 1st congressional district: Bush barely won this southern Minnesota district with 51% to 48% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+0), which DFLer Tim Walz won in 2006. Walz could face a tough race, as he unseated 12-year incumbent Republican Gil Gutknecht by 53% to 47%. Another potential Republican candidate is Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau. Former state Senate Minority Leader Dick Day and state Representative Randy Demmer have announced their candidacies.
- Minnesota's 3rd congressional district: Jim Ramstad (R) is retiring and will not seek a tenth term;[98] this is likely to be a very tough race as George W. Bush barely won with 51% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+1). Ramstad was reelected in 2006 with 65% to Democrat Wendy Wilde's 35%. Some Democrats think that Ramstad had managed to keep his seat for so long (since 1991) because he had never faced a strong opponent and because of his very moderate social positions.[98] Both parties have rallied around consensus candidates. In a major surprise, Iraq War veteran/Marine Corp Vet Ashwin Madia[99] has won the Democratic nomination. Republican state Representative and former state house majority leader Erik Paulsen has announced his candidacy.[100] This will be a top priority for both Democrats and Republicans. David Dillon of the Independence Party is also running.[101]
- Minnesota's 6th congressional district: Michelle Bachman (R) was one of the GOP's success stories in 2006, defeating Patty Wetterling (DFL) by a larger-than-expected margin. But she recently got bad press when she claimed that Iran had a secret plan to partition Iraq, but was unable to produce evidence. This has won her the attention of the Democrats, who have now targeted her for defeat. One Democrat thinking of running is former state Transportation Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg[102], a moderate who ran in 2006 but lost the nomination to the more liberal Wetterling. Bush won here by 56% to 44% in 2004 (CPVI=R+6). Democrats are trying to recruit State Senator Tarryl Clark or Stearns County Attorney Janelle Kendall to run.
Minnesota's 3rd congressional district: Jim Ramstad(R)
MISSISSIPPI
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Thad Cochran
Republican Incumbent: Roger Wicker
The House:...
- Mississippi's 1st congressional district: When incumbent Republican Roger Wicker was appointed to the U.S. Senate, a special election was held to succeed him. In a mild upset, Prentiss County Clerk Travis Childers defeated Southaven Mayor Greg Davis by a 52% to 48% margin. In the general election, there will be a rematch. Bush won 62% here in 2004.
- Mississippi's 3rd congressional district: Incumbent Chip Pickering is retiring. The district includes the cities of Meridian, Starkville, Pearl, and Natchez, as well as a portion of Jackson. Bush won the district with 65% of the vote in 2004 (CPVI=R+14). In a surprise result, Rankin County Republican Chairman Gregg Harper defeated former state Senator Charlie Ross in the Republican runoff election. Harper will face Democratic nominee, Pickens Alderman Joel Gill (however, Pickens is actually in the 2nd distict and the Republican will be the favorite to win).
Mississippi's 3rd congressional district: Chip Pickering(R)
Completed Special Elections:...Mississippi's 1st congressional district: On December 31, 2007, Roger Wicker (R) was appointed to the U.S. Senate. No one received more than 50% in the special election on April 22, 2008. Prentiss County Chancery Court Clerk Travis Childers (Democrat) defeated Southaven, Mississippi mayor Greg Davis (Republican) in the runoff special election on May 13[2].
MISSOURI
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
- Missouri's 6th congressional district: Democrats hope to wage a competitive campaign against Republican U.S. Representative Sam Graves in a politically varied North Kansas City/St. Joseph district. They have recruited former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, who refused to run in 2006. Barnes announced her candidacy on May 13, 2007.[103] Bush won 57% here in 2004 (CPVI=R+5).
- Missouri's 9th congressional district — Incumbent Kenny Hulshof is retiring to run for Governor of Missouri, after having not faced a serious Congressional challenger in the past five election cycles. The district leans Republican but was Democratic until Hulshof's election in 1996, although redistricting in 2000 made the district slightly more Republican-leaning than it was in the 90s. It includes several western St. Charles County suburbs of St. Louis and a large amount of rural areas (which are normally Republican) but also the Democratic leaning college town of Columbia. State Representative Judy Baker declared first for the seat in December, and was later joined by Marion County Commissioner Lyndon Bode, former state Public Service Commissioner Steve Gaw, and former state Senator Ken Jacob as Democratic candidates upon Hulshof's retirement. On the Republican side, former University of Missouri football star Brock Olivo [104], state Representative Danielle "Danie" Moore[105], state Representative Bob Onder[106], state Tourism Director Blaine Luetkemeyer[107] have announced their candidacies. Bush won 58% here in 2004 (CPVI=R+7).
Missouri's 9th congressional district: Kenny Hulshof (R): Retiring to run for Governor
NEBRASKA
The Senate:...
Democratic Candidate: Scott Kleeb
Republican Candidate: Mike Johanns
Senate Retirements:
Chuck Hagel (R)
The House:... .
Nebraska's 2nd congressional district: In 1999, then freshman incumbent Republican Lee Terry announced that he would break the term-limits pledge he made in his 1998 campaign. This garnered some bad press, but he won three more terms with little trouble. However, in 2006, he won by 55% to 45%, much less than expected in a solidly Republican district. His Democratic opponent in that race, Omaha businessman Jim Esch, is the Democratic nominee to face Terry.
NEVADA
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
- Nevada's 2nd congressional district: Republican Dean Heller was elected to this seat with 50% of the vote in 2006. University of Nevada Regent Jill Derby, his 2006 opponent, who has since become Chair of the Nevada Democratic Party will run again. Bush won 57% here in 2004.
- Nevada's 3rd congressional district: Republican Jon Porter won by only 48% to 46% in 2006 against a former aide to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and 54% in 2004. Porter could face another tough race in this suburban Las Vegas district. George W. Bush barely won this district with 50% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=D+1). Leading Democratic candidates included Fraud Examiner Andrew Martin and Clark County prosecutor Robert Daskas, but Daskas dropped out in late April, citing family concerns. After losing their top candidate, the Democratic Party has quickly recruited Nevada Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus. [108] Also running are Bob Giaquinta of the Green Party, Floyd Fitzgibbons of the Independent American Party, Joseph P. Silvestri of the Libertarian Party, and independent Jeffrey C. Reeves.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: John Sununu
Democratic Challenger: TBA
The House:...
- New Hampshire's 1st congressional district: Democrat Carol Shea-Porter squeaked into Congress by a 51% to 49% margin against incumbent Republican Jeb Bradley in one of the greatest upsets of the 2006 election cycle. In January 2007, Bradley announced his intent to seek a rematch in 2008, and will face Former Assistant Attorney General and Department of Health and Human Services commissioner John Stephen in the Republican primary and businessman, engineer and Iraq Veteran Jim Forsythe. George W. Bush narrowly won her district with 51% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+0). Shea-Porter has continued her very vocal anti-war stance in office and may be fueling Republican interest in regaining the seat.
- New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district: Democrat Paul Hodes upended Republican incumbent Charlie Bass in 2006, taking a 53% to 45% victory in a district John Kerry narrowly won with 52% in 2004 (CPVI=D+3). Given that New Hampshire has traditionally leaned Republican – though it has been trending more Democratic recently – the GOP might look to oppose Hodes. Three Republicans who have announced are radio talk show hostess Jennifer Horn[109], former Congressional Aide Grant Bosse, state Senator Bob Clegg, and Businessman Jim Steiner. Other possible candidates include former state Senators Bruce Keough and Chuck Morse, venture capitalist Stephen Gray, and former state Representative and 2006 gubernatorial candidate Jim Coburn.
NEW JERSEY
The Senate:...
Democratic Incumbent: Frank Lautenberg
Republican Challenger: Dick Zimmer
The House:...
- New Jersey's 1st congressional district: Incumbent Democrat Rob Andrews, in a surprise move on April 2, 2008, announced that he would be challenging incumbent Sen. Frank Lautenberg in the Democratic primary in June[110]. As such, he will no longer be a candidate for his House seat, which is reliably Democratic (CPVI: D+14). Since the filing deadline for primary candidates was April 7th, there was virtually no time for candidates to declare. Camille Andrews, wife of Rob Andrews is the Democratic nominee. The Saints Prison Ministry founder Dale Glading is the Republican nominee.
- New Jersey's 3rd congressional district: Incumbent Republican Jim Saxton has announced that he will retire at the end of his current term.[111]. This district is historically Republican, but George W. Bush barely won with 51% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=D+3). Also, Al Gore won his district by a significant margin in 2000. Some Democrats think that Saxton had managed to keep his seat for so long (since 1984) because he rarely faced credible opposition. The Republican nominee is Medford Mayor, VP of Lockheed Martin, and Gulf War veteran Chris Myers. State Senator John Adler is the Democratic nominee and could be a formidable candidate.
- New Jersey's 5th congressional district: Incumbent Scott Garrett has been elected by safe margins in the past but in 2006 he only won by 10 points aganist Paul Aronsohn the lowest of his career.The district contains most of Northern New Jersey including the cities of Paramus and Ridgewood. The Democratic nominee is rabbi Dennis G. Shulman.
- New Jersey's 7th congressional district: Republican Mike Ferguson barely won his re-election bid in 2006, edging state Assemblywoman Linda Stender by 50% to 48%. In a major surprise, Ferguson recently announced that he will not run for reelection.[112] George W. Bush narrowly won this district with 53% to 46% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+1). The Republican nominee is state Senator (and outgoing Senate Minority Leader) Leonard Lance of Hunterdon County. Assemblywoman Linda Stender is again the Democratic nominee.
New Jersey's 3rd congressional district: Jim Saxton(R)
New Jersey's 7th congressional district: Mike Ferguson(R)
New Jersey's 1st congressional district: Rob Andrews (D): Retiring to run for U.S. Senate
NORTH CAROLINA
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Elizabeth Dole
Democratic Challenger: Kay Hagan
The House:...
- North Carolina's 3rd congressional district: Incumbent Walter Jones, Jr., a conservative former Democrat, represents a solidly Republican-voting coastal district. However, his increasingly outspoken opposition to the Bush Administration's policy regarding the Iraq War has angered some pro-Iraq War conservatives. Jones defeated Onslow County Commissioner Joseph R. McLaughlin, a former infantry officer [148] who had denounced the incumbent's anti-war stance, believing it isn't helpful to the war effort. Jones will likely be a shoo-in for the general election (George W. Bush won here by a wide margin in both 2000 and 2004). The Democratic nominee is 2006 nominee Craig Weber.
- North Carolina's 7th congressional district: Incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre could face a tough race in this Republican-leaning district that Bush carried by a 14-point margin in 2004 (57% for Bush to 43% for John Kerry). Republican Iraq War veteran Will Breazeale announced his candidacy. McIntyre has been re-elected overwhelmingly in each election since 1998.[149]
- North Carolina's 8th congressional district: Republican Robin Hayes barely hung on in his 2006 re-election bid against Democrat Larry Kissell by a 329-vote margin. This seat likely will be competitive again in 2008 because of Hayes' vote for CAFTA, which he first opposed but voted for because of pressure from House Republican leaders. Kissell has already declared his candidacy for the 2008 race, and his most well-known potential opponent, state Rep. Rick Glazier, opted not to run.[150] Bush carried this district by a 10-point margin in 2004 (55% for Bush to 45% for John Kerry).
- North Carolina's 10th congressional district: Incumbent Republican Patrick McHenry is the favorite to win the general election in this heavily Republican district. McHenry defeated retired Air Force Lt. Col. Lance Sigmon in the primary. Democrat and Navy vet Daniel Johnson raised $123,000 during the fourth quarter of 2007.[151] A wild card is an attempted independent run by Constitution Party-supported Bryan Greene of Lenoir, NC.[152] It is unclear what effect, if any, the indictment of a former McHenry campaign aide for election fraud will have.[153] In 2006, McHenry defeated Democrat Richard Carsner by a smaller margin than the margin in his 2004 win.[154]
- North Carolina's 11th congressional district: Democrat Heath Shuler won 54% to 46% against scandal-plagued incumbent Charles Taylor in 2006, in a district that gave 57% of its vote to George W. Bush and 43% of its vote to John Kerry in 2004. The district includes the western areas of North Carolina, including Asheville. This race could be competitive, but Shuler's social conservatism and economic populism should help his chances at reelection, even in a GOP-leaning district. Taylor has decided against a rematch.[155] Asheville City Councilman Carl Mumpower is the Republican nominee. Mumpower defeated Henderson County Republican Party chairman Spence Campbell and attorney John Armor in the Republican primary.[156][157]
NEW MEXICO
The Senate:..
Democratic Candidate: Tom Udall
Republican Candidate: Steve Pearce
Senate Retirements:
Pete Domenici (R).
The House:...
- New Mexico's 1st congressional district: The 2006 race between incumbent Republican Heather Wilson and Democratic state Attorney General Patricia Madrid was a cliffhanger, with Wilson being reelected by 861 votes. John Kerry narrowly won this Albuquerque-based district with 52% in 2004 (CPVI=D+2). With the retirement of longtime U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, Wilson is now a candidate for the U.S. Senate.[113] The Democratic nominee is Martin Heinrich (Albuquerque City Councilor). The Republican nominee is Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White.[114]
- New Mexico's 2nd congressional district: Republican incumbent Steve Pearce has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.[115] This district, covering roughly southeastern New Mexico, is usually Republican-voting, but Democrats sometimes win elections here. The Democratic nominee is Hobbs businessman, civic leader, and former Lea County Commissioner Harry Teague. Bush won here with 58% to 42% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+6). The Republican nominee is restaurateur Ed Tinsley,[116].
- New Mexico's 3rd congressional district: Democratic incumbent Tom Udall has announced he is running for Pete Domenici's open Senate seat,[117] despite earlier ruling it out. The race to fill Udall's House seat could become competitive under certain circumstances, but the Democrats would have the advantage: John Kerry won 54% here (CPVI=D+6). The Democratic nominee is State Public Regulation Commissioner Ben R. Lujan. Lujan's father serves as Speaker of the state House of Representatives. The Republican nominee is small business owner Dan East. Carol Miller a 1997/1998 Green Party candidate is seeking the seat as an independent.[118]
New Mexico's 1st congressional district: Heather Wilson(R): Retiring to run for U.S. Senate
New Mexico's 2nd congressional district: Steve Pearce (R): Retiring to run for U.S. Senate
New Mexico's 3rd congressional district: Tom Udall (D): Retiring to run for U.S. Senate
NEW YORK
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
- New York's 13th congressional district: This Staten Island district is by far the most conservative part of New York City, but it still votes for Democrats in many elections. Republican incumbent Vito Fossella has won by solid margins since first being elected in a 1997 special election. But he was recently arrested on drunk driving charges,[119] which led to the revelation that he had an illegitimate child by a mistress.[120] On May 20, 2008, Fossella announced he would not seek another term, giving ample time for others to decide to run by the September primary.[121] Other local Republicans are already taking a look at running, including NY1 Newsanchor Lisa Giovinazzo , City Councilman Vincent Ignizio and Fmr. Rep. Susan Molinari.[122] Among Democrats, attorney Steve Harrison and City Councilman Domenic Recchia are running. Other potential Democratic candidates New York State Assembly members Janele Hyer-Spencer and Mike Cusick.
- New York's 19th congressional district: Populist folk singer John Hall (D) won a major upset by some 6,000 votes in 2006, defeating long time incumbent Sue Kelly (R) in this historically Republican district by 51% to 49%. George W. Bush won this district in the Hudson Valley that is home to West Point with 53% of the vote to 45% of the vote for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=R+1). Republicans thought they had an excellent chance at unseating Hall with the candidacy of Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board Chairman Andrew Saul, a wealthy businessman who had outraised Hall during the second quarter of 2007. Saul, later dropped out of the race in November of 2007.[123] Westchester County Legislator George Oros announced that he would be a candidate, and noted his history of winning elections in a Democratic-leaning constituency since 1995.[124] Iraq War veteran Kieran Lalor, a conservative and strong proponent of the war in Iraq, was also running for the Republican nod, and ex-Congressman and perennial candidate Joseph J. DioGuardi threw his hat into the ring a week prior to the Republican convention. On May 22, 2008, Republican delegates from each of the five counties represented in the 19th district met in Mahopac, New York to endorse a candidate, and chose candidate Lalor.[125] The NRCC has had difficulty recruiting a top-tier candidate for this historically Republican district.[126][127][128]
- New York's 20th congressional district: Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand defeated Republican incumbent John Sweeney in 2006 by 53% to 47%, the same margin with which George W. Bush won this district, which includes the north Hudson Valley and Saratoga Springs, in 2004 (CPVI=R+3). Republicans have identified Gillibrand as a top target for 2008, as they believe that Sweeney's personal issues caused his defeat, not a change in voter behavior in this traditional GOP stronghold. Also, Gillibrand's victory was the 15th Democratic pickup that resulted in the Democrats' takeover of the House, as her party needed 15 seats to take over. Gillibrand is drawing a primary challenge from Democrat Morris Guller. Her vulnerability has drawn numerous potential candidates to challenge her in the general election. Former New York Secretary of State Alexander Treadwell who also served as Chairman of the state GOP, and former Army speical forces member Michael R. Rocque have announced their candidacies. Gillibrand has raised over half a million dollars so far for her re-election, a total matched by Treadwell, who will have a difficult campaign ahead of him to stand out amongst a crowded field. Matt Funicello of the Green Party has also filed to run.[129]
- New York's 21st congressional district: Incumbent Mike McNulty (D) announced in October of 2007 that he is retiring after 10 terms. This predominately urban district includes the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Amsterdam, Green Island, Gloversville and Johnstown. John Kerry won by 54% to 44% here in 2004 (CPVI=D+8). In a surprise, Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, whose father, Sam Stratton was McNulty's predecessor in Congress, will not be a candidate.[130] The only announced Democratic candidates are Capitol Region Director for Sen. Clinton Tracey Brooks, who has been endorsed by Green Island Mayor and sister of Mike McNulty, Ellen McNulty, as well as his father Jack McNulty. Albany County Legislator Phillip Steck is also running as well as the Coordinator of the Equal Employment Opportunity program in Albany Lester Freeman. Several Democrats have been mentioned as possible successors to McNulty, including state Assemblyman Ron Canestrari, state Senator Neil Breslin, Two possible Republican candidates are prominent Capital District businessman Steven Vasquez[131], owner and founder of ReQuest, and former Saratoga County Treasurer Chris Callaghan, who was the Republican nominee for New York State Comptroller in 2006. In March of 2008, Callaghan announced that he would not seek the seat and would support Jim Buhrmaster, a businessman from Scotia.[132]
- New York's 24th congressional district: Mike Arcuri (D) won his first term with 54% of the vote in a marginal but Democratic-trending district which includes Utica. The district gave George W. Bush 50% of the vote in 2000 and 52% of the vote in 2004 (CPVI=R+1). Contractor Richard Hanna is seriously thinking of running.[133]
- New York's 25th congressional district: Incumbent Jim Walsh (R) won by 51% to 49% in 2006 in this district that includes Syracuse. On January 23, 2008, The Politico reported that Walsh would not seek reelection.[134] Walsh's 2006 opponent, Dan Maffei (D) will run again.[135] On the Republican side, former Onondaga County Legislature Chairman Dale Sweetland, who is endorsed by Jim Walsh, is considered the presumptive nominee, with his major opponents leaving the race.[136] Manlius councilman Mark-Paul Serafin and Ron Paul campaign chair David Gay have also announced their candidacies.[137] John Kerry won 53% here in 2004 (CPVI=D+3).
- New York's 26th congressional district: Tom Reynolds (R), the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee and a key player in the Mark Foley scandal, won by 52% to 48% in 2006. His challenger, frequent candidate Jack Davis, was not considered an especially strong opponent. This historically Republican district, nestled in the wealthy suburbs of Buffalo and Rochester, gave George W. Bush 55% of the vote (CPVI=R+3); however Reynolds has decided to retire in 2008 after nearly losing in 2006. The seven Republican county chairman in the district, the state GOP, and Reynolds have all endorsed millionaire businessman Chris J. Lee.[138][139][140][141][142][143] Lee faces a possible Republican primary from Iraq Veterans for Congress member David Bellavia.[144][145] A Democratic candidate who is held to be stronger than Davis is Iraq War Veteran Jonathan Powers, although he has been the subject of an April 2008 Federal Elections Commission complaint regarding his campaign finance activities.[146] In November 2007 Buffalo attorney Alice Kryzan announced she will run. County Legislator Kathy Konst will also run.
- New York's 29th congressional district: Randy Kuhl (R) had a close race in 2006, surviving a challenge from Eric Massa (D) by a 52% to 48% margin. His Elmira and suburban Rochester district gave Bush 56% in 2004 (CPVI=R+5). Kuhl is running for reelection.[147] Massa has also said he will run again in 2008. Despite his district being the most Republican in New York, Kuhl has had multiple difficult reelections in the past.
New York's 13th congressional district: Vito Fossella(R)
New York's 25th congressional district: Jim Walsh(R)
New York's 26th congressional district: Tom Reynolds (R)
New York's 21st congressional district: Michael McNulty (D)
OREGON
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Gordon Smith
Democratic Challenger: Jeff Merkley
OR-SEN: Majority Action Hits Smith x2, But Smith Gains in Rasmussen Matchup (torridjoe)
Jumping in to assist Democratic nominee Jeff Merkley in his bid to unseat Gordon Smith for Senate in Oregon, progressive advocacy group Majority Action is making a buy with two different ads that slam Smith--both using high fuel prices as the catalyst. Check out the ads in the OR blog exclusive at Loaded Orygun. In other news, Rasmussen's monthly review of the Senate race shows a roughly static Smith, at 47%, with Merkley falling four points from last time to 38%. Smith draws nearly a quarter of Democrats to his side, currently.
Posted at 06/13/2008 06:36:26 PM EST - #
The House:...
- Oregon's 5th congressional district: Democrat Darlene Hooley announced February 7, 2008 that she will not seek re-election. This district will be competitive given that, in this Willamette Valley district, George W. Bush took 50% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 (CPVI=D+1). Hooley was reelected in 2006 with 54% to her closest opponent's 43%. Hooley's 2006 Republican opponent, businessman Mike Erickson, defeated former state Representative and gubernatorial candidate Kevin Mannix in the Republican primary.[162] Among Democrats, Kurt Schrader, an Oregon State Senator from Canby, defeated several candidates to win his party's nomination.[163] Alex Polikoff of the Pacific Green Party has also announced his candidacy for the general election.[164]
OKLAHOMA
The Senate:...
Republican Incumbent: Jim Inhofe
Democratic Challenger: Andrew Rice
The House:...
NORTH DAKOTA
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
North Dakota's At-large congressional district: Democrat Earl Pomeroy, North Dakota's sole congressman, won by 65% to 34% over Republican Matthew Mechtel in 2006, compared to 59% to 40% in 2004. George W. Bush won in this district 63% to 36% for John Kerry in 2004. His Republican opponent is Duane Sand, who ran in 2004.
OHIO
The Senate: No Race...
The House:...
- Ohio's 1st congressional district: Republican Steve Chabot won by 52% to 48% in 2006, compared to 60% to 40% in 2004. His district barely went to George W. Bush with 50% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004 and includes the western portion of the Cincinnati area. State House Democratic Whip Steve Driehaus is the Democratic nominee. Driehaus' FEC report at the end of the second quarter of 2007 showed contributions from political committees linked to a large number of national leaders of the Democratic Party.[citation needed]
- Ohio's 2nd congressional district: Republican Jean Schmidt barely held on by a 51% to 49% margin against Democratic physician Victoria Wulsin. Her district is a heavily Republican one, covering the eastern portions of Greater Cincinnati, but she has never had an easy primary or general election. This year, she defeated state Representative Tom Brinkman in the Republican primary by 57% to 40%. Wulsin is running again in 2008. Bush won 64% here in 2004.
- Ohio's 7th congressional district: Republican Dave Hobson will retire at the age of 71[158]. Hobson's district stretches from Springfield in the Dayton area eastward to several outer southern areas of Columbus. Bush won 57% here. The Democratic nominee is business attorney Sharen Neuhardt. State Senator Steve Austria is the Republican nominee and has Hobson's support[159][160].
- Ohio's 12th congressional district: Republican Pat Tiberi faced an expensive race in 2006 against one of this district’s former representatives, Democrat Bob Shamansky, who briefly served in the early 1980s, but survived with 58% of the vote. Tiberi will face Democratic nominee David Robinson in 2008. George W. Bush barely won this district with 51% to 49% for John Kerry in 2004.
- Ohio's 14th congressional district: Republican Steve LaTourette, whose district is centered around the eastern suburbs of Cleveland, won 58% of the vote in 2006 against a weak opponent.[citation needed] He represents a swing district where no party has a clear advantage over the other. Bush won here with 52% to 47% for John Kerry. Appeals Court Judge William O'Neill won the Democratic nomination.
- Ohio's 15th congressional district: Republican Deborah Pryce survived the toughest race of her career against Democratic Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy by 1,062 votes. Pryce is not running for reelection in 2008. Kilroy is again the Democratic nominee. Republican state Senator and Iraq War veteran Steve Stivers is the Republican nominee, winning his party's primary with 65%. George W. Bush barely won here in 2004 with 50.3% to 49.7% for John Kerry.
- Ohio's 16th congressional district: Republican Congressman Ralph Regula, whose district includes the Canton area, will retire after 36 years in Congress cleveland.com. State Senator Kirk Schuring won a close Republican primary and faces Democratic state Senator/Iraq War Veteran John Boccieri in the general election[161]. This district went for Bush with 53% to 46% for Kerry in 2004.
- Ohio's 18th congressional district: Democrat Zack Space may be vulnerable in 2008 as his district, located in southeastern Ohio, went to George W. Bush with 57% to 43% for John Kerry in 2004, although Space won his first term in 2006 with 62% of the vote. Republicans were forced to select a new candidate — state Senator Joy Padgett — after Rep. Bob Ney dropped out of the race following his conviction in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. It turned out that Padgett had financial controversies of her own, and local voters were in no mood to tolerate more scandal. The Republican nominee is former state Agriculture Director Fred Dailey, who won a four-candidate primary with 39%.
Ohio's 7th congressional district: Dave Hobson(R)
Ohio's 15th congressional district: Deborah Pryce(R)
Ohio's 16th congressional district: Ralph Regula(R)
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