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May 13, 2008
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     If its a Tuesady . . . : No big surprises are expected in today's West Virginia primary. Polls have suggested for some time that Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY) will outperform likely Democratic Presidential nominee Barack H. Obama (D-IL) in the Mountain State.

     Beside the presidential contest, the national media will be focused on the special election between Republican Charles G. "Greg" Davis (R-MS) and Democrat Travis W. Childers (D-MS) to measure the drag, if any, Obama's (D-IL) candidacy might have on the Democratic ticket.

     Governor Joe Manchin II (D-WV) is expected to cruise to victory over state Delegate Melvin "Mel" Kessler (D-WV) and, in the Fall, will face an equally weak Republican nominee in former state Senator Russ Weeks (R-WV).
     U.S. Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV (D-WV) has token opposition from DMV employee Billy Hendricks, Jr. (D-WV), and former Republican state Delegate Sheirl L. Fletcher (D-WV). M. Jay Wolfe (R-WV) is unopposed in the Republican primary. This will be Wolfe's third time as the GOP Senate nominee.
     In the West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, congressional aide Anne Barth (D-WV) is expected to defeat attorney Thornton Cooper (D-WV) and former Republican national elector Richard A. "Richie" Robb (D-WV). Barth is the latest Democrat recruited by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to challenge U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

     In Nebraska, voters will choose nominees for the U.S. Senate and in two of the state's three congressional district. Former Governor Mike Johanns (R-NE) is expected to win easily the Republican Senate nomination over financial adviser Pat Flynn (R-NE). Former congressional nominee Scott Kleeb (D-NE) and industrialist Tony Raimondo (D-NE) are competing for the Democratic nomination. Also on the Democratic ballot are Air Force veteran Larry Marvin (D-NE) and James B. Wilson (D-NE).
     Both incumbent Republican Congressmen are expected to win renomination. Lee Terry (R-NE) will face the winner of the Democratic primary between professor Richard E. Carter (D-NE) and former Chamber of Commerce director Jim Esch (D-NE). In the 3rd Congressional District, Paul Spatz (D-NE) and Jay C. Stoddard (D-NE) are competing for the right to face freshman U.S. Representative Adrian M. Smith (R-NE).

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     Reach Out and Touch a Terrorist: Rob Malley, an informal foreign policy adviser to Democratic Presidential candidate Barack H. Obama (D-IL), resigned after it was reported that he had been meeting with the members of the terrorist organization Hamas, something that Obama pledged he himself would never do. Malley is an analyst International Crisis Group specializing in the Israeli-Arab conflict. He told reporters that his job "is to meet with all sorts of savory and unsavory people and report on what they say. I've never denied whom I meet with; that's what I do." Obama's campaign is trying to downplay Malley's role.

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     As Prophesied in the Bible: Columnist Robert Novak, whose reliability is not what it use to be, reports that some evangelical activists are not ready to support the John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) and are resolved to accept a Barack H. Obama (D-IL) presidency. They view the pending victory by the Democratic Senator as "biblical plague visited upon a sinful people."
     While this reported friction with evangelists might be overstated, Arizona's Senior Senator does have serious problems with the base on the Republican Party and has not yet come to grips with the notion that he must court the conservative wing of the party. McCain believes that as the presumptive nominee of Republican Party, all GOP partisans should be coming to him with their support. McCain, meanwhile, has turned his attention toward the general election with messages intended to attract independents and Democrats. In a speech yesterday at a wind power facility on Oregon, McCain renewed his support for a "cap-and-trade" system that sets limits on greenhouse gas emission, while allowing the sale of the right to pollute when a plant has not exceeded its emissions target.

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Bob Barr

     Alternative Party News - Barr None: Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA), perhaps best known for his role for his role in the impeachment of President William J. "Bill" Clinton (D-AR) for lying about having an extra-martial affair, has forsaken his old party. Barr confirmed today that he will seek the Libertarian Party nomination for President. Barr has been a frequent critic of the Bush Administration over what he has seen as violations of constitutionally protected civil liberties as it pursues the war of terror.
     In a press conference to announce his intention, Barr declared "only a fool" would specify a date and timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. But he said it's "extremely important" and in the best interest of national defense to draw down dramatically the US troop presence in Iraq and decrease the military and political footprint in Iraq.
     The Libertarian Party will choose their nominee at a convention held May 22 through May 26. More than a half dozen candidates are expected to compete.

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     Unacceptable Format: Democratic Senate candidate Mark Udall (D-CO) has rejected a proposal by Republican Robert W. "Bob" Schaffer (R-CO) to hold seven debates across Colorado over the summer saying the proposed format of limiting questions from moderators was unacceptable. Udall aides said they would enter into talks with Schaffer's campaign and expected at least some debates would be scheduled before Labor Day.

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     Gucci Loafer and All: U.S. Senate C. Patrick "Pat" Roberts (R-KS) is criticizing his likely Democratic challenge former U.S. Representative James C. "Jim" Slattery (D-KS), calling him nothing more than a "Gucci loafers and all" lobbyist.

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     Fire in the Belly: U.S. Senator John Sununu (R-NH) is rejecting suggestions from some of his Republican colleagues that he lake the fire in the belly to win re-election against former Governor Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

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     The Connecticut Cast: Connecticut Republicans nominated candidates for five Congressional seats. Sean Sullivan (R-CT), a former commander of the Naval Submarine Base, was selected to challenge freshman U.S. Representative Joseph "Joe" Courtney (D-CT). U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) was nominated for an 11th full term. In the 5th Congressional District, state Senator David J. Cappiello (R-CT) will challenge freshman U.S. Representative Christopher S. "Chris" Murphy (D-CT). West Hartford Town Councilman Joseph Visconti (R-CT) will run against U.S. Representative John B. Larson (D-CT) in the 1st District. Rounding out the field will be acupuncturist Boaz Itshaky (R-CT) who was selected to challenge U.S. Representative Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT).

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     Do You Solemnly Swear: Republican congressional Martin "Marty" Ozinga, III (R-IL) will be forced off the campaign trial for at least a day. The businessman has been order to give a deposition is a civil case against his business Ozinga Brothers, after five people gave testimony directly contradicting a sworn affidavit by Ozinga.

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     Honored to be a Placeholder: Camille S. Andrews (D-NJ) is largely seen as a placeholder in the open congressional seat being vacated by her husband, Senate candidate Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ). Camille Andrews is running in the Democratic primary against Rutgers professor A.S. Mahdi Ibn-Ziyad (D-NJ) and John Caramanna (D-NJ). Said C. Andrews, "I'm ready, willing and able to serve and would be honored to do so, but I'm absolutely committed to a fair process." Two Republicans are running: Dale M. Glading (R-NJ) and Fernando Powers (R-NJ).

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     The Next Generation: The Democratic candidates competing to succeed U.S. Representative Thomas "Tom" Udall (D-NM), who is running for the U.S. Senate, are described as a "new generation" of Democrats.

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     Mysterious and Pricey: Congressional officials are scrutinizing U.S. Representative Vito J. Fossella's (R-NY) January 2003 fact-finding trip to France. Fossella was the only lawmaker authorized to go, and his mistress is suspected of joining him on the "mysterious and pricey" congressional jaunt. In the ever-changing world of rumors, Fossella is now said to be leaning against resigning or even retiring and will instead seek re-election.

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     GOP Candidate Rejects GOP Help: Republican congressional nominee Carl Mumpower (R-NC) declared that he would not accept any special interest-money, even from his own party. Mumpower says he believes that national Republicans have "positively supported our leadership in abandoning their principles, and I have no interest in aligning myself with a self-serving organization." Mumpower has spent $23,000 of the $25,000 he has raised so far. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative J. Heath Shuler (D-NC) had more than $736,000 in his campaign treasury as of March 31, 2008.

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     Politicians Do the Strangest Things - Excommunicated: The Ohio Democratic Party voted over the weekend to kick Attorney General Marc Dann (D-OH) out of the party. The Democratic executive committee approved a resolution saying that Dann, who is mired in a sex scandal and resisting attempts to force his resignation, would no longer be recognized as an endorsed Democratic statewide officeholder. "What it means is that he can call himself an unaffiliated Democrat if he wants, but he is no longer a member of this party," explained state party chair Chris Redfern (D-OH).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following contests: Alaska Congressional Primary, Kentucky Presidential Primary, Kentucky Senate Primary, New Hampshire Governor, North Carolina Presidential, North Carolina Senate, Oregon Presidential Primary, Oregon Senate Primary, Virginia Presidential, Virginia Senate, West Virginia Presidential Primary, and national Presidential tracking polls.

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May 12, 2008

     Doug Wilder Effect: One of the under reported speculations about the 2008 presidential contest is effect, if any, race will place a part on voting patterns. Now a poll of Kentucky Democrats suggests that one in five likely primary voters said Barack H. Obama's (D-IL) race is hurting his candidacy.

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     Cozy Relationship with Dictators: It seems that every day there is yet another story about presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John S. McCain's (R-AZ) cozy relationship with lobbyists. The veteran political operative chosen by McCain to run the Republican National Convention abruptly resigned after it was reported that his lobbying and public relations firm once represented the Burmese government.

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Hillary Clinton

     The Final Aria: Despite predictions of a lopsided win in tomorrow's West Virginia primary, pundits have all but written off the Presidential candidacy of Senator Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY).

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     Blago-Talk: While Democrats nationwide will try to tie Republican congressional candidates to President George W. Bush (R-TX), in Illinois' 11th Congressional District Republicans are trying to tie Democratic nominee Debbie D. "Debbie" Halvorson (D-IL) with the equally unpopular Democratic Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D-IL). Martin "Marty" Ozinga's (R-IL) campaign has even coined the term "Blago-talking" when referring to Halvorson saying one thing and doing another.

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     Cheney Gunning for Childers: Republicans have successfully turned tomorrow's special election in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District into a test of whether Barack H. Obama's (D-IL) will be a drag on the Democratic ticket. Republican nominee Charles G. "Greg" Davis (R-MS) has campaign not against Travis W. Childers (D-MS) but rather Obama and his former pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright. In an attempt to nationalize the race, Vice President Richard B. "Dick" Cheney (R-WY) will campaign for Davis today.

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     You and Your Boss: But with less than a month before the GOP primary, the race between John P. "Jack" Kelly (R-NJ) and Christopher Myers (R-NJ), the two leading Republican candidates in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District has grown increasingly negative with both candidates taking shots at each other's current or former employment.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following contests: Michigan Presidential, Michigan Senate, North Carolina Senate, and national Presidential tracking polls.

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May 11, 2008

     Coming This Week: Vermont House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-VT) is expected to announce on Monday her campaign to try to unseat incumbent Governor James H. "Jim" Douglas (R-VT).

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     From Convention to Ballot: Democratic congressional candidate Jared Polis (D-CO) earned the votes at the 2nd Congressional District Convention to have his name on the August 12 primary ballot alongside Joan Fitz-Gerald (D-CO). Polis received 39.9% of the vote to Fitz-Gerald's 60.1%. A third Democrat, Will Shafroth (D-CO), hopes to petition his way onto the ballot.

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     Cannon Misfired: U.S. Representative Christopher B. Cannon (R-UT) barely survived a vote at the state Republican convention capturing 41% of the delegate vote to Jason Chaffetz's (R-UT) 59%. If Chaffetz had been able to win 60% of the vote he would have won the Republican nomination outright. Instead Chaffetz and Cannon will meet a primary scheduled for June 24. Cannon received the endorsement of former prosecutor David O. Leavitt (R-UT) who was eliminated in the second round of balloting.
     The convention also nominated homebuilder Bill Dew (R-UT) over former U.S. Representative Merrill Cook (R-UT).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following contests: Oregon Presidential, Oregon Senate, and national Presidential tracking polls.

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May 10, 2008
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     Alternative Party News - Barr None: Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr (L-GA) will announce Monday at a new conference at the National Press Club in Washington that he will run for president as a Libertarian.

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     In West Virginia: Tuesday's West Virginia Primary provides Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY) one last chances to prove her argument that likely Democratic Presidential nominee Barack H. Obama (D-IL) will have trouble connecting with a segment of the electorate Democrats are desperate to win back. The state of small towns is the home of gun-owning, churchgoing, financially struggling voters, much like the "bitter" dislocated workers in small town Pennsylvania.

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     Lost Bearings: The presidential campaign of John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) accused likely Democratic Presidential nominee Barack H. Obama (D-IL) of intentionally raising the age issue by claiming the Senior Senator from Arizona was "losing his bearings."

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     Friends on K Street: Yet another story has been documented showing the extraordinary relationship between U.S. Senator John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) and K Street lobbyists. McCain initially opposed legislation that would let an Arizona rancher trade remote grassland and ponderosa pine forest for acres of more valuable federally owned property that was ready for development. But after the rancher and his partners hired lobbyists including McCain's former campaign manager and two of his former Senate staff members, McCain became the chief champion of the legislation. Opposed by environmentalist and some taxpayer watchdog groups, McCain nonetheless continued to push for the land swap. In the end, one of the major beneficiary of the transaction because McCain's top presidential campaign fundraiser.

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     Till the Bitter End: Not every Democrat is in a hurry to see the Democratic presidential primary finish. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer (D-MT), whose state will be the last to vote, says he would like to see the content continue till his constituents have a chance to vote.

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     Escaping Reprimand: U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-LA) escaped a reprimand from the Senate Ethics Committee when it dismissed a complaint against him claiming he violated the chamber's rules when he allegedly solicited a prostitute. The panel reasoned that because 1) the alleged incident occurred before Vitter's time in office, 2) he was not criminally charged, and 3) his conduct did not involve the use of his public office, it lacked jurisdiction. The decision to dismiss were made without a finding of whether or not the charges were true or not. Nonetheless, the committee wrote that if the allegation were proven to be true, the members of the committee would find the alleged conduct of solicitation for prostitution to be reprehensible and that its dismissal should not be taken as personal acceptance of Vitter's action.

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     It Is About Demeanor: In an email sent to potential donors, U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) accused Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken (DFL-MN) of changing his "positions, demeanor and rhetoric in his attempt to win a Senate seat."

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     Not A Critical Word: Democratic Senate candidate Al Franken (DFL-MN) and Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer (DFL-MN) won't say a critical word about each other and generally agree on most major issues. But they are not shy about taking at incumbent U.S. Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN).

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     Three Approaches: The three Republicans seeking their party's nomination for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey take three different approaches to abortion. Joseph Pennacchio (R-NJ) would ban abortion nationwide through a constitutional amendment. Murray Sabrin (R-NJ) wants to see Roe v. Wade overturned and would allow each state to set its own abortion laws. Richard "Dick" Zimmer (R-NJ) supports reasonable restrictions to legal abortion.

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     From Convention to Ballot: Supporters of Democratic congressional candidates Joan Fitz-Gerald (D-CO) and Jared Polis (D-CO) will be attending 2nd District convention this weekend to assure primary ballot access. Meanwhile Will Shafroth (D-CO) says he will bypass the convention and try to petition his way onto the ballot.

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     Nania Say Naah: Up against a unified Republican establishment support behind the candidacy of state Senator David J. Cappiello (R-CT), former state Representative Anthony J. "Tony" Nania (R-CT) has ended his campaign for the Republican nomination in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District. Nania's decision to end his campaign means that Cappiello is free to focus his efforts on defeating freshman U.S. Representative Christopher S. "Chris" Murphy (D-CT).

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     Attack, Attack, Attack: In a sign that Republican congressional nominee Charles G. "Greg" Davis (R-MS) is falling behind Democratic Travis W. Childers (D-MS) in the special election in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District, Davis's latest commercial does mention anything about Southaven Mayor and instead claims that Childers lies about everything, including whether or not he received the endorsement of likely Democratic Presidential nominee Barack H. Obama (D-IL).

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     What's-His-Name: U.S. Representative John A. Boehner (R-OH) was dismissive about his Democratic challenger Nick von Stein (D-OH). Said Boehner, "I don't know what his name is, but when he moves into the district, I'll pay some attention to him."

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     Cannon at the Ready: This weekend U.S. Representative Christopher B. Cannon (R-UT) will once again walk into a Republican nominating convention facing a fierce challenge to his renomination. Former prosecutor David O. Leavitt (R-UT) and former gubernatorial aide Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) are mounting well-financed and politically astute campaigns. If no candidate received 60% of the vote at the convention, the race will be decided in a primary featuring the top-two vote-getters.

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     For the Regular People: Democratic congressional candidate Lori P. Alexander (D-VA) says that all of her opponents are "the same type of politicians who are already in Congress." The physical therapist says she "want[s] to be a person who represents regular people." She is managing her primary campaign against former U.S. Representative Leslie L. Byrne (D-VA), County Supervisor Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly (D-VA) and Iraqi War veteran Douglas J. "Doug" Denneny (D-VA) from home with the approximate $8,600 she raised from family and friends.

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     Zwonk: Saying he did not have enough money to run the kind of campaign he would have liked, state Representative Dan Zwonitzer (R-WY) has ended his congressional campaign. Zwonitzer did not immediately endorse any of the remaining candidates: rancher Mark Gordon (R-WY), former state Treasurer Cynthia M. Lummis (R-WY), retired Navy officer Bill Winney (R-WY) or businessman Gary Trauner (D-WY).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following contests: Texas Presidential Texas Senate West Virginia Presidential Primary, and national Presidential tracking polls.

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May 9, 2008
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John McCain

     A Bone For Zealots: Unwilling or unable to provide the zealot rhetoric that the religious conservatives have grown to expect from candidates seeking their support, presumptive Republican Presidential nominee John S. McCain, III tried to appeal to them with pledges to prosecute sex traffickers, fight Internet child pornography and make religious freedom a priority in American diplomacy.

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     A Private Meeting: Republican National Committee chair Mike Duncan has asked for a private meeting with U.S. Representative Ronald E. "Ron" Paul (R-TX). Supporters of the Libertarian leaning conservative continue to disrupt and shut down state Republican conventions. In addition, Paul's continued Presidential campaign is holding down John S. McCain's (R-AZ) primary margins causing an embarrassment for the presumptive Republican nominee.

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Barack Obama

     Slowing He Turns: With Barack H. Obama (D-IL) picking up support from previously uncommitted and Clinton superdelegates, the Illinois Senator has begun to slowly turn his attention away from the primary season and has begun to craft a message for the general election. Campaign officials have announced that Obama is only 169 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.

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     May 20th or June 15th: U.S. Senator Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY) is promising to compete in the remaining Democratic primaries but has indicated that a nominee will be known by June 15, 2008, implying that she will not take her campaign into the convention. After Clinton's weak victory in Indiana, the former first lady's campaign has realized that the only assured means of securing the Presidential nomination would require a fight in the convention's rules and credentials committee. That prospect would most likely create the impression of a backroom deal to deny Barack H. Obama's (D-IL) historic victory.
     Despite the impression that Clinton's campaign is winding down, conservatives continue their effort to malign and destroy the credibility of the New York's Junior Senator. The Washington Time rehashed reports from Kenneth W. Starr's Whitewater investigation that the partisan investigators suspected that Hillary Clinton was not completely forthcoming about knowledge of her old law firms work on a failed Arkansas savings & loan connected with James and Susan McDougal.

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     Alternative Party News - Emissary: Socialist Party Presidential nominee Brian P. Moore (S-FL), who insists his party has been unfairly maligned by negative media portrayals, has offered to act as an intermediary for the government of Bolivia with rebels in the province of Santa Cruz. Moore says he is empathetic to what he considers a fellow socialist, President Evo Morales, and the Indian leader's goals for helping the indigenous populations of Bolivia. The presidential nominee lived for two years in the heart of the city and province of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, working and socializing with Bolivian businessmen there.

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     Alternative Party News - Keyes and Gravel Still Have Major Partisan Backers: Despite forsaking the Republican Party and seeking the nomination of the Constitution Party, independent Presidential candidate Alan L. Keyes (I-MD) was able to win 3% of the Republican primary vote in North Carolina on Tuesday. Former U.S. Senator Maurice "Mike" Gravel (D-AK), who says he is now a Libertarian, received one percent of the Democratic total, approximately 12,000 votes, in the Tar Heel state.

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Bob Barr

     Alternative Party News - Sending a Message to the GOP: Writing to conservative activists, likely Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr (L-GA) says that it is "time for conservatives and conservative-libertarians like us to send a message to the GOP." "If you believe that John McCain, Hillary Clinton, or Barack Obama will actually restore America to its constitutional and limited federal government role, then I understand why you may not be supportive of my exploratory committee. But if you believe as I do, and as the Washington Times newspaper has recently published, that a viable third party sends a powerful message to the two main parties, then I'm asking you to lend me a hand," write the former Republican Congressman.

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     Production Company: With the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in hand, former U.S. Representative Jill L. Long Thompson (D-IN) has begun the arduous task of refilling her campaign coffers to challenge incumbent Governor Mitchell E. "Mitch" Daniels, Jr. (R-IN) who was unopposed in Tuesday's primary.

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     GOP Hopes to Go Postal: In a sign of the weakness of the GOP talent pool, New Hampshire Republican establishment is said to be "excited" that former mailman Jim Adams (R-NH) is considering running for Governor. State Senator Joseph D. Kenney (R-NH) is also considering challenging incumbent Governor John Lynch (D-NH).

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     Its Party Time: Gubernatorial nominees Patrick L. "Pat" McCrory (R-NC) and Beverly M. "Bev" Perdue (D-NC) set about convincing voters that any bitterness of the primary is over and that they have the unified support of their parties. However, state Treasurer Richard H. Moore (D-NC) was conspicuously absent from Perdue's first campaign event as the nominee.

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     Terrorism Watch List: U.S. Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) has introduced legislation that would remove Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela from the United State's terrorism watch lists. After serving more than 27 years in prison because of his anti-apartheid efforts, Mandela was the first democratically elected state president of South Africa in May of 1994.

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     Ogonowski On Air: Republican Senate candidate James "Jim" Ogonowski (R-MA) has begun airing his first television commercial which accuses incumbent U.S. Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) of missing 569 congressional votes and failing to pass legislation in nine years.

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     Bemoaning Polls: Democratic Senate candidate Tony Raimondo's (D-NE) campaign manager bemoans the industrialist's decision not to spend money on public opinion surveys. Raimondo says it would have been pointless to poll early in the race when few Nebraskans knew his name. With less than a week before the primary against Scott Kleeb (D-NE), he has more pressing concerns which need his precious campaign funds.
     Meanwhile Republican candidate Pat Flynn (R-NE) is hoping to pull off the miracle upset in his primary against former Governor Mike Johanns (R-NE). Flynn has had trouble raising money, generating excitement and building any name recognition.

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     Two is Not Enough: U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) has now agreed to a second debate with U.S. Representative Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ) before the June Democratic primary. But Andrews says that is still not enough.

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     Badmouthing Dem: Several new television commercials are running in Oregon Democratic Senate primary.

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     Democrats Even Less: While Republican Senate candidate Walter "Buddy" Witherspoon (R-SC) is given little chance of defeating U.S. Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) in the primary, Graham's Democratic opponents, attorney Michael Cone (D-SC) and flight trainer Bob Conley (D-SC), are given even less.

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     Metcalfe Exits Stage Right: Unable to move passed stories linking his former aide to fake websites concerning one of his primary opponents, former state party chair Jake Metcalfe (D-AK) abruptly ended his campaign for Congress. The stories linking Metcalfe to an Internet smear campaign aimed at Ethan Berkowitz (D-AK) proved to be too much of a distraction.

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     Farther Outside: While congressional candidate Tom McClintock (R-CA) likes to portray his primary race against Doug Ose (R-CA) as a classic showdown between the conservative and liberal wings of the Republican Party, the race is more about two politicians trying to extend their political careers in a state burdened by term limits. Both of the leading Republican candidates hoping to succeed retiring U.S. Representative John T. Doolittle (R-CA) live outside the California's 4th Congressional District current boundaries, although Ose is said to be renting a guest house. Also running are Suzanne Jones (R-CA) and Theodore Terbolizard (R-CA). The winner of the GOP nomination will face Charles D. "Charlie" Brown (D-CA) who came within 4% of winning in 2006.

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     And the Nominees are . . . : Jim Himes (D-CT) is expected to receive the Democratic nomination to face U.S. Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) this Monday. Shays does not face an opponent in this weekend's Republican nominating convention.

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     Nothing to Be Ashamed Of : U.S. Representative James "Jim" Marshall (D-GA) says that he will run on his record in the primary against teacher Robert Nowak (D-GA) and in the general election against retired Air Force Major General Richard N. "Rick" Goddard (R-GA).

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     Registered Carpetbagger: While it is not that unusual for a congressional candidate to live outside the boundaries of the district he or she wishes to represent, it is unusual to have the candidate re-register outside the district. But that is what Republican John Stone (R-GA). Stone, who is seeking the GOP nomination in Georgia's 12th Congressional District, registered to vote in March, four months after declaring his candidacy, in the neighboring 10th District. Stone's campaign noted that Stone lives just "four blocks" from the district line.

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     Showing Some Color: Facing a primary challenge from African-American state Senator Regina D. Thomas (D-GA), U.S. Representative John Barrow (D-GA) produced the endorsement by every member of the state Democratic delegation in upriver Augusta, including four African-American members of the state legislature.

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     Accusation by Admitted Felon: Former congressional aide Laura Flores, who has pleaded guilty in January to wire fraud for embezzling from the congressional office expenses, claims that U.S. Representatives Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) and Jane Harman (D-CA) forced their congressional staff to perform campaign duties and run personal errands which on official time.

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     Halvorson Relinquishes Chair: Trying to eliminate an issue which the Republicans have been trying to exploit, Democratic congressional nominee Debbie D. "Debbie" Halvorson (D-IL) has stepped aside as chair of the Illinois Senate Rules committee. Republican nominee Martin "Marty" Ozinga, III (R-IL) claimed that Halvorson was using her position to protect Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D-IL).

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     No Debate: U.S. Representative Leonard L. Boswell (D-IA) has thus far refused to debate his Democratic rival former state Representative Ed Fallon (D-IA). It appears unlikely that Boswell will change his mind before the June 3 primary.

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     Civil Discussion: Democratic congressional candidates David E. Boswell (D-KY) and Reid Haire (D-KY) have proven that an open seat primary does not have to be uncivil.

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     Uncivil War: U.S. Representative Baron P. Hill (D-IN) and former U.S. Representative Michael E. "Mike" Sodrel (R-IN) are prepared to face off in their fourth consecutive election against each other. This race is likely to be just as close, as just as personal, and just as negative as previous cycles.

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     Vanishing Massachusetts Republican Party: Democratic domination of the Massachusetts congressional delegation will continue after only two Republicans filed to challenge the ten Democrats. Nathan Bech (R-MA) is challenging U.S. Representative John W. Olver (D-MA) in the 1st Congressional District while Richard A. Baker, Jr. (R-MA) will run against U.S. Representative John F. Tierney (D-MA) in the 6th Congressional District.

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     Now Intrenched: Seven months after winning the special election, U.S. Representative Nicola S. "Niki" Tsongas (D-MA) has become an intrenched incumbent. Despite an underwhelming victory in Massachusetts 5th Congressional District election against former pilot James "Jim" Ogonowski (R-MA), Tsongas drew no Republican opponent for re-election.

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     All Eight: All eight candidates running in Maine's 1st Congressional District attended a forum in Augusta on Tuesday night. There they talked about the economy, health care, the Iraqi War, and immigration. The Kennebec Journal reported that there were "no major fireworks or gaffes."

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     The Late Mr. Davis: Republican congressional nominee Charles G. "Greg" Davis (R-MS) is struggling to explain the abnormally long delay in filing his financial reports with the Federal Election Commission.

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     Dunn and Gone: Four Republicans and two Democrats vying for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Stevan "Steve" Pearce (R-NM) attended a forum and discussed issues ranging from the Iraqi War, economic development, immigration and the federal deficit. In attendance were C. Earl Greer (R-NM), Monty Newman (R-NM), Edward R. Tinsley (R-NM), Greg Sowards (R-NM), William J. "Bill" McCamley (D-NM) and Harry Teague (D-NM). Aubrey L. Dunn, Jr. (R-NM) was the only major party candidate absent.

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     Fossella is the Father: U.S. Representative Vito J. Fossella (R-NY) issued a statement confessing to an extramarital relationship with the woman who bailed him out of jail following his arrest for drunken driving. Fossella acknowledges that he is the father of Laura Fay's three year old daughter. Republicans have begun polling New York's 13th Congressional District to determine whether another Republican, such as Richmond County District Attorney Daniel A. Donovan, Jr. (R-NY) or New York City Councilor James S. Oddo (R-NY), might do a better job holding onto the district. Should Fossella decide to resign or retire, expect to see state Senator Andrew J. Lanza (R-NY) and New York City Councilor Vincent Ignizio (R-NY) decide to run.
     Fossella, himself, is uncommitted to running for re-election. "Making any political decisions right now are furthest from my mind. Over the coming weeks and months, I will continue to do my job and I will work hard to heal the deep wounds I have caused."

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     Recount Waiting: Former Iredell County Commissioner Diane Hamby (D-NC) has not conceded to teacher Roy Carter (D-NC) and might request a recount of the results from Tuesday's Democratic primary. A final decision on the recount will not be made until all of the provisional ballots have been considered.

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     Still the War: Democratic congressional candidate Darcy Burner (D-WA) plans to campaign again on the issue of the war in Iraq in her rematch against U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA).

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     Just the One: State Representative Frank Lasee (R-NM), state Representative Steve Wieckert (R-WI) and former Green Bay Mayor Paul F. Jadin (R-WI) confirmed that they will not run for Congress, leaving former state Assembly Speaker John Gard (R-WI) as the lone Republican challenging freshman U.S. Representative Steven L. "Steve" Kagen (D-WI). Gard lost to Kagen by a margin of 51% to 49% in the 2006 election.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following contests: Georgia Presidential, Georgia Senate, Missouri Presidential, Missouri Governor, Oregon 5th Congressional Primary, and national Presidential tracking polls.

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May 8, 2008
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     And the Nominees are . . .: Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY) lost any momentum she might have gained after her big win in Pennsylvania last month with an even bigger lost in North Carolina. Although she salvaged victory in Indiana, it only in the early morning hours that she was finally declared the winner. (Kudos to CBS which was alone in declaring her the winner at 8pm.) The delay in reporting results from Lake County had some late night political commentators making comparisons to neighboring Chicago where margins of victory were often "found" in late reporting precincts.

     But it wasn't Barack H. Obama (D-IL) whose margin of victory came in Lake County, but former U.S. Representative Jill L. Long Thompson (D-IN) who found victory in the late reporting precincts. Despite leading architect Jim Schellinger (D-IN) in pre-primary polls, Thompson, who is considered an outsider among Democratic Party establishment, was trailing Schellinger for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination before the votes were counted in Lake County. Her margin of victory there gave her 50.2% of the vote statewide. Although a recount is possible, she will now face Governor Mitchell E. "Mitch" Daniels, Jr. (R-IN) whose popularity never recovered after his controversial decision to lease public roads to private companies in order to close a budget gap.

     Elsewhere in The Hoosier State, two incumbent members of Congress fought off primary challenges. U.S. Representative André D. Carson (D-IN), who won a special election in March to succeed his late grandmother, topped a field of eight candidates. It was the first time that Carson had to face the voters in a primary. He was nominated for the special election in a convention. He will face in the general election state Representative Jon Elrod (R-IN) and Libertarian Sean Shepard (L-IN), the same candidates who ran in the special election.

     U.S. Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) faced a year-long challenge from former county coroner John McGoff (R-IN) who alleged that the 13-term incumbent and lost touch with his district. McGoff touched a nerve with voters and held Burton to only 51.9% of the vote in a three way primary. Burton will likely have an easier time in the fall when he faces Mary Etta Ruley (D-IN) who won the Democratic nomination on Tuesday.

     Three other incumbents, Mark E. Souder (R-IN), Stephen Buyer (R-IN) and Baron P. Hill (D-IN) easily overcame primary challenges. Republicans offered Mark J. Leyva (R-IN) a third chance to defeat U.S. Representative Peter J. Visclosky (D-IN). In the 2nd congressional district, businessman Luke Puckett (R-IN) took 47.7% of the vote to win the Republican nomination to challenge freshman U.S. Representative Joseph S. Donnelly (D-IN).

     In North Carolina, Barack H. Obama (D-IL) defied some polls which suggested that Clinton was closing the gap. In the end, last minute deciders pick Obama over Clinton providing him with a larger than expected victory. He margin of victory in the Tar Heel State wiped out any gain Clinton has made and helped cement the impression that the Democratic Presidential nomination is his to lose (or to have stolen.)

     Voters also picked their nominees for Governor and other statewide office. Hard fought campaigns masked the relative ease with which Lieutenant Governor Beverly M. "Bev" Perdue (D-NC) and Charlotte Mayor Patrick L. "Pat" McCrory (R-NC) won their perspective nominations. They will be joined on the general election ballot by Libertarian professor Michael Munger (L-NC).

     State Senator Walter H. Dalton (D-NC) will face state Senator Robert Pittenger (R-NC) to fill Perdue's Lieutenant Governor Office. State Treasurer Richard H. Moore (D-NC), who lost the Democratic gubernatorial nomination to Perdue, will be succeeded by either state Senator Janet Cowell (D-NC) or state Representative William G. "Bill" Daughtridge (R-NC). Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry (R-NC) won't know her general election opponent for until June 24, 2008 after a run-off primary between former teacher Mary Fant Donnan (D-NC) and John C. Brooks (D-NC), although a recount is expected to confirm the run-off candidates. Less than 45000 votes separated the Donnan, who finished first and Tyrone "Ty" Richardson (D-NC) who finished last in the four candidate field.

     State Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC), the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee's recruited choice, easier won the Democratic Senate nomination to face U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC).

     Two Republican members of Congress fought off spirited challengers in the primary. U.S. Representative Patrick T. McHenry (R-NC) was in a spitting contest with former military trial judge Lance Sigmon (R-NC) in the final weeks of the campaign but ended by winning more than 67% of the primary vote. Assistant District Attorney Daniel Johnson (D-NC) hopes to accomplish in November what Sigmon couldn't do on Tuesday.

     U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones Jr. (R-NC), who has been criticized by conservative for backing off his initial support for the Iraqi War, won 60% of the vote against former County Commissioner Joseph R. "Joe" McLaughlin (R-NC), whose campaign started with a bang but fizzled before the final curtain.

     In other congressional primaries, meteorologist Craig Weber (D-NC) won the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District. Businessman William "B. J." Lawson (R-NC) will face U.S. Representative David E. Price (D-NC) in the 4th District. Teacher Roy Carter (D-NC) defeated former County Commissioner Diane Hamby (D-NC) is a close contest. Physician Teresa Sue Bratton (D-NC) topped a field of three candidates with more than 60% of the vote and will face U.S. Representative Howard Coble (R-NC) in the fall. Harry Taylor (D-NC) and