The Wait is Over. Now All You Have to Do Is Wait. With former U.S. Senator Norm Coleman's (R-MN) concession, Senator-elect Al Franken (DFL-MN) is prepared to belatedly take the oath of office. But because of the July 4th recess, Franken will not be sworn-in as Minnesota's junior Senator until next week.

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     Territorial News - GOP Reaches the Island: Territorial Representative Heinz S. Hofschneider (R-MP) defeated former Governor Juan N. Babauta (R-MP) for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, an American territory. Hofschneider collected 53% of the 6368 votes cast. Hofschneider and his running mate Speaker Arnold I. Palacios (R-MP) will face incumbent Governor Benigno R. Fitial (Cv-MP) and Eloy Inos (Cv-MP) of the Covenant Party in the general election. The local Democratic Party, which is not affiliated with the Democratic National Committee, is not fielding a ticket. Also running are independent candidates House Floor Leader Joseph J.N. Camacho (I-MP), and former Education Commissioner David M. Borja (I-MP).

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     Taken Out of Context: After Republican gubernatorial nominee Christopher J. Christie's (R-NJ) campaign chair was quoted as saying New Jersey voters "would prefer a combative governor to one who is out of touch," the Democratic National Committee issued a press release saying "It's stunning that the Christie Campaign is admitting that Chris Christie will be an angry, combative Governor."

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     Ten Debates in Eleven Districts: Republican gubernatorial nominee Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell (R-VA) has challenged his Democratic opponent state Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D-VA) to a series of ten statewide debates.

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     It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Artur E. Davis (D-AL) used his campaign website to solicit ideas on how to improve Alabama. But former Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Loretta Nall (I-AL) used the opportunity to organize efforts to make legalization of marijuana use the most popular suggestion.

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     Money Can't Buy You Love: Millionaire Edward M. "Ned" Lamont (D-CT) used his personal fortune in 2006 to defeat U.S. Senator Joseph I. "Joe" Lieberman (I-CT) in the Democratic primary. Now Lamont is thinking of tapping his bank accounts again for a possible campaign for governor. Lamont would be able to easily outspend other potential candates: Stamford Mayor Dannel P. Malloy (D-CT), former state House Speaker James A. Amann (D-CT) and Secretary of state Susan Bysiewicz (D-CT).

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     Not One, But the Other: State Senator Paula Dockery (R-FL) took herself out of consideration for Congress by endorsing former state Representative Dennis A. Ross (R-FL) in Florida's 12th Congressional District. Even as she was making her decision known, talk about Dockery running for governor increased.

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     Not Very Transparent: Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski (R-IL) thought it would be a good public relations move to release his public income tax returns "in the interest of transparency." But instead questions have arisen on how the businessman could justify requesting a federal tax refund of $632,000 plus a state refund of $51,000. Andrezejewski's goal of transparency is now one of obstructionist. Andrezejewski claims a non-disclosure agreement prevents him from divulgiong exactly how much money he made in the sale of his yellow pages publishing business.

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     Sending a Message: Iowa state Representative Rod A. Roberts (R-IA) sent a message to state Republicans saying he's seriously considering a run for the party's gubernatorial nomination against former House Speaker Christopher Rants (R-IA) and businessman Bob Vander Plaats (R-IA). Roberts said he will form an exploratory committee next month.

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     No Payments Until 2011: Massachusetts state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill (D-MA) accused Governor Deval L. Patrick (D-MA) of practicing budgetary "sleight-of-hand" and urged state legislators to override a gubernatorial veto that slashed $20 million from the budget. The money was meant to pay off interest incurred by the state debt.

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     Open Casting: Twelve gubernatorial candidates have already registered with the Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices and the number is expected to grow as the state experiences its first open seat for the Blaine House in eight years.

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     PR Move: Publicist Douglas W. Turner (R-NM), who has worked for several successful political campaigns, is considering making the leap from campaign staff to candidate. Turner is considering running for governor of New Mexico.

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     Can't See the Need for Taxes: Former North Las Vegas Mayor Michael L. Montandon (R-NV) says he is running for governor because incumbent James A. "Jim" Gibbons (R-NV) lacks the vision to get Nevada back on its feet.

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     Picture Perfect Line: Oregon state Senator President Peter Courtney (D-OR) says that he is not seriously considering running for governor, adding "I'm just not a picture perfect candidate for anything right now."

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     Not a One Time Thing: The calls for Governor Marshall C. "Mark" Sanford's (R-SC) resignation have grown louder after the Republican incumbent admitted that his extramarital affair with Argentine reporter Maria Belen Chapur was not his only inappropriate relationship.

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     Learn When to Keep Your Mouth Shut: Jonathan Allen suggests that U.S. Representative J. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) has improved his chances of winning the Republican gubernatorial nomination next year by avoiding commenting on Governor Mark Sanford's (R-SC) extramartial affair.

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     What's More Important? Democratic gubernatorial candidate J. Thomas "Tom" Schieffer (D-TX) says that Republicans' efforts to enact voter identification legislation doomed efforts to improve Texas's schools.

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     Just Give Us the Message: Former U.S. Representative Mark Neumann (R-WI) says that the GOP has lost its way in recent years. Neumann is promising that his campaign for governor will have a different message than his primary rivals Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker (R-WI) and businessman Mark Todd (R-WI).

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     As an Example of What Helps: U.S. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) used a $950,000 government grant to a nursing school to emphasize her philosophical differences with potential Republican challengers Curtis Coleman (R-AR) and Tom Cox (R-AR).

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     Moving Backward and Forward: Chicago Urban League President Cheryle R. Jackson (D-IL) is the latest Democrat to have her name floated as a possible Senate candidate. Jackson's candidacy could be hindered by the fact that she once worked as the communication director for impeach Governor Rod R. Blagojevich (D-IL).

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     Primary Endorsement: Despite the fact that he could still face a primary challenge from former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman (R-MO) and / or state Senator Chuck Purgason (R-MO), the National Republican Senatorial Committee has taken the unusual step of endorsing U.S. Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) for the GOP Senate nomination. This is the third time this campaign cycle that the NRSC has made an endorsement in the primary having previously announced its support for Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL) and now-Democratic Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA).

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     Alternative Party News - Potts and Pans: Midge Potts (Pr-MO), the chair of the Missouri Progressive Party, announced her intentions to run for the U.S. Senate next year. The Progressive Party, which is affiliated with the Green Party, does not currently have ballot access status in the Show Me State. Potts will need to gather the signatures of 10,000 registered voters to get her name on the general election ballot.

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     Smart Move: U.S. Representative Peter T. King (R-NY) is less likely to run for the U.S. Senate now that he has been given a seat on the House Intelligence Committee.

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     Pleas Go Unheard: Rejecting Democratic leaders' pleas for her to stay out of the race, U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) has reportedly decided to challenge U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) for the party's Senate nomination.

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     Would You Buy an Office From This Man: Car salesman Tom Ganley (R-OH) has followed through on his earlier promises and announced that he will challenge former U.S. Representative Robert J. "Rob" Portman (R-OH) for the Republican Senate nomination. Ganley indicated that he is willing to spend a considerable amount of his personal fortune to win.

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     Keep a Compass Handy: Earlier this year former U.S. Representative Patrick J. "Pat" Toomey (R-PA) was a thorn in the side of the Republican establishment. The conservative activist was talking about trying to oust a GOP incumbent in the primary. Less than six months later, Toomey has morphed into the establishment candidate taking on a now Democratic incumbent. Toomey has not changed his positions, rather the ground terrain has shifted under his feet.

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     Give a Hutto: South Carolina state Senator C. Bradley "Brad" Hutto (D-SC) plans to make a decision by Labor Day whether or not to run for the U.S. Senate. Businessman Mike Ruckes (D-SC) has already announced his intentions to challenge U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC).

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     Give Me Mo': After meeting with national Republicans in Washington, D.C., Madison County Commissioner Morris J. "Mo" Brooks (R-AL) announced his congressional candidacy. Brooks faces businessman Lester Phillip (R-AL) in the primary. The winner will face U.S. Representative Parker Griffith (D-AL).

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     The Fourth Decade: U.S. Representative Donald E. "Don" Young (R-AK) has indicated that he will seek re-election next year to a twentieth term in Congress.

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     Disappointment: Contra Costa Sheriff Warren E. Rupf (R-CA) disappointed many Republicans when he announced this week that he would not challenge U.S. Representative Jerry McNerney (D-CA).

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     Put Your Name on the Bottom of the List: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has talked to political consultant Jim Dantona (D-CA) about running against U.S. Representative Elton W. Gallegly (R-CA). Dantona's name is now added to a large list of potential challengers which already included businessman Tim Allison (D-CA), nurse Marta A. Jorgensen (D-CA), minister Jill Marie Martinez (D-CA) and businessman Shawn Stern (D-CA).

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     Next Week: State Representative Dorothy L. Hukill (R-FL) said that she is likely to announce her political plans after the July 4th week-end. Hukill is considering joining city commissioner Karen Diebel (R-FL) in challenging freshman U.S. Representative Suzanne M. Kosmas (D-FL).

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     Can I Get a Volunteer: U.S. Representative James "Jim" Marshall (D-GA) has been a perennial target of Republicans. But even with the active effort by the National Republican Congressional Committee, no candidate has step forward to challenge Marshall next year.

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     Still More: Former Salina Mayor Monte Shadwick (R-KS) is the seventh Republican to officially enter the race to replace U.S. Representative Jerry Moran (R-KS), who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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     Surprise, She's Back: Former state Representative Patricia Barbieri-Lightner (R-KS) surprised Republican activists by announcing last week that she would run against U.S. Representative Dennis Moore (D-KS). Barbieri-Lightner came in third place in the 2004 GOP primary.

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     Plan B: Now that Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land (R-MI) has dropped out of the gubernatorial primary, there is speculation that she may decide to run for Congress.

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     Duty to Report: Republican congressional candidate Frank Guinta (R-NH) is being criticized for failing to immediately report to police a public brawl that left a man with a broken leg.

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     Swinging with Bishop: Businessman Randy Altschuler (R-NY) is considering running against U.S. Representative Timothy H. "Tim" Bishop (D-NY) who represents a swing district.

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     Half Million Dollars Serious: To prove to Republican leaders, who will be hand-picking a nominee for the special election, that he is serious, Matthew Doheny (R-NY) opened a congressional campaign account with $500,000 of his own money. The special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District has yet to be scheduled.

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     Top Pick: Republicans convinced their top recruit in New York's 29th Congressional District to enter the race. Corning Mayor Tom Reed (R-NY) has agreed to challenge freshman U.S. Representative Eric J. Massa (D-NY).

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     Five-Star Candidates and Their Understudies: Republican's first choice for nominee to challenge freshman U.S. Representative Larry Kissell (D-NC) is former U.S. Representative Robert C. "Robin" Hayes (R-NC). But should Hayes decline the rematch, Charlotte Mayor Patrick L. "Pat" McCrory (R-NC), who was the GOP's gubernatorial nominee in 2008, is another top recruit. Should the National Republican Congressional Committee fail to convince either five-star candidate to enter the race, they would still have potential candidates in Union Country District Attorney John C. Snyder, III (R-NC) and former state Representative Mia White (R-NC).

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     Pray for Rain: At the urging of Republican activists, retired Navy meteorologist Bill Randall (R-NC) has agreed to run against U.S. Representative Brad Miller (D-NC). "I believe the current representative is out of touch. With his voting record he does not represent the average constituent in the district along with the so-called stimulus plan," said Randall.

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     Just Exploring: Attorney Elaine Surma (R-PA) says that statement of candidacy and statement of organization she filed with the federal election commission is not a formal declaration of candidacy, but only an effort to explore a campaign against U.S. Representative Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA).

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     Connect the Dots: Republican congressional candidate Tim Burns (R-PA) has launched a petition drive asking U.S. Representative John P. "Jack" Murtha (D-PA) to return more than $68,000 in contributions from Kuchera Industries, which was raided by the FBI and IRS in January for allegedly padding their payroll as part of a $100 million defense contract.

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     Will a Million Be Enough: Real estate broker Lainey Melnick (D-TX), who filed paperwork to run for Congress, says she will need to raise at least $1 million to mount a competitive campaign against U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX). Also considering running is businessman Rejas Vakil (D-TX).

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     Do Onto Others: Republican activist Robin Smith (R-TN) officially entered the race to replace retiring U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN).

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     All Democratic Election: Film producer Bill Hoffman (D-WA) says he is willing to invest $100,000 of his own money into a campaign against U.S. Representative Jim McDermott (D-WA). Under Washington's "top-two" primary procedure, it is possible that Hoffman and McDermott could face each other in the general election.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Connecticut Senate, Florida Senate, Massachusetts Governor, New Hampshire Senate, New Jersey Governor, New York Governor and New York Senate.

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     Byrd Watching: U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) was released from the hospital after a six-and-a-half-week stay.

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Thank you Readers! (http://www.DCPoliticalReport.com/) had its 75 millionth hit on July 22, 2005.

     D.C.'s Political Report is dedicated to bringing to the public complete summaries of all Congressional, Gubernatorial, and state wide races from across the United States of America and its territories. D.C.'s Political Report has thousands of hyperlinks to candidates, elected offices, government agencies, political parties and political organizations. Its editor, D.C. Finegold Sachs, although a ferocious partisan, presents material without bias, and provides links to candidates' web pages so that opinions can be made by individuals.