Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Delaware Senate, Illinois Governor, Illinois Senate, New Mexico 1st District, New Mexico 2nd District, New Mexico 3rd District, Oregon Governor and South Dakota House.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Georgia Senate, Kentucky Senate, New Mexico Governor , Ohio Senate, Pennsylvania Governor Primary, Pennsylvania Senate, Rhode Island Governor and Texas Governor Primary.

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     Hawaii Senate - The Lone Republican: So far the only Republican to announce an election challenge to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye's (D-HI) ninth term is social work John Roco (R-HI).

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     Indiana Senate - Resign-to-Run: In anticipation the support of a majority of the Indiana Democratic Party's 32-member Central Committee, U.S. Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) has withdrawn from the Democratic congressional primary and plans to run for the U.S. Senate. Democrats will choose their Senate nominee by committee after no Democrats qualified for the primary.

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     Nevada Senate - Will Anyone Even Notice His Absence: State Senate Mark E. Amodei (R-NV) dropped out of the race for the Republican Senate nomination. He declined to endorse any of the other thirteen candidates hoping to challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV).

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     Alabama Governor - It's the Economy Stupid: U.S. Representative Artur E. Davis's (D-AL) gubernatorial campaign released an economic plan for Alabama which would rely on tax credits rather than casinos to create jobs and end record unemployment.

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     Connecticut Governor - Shays Home: Former U.S. Representative Christopher H. Shays (R-CT) has confirmed that he will not be a candidate for governor of Connecticut in 2010.

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     Illinois Governor - Be Realistic: Illinois State Senate President John Cullerton (D-IL) challenged presumptive Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady (R-IL) to present his budget to the voters, accusing the state senator of not have a realistic plan to deal with the state's deficit. "Maybe he hasn't spent enough time, like I have, in trying to figure out how to balance this budget. Maybe he's been a backbencher and hasn't really been looking at this as evidenced by his comments during the campaign, so maybe it's wishful thinking," Cullerton said. During the campaign, Brady pledged not to raise taxes and to balance the budget in part by instituting a 10 percent across-the-board cut, which Cullerton said wouldn't generate enough money to close the deficit.

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     Alternative Party News - Minnesota Governor: Retired Lt. Col. Joe Repya (Ind-MN) has ended his campaign for the Minnesota Independence Party's gubernatorial nomination. Repya said he was unhappy with his party's decision to change is delegate data procedure. Repya said that it "essentially nullified" the state convention endorsement process.

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     Pennsylvania Governor - Giving the Race Some Color: Even as other Democrats are leaving the contest, state Senator Anthony H. Williams (D-PA) announced that he would seek the Democratic Party's nomination for governor of Pennsylvania. Williams says that he raised nearly $2 million in campaign contributions in less than a month.

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     Utah Governor - The Goldline Standard: Businessman Richard Martin (R-UT), who has never before sought political office, announced that he was running for governor of Utah to end the "anti-business-as-usual" excesses within state governor. Martin has proposed investing the $400 million in the state's reserve account, and most of the money not needed for operations, into gold.

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     California 19th District - Being First Among Many: Fresno City Councilman Larry Westerlund (R-CA) became the first candidate to file in California's 19th Congressional District open race.

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     Illinois 8th District - Tea Time: Even as she is being dismissive of the Tea Party movement, U.S. Representative Melissa Bean (D-IL) is taking seriously the challenge by Republican Joe Walsh (R-IL), who was able to win the GOP nomination by campaigning as the "Tea Party candidate." "Any time any party assumes they're in control of a seat, they're not in touch with reality," Bean said.

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     Politicians Do The Strangest Things - So Opposed to Gay Marriage That He Is Forcing Women to Say Together: Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott (R-TX), a conservative Republican who opposes gay marriages, has intervened in a case in Travis County arguing that the state cannot grant two women, who were legally married in another state, a divorce. Abbott says that because Texas defines a marriage as between a man and a woman, the state cannot legally dissolve their union.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Florida Senate, Georgia Governor, Kansas 1st District, Ohio Governor, Texas Governor and Wisconsin Governor.

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     Arizona Senate - A New Rational To Be a Birther: Republican Senate candidate J.D. Hayworth, Jr. (R-AZ) compared the continuing accusation that President Barack H. Obama (D-IL) was born in Kenya with the case of fugitive anti-war protest Howard Mechanic. Mechanic, who was on the run since the Vietnam War era, ran for the Scottsdale City Council in 2000 using the alias "Gary Tredway." "All I'm saying is, for every race across the country, especially with identity theft in the news, it would be great that people can confirm who they say they are," said Hayworth who is calling on Obama to release his original birth certificate.

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     Arizona Senate - Mislead: Under pressure from conservatives and Tea Party activists, U.S. Senator John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) now says that he was mislead by then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Chair Ben Bernanke when they assured him that TARP funds would be used primarily on the housing meltdown.

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     California Senate - Son of Demon Sheep: Republican Senate candidate Tom Campbell (R-CA) and Chuck DeVore (R-CA) are crying foul over primary rival Carly Fiorina's (R-CA) latest internet ad which implies that she has been endorsed by U.S. Senator Scott P. Brown (R-MA).

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     Florida Senate - What, Me Worried?: Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) says that he is not concerned by the fact that the Republican primary between Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL) and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R-FL) is currently overshadowing his campaign. "As far as I'm concerned, this is one voter at a time," said the Florida Congressman.

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     Kentucky Senate - Cheering for Limits: While Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul (R-KY) and Trey Grayson (R-KY) were exchanging criticism during a fundraising dinner for the Jefferson County Republican committee, it was former state school Superintendent John Stephenson (R-KY) who received the loudest applause of the evening. Stephenson (R-KY), who is also seeking the Republican Senate nomination, said he was in favor of term limits adding, "One is all I can physically serve."

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     Nevada Senate - TEA Party Plant: Some political observers are smelling a rat in Nevada's newly formed Tea Party. Polls indicate that the present of Tea Party candidate Jon Ashjian (Tea-NV) is helping the re-election effort of Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV) by splitting the anti-establishment vote. They also note that lawyer Barry Levinson, named as the party's secretary in paperwork filed with the state, appears to be a registered Democrat. Furthermore, the founders of the Tea Party movement in Nevada claims to have never heard of any of the candidates and officers identified in the By-Laws now on record with the Secretary of State office.

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     California Governor - Planned Pummeling: Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner (R-CA) is trying to prevent further defection among in financial backers by revealing to them his strategy for defeating Meg Whitman (R-CA) in the primary. Poizner is preparing to hold his fire against the former eBay CEO until the final month of the campaign, when he will "start pummeling" Whitman on the airwaves with an $18 million media campaign.

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     Georgia California - The Big Man on Campus: Former Governor Roy E. Barnes's (D-GA) name recognition is providing a decisive advantage over his four rivals for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Georgia.

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     Illinois Lieutenant Governor - Preferred Choice: Governor Pat Quinn (D-IL) has indicated that he would prefer Veteran Administration assistant secretary L. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to be his lieutenant governor running mate. But Duckworth does not appear willing to give up her position in the Obama administration. Democrats are scheduled to meet on March 15, 2010 to choose a replacement for Scott Lee Cohen (D-IL), who dropped out of the race shortly after winning the Democratic primary.

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     Iowa Governor - Conservative Threat: Former Governor Terry E. Branstad (R-IA) might be leading Governor Chet Culver (D-IA) in opinion surveys, but there is one crucial part of the Republican base that he is not winning over. Several conservative organizations are threatening to skip the election if Branstad is nominated because he has not taken a strong enough stance against homosexual marriages.

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     Kansas Governor - Fulfilling a Destiny: Democrats might have finally found a gubernatorial candidate to face Sam Brownback (R-KS), but Republicans are not taking Tom Holland's (D-KS) candidacy seriously. "This is the first time in my political life that I've sensed that an election is predetermined," said state Senate President Steve Morris (R-KS).

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     Massachusetts Governor - Undermining His Rational: Republican gubernatorial candidate Christy Mihos (R-MA) bounced a $20,000 check to his campaign, raising questions about the financial viability of his candidacy.

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     Alternative Party News - No Alternative Available: The state of Nebraska has declared the Libertarian, Green and the state affiliate of the Constitutional Party defunct after none of their candidates were president or Congress were able to receive 5% of the vote. The parties will have to start petitioning from scratch if they wish to have their candidates on the general election ballot. They need to collect the signature of 2000 registered voters from each of the state's three congressional district by August 1, 2010 to appear on the November ballot.

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     New York Governor - Uninvited Guest: New York Governor David A. Paterson (D-NY) reserved a room which holds 50 people for his official re-election announcement, only to be surprised when more than 200 showed up to him the embattled Democrat.

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     South Dakota Governor - Clear Field: Former state Senator Ron J. Volesky (D-SD) has ended his campaign governor of South Dakota leaving only state Senate Minority Leader Scott N. Heidepriem (D-SD) as the sole Democrat seeking his party's nomination. Heidepriem can begin to focus on the general election and his eventual Republican nominee. Seven Republicans are competing for the GOP nomination.

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     Arizona 5th District - Had Wnuck?: Businessman Eric Wnuck (R-AZ) has ended his campaign for congress and has endorsed Jim Ward (R-AZ) against U.S. Representative Harry E. Mitchell (D-AZ).

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     California 47th District - Stolen Endorsement: Supporters of Republican congressional candidate Quang X. Pham (R-CA) claim that his primary rival state Assembly member Van Tran (R-CA) stole an endorsement from the conservative California Republican Assembly when Tran's chief of staff cast the deciding vote giving him the necessary two-thirds majority necessary for an endorsement.

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     Colorado 4th District - Repeating the Big Lie: Republican congressional candidate Diggs Brown (R-CO) falsely accused House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) of "commandeering a military jet" for personal use and spending more than $100,000 per month on alcohol. Andy Stone, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said, "These lies and dishonorable distortions are exactly what we expect of Republicans in a competitive primary. Coloradans deserve better." Brown’s statement about Pelosi flying in the military C-32, is similar to claims that have circulated in urban legend e-mails for several years. The claims have been refuted by the Air Force and widely debunked by nonpartisan fact-checking organizations/

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     Indiana 5th District - No Debate: U.S. Representative Dan Burton (R-IN) has indicated that he is unwilling to participate in any debates or joint appearances with his Republican primary rivals.

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     Massachusetts 10th District - Old Scars Never Heal: Former state Treasurer Joe Malone's (R-MA) congressional campaign might be torpedoed before it even begins. Republican activists are concerned that an old scandal could upend Malone's effort to oust U.S. Representative William D. Delahunt (D-MA). Weeks after Malone's left office, it was discovered that several of his top aides stole millions of dollars. Malone was never implicated, but a question of Malone's judgment could still become an issue.

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     Michigan 14th and 15th District - Seniority: Two the longest serving members of congress, John Conyers Jr. (D-MI) and John D. Dingell (D-MI), have indicated that they will seek re-election. Together they have served more than 100 years.

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     New York 1st District - Back Giver: Several months ago, New York state Assembly member Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R-NY) endorsed the congressional candidacy of Randy Altschuler (R-NY). Fitzpatrick says he is now seriously exploring entering the race himself, saying that its clear Altschuler will not get party support.

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     New York 13th District - Grimm's Shenanigans: Republican congressional candidate Michael Grimm's (R-NY) campaign is blaming political shenanigans for his Facebook page being linked to a gallery of derogatory images of President Barack H. Obama (D-IL). A spokesperson for the campaign says that they have broken the link to the offensive page at least five times already, but that it was re-established recently when the campaign switched web designers. "It's absolute nonsense and a distraction," said Grimm.

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     Pennsylvania 6th District - 7th, then 6th and Out: Businessman Steven Welch (R-PA), who at the request of national Republicans abandoned his campaign for in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District to run in the 6th Congressional District, abruptly dropped out of the race. Welch agreed to run in Sixth District when U.S. Representative Jim Gerlach (R-PA) was pursuing a campaign for governor. Gerlach later changed his mind and decided to seek re-election. The move means that Gerlach will not face a strong primary opponent.

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     Pennsylvania 12th District - Field to Follow: Joyce Murtha (D-PA), the widow of the Jack Murtha (D-PA), announced that she will not run in the special election to fill the remainder of the late congressman's term in office. Former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel (D-PA) and former state Auditor Barbara Hafer (D-PA) have already indicated their intentions to seek the Democratic nomination. Former congressional aide Mark Critz (D-PA), Cambria County Controller Ed Cernic, Jr. (D-PA) and Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Ceraso (D-PA) are considering the race. Businessman Mark Pasquerilla (R-PA) is expected to seek the Republican nomination.
     Singel and Hafer share something unique. They both were unsuccessful gubernatorial nominees. Singel was the Democratic nominee in 1994 while Hafer was the Republican nominee for years earlier.

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     Texas 4th District - Backhanded Compliment: The Dallas Morning News gave a reluctant re-election endorsement of U.S. Representative Ralph M. Hall (R-TX). The paper said that Texas's 4th Congressional District needs a new voice but that none of the Republican primary challengers provide credible alternatives.

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     Virginia 5th District - Thinning the Herd: The large field of Republican candidates hoping to for the nomination to face freshman U.S. Representative Tom S. P. Perriello (R-VA) is getting a little smaller. Contractor Scott Schultz (R-VA) has dropped out of the race and real estate investor Laurence Verga (R-VA) is taking a "temporary break" from campaigning to receive a new kidney. Verga was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a rare genetic condition in which cysts form in the fabric of both kidneys.

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     Virginia 9th District - The Right Stuff: For years Republicans have claimed all they needed to defeat U.S. Representative Frederick C. Boucher (D-VA) was the right candidate. They think they have found in him in state Delegate Morgan Griffith (R-VA). Obviously the fact that Griffith doesn't like in the district and is unknown to much of the constituency. Morgan also has to deal with the fact that small businessman Dale Firebaugh, a conservative Republican, is planning to run as an independent in the general election. "The Republican Party has not really been a party of conservatives. I would love to be part of the Republican Party if I could help it move in that direction," said Firebaugh.

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     Washington 3rd District - For Party Unity: Saying that Democrats "cannot let [Washington's] 3rd Congressional seat to an anti-choice, anti-health care Republican," state Representative Deb Wallace (D-WA) withdrew from the contest for the Democratic nomination. "We must come together and support a Democrat who will keep the people at the heart of their mission to serve," said Wallace.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Florida Senate Primary, Nevada Governor, Nevada Senate New Meixco Governor Primary, New York Governor, New York Senate and Oregon Governor.

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     Politicians Say the Strangest Things - God Punishes Children For Their Mother's Sin: Virginia State Delegate Robert G. "Bob" Marshall (R-VA) has a history of strange comments. The controversial Republican may have outdone himself. Marshall implied that disabled children were God's punishment to women who have aborted earlier pregnancies. "The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the first born of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children,"

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     Illinois Governor - Still No Concession: With fewer than 300 votes separating them, state Senator Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL) has still not conceded the Republican gubernatorial primary to state Senator Bill Brady (R-IL). But Dillard says he could announce this week that he will forgo a recount which would be very expensive and time consuming. Both men say that they would rather be focusing on defeating incumbent Pat Quinn (D-IL).

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     Connecticut Governor - A Stranger in a Strange Land: Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley (R-CT) painted himself as an outside during a recent appearance before the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. "I'm not part of the problem. I'll be coming in from out of town."

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     Iowa Governor - Stop the Ranting: Iowa state Representative Chris Rants (R-IA) dropped out of the GOP primary, leaving only businessman Bob Vander Plaats (R-IA) and state Representative Rod A. Roberts (R-IA) as the only Republicans challenging former Governor Terry E. Branstad (R-IA) for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Rants says he always realized that his campaign was a long shot, but that he "continued out of a belief that campaigns should be about issues and ideas."

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     Michigan Governor - Revenge of the Nerds: Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder (R-MI) is promoting himself just the right nerd who can save Michigan.

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     Supporting Cast - Minnesota Lieutenant Governor: Former State House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-MN) announced that he had picked Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah (R-MN) as his lieutenant governor running mate.

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     Nebraska Governor - Decisive Leadership for Rural Economy: Nebraska Democrats have found a candidate willing to take on the popular incumbent Governor Dave Heineman (R-NE). Agribusiness executive Mark Lakers (D-NE) is prepared to run. "We need to expand the economy, especially the rural economy," Lakers said. Those economic needs "match my skill sets," he said. "In my opinion, we do not have the decisive leadership that's needed in the governor's office today," Lakers said.

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     Rhode Island Governor - Reduce, Replace and Recycle: Former state Representative Victor G. Moffitt (R-RI), who announced last week his candidacy for governor of Rhode Island, has recycled his campaign slogan from his unsuccessful campaign for state Treasurer in 1998. As the Reform Party nominee for Treasurer, Moffitt promises to "Reduce, Replace and Reform" government. Moffitt will face John F. Robitaille (R-RI) for the Republican Party nomination.

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     Tennessee Governor - Environmental Impediment: Three Tennessee Republican gubernatorial candidates identified the state Department of Environment and Conservation as an impediment to business opportunities in the Volunteer State. U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN) claims that mining coal "in a responsible way" is "actually good for the birds, and good for the environment."

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     Arizona Senate - Closing Tryouts: Arizona Republicans are seeking a legal means to prevent non-party members from voting in the primary. Currently independent and minority party voters are allowed to cast ballots in either the Democratic or Republican primaries. Attorneys for the state party are trying to figure out how they can close their primary election.

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     Colorado Senate - Ultimate Insider Declares Incumbent an Outsider: Reading polls that indicate voter dissatisfaction with the Washington establishment, President Barack H. Obama (D-IL) declared U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet "a Washington outsider who's only in the nation's capital to change it."

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     Indiana Senate - Waiting Until May: When the primary filing deadline passed last Friday with no Democrats submitting sufficient voters' signature petitions to get on the primary ballot, the state party has the right to pick their nominee. U.S. Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) and Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. (D-IN) had expressed interest in running. Both are ready and prepared to run. But state law will prevent the party from officially naming a candidate until after the primary in May.

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     New Jersey Senate - To Lautenberg's Health: U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) has been diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma of the stomach and will require treatment over the next few months. The eighty-six-year-old is expected to make a complete and full recovery, but his illness has revised concerns among Democrats that he will not be able to serve out his term and will be replaced by a Republican by Governor Christopher J. Christie (R-NJ).

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     Missouri Senate - Not Embarrassed by Hypocrisy: Even as U.S. Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) was denouncing the federal stimulus package for driving up national debt, he was appearing at ceremonies promoting stimulus-funded projects. The Republican senate candidate says that he is not embarrassed by any appearance of hypocrisy. "Surely in spending $800 billion, some of it was worthwhile," said Blunt.

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     Ohio Senate - Female Dominated Primary: The filing deadline passed in Ohio with the surprise entry of two additional Democrats into the Senate primary. Charlena Renee Bradley (R-OH) and Traci "TJ" Johnson (D-OH), a former aide to Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher (D-OH), joined Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer L. Brunner (D-OH). Fisher will be the only male seeking the Democratic nomination.

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     Pennsylvania Senate - Deal to Make: U.S. Representative Joseph A. Sestak (D-PA) claims that an unnamed White House official offered him a federal job if he would abandon his plans to challenge U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) in Pennsylvania Democratic primary. Sestak would not give details but added that he would "never leave" the Senate race for a deal.

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     South Carolina Senate - New Opportunity for a Democrat: Attorney Mullins McLeod (D-SC) announced that he was abandoning his campaign for governor of South Carolina and will instead run against U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC).

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     California 45th District - Too Long and Too Deep: U.S. Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) was recently confronted by angry constituents who questioned the Republican's support for large tax cuts which contributed to the national debt and suggested that she has been in office too long. Bono Mack faces re-election and challengers Clayton Thibodeau (R-CA) and Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet (D-CA).

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     California 50th District - Full Million: U.S. Representative Brian P. Bilbray (R-CA) and the two Democrats who will face off in the June primary to try to unseat him, Francine P. Busby (D-CA) and Tracy Emblem (D-CA), have raised more than $1 million combined in campaign donations last year.

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     Colorado 4th District - Look Alike, Sound Alike: Republican congressional candidates Cory Gardner (R-CO), Diggs Brown (R-CO), Tom Lucero (R-CO) and Dean Madere (R-CO) stressed familiar Republicans themes as they campaign for the right to face freshman U.S. Representative Betsy Markey (R-CO).

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     Florida 5th District - Congratulation: The political world was on edge on Friday when U.S. Representative Virginia "Ginny" Brown-Waite (R-FL) announced that she would have a "special announcement" later that day. Everyone thought that she would be announcing her retirement. But instead the fourth-term Republicans said that she would be running for re-election, and getting remarried.

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     Florida 10th District - Forever Young: U.S. Representative C.W. "Bill" Young (R-FL), long rumored to be considering retiring, announced that he would seek a twenty-first term in Congress.

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     Massachusetts 10th District - Too Much of Good Thing: Two years ago Republicans currently even find a candidate willing to carry the Republican banner against U.S. Representative William D. Delahunt (D-MA). But six Republicans are currently talking about taking on the seventh-term Democrat. The latest name being floated is former Fox25 traffic reporter Doug Meehan (R-MA).

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     Minnesota 7th District - Listen, Evaluate, and Solve: Psychiatrist Karen Nelson (R-MN) issued a statement last week announcing her candidacy for the Republican congressional nomination in Minnesota's 7th District, currently held by U.S. Representative Collin C. Peterson (DFL-MN). Nelson says her training as a physician has taught her to "listen, evaluate, and solve problems." Nelson said she is opposed to abortion, allowing gay marriage, gun control and cap-and-trade legislation. She is also opposed to current health reform proposals. Other Republicans in the race included Lee Byberg (R-MN), Melva Larson (R-MN) and Glen R. Menze (R-MN).

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     North Carolina 6th District - Unexplained Faint: U.S. Representative Howard Coble (R-NC) was released from the hospital after fainting and hitting his head during a public appearance last week. It is still unclear as to what caused him to faint. The incident has renewed speculation that the seventy-eight-year-old Republican might not seek re-election.

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     Ohio 16th District - Empty Threat: After his release from federal prison in September, former U.S. Representative James A. "Jim" Traficant, Jr. (I-OH) threatened to run for his old congressional seat. But when the filing deadline pass last week, Traficant had not filed nominating petitions. His name will not be on the May 4 primary ballot. He could still run as an independent.

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     Pennsylvania 4th District - Candidate Defame Thyself: Democrats were expected to raise former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan's (R-PA) failed prosecution of former Alleghency County Coroner Cyril Wecht (R-PA). But the Republican congressional candidate beat them to the punch. She raised the issued during the call-in portion of a local radio show. Buchanan told the host, Marty Griffin, that he was "running afoul" of defamation law and to "shut up."

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     Pennsylvania 8th District - The Voters Have Spoken: U.S. Representative Patrick J. Murphy (D-PA), who faces a rematch with former U.S. Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA), says that voters had their say in the 2006 election when they rejected Fitzpatrick after he "doubled the county budget and gave himself a $22,000 pay raise."

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     Pennsylvania 12th District - Honoring the Legislative Process: Former Lieutenant Governor Mark Singel (D-PA) announced that he plans to run in the special election to fill the remainder of late Congressman John P. "Jack" Murtha's (D-PA) term. Meanwhile, Crown America CEO Mark Pasquerilla (R-PA) said he would be interested in running, but only if Murtha's widow, Joyce Murtha (D-PA), doesn't run.

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     Texas 25th District - Where Fanaticism Can Lead: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) said that the intentional plane crash in Austin by Joe Stack last week is where "fanaticism can lead."

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     Rhode Island 1st District - Starting Over: Democratic congressional candidate William J. "Bill" Lynch (D-RI) called on his primary rival David N. Cicilline (D-RI) to return all the left over funds from his mayoral re-election campaign, approximately $759,000.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Iowa Governor and Iowa Senate.

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     Politicians Do the Strangest Things - Banning My Family's Unions: Maryland state Delegate Henry B. Heller (D-MD) has introduced legislation which would ban marriage between first cousins. Heller says that Maryland should follow the lead of such states as West Virginia and Arkansas which have outlaw the practice. Personal Note: As the descendant of not one, but two sets of great-grandparents who were first-cousins, I take great offense to the idea that my family's unions should be banned.

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     Alternative Party News - A Candidate With Conviction: Sean Swain (I-OH), who four years ago ran for governor of Ohio on the self-named Insurgent Party, is back again, running for the Buckeye State's executive office on a slogan of "End Civilization." But you won't see Swain or his new party, the Zapatista Party, campaigning in cities and towns across Ohio. Swain is currently a prisoner in the Mansfield Correctional Institution where he is serving 20 years to life for aggravated murder.

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     Arizona Senate: Former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth's (R-AZ) says that U.S. Senator John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) is spooked by the prospect of his candidacy and planning a "scorched earth" strategy to win the renomination.

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     Colorado Senate: U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) and his Democratic primary opponent, former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff (D-CO), agreed more than they disagreed during their first debate. There is one major difference between the two candidates. Bennet has the support of the White House while Romanoff doesn't. President Barack H. Obama (D-IL) attended two fundraisers in Denver on benefit of Bennet.

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     Illinois Senate: National Republicans believe that U.S. Representative Mark S. Kirk (R-IL) moderate position on abortion and gun control will help the GOP Senate nominee end a lock out of Republican from all statewide office in Illinois. But social conservatives are not as happy with the prospect. There is talk of running a true conservative as an independent or third party candidate.

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     Indiana Senate: A little more than twenty-four hours before the filing deadline for the primary, U.S. Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) indicated that he would seek the Democratic Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by retiring Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN). Ellsworth joins Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. (D-IN) in what will be a close door nomination process. No Democrats filed petitions with sufficient voters' signatures to appear on the May 4 primary.
     Ellsworth's announcement was coupled with the news that state Representative Trent Van Haaften (D-IN) will run for Ellsworth's congressional seat.

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     Kentucky Senate: Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R-KY) is questioning the Pro-Life credentials of his Senate primary rival Rand Paul (R-KY). "Now it appears he has changed his position. I guess he's practicing that Potomac two-step that he learned from being the son of a longtime member of Congress," Grayson said during a recent debate. Grayson implies that Paul has only recently adopted an anti-abortion position in order to win support from Kentucky's socially conservative Republican voters.

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     Maryland Senate: U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) responded to questions that he might be considering retiring by noting "I'm not shy and I'm not retiring." Mikulski has been quietly preparing for a fifth term. None of the five perspective Republican candidates, Carmen M. Amedori (R-MD) Corrogan R. Vaughn (R-MD), Jim Rutledge (R-MD), Daniel McAndrew (R-MD) or Eric S. Wargotz (R-MD) is given much chance of defeating the popular Democrat.

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     Nevada Senate: Republican Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian (R-NV) is mocking President Barack H. Obama's (D-IL) visit to Vegas on behalf of Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid's (D-NV) re-election, calling the stop a "socialism summit."

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     North Carolina Senate: Businessman Brad Jones (R-NC) announced that he would challenge U.S. Senator Richard M. Burr (R-NC) in the Republican primary implying that the incumbent was not a "true conservative."

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     North Dakota Senate: Democratic Senate candidate Tracy Potter (D-ND) is upset with a radio ad sponsored by the Democratic Party which calls North Dakota Governor John Hoeven (R-ND) as a hypocrite for criticizing spending in DC while spending stimulus dollars and raising the state budget. Potter promised, "My campaign won't shoot first like that against John Hoeven. I don't need to demonize him to win the election."

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     Pennsylvania Senate: U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) opened himself to criticism by skipping the funeral for U.S. Representative John P. "Jack" Murtha (D-PA) for a fund-raising trip through California, Nevada, Arizona and Tennessee.

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     South Dakota Senate: For the first time since the state began choosing its Senator by popular election South Dakota could see a race for the U.S. Senate which lacks a nominee from one of the two major parties. No Democrat has yet stepped forward to run against U.S. Senator John R. Thune (R-SD). The filing deadline for the June primary is March 30, 2010.

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     Washington Senate: After speaking at a Tea Party rally in Olympia, state Senator Don Benton (R-WA) officially filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for Washington's U.S. Senate seat.

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     Alaska Governor: Republican gubernatorial candidate Ralph Samuels (R-AK) has more money in the bank that incumbent Governor Sean R. Parnell (R-AK). Attorney Bill Walker (R-AK) is not far behind, setting up an expensive contest for the GOP nomination.

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     California Governor: Frederic von Anhalt (I-CA), the husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, filed paperwork to run for governor of California as an independent. No independent gubernatorial candidate has been able to collect the more than 170,000 valid signatures in more than thirty years.

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     Colorado Governor: Yoon J. Mager (R-CO), who advertises herself as a professional translator, announced her candidacy for governor of Colorado.

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     Hawaii Governor: Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann (D-HI) has been traveling across Hawaii promoting his candidacy for the governor, but insists that he is not yet an official candidate. Under Hawaii's resign-to-run law, Hannemann would have to step down as mayor once he officially announces. U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) is set to resign at the end of the month so that he can campaign full time.

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     Massachusetts Governor: Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates, Charles D. Baker (R-MA), Christy Mihos (R-MA), Timothy P. Cahill (I-MA) and Jill Stein (G-MA) endorsed cutting the state's 6.25 percent sales tax rate, position Governor Deval L. Patrick (D-MA) as the only candidate on record backing last year's increase.

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     Illinois Governor: Late unofficial vote counting in Illinois Republican gubernatorial primary show Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL) cutting Bill Brady's (R-IL) lead in half, from 420 to about 250 votes, a fiftieth of a percent. But Dillard now says that if he is unlikely to request a recount unless the official results have Brady's lead at 100 votes or less.

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     Kansas Governor: Kansas Democrats finally have a viable candidate for governor. State Senator Tom Holland (D-KS) announced his candidacy. Although respected and well liked in the state, Holland will still be considered the underdog to U.S. Senator Samuel D. Brownback (R-KS), who is leaving Congress at the end of his term and is the presumptive Republican nominee. Nonetheless, Hollands has a history of being a hard-working campaigner and has defeated two Republican incumbents in his career.
     And Democrats might also have found a candidate for the U.S. Senate. State Senator David Haley (D-KS), who unsuccessfully sought the office of Secretary of State in 2006, said he is considering entering the race. Haley said he's concerned about the tone of politics espoused by Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) as they battle for the GOP nomination.

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     Michigan Governor: Former Genessee County Treasure Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI) is planning to launch a gubernatorial exploratory committee.

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     Minnesota Governor: State Senator David H. Hann (R-MN) dropped out of the Minnesota gubernatorial context acknowledging that he was unlike to win the party's endorsement. His absence leaves seven Republicans seeking their party's nomination.

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     New Mexico Governor: Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete V. Domenici, Jr. (R-NM), the son of former U.S. Senator Pete V. Domenici (R-NM), admitted that he once used marijuana and cocaine recreationally.

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     New York Governor: It turned out that the yet-to-be-disclosed-scandal which has hounded Governor David A. Paterson (D-NY) for weeks was an exposé by the New York Times of a gubernatorial aide's youthful indiscretions. Paterson scheduler David Johnson was twice arrested on felony drug charges as a teenager and was arrested one other time on misdemeanor assault in the 1990s.

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     Pennsylvania Governor: Scranton Mayor Christopher Doherty (D-PA) announced that he will drop out of the race for governor of Pennsylvania to pursue an open seat in the state Senate.

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     Alternative Party News - Rhode Island Governor: After failing to find a more prominent politician willing to carrying the newly-founded party's banner, Rhode Island Moderate Party chair Kenneth J. Block (Mod-RI) revealed that he would be stepping down to run for governor. It is unlikely that Block will win, but he plans to use the campaign as a megaphone to promote the Moderate Party's agenda for political reform. The party's platform calls for lower taxes on small businesses and reductions in state employee compensation packages to bring them more "in line with what private sector workers earn." The party also seeks to end legislative grants, "bring spending on social services in line with Massachusetts's spending on the same services" and prohibit politicians from paying a settlement to the Ethics Commission "without admitting guilt."

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     Tennessee Governor: U.S. Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN) says that he is not intimidated by gubernatorial primary rival's Bill Haslam's early campaign advertising blitz.

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     Texas Governor: Texas Gubernatorial candidates Bill White (D-TX) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) took advantage of the state's early voting and cast their votes on the first day available.

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     Arizona 3rd District: An opinion survey company is polling voters in Arizona's 3rd Congressional District to determine the extent of problems Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's (D-AZ) girlfriend will give him. McGuire Research Services of Denver Colorado asked voters if they would have concerns if they heard that Gordon had paid his girlfriend Elissa Mullany to fund raise for his campaigns, or that she had used a city vehicle.

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     California 33rd District: As soon as it became known that U.S. Representative Diane E. Watson (D-CA) would retire, political observers expected California's state Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-CA) to run for the open congressional seat. Yesterday, Bass made it official. Bass will step down as speaker next month, but plans on remaining in office until later this year.

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     Florida 10th District: State Senator Charlie Justice (D-FL) says that U.S. Representative C.W. "Bill" Young's (R-FL) earmark of $13 million to convert the USS Intrepid into a New York City museum is an indictment of a system in need of reform. "It's curious that a congressman who represents a tourist destination state like Florida would hide $13 million in taxpayers' money for a tourist destination in New York Harbor. It's curious, at least, until you learn that Congressman Bill Young got $120,000 in contributions to his campaign in return for boosting tourism in New York," said the Democratic congressional candidate.

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     Florida 24th District: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's continuing criticism of Republican Craig Miller (R-FL) has put national Republicans in a bind. On the one hand, they do not wish to see the perspective congressional candidate's prospects ruined even before he officially files to challenge freshman U.S. Representative Suzanne M. Kosmas (D-FL). On the other hand, Miller's primary opponents would object if the National Republican Congressional Committee appears to be playing favorite in the primary.

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     Idaho 1st District: Michael L. Chadwick (R-ID) is not waiting to hear whether his former Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID) will be seeking a rematch with freshman U.S. Representative Walt Minnick (D-ID). Chadwick, who is a former aide to U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT), announced that he will run for the Republican congressional nomination in Idaho's 1st District.

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     Massachusetts 10th District: Amy Bishop's shooting spree in Alabama happened hundreds of miles from Massachusetts' 10th Congressional District, but it is providing headaches for U.S. Representative William D. Delahunt (D-MA). That is because Delahunt was the district prosecutor in Norfolk when Bishop's brother was killed by their father's shotgun. The death was ruled an accident and Delahunt never pursued charges against Amy Bishop. But former state Treasurer Joseph D. Malone (R-MA), who is considering running against Delahunt, says that the Democratic incumbent "owes a complete explanation to the people of Massachusetts and the families of those murdered in Alabama."

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     Michigan 9th District: An aide to congressional candidate Paul Welday (R-MI) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that Welday's GOP primary rival, former state Representative Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski (R-MI) violated election law by failing to identify who paid for a fundraising letter and a radio commercial.

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     Nebraska Districts: The filing deadline for incumbents in Nebraska passed and all three of the state's congressmen filed to seek re-election.

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     New Hampshire 2nd District: Former U.S. Representative Charlie Bass (R-NH) officially announced his candidacy for his old congressional seat. Bass' announced had been anticipated ever since U.S. Representative Paul W. Hodes (D-NH) announced that he would be vacating the seat to run for the U.S. Senate. In announcing his candidacy, Bass said, "New Hampshire has had enough of Barack Obama coddling terrorists, giving the Christmas Day Bomber Miranda rights, moving Guantanamo terrorists to Illinois, and holding out an olive branch to Iranian despot Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It's time to make national security our highest priority. This is why, today, I am announcing my bid to represent the people of New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District in Congress -- to cut government spending, reduce our debt, strengthen national security, and stop the big-government health care takeover."

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     New Jersey 7th District: Faced with the prospect of several conservative challengers in the Republican primary, freshman U.S. Representative Leonard Lance (R-NJ) seeded his formal re-election announcement with endorsements from prominent conservative legislators.

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     New York 15th District: Democratic congressional candidate Vince Morgan (D-NY) says that his former boss, U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) is "still living in the realm of his past accomplishments." Investigations into Rangel's finances have become a distraction, said Morgan, which has left New York's 15th Congressional District unrepresented.

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     New York 20th District: Saratoga County attorney David Harper (R-NY) joined a growing field of candidates seeking the Republican endorsement to run for the 20th Congressional District and freshman Congressman Scott Murphy (D-NY).

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     Ohio 10th District: Car dealer Tom Ganley (R-OH) has decided to end his campaign for the U.S. Senate and will instead run against freshman U.S. Representative Betty Sutton (D-OH) in Ohio's 10th Congressional District. The move will allow former U.S. Representative Rob Portman (R-OH) to claim the Republican Senate nomination without a costly primary.

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     Pennsylvania 4th District: After Mary Beth Buchanan (R-PA) filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission, businessman Bob Klein (R-PA), who had the backing of some Tea Party activists, decided to drop out of the race and support the former U.S. Attorney's bid against U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (R-PA). The two other Republicans in the race were not as generous. Attorney Keith Rothfus (R-PA) and salesman John Vinsick (R-PA) say they will remain in the race.

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     Pennsylvania 12th District: Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) has set the special election to fill the remainder of the late U.S. Representative Jack Murtha (D-PA) term for May 18, 2010, when the state's primary are scheduled to be held. The move will set up two congressional elections in Pennsylvania's 12th district for the same day. One to choose Democratic and Republican nominees for the general election, and one to choose a temporary placement. The leadership of two major parties will pick their nominees for the special election. The nominees are expected to have a leg up for the primary nominations.

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     Pennsylvania 15th District: Pennsylvania Republicans has accused Bethleham Mayor John B. Callahan (D-PA) of violating federal election law by spending money on his re-election campaign in a manner which aided his current congressional candidacy against U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (R-PA).

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     South Dakota District: State Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD) and agriculture worker Tarn Vieira (R-SD) announced that she would be joining state Representative R. Blake Curd (R-SD), pastor Steve Hickey (R-SD) and Secretary of State Chris Nelson (R-SD) in seeking the Republican congressional nomination and the right to take on U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Illinois Senate, Indiana Senate, Kentucky Primary, Nevada Governor, North Carolina Senate, Oregon Governor Primary, Oregon Senate, Vermont Governor and Illinois Senate.

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     Politicians Do the Strangest Things - What?!?: Republican state legislators in several states have left political observers scratching their heads and asking, "Why?!"
     In Arizona, a bill to give free fishing licenses to Eagle Scouts was on its way to pass until state Representative Steve Farley (D-AZ) moved to extend the same courtesy to Girl Scouts. His amendment went down on party lines with Republicans voting against providing girls equal benefits to boys.
     Across the country in South Carolina, state Representative Mike Pitts (R-SC) introduced a bill which would disallow United States currency as legal tender in the Palmetto State. Pitts says that the substitution of Federal Reserve Notes for silver and gold coins is unconstitutional. If the bill were to become law, South Carolina would no longer accept paper currency and would require silver and gold coins for the payment of all debts.
     And finally, in Utah, state Senator Mark Madsen (R-UT) has proposed the creation of a new state holiday to honor gun maker John Browning who came from Ogden, Utah. That's not too strange, until you learn when the holiday will be celebrated. Madsen thinks that Browning should be honored on the same day as Martin Luther King, the famed reverend who was shot and killed. I suppose Madsen doesn't see a conflict. After all, it was a Remington rifle and not a Browning machine-gun which killed the civil rights leader.

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     California Lieutenant Governor: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), who briefly pursued the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, has filed paperwork to run for Lieutenant Governor. Newsom reiterated that he is still only considering the contest and might decide not to formally enter the race.

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     New Jersey Senate: U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) remains hospitalized after being treated for a bleeding ulcer. State Senator Richard Codey (D-NJ) dismissed concerns about Lautenberg's health interfering with his legislative duties. "Frank could outlive Moses. We are sure he will be up and about soon doing what he does best," said the state Majority Leader.

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     Too Many Conservatives Spoil the Broth: Minutemen founder Chris Simcox (R-AZ) withdrew from the race for U.S. Senate and endorsed former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth's (R-AZ) campaign against incumbent John S. McCain, III (R-AZ).

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     Running for Office for Fun and Profit: In the month since announcing his Senate candidacy, former U.S. Representative Tom Campbell (R-CA) has raised more than $700,000, more than his raised for his gubernatorial campaign in all of 2009.

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     Wanting a Fifth Decade in Office: Following the unexpected news that Evan Bayh (D-IN) would retire, Democrats should be very happy to know that another Democratic Senator who had been the subject of retirement speculation will be announcing his re-election campaign. U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI) is seeking his ninth term. If he win and completes the term he will be 92 years-old.
     While Republicans claim that Inouye is "disconnected from Hawaii" they have yet to find a viable candidate. Governor Linda C. Lingle (R-HI) is often mentioned as a possible candidate, but she insists that she is concentrating on her final year in office and is not a candidate for another office.

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     Slip and Fall: U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) was taken by ambulance to the hospital after suffering a fall. The health of the eighty-six-year-old Senator is of great interest to Democrats. If Lautenberg, whose term is not up until 2014, is unable to serve out his term Republican Governor Christopher J. Christie (R-NJ) would appoint his successor. Christie is almost certain to appoint a Republican, further erode the Democratic majority.

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     Testing the Waters: Although New York Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman is known to be a Democrat, he is considering commissioning a poll to test the viability of a Senate candidacy as a Republican or independent.

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     Is This the Type of Advise You Gave Hynes: Political consultant Philip S. Krone (D-NY), who most recently worked for Daniel W. Hynes's (D-IL) unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign, announced that he will challenge U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY).

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     Use to Tough Fights: Businesswoman Kristin Hedger (D-ND) says that she is actively exploring a campaign for the U.S. Senate. She would face a tough fight against likely Republican nominee Gov. John Hoeven (R-ND). But Hedger is use to difficult fights. She did better than expected four years ago when she challenged the sitting Secretary of State.

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     Are You Quirky Too: Democratic Senate candidate Jennifer L. Brunner (D-OH) is trying to pull off one of the great campaign feats - winning a statewide office on a shoestring budget. Brunner's campaign manager describes her as a female Paul Wellstone (DFL-MN), whose low-budget campaign, quirky ads, and converted school bus were all that was needed for the outspent Democrat to defeat a two-term incumbent.

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     Works for Me, Works for Utah: U.S. Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT) says that his ability to secure earmarks for Utah serves a vital role in funding worthy projects. The four Republicans trying to unseat him couldn't disagree more. Tim Bridgewater (R-UT), Cherilyn Eagar (R-UT), Mike Lee (R-UT) and James Russell Williams, II (R-UT) "all support at least a one-year earmark moratorium and a revamping of the appropriations rules. Bennett insists, "I think what we have now seems to be working just fine."

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     It is Better to Give Than Receive: Because of Alabama's restrictions on campaign donations, the state's gubernatorial candidates have lent their campaigns more than $5 million dollars in order to have the funds necessary to stand out in the crowded field.

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     Hoping for a Mud Slide: Almost nine month before the general election, and four months before the primary, liberal organizations have begun airing television commercials aimed at damaging the gubernatorial ambitions of Meg Whitman (R-CA). The goal is to weaken the likely Republican nominee prior to an anticipated multi-million dollar self-funded media campaign by the former eBay executive.

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     Why Don't We Believe You: Republican gubernatorial candidate Thomas Foley (R-CT), who has already donated $2 million to his campaign, insists that he intends to finance his campaign primarily with other people's money.

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     Bowman Bows Out: Major League Baseball's interactive media president Robert "Bob" Bowman (D-MI) announced that he was withdrawing for the Michigan gubernatorial contest, just five days after filing paperwork to set up an exploratory committee. Bowman is just the latest Democrat to announce that he would not run, joining Lieutenant Governor John Cherry (D-MI), U.S. Representative Bart Stupak (D-MI), state Senator Hansen Clarke (D-MI) and University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch (D-MI). Republicans are snickering that more Democrats have decided not to run than to run. Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (D-MI) and state Representative Alma Wheeler Smith (D-MI) as the only definite candidates. Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-MI) has an exploratory committee and is expected to announce within days whether he's staying in or getting out of the race. Former Genesee County Treasurer Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI) also is considering a run.

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     Novice Approach: Thirty-three-year-old businessman Ryan Nielson (R-UT) announced that he will run for governor in the special election in Utah this year. The political novice first chore will be to increase his name recognition. When Utah Republican Party chair Dave Hansen was asked about Nielson, he responded, "I have no idea who he is or anything about him."

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     Caveat Emptor: Labor groups who contributed to the U.S. Representative Parker Griffith's (R-AL) 2008 campaign have asked for their money back. According to Alabama AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Al Henley, organized labor thought they were giving to a "pro-working family" congressman, but now feel cheated by his votes on major legislation. "His public service as a congressman has ranged from disappointing at its best to disgusting at its worst," said Henley.

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     Making Way for Kennedy: U.S. Representative William D. Delahunt (D-MA) confirmed that he is considering retiring, although he portrayed his deliberations as routine. Should Delahunt decided to retire, it could open up the seat for a campaign by Joseph Kennedy III (D-MA), the son of former U.S. Representative Joseph P. "Joe" Kennedy II (D-MA).

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     Our Prayers are With You and Your Father: After learning that his father had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, ophthalmologist Tom Trevorrow (R-PA) decided to drop out of race in Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District. Seven Republican candidates remain in the race.

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     The White Part of Harlem: Minister Michel Faulkner (R-NY), a former member of the New York jets, announced before a crowd of mostly white party members at a soul-food restaurant, that he will challenge U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel (D-NY).

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     Stealing My Thunder: Congressional candidate James Jones (R-PA) says that if former U.S. Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) had not entered the contest, the media would have been focusing more on his candidacy. After all it is not often that a black man raised as a sharecropper in rural Arkansas runs as "Tea Party guy" in a Republican primary.

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     If There Were Emmy's for Web Ads: Tea Party congressional candidate Donn Janes (I-TN) made a campaign video which plays off of Sarah Palin's crib notes.

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     Baker's Dozen: A day after accountant Clark Parker (R-SC) became the twelve Republicans in the race, Mount Pleasant council member Ken Glasson (R-SC) became the thirteen candidate hoping to succeed retiring Congressman Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC).

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     Too Goode To Be True: Contractor Scott Schultz (R-VA) became the eighth Republican to announce his intention to seek the GOP congressional nomination in Virginia's 5th Congressional District. The ever increasing number of primary candidates has prompted a renewed effort to convince former U.S. Representative Virgil H. Goode Jr. (R-VA) to seek a rematch against freshman U.S. Representative Tom S. P. Perriello (D-VA).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: California Governor and Pennsylvania 6th District Primary.

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     Alternative Party News - United in Paranoia: The New York Times investigated the Tea Party and found a movement which lacks a national organization, is plagued by internal strife, disparate in its goals, diverse in its beliefs, and lacking any coherent objective. It does, however, has some unifying characteristics. The members share an unquestionable fear of pending tyranny and a belief that a manufactured crisis is being planned to pave the way for dictatorship.

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     Supporting Cast - A Senate Candidate Who Eats His Own: California state Assemblymember and Republican Senate candidate Chuck Devore (R-CA) says that he voted against the confirmation of state Senator Abel Maldonado (R-CA) as lieutenant governor because of Maldonado's support for the failed Proposition 1A, which, according to DeVore, "would have been the largest state tax increase in American history."

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     Bye-Bye Bayh, Bye-Bye Democratic Majority: Citing the increasingly partisan rhetoric in Congress, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), who has never lost an election, announced that he would not seek re-election in 2010. The move gives Republicans an almost certain pick. The filing deadline is this Friday but any Democrat who wants to run in the primary needs to turn in 500 signatures from each of the state's nine congressional district by today. If no Democrat successfully files enough signatures, the state party will get the chance to select their own nominee.
     The prospect of an open Senate race in Indiana now gives Republicans that possibility of capturing control of the U.S. Senate. The GOP needs to pick up ten seats to claim control of the upper chamber. They would need to pick up seats currently held by Democrats in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota and Pennsylvania, while retaining control in open seats contests in Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire and Ohio. Democrats best chance of defeating an incumbent Republican comes in Louisiana where David Vitter (R-LA) is running for re-election despite being tied to a Washington prostitution ring. There is also an open Senate seat in Kansas, but Democrats have yet to find a strong candidate to run. Republicans also think they have a chance of picking up a seat in Connecticut where U.S. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) is retiring.

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     Did You Bring the Popcorn: The Republican primary contest between former Presidential nominee John S. McCain, III (R-AZ) and former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth, Jr. (R-AZ) is shaping up to be a nasty and bitter mud slinging contest which is likely to focus more on the personalities and foibles of the candidates rather than any ideological differences.

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     Two Techies Are Too Many: Former U.S. Representative Tom Campbell (R-CA) insists that there was no deal struck between his campaign and Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman (R-CA) about his decision to abandon his campaign for the governor's mansion and run for the U.S. Senate. But there is growing evidence that Whitman did not want to run on a ticket with Carly Fiorina (R-CA). Whitman's advisors supposedly think "two female former tech tycoons on the ticket would be one too many."

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     After Shock: Businessman Edward M. Lamont (D-CT), who shocked the political world in 2006 when he defeated U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (D-CT) in the Democratic primary, is set to announce today that he will enter the 2010 contest for governor of Connecticut. The prospect of the millionaire Lamont spending freely in the Democratic primary has already promoted former state House Speaker James A. Amann (D-CT) to drop out of the race. Lamont still faces former Stamford Mayor Dannel P. Malloy (D-CT), Simsbury First Selectwoman Mary Glassman (D-CT), Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi (D-CT) and former state Representative Juan Figueroa (D-CT) in the primary.

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     In Need of a History Lesson: Presumptive Republican gubernatorial nominee Bill Brady (R-IL) might have stuck his foot in his mouth when he tried to defend his lieutenant governor running mate. In recent days Jason Plummer (R-IL) has been accused of inflating his résumé. There are also issues concerning questionable financial deals benefitting his family business. The most often raised question is whether the 27-year-old has enough experience to be a heart beat away from the governor's mansion.
     But when Brady tried to defend Plummer, he inadvertently revised American history. Brady asked rhetorically, "How old was Thomas Jefferson when he wrote the Constitution?" The answer is that Thomas Jefferson was 44 years old when the Constitution was written, primarily by James Madison. Jefferson was in France during the Constitutional Convention and the crafting of the Bill of Rights.
     Unofficial tallies from the February 2 Republican primary show Brady with a lead of roughly 400 votes over state Senator Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL). Dillard wants all absentee and provisional ballots left after Tuesday's election to be counted before he makes a decision whether to concede or request a recount.

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     Auditioning for a Smaller Role: Scranton Mayor Christopher Doherty (D-PA) is considering dropping out of the race for governor of Pennsylvania to seek an open seat in state Senate.

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     Alternative Candidate News - No Chance as a Republican: Rhode Island State Treasurer Frank T. Caprio (D-RI) was asked if he might be considering abandoning the Democratic Party label and running for governor as an independent or Republican. He responded, "I'm running as a Democrat. There are public polls for the last year, as recent as today, that show me in a strong position in a Democratic primary. ... There's no chance I'll run as a Republican." The state's Moderate Party continues to insist that it will run a candidate in this november election, but has yet to announce a nominee.

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     Personal Riches: Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam's (R-TN) rivals for the Republican gubernatorial nomination continue to criticize the GOP frontrunner for his refusal to release details about his personal income from his family business.

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     Avoiding the Runoff: With the primary two weeks away, the question on the mind of politicos in Texas is whether or not Governor Rick Perry (R-TX) will be able to avoid a runoff for the GOP gubernatorial nomination. He leads U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and conservative activist Debra Medina (R-TX), but consistently falls short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Perry, who shifted hard to the right in preparation of a primary challenge from Hutchison, finds himself being outflanked by Medina who presents herself as the most conservative candidate in the race.

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     Reclaiming the Fifth: Three Democrats, former congressional aide Steve Raby (D-AL), attorney Taze Shepard (D-AL), the grandson of former Senator John J. Sparkman (D-AL), and attorney Mitchell Howie (D-AL), entered the race for Alabama's 5th Congressional District seat last week. Several other Democrats are likely to enter the race against U.S. Representative Parker Griffith (R-AL). When Griffith changed party affiliation, he became the first Republican to ever represent the district.

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     The Womack Way: Rogers Mayor Steve Womack (R-AR) officially started his campaign for Congress, telling supporters he is the best qualified candidate in an increasingly crowded field of Republicans in the Arkansas's 3rd Congressional District.

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     This Time Will Be Different: During her last two re-election campaigns, U.S. Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) ignored her Democratic challengers. But even though the Democratic primary is more than four months away, Mack has already begun publicly criticizing likely nominee Steve Pougnet (D-CA), the mayor of Palm Springs, California. The attention being paid by Mack's campaign is an indication that despite the political environment that has been favorable to Republicans, the sixth-term incumbent views Pougnet's candidacy as a threat.

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     While His Back is Turned: Saying the U.S. Representative F. Allen Boyd, Jr. (D-FL) "has turned his back on the voters," conservative activist Dianne Berryhill (R-FL) announced his congressional candidacy.

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     Testing Obama: Attorney Patrick Miles, Jr. (D-MI), who is a former classmate of President Barack H. Obama (D-IL), is seriously considering running for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Vernon J. Ehlers (D-MI). A Miles candidacy could test the popularity of the president in the conservative leaning district.

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     Touching the Third Rail: U.S. Representative Michele M. Bachmann (R-MN) has a history of making controversial statements. But condemnation of homosexuality and untrue accusations have never cost Bachmann politically as she has continued to win re-election in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District. But she may have touched the third rail of politics. Bachmann told a conservative conference that the government should "wean everybody off" Social Security.

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     Taking Aim on Gun Registration: Former FoxNews commentator Angela McGlowan (D-MS) is finding that her extensive record of public comments is useful for her political enemies. But the first people to use it are not Democrats but Republicans opposed to her nomination in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District. GOP primary voters will likely be reminded about McGlowan's support for gun registration.

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     Targeting the Minority Leader: The anti-Washington attitude that has poisoned much of the political atmosphere is falling of U.S. Representative John A. Boehner (R-OH). The House Minority Leader faces not only an enthusiastic Democratic challenger, but two primary rivals as well.

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     Help the Widow: Former state Auditor General Barbara Hafer (D-PA) confirmed that she plans to enter the yet-to-be-scheduled race to succeed the late U.S. Representative Jack Murtha (D-PA) in the Pennsylvania 12th Congressional District. Hafer said, however, that she would likely change her mind if the late congressman's widow, Joyce Murtha, were to decide to run for the seat. Hafer was the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1990.

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     In the Shadow of Camelot: Several Rhode Island Democrats quickly began assembling campaigns following the unexpected retirement announcement by U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI). State Representative Jon D. Brien (D-RI), Mayor David N. Cicilline (D-RI) and state Democratic Party chair William J. Bill Lynch (D-RI) are already in the race.

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     Cheaper by the Dozen: Accountant Clark Parker (R-SC) is the latest Republican to announce his intentions to run for the congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Representative Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC). A dozen Republicans have indicated that they will run in GOP primary including the sons of two of South Carolina's most famous politicians, Carroll A. "Tumpy" Campbell III (R-SC), the son of the late Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. (R-SC), and Paul Thurmond (R-SC), the son of the late U.S. Senator J. Strom Thurmond (R-SC).

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     Incumbent's Complaint: U.S. Representative Bob Inglis (R-SC) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging his primary opponent Trey Gowdy (R-SC) is using public buildings, supplies and facilities to help his congressional campaign.

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     Taking Sides in the Primary: The National Republican Congressional Committee listed South Dakota state Representative R. Blake Curd (R-SD) on its "Young Gun - On the Radar" list but not his primary opponent, Chris Nelson (R-SD), prompting the Mount Rushmore State Secretary to complain that the national organization was endorsing Curd as the preferred nominee to face U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD).

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: California Senate, Iowa Governor and Washington Senate.

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     Politicians Do The Strangest Things - Its Not Like Anyone Every Died from Carbon Dioxide Poisoning: The Utah House of Representatives adopted a resolution that claims that there is a conspiracy by climate scientists to exaggerate the effects of global warming and called on the EPA to reverse a recent endangerment finding on carbon dioxide.

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     Where is Camelot: Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI), the only member of the Kennedy family currently serving in elective office, announced that he would not seek re-election this year. In a touching video released to the public, the son of late Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) explained that his life is "taking a new direction."

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     One Dynasty Falls and Another Rises: At the same time that the Patrick Kennedy's (D-RI) planned retirement is bringing to an end a family's political dynasty, the Diaz-Balart brothers are trying to establish one. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), whose congressional district has been trending Democratic in recent years, announced that he will abandon his current seat and instead seek re-election from his brother's, Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), congressional district. Although this type of political switch-a-roo is uncommon, it has happened in the past. In Hawaii this year, former U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-HI), who represented the Aloha state's 2nd Congressional District, is running in the special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District. After each decade's census, a handful of incumbent representatives often move to run in move favorable territory.
     But the move by the Diaz-Balarts are still unprecedented. Mario Diaz Balart is abandoning a district whose boundaries have not changed, but rather its demographics and voting behavior. The fact that he is pursuing his brother's seat is also unprecedented. While there are several family members currently serving in Congress, like the Sanchez sister of California and the Levin brothers of Michigan, this is the first time a brother, who is already serving in Congress, will seek to succeed his brother. A successful transfer of power could usher in a new era of political power for the Diaz Balarts.

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     The Understudy Slips into the Role: Following the retirement announcement by U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (D-CT), U.S. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) has earned the title of most vulnerable incumbent Senator. Polls already indicated that Lincoln would struggle against a host of lesser known Republican challengers. But with the entry of U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR), the closest thing Arkansas Republicans have offered to a five-star candidate, Lincoln's prospected have continued to darken.

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     First Try Outs: Bank manager Don Bates, Jr. (R-IN) became the first Republican Senate candidate to submitted petitions reportedly with enough valid signatures to appear on the Republican primary ballot. Former U.S. Senator Daniel R. Coats (R-IN), former U.S. Representative John N. Hostettler (R-IN), state Senator Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) and businessman Richard Behney (R-IN) are collecting signatures to get on the ballot. The eventual GOP nominee will face U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (R-IN) in the general election.

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     A Burr on His Side: Former state Senator J. Calvin "Cal" Cunningham, III (D-NC) formally entered the Democratic Senate primary and will compete Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall (D-NC) and attorneys Kenneth Lewis (D-NC) and Marcus W. Williams (D-NC) for the right to face U.S. Senator Richard M. Burr (R-NC) in the general election.

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     Alternative Party News: The Tea Party has qualified as an alternative political party in Nevada and will plans on fielding a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the general election. Political observers believe that the prospect of an anti-establishment candidate in the race could syphon off protest votes Republicans need to defeat Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV).

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     Still A Consideration: Despite recently taken a position with on the board of the Peak Ridge AgTech Fund, former Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson (R-WI) continues to be mentioned as a possible candidate against U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI). The Thompson talk is fueled in part by the weak field of announced Republican candidates. Neither Terrence Wall (R-WI) nor Dave Westlake (R-WI) has elective experience, and both have been hammered recently for paying no state income taxes.

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     Skip the Auditions: Former California Governor Pete Wilson (R-CA) called upon the state Republican party to unify behind gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman (R-CA), declaring that the general election has already begun. "Meg and our campaign team are beginning the general election today, and we are not wasting time," Wilson, Whitman's campaign chairman, wrote. This came as a shock to state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (R-CA) who is challenge Whitman for the GOP nomination. Poizner has accused the Whitman campaign of trying to shove him out of the race, and he's even asked the FBI and other law enforcement agencies to look into the "criminality" of Whitman adviser Mike Murphy's recent e-mail threatening to "tear up Steve" if he remained in the race.

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     The Event before the Event: Four of five announced Democratic gubernatorial candidates, and fifteen of the 17 declared Democratic candidates for statewide office, are planning to attend a fundraising dinner for the Chatham County Democratic Committee.

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     Insistent: A defiant Governor David A. Paterson (D-NY) insisted that he will run for re-election even in the face of poor poll numbers and a viral rumor of an undisclosed scandal. State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo (D-NY) is expected to challenge Paterson in the Democratic primary.

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     Second Thought: Scranton Mayor Christopher Doherty (D-PA) is considering ending his campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in favor of running for an open state Senate seat.

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     Checking Out the Resume: Questions have risen about Republican congressional nominee Adam Kinzinger's (R-IL) military service record. At least one Air Force officer is questioning Kinzinger's claim to have flown a KC-136 Stratotanker with the Air Force Special Operations Command. William Walter notes that the Stratotanker is not typically used by the AFSOC and claims that Kinzinger "is using his military rank, position, and false AFSOC credentials to try to 'wow' voters." Kinzinger is one of the NRCC's most highly promoted GOP challengers.

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     Another Candidate Against the Status Quo: Former Ottawa County planning commissioner Jeff Wincel (R-MI) announced his intentions to run for Congress from Michigan's 2nd Congressional District. Wincel joins a large and growing field of candidates hoping to succeed U.S. Representative Peter Hoekstra (R-MI) who is leaving office to pursue a campaign for governor. But Wincel insists, "any good candidate can win. It doesn't really take much effort to see how upset people are with the status quo."

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     Cloudy and A Change of a Snow Out: Citing upcoming surgery to treat "nonlife-threatening health concern," Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jeff Cloud (R-OK) announced that he was dropping out of the race for Congress in Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District. Cloud says he will be able to continue to serve in his current state post.

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     Fixing the System: U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Christopher Van Hollen, Jr. (D-MD) will introduce legislation aimed at blunting some of the adverse results from the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The goal of the legislation will be to ban foreign companies with U.S.-based operations and federal contractors from paying for political ads with company funds. The bill is also expected to strengthen up the disclosure requirements and require "stand-by-your-ad" disclaimers that now apply to candidates and political committees.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: California 44th District, Georgia Governor Primary, Louisiana Senate, North Dakota Senate, North Dakota House, Texas Governor and Wisconsin Governor.

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     Another Day, Another Retirement: A day after Diane E. Watson (D-CA) and Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI) announced their retirements, U.S. Representative Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) indicated that he would not be seeking a tenth term in Congress. Lincoln's brother, Mario Diaz-Balart (R-MI), whose's district has been becoming more Democratic, decided to abandon his seat in the 25th Congressional District and run in the now open 21st Congressional District.

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     Second Time Is Not the Charm Either: Nevada Lieutenant Governor Brian K. Krolicki (R-NV), who had been toying with the idea of re-entering the Senate race against Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV), announced that he will seek re-election.

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     Couldn't Buy Enough Votes: Citing an inability to compete financially, former Connecticut House Speaker James A. Amann (D-CT) announced that he was dropping out of the race for governor.

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     Play Ball: Major League Baseball interactive media president Robert "Bob" Bowman (D-MI) filed paperwork to run for governor of Michigan.

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     Conspiracy Theorist for Governor: Gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina's (R-TX) has seen a recent rise in opinion surveys. But that might be coming to an end after the Republican activist refused to rule out the possibility that the U.S. government was involved in the terrorists attacks of 9/11.

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     GOP Eats its Own: The National Republican Congressional Committee is supposed to help elect and re-elect Republicans to Congress. But they appeared to forget that in a recent fundraising letter. The NRCC told potential contributors that it will spend donations to defeat Alabama Congressman Parker Griffith because of his support for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). The trouble is that Griffith is now a Republican. He changed his party affiliation in December. Mo Brooks, one of Griffith's primary opponents, was quick to note, "It is ironic that, even today, the NRCC characterizes Parker Griffith as a liberal Democrat, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions' fundraising letter confirms what we all know -- Parker Griffith is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and sending him back to Washington as a Republican is like sending the fox to guard the henhouse."

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Indiana Senate, Massachusetts 10th District, Michigan Governor, Missouri Senate, New Hampshire Senate, Pennsylvania Governor, Texas Senate and Virginia 5th District.

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     Almost Had a Heart Attack: Former President William J. Clinton (D-AR), the husband of Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY), was hospitalized after experiencing brief periods of discomfort in his chest over several days. But tests revealed no evidence of heart attack or damage to his heart. Clinton underwent a procedure to restore blood flow in one of his coronary arteries.

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     It is a Good Time to Go: A day after picking up a conservative primary challenger, U.S. Representative Vernon J. Ehlers (R-MI) announced that he would not seek another term in Congress. Ehlers, who had represented Michigan's 3th Congressional District for nearly eighteen years, says that the primary challenge had nothing to do with his decision and that it was just "a good time to go."

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     The More Things Change: Ehlers was not the only member of Congress to announce retirement plans yesterday. Diane E. Watson (D-CA), who has represented California's 33rd Congressional District, announced that she will not seek re-election in 2010. But unlike Michigan's 3rd Congressional District, California's 33rd is unlikely to see a competitive general election. The district is solidly Democratic. Seventeen Republicans and thirteen Democrats have now announced their intentions of leaving Congress at the end of the current session.

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     Independent Defense: Fearing that Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman's (R-CA) open-ended spending could leave likely Democratic nominee Jerry Brown (D-CA) in dust, union and liberal activists are preparing for a $20 million independent expenditure campaign.

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     Supporting Cast - Favored Candidate: The names of several Democratic politicians have been floated as possible lieutenant governor nominee, but Governor Pat Quinn (D-IL), reportedly, favors Veterans Administration assistant secretary L. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) as his running mate.
     While Democrats are busy picking their lieutenant governor, Republicans are still waiting to see who won their gubernatorial nomination. Asked whom he would prefer as his running mate, GOP lieutenant governor nominee Jason Plummer (R-IL) would not pick a side between Bill Brady (R-IL) and Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL). "Either way it goes the party will have a great candidate," said Plummer.

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     Ilitch Skips Race: University of Michigan Regent Denise Ilitch (D-MI), whom reportedly had been approached by the White House to run for governor of Michigan, announced that she would not be a candidate this fall. Ilitch said she did not think there was enough time between now and the elections to put together the sort of campaign she would want to run. Ilitch did, however, leave open the idea of running for another statewide office if there was interest at the Democratic Party state convention this summer.

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     To Accept or Not to Accept: Arkansas House Speaker Robbie Wills (D-AR) said that he has changed his mind and will not accept contribution for his congressional campaign during the upcoming session of the state legislature. Meanwhile, state Senator Joyce Elliot (D-AR) said she will accept contributions during the sessions. "In order to run a viable campaign, at this point, I'm going to have to continue to try and raise money," said Elliott.

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     Gordon Following Goddard: Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon (D-AZ) has set up a congressional exploratory committee. Arizona's 8th Congressional District leans Republican but has a competitive edge. The district voted Terry Goddard (D-AZ) for attorney general and Janet Napolitano (D-AZ) for governor.

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     Staying With the Tea Party: Congressional nominee Joe Walsh (R-IL), who won the Republican nomination by running as the "Tea Party" candidate in the primary, says that he has no intention of abandoning the movement in the general election. "Everybody has been asking me, 'are you going to be the Tea party candidate in the general'. My answer is yes, because this is not about party," said Walsh.

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     Mentioned On the Public Time: Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R-IN) inserted into his official office newsletter reference to his congressional campaign. Rokita wrote in his "Rokita Report": "If you are interested in my campaign for U.S. Representative for Indiana's 4th Congressional District, please visit my campaign Facebook page." State Inspector General David Thomas said the action could violate the use of state property rule. A spokesperson for Rokita insists that the reference and link to Rokita's campaign were done as a one-time informational service because the governmental office had been receiving calls and inquiries about the congressional campaign.

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     Up the Hill Once More: U.S. Representative Baron P. Hill (D-IN) filed for re-election and could face former U.S. Representative Mike Sodrel (R-IN) for a fifth time. Sodrel is running in the Republican primary against real estate investor Travis Hankins (R-IN) and attorney Todd Young (R-IN).

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     McGlowan in Mississippi: As anticipated, Fox News commentator Angela McGlowan (R-MS) entered the race for the Republican nomination in Mississippi's 1st Congressional District. McGlowan used her on-air commentary to promote the Tea Party movement and was one of the very few African-Americans to attend last weekend's National Tea Party Convention.

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     Liberal Revolt: U.S. Representative Larry Kissell's (D-NC) former campaign chair says the Democratic incumbent has "turned his back on the grassroots supporters" who propelled him into office. Dannie Montgomery has encouraged attorney Chris Kouri (D-NC) to challenge Kissell in the Democratic primary. Kissell is already facing a primary challenge from Nancy Shakir (D-NC), who worked on Kissell's 2006 campaign as a volunteer with the Working Families Win PAC.

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     No Longer Independent, But Still the Underdog: DuWayne Hendrickson (R-ND), who captured two percent of the vote as an independent candidate for governor in 2008, announced that he will seek the Republican congressional nomination against U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND). Said Hendrickson, "I realize my chances may be slim, but I also believe that I, as a candidate for U.S. Congress, can bring forth ideas and opinions that may bring a common sense mentality back to Washington, D.C."

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     Carry Debt: Despite raising more than $25,000 from a fundraising letter asking supporters to help him pay off his campaign debts from two failed congressional campaigns, Louis J. Barletta (R-PA) has not used any of the funds collected for past debts. Barletta still maintains a debt of more than a quarter-million dollar from his 2002 and 2008 congressional campaigns.

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     Primary Special: Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D-PA) is expected to call for a special election to fill the remainder of the late Congressman Jack Murtha's term on the same day as the scheduled statewide primary. The two major parties can nominate a candidate for the seat by committee while independent candidates can run if they can collect sufficient petition signatures.

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     Old Race, New Race, Old Face, New Face: South Carolina state Representative Timothy E. Scott (R-SC) announced that he was abandoning his campaign for lieutenant governor and instead seeking the congressional seat of retiring U.S. Representative Henry E. Brown Jr. (R-SC).

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     Case Dismissed On Account of Abuse: Republican congressional candidate Bill Flores's (R-TX) former company was sued by the Terrebonne Parish tax assessor for allegedly lying about their tax obligations to avoid tax payments. But the suit was dismissed earlier this month. Flores claims that the amount of unpaid taxes was around $51,000 and not the $100 million alleged in the suit. His campaign said the allegations in the lawsuit were "reckless, defamatory and abusive."

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     Replacement Protest: Progressives upset with the moderate voting record of U.S. Representative Jim Matheson (D-UT) recruited professor John Weis (D-UT) to challenge him for the Democratic nomination. But when Weis unexpectedly withdrew, they quickly chose Claudia Wright (D-UT) to replace him. Weis said he realized he couldn't keep his job while campaign across the vast 2nd Congressional District of Utah. Wright won't have that problem. She is a retired school teacher.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Illinois Governor and Texas Governor.

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     Deadline Looming: Republican Senate candidates Don Bates, Jr. (R-IN), John N. Hostettler (R-IN) and Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) are close to qualifying for primary ballot. But former U.S. Senator Daniel R. Coats (R-IN), whose potential candidacy against U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) has raised national interest in the race, has yet to file any petition signatures. The filing deadline for the May primary is February 16.

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     Proxy Battle: The Republican Senate primary in Kentucky has emerged as a proxy battle between two leaders of the national GOP. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK), who has become the favorite of the TEA Party movement, has endorsed ophthalmologist Rand Paul (R-KY), while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is backing the candidacy of Secretary of State C. Merwin "Trey" Grayson, III (R-KY).

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     Too Early to Analyze: Democratic Congressman Charlie Melancon (D-LA), insists that it is too early to dismiss his Senate candidacy. But fundraising figures and polls suggest that U.S. Senator David Vitter's (R-LA) chances of re-election since his involvement with a Washington prostitution ring.

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     Let's Have a Tea Party: Republican Senate candidate Robert J. Portman (R-OH), who faces a primary challenge from businessman Tom Ganley (R-OH), has been courting the support of Tea Party members. The strategy could backfire against Portman in the general election when Portman will need the support of moderate independents.

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     All About Abortions: There were already ten announced gubernatorial candidates in Alabama before businessman Charles Taylor (R-AL) announced his candidacy. The first-time candidate says that he opposes gambling and will push for an amendment to the state constitution outlawing abortion.

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     Rumors of My Death Are Greatly Exaggerated: For several days now Governor David A. Paterson (D-NY) has been the victim of rumors of a yet-to-be-disclosed scandal and pending retirement announcement. Paterson lashed back at what he called a "callous and sleazy" assault on his character and denied the allegations.

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     Prosecutor Thy Self: Attorneys defending Pennsylvania state legislators accused of having state employees perform political work on the taxpayers' dime are accusing state Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett (R-PA) are doing the same thing. They displayed a list before a jury that showed calls that appeared to have been made from Corbett's campaign phones to state phones at the attorney general's office and phones issued to its staff. More than 700 calls were made between campaign phones and state phones between August 2007 and November 2008, when Corbett was running for re-election.

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     Domestic Relationships: Rhode Island gubernatorial candidates Frank T. Caprio (D-RI), Patrick C. Lynch (D-RI) and Linc Chafee (I-RI) have all pledge to sign a gay marriage bill if elected. But the fourth major candidate, John F. Robitaille (R-RI), is on record as opposing gay marriage, but open to the idea of domestic partnership laws for homosexual couples.

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     White Disengaged: During their televised debate Democratic gubernatorial candidates Bill White (D-TX) and Farouk Shami (D-TX) presented their positions on various issues. While Shami tried to engage White, the former Houston mayor spent a majority of the debate presenting his record of achievement.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Alabama Republican Primary, New Hampshire Senate, New Hampshire 1st District, New Hampshire 2nd District, Ohio Governor, Pennsylvania Senate, Rhode Island Governor, and Texas Governor Primary.

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     We Interrupt Your Super Bowl for These Important Political Announcements: Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder (R-MI) started his media campaign over the week-end with a 60-second commercial which aired during the Super Bowl pregame show.
     Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, independent state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill (I-MA) was not as ambitions. He aired a 15-second commercial during the Super Bowl promoting his candidacy for governor of Massachusetts.

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     Football Hero: Across the country, the Republicans have recruited former professional football players to run for Congress. Jon Runyan (R-NJ), who is considering running against freshman Congressman John H. Adler (D-NJ) explains that there is a natural fit between the two professions. "You're living your life under a microscope. You've got to put in the long hours and hard work to be prepared."
     In addition to Runyan, Republicans have also approached Clint Didier (R-WA) in Washington, Jim Lindsey (R-AR) in Arkansas, Jay Riemersma (R-MI) in Michigan and unsuccessfully approached Mike Minter (R-NC) in North Carolina. The only former NFL player currently serving in Congress is Democrat J. Heath Shuler (D-NC).

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     Equal Time: Upon learning that Barack H. Obama (D-IL) would be visiting the state on behalf of U.S. Senator Michael F. Bennet (D-CO), his Democratic primary opponent Andrew Romanoff said that the state party should insist that the President hold an event for him as well.

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     Retirement Home: Democrats are touting a video of former U.S. Senator Daniel R. Coats (R-IN) in which he tells a group of North Carolina delegates to the GOP convention that he plans to retire to the Tar Heel State. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Deirdre Murphy said it was telling that Coats, who is talking about running for his old seat, planned to retire in North Carolina and not Indiana.

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     Alternative Party News - Double Dipping: Comedian Randy Credico (D-NY), who has been talking about challenging U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) in the Democratic primary, now says that he will also seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party.

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     Gay Ban: The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell has emerged as an issue in New York Senate contest. U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) has introduced legislation that would withhold funding for the rule, while Republican challenger Bruce A. Blakeman (R-NY) says that allowing homosexuals to openly serve would "irresponsibly threatens troop morale while our nation is at war."

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     Can't Go Home Again: Whether or not former Congressman Harold E. Ford (D-NY) decides to run for the U.S. Senate, he has burned his bridges in Tennessee. Ford explained that he was not considering running in his home state because of racial intolerance.

"My wife decided after the '08 election. There was so much bad racial stuff out of Tennessee on Obama. I'm in an interracial marriage. I don't want to subject my wife to this, and I want to start a family. I think my marriage is more accepted here than it would be in Tennessee. I started paying closer attention to New York politics, and I was pleasantly -- not pleasantly -- but I was surprised by how serious the New York political class were in their opposition to Senator Gillibrand."

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     Stronger Than Nothing: Washington state Senator Don Benton (R-WA) announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate this year, saying that the previously announced Republican challengers are "six guys who have never been elected to anything." Benton previously lost a race for Congress against U.S. Representative Brian Baird (D-WA) and, although a strong candidate for the GOP nomination, is given little chance against U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in the general election.

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     Newcomer's Reward: U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) won the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee over U.S. Representative Joseph A. "Joe" Sestak (D-PA).
     None of the gubernatorial candidates were able to get the two-thirds vote of the committee to win the party's endorsement. Auditor Jack Wagner (D-PA) received 153 votes. Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato (D-PA) was second with 76 votes while state Senator Anthony H. Williams (D-PA) received 48 votes.

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     Starting With a Lie: Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman (R-CA) has corrected an inaccurate statement in her inaugural television commercial which claimed that she has lived in California for thirty years. Whitman moved to California in 1981, but has not lived in the state continuously since.

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     Investigate Me: Florida Chief Financial Officer Adelaide "Alex" Sink (D-FL) wants state Attorney General Ira William "Bill" McCollum (R-FL) to investigate fraud at the bank where she was a longtime executive.

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     Quieting: U.S. Representative Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) says that he believes Republican gubernatorial candidate John W. Oxendine (R-GA) used an official investigation by the state Insurance Commission into a failed insurance company to pressure him to take a low profile in the governor contest.

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     Michigan Messengers: The Democratic field for Michigan gubernatorial candidates continues to be in flux. Yesterday Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (D-MI) entered the contest and St. House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-MI) is expected to announce in the coming weeks.

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     Well, Shot!: Republican congressional candidate Tim D'Annunzio (R-NC) is the latest politician to hold a "machine-gun" fundraiser. For a cost of $25 a participant can shoot an Uzi or MP-5 submachine gun. D'Aunnunzio is also offering an AR-15 rifle as a door prize to one lucky guest.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Colorado Governor, Nevada Governor, Ohio Senate.

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     Jack Murtha (1932-2010): John P. "Jack" Murtha (D-PA) died yesterday following complication complication after laparoscopic surgery.

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     Supporting Cast - Self Sacrifice: Bowing to pressure from party leaders, Scott Lee Cohen (D-IL) agreed to relinquish the nomination for lieutenant governor. Cohen won the Democratic primary, topping a field of six candidates with 26% of the vote. But after winning, news of his past violent history became common knowledge. A tearful Cohen said the Democrats were not certain they could win with him on the ticket. He said he was stepping down because he did not want to jeopardize the Democratic Party ticket. The Democratic State Central Committee will choose a replacement candidate.

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     Break Out the Boozman: U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) officially entered the race for Arkansas' Senate seat, giving Republicans something they hadn't had: A five-star candidate to face Democratic incumbent Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR).
     Boozman's entry prompted financial adviser Buddy Rogers (R-AR) and businessman Tom Cox (R-AR) to drop out of the race, but Boozman still faces seven other GOP candidates in the primary.

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     Eyes on Illinois: The campaign for U.S. Senate between Democrat Alexi Giannoulias (D-IL) and Mark S. Kirk (R-IL) may be key race for both the Democratic and Republican Parties as they struggle for power in Washington, D.C., but it will not be the only Illinois race garnering national attention. Adam Kinzinger's (R-IL) challenge against U.S. Representative Debbie D. Halvorson (D-IL) and state Senator Randy Hultgren's (R-IL) campaign against Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) offer republicans some of their best chances of picking up seats during the 2010 elections.

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     Open for Debate: Fort Collins City Councilor Diggs Brown (R-CO), state Representative Cory Gardner (R-CO), University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero (R-CO) and HVA specialist Dean Madere (R-CO) took turns describing why they would be the best and most conservative candidate to take on U.S. Representative Betsy Markey (D-CO).

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     No Third Dem: Republicans are hoping that Democrats split their votes in the upcoming special election in Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, allowing Charles Djou (R-HI) to win with a plurality. They are therefor disappointed to here that state Senator Will Espero (D-HI) has decided to forgo the race.
     As the frontrunner in the special election to serve the remainder of U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie's (D-HI) term in office, former Congressman Edward E. Case (D-HI) finds himself as the recipient of criticism from the other announced candidates.

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     And Then There Were Four: Sam Hepfner Jr. (R-OH) and Cory McCusker (L-OH) have filed candidacy petitions to run against U.S. Representative Charlie Wilson (D-OH), bringing to four the number of people to do so.

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     Conservative Activist: Minister Dave Daubenmire (R-OH) might not be known among the Republican primary voters whose votes he is courting. But the Republican congressional candidate has a history of conservative activism. He ran an aborted campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2004 as a member of the ultra-conservative Constitution Party. He was arrested in 2005 after trying to take water to brain-dead patient Terri Schiavo and was sued by the ACLU in 1999 when he was a high school football coach for leading his players in pastoral prayer.

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     Color Representation: Former Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton (D-TN) continues to appeal to racial identity as a justification for his primary challenge to U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN). Holding photographs of Tennessee's congressional delegates, Herenton said, "What's wrong with this picture? This is an 11-member delegation. If you look at this picture, and you're African-American, you sense the lack of representation."

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     Saving Up for the Right Moment: Jerry Ray Hall (R-TX) says that he plans to spend $500,000 of his own money to defeat U.S. Representative Ralph M. Hall (R-TX). But the Federal Election Commission has not received a financial statement, which is required within 15 days after a candidate spends or raises more than $5000.

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     Alternative Candidate News - Independent Movement: Jeff Clark (R-VA) and Bradley Rees (R-VA) have already decided to forgo the Republican nomination process and run for Congress as independents in Virginia's 5th Congressional District. The large personal contributions that Laurence Verga (R-VA) and real estate developer Jim McKelvey (R-VA) have given their campaigns have some political observers believing that they will follow suit. Verga says that he is committed to the Republican primary and, since state law forbids an unsuccessful partisan candidate from running in the general election as an independent, says he has no plans to run as an independent. McKelvey, on the other hand, is non-committal about a possible independent campaign.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Colorado 3rd District, Rhode Island Governor, Rhode Island 1st District and Rhode Island 2nd District.

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     Looking Ahead to 2012: There's speculation that former Governor John Engler (R-MI), currently head of the National Manufacturers Association, is contemplating a challenge of U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

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     New Minority ... : Scott P. Brown (R-MA) was sworn in as the 100th member of the U.S. Senate yesterday, giving Republicans the minimum 41 seats needed to block legislation.

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     ... New Power: U.S. Senator Richard C. Shelby (R-AL) has issued a blanket hold on every executive branch nomination. The Senator is promising to block all nominations until the administration releases fund earmarked to build an FBI center in Alabama to study IED's. With the inclusion of Scott Brown (R-MA), the Republican caucus now has the ability to block all of President Obama's appointments, assuming that the GOP continue to display the type of party loyalty which successfully blocked legislation, nomination, and almost all Senate action in 2009. In response to Shelby's threat White House press secretary Robert Gibbs blasts issued the following statement: "I guess if you needed one example of what's wrong with this town, it might be that one senator can hold up 70 qualified individuals to make government work better because he didn't get his earmarks. If that's not the poster child for how this town needs to change the way it works, I fear there won't be a greater example of silliness throughout the entire year of 2010... It boggles the mind to hold up qualified nominees for positions that are needed to perform functions in a government because you didn't get two earmarks."

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     Mixed Reaction: Not all Republicans are greeting U.S. Representative John Boozman's (R-AR) expected entry into the U.S. Senate contest with joy. There is an undercurrent of frustration in the GOP with Boozman's relatively last-minute plunge into a Republican primary already packed with nine announced candidates.

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     Judging Demon Sheep: Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina's (R-CA) web ad which compares former U.S. Representative Thomas J. Campbell (R-CA) as a demon sheep has become an overnight internet success. But there is debate about whether or not the overly dramatic video will help or hurt her candidacy.

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     Damage Control to Major Marco: Republican Senate candidate Marco Rubio's (R-FL) campaign went into damage control as the former Florida state House Speaker backtracked from his statement that the Census should only count legal American citizens.

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     Where Few Have Gone Before: Former U.S. Senator Dan Coats's (R-IN) attempt to return to the chamber after an absence is not unprecedented in history of the Senate. Thirty-four Senators have returned to the chamber after originally leaving. But only three, and non in the past eighty years, have returned after as long of an absence as Coats.

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     Command Under Assault: Kurt Lippold (R-NV), who commanded of the U.S.S. Cole when it was attacked by terrorist while anchored in the Aden harbor in 2000, is considering entering the Republican Senate primary in Nevada.

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     Failing to Deliver: New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (I-NY) accused U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) of failing to deliver enough federal health care dollars for the state.

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     Presenting Potter: State Senator Tracy Potter (D-ND) kick-off his campaign for the U.S. Senate. Potter is the first Democrats to announce his candidacy for the seat of retiring U.S. Senator Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND).

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     Cutting Taxes Below Zero: It was already known that Republican Senate candidate Terrence Wall (R-WI) hadn't paid taxes in eight of the last nine years, but now it appears that the other GOP candidate hoping to face Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) also reported no taxable income recently. Wisconsin tax records show that businessman Dave Westlake (R-WI) reported zero net taxes in 2002.

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     The Wright Candidate: Newington Mayor Jeffrey Wright (R-CT) will formally announce his candidacy for governor of Connecticut next week. Wright says he is "running for governor because at the rate we're going, when my three young children grow up, they won't want to live in the state."

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     Dillard Continue to Campaign: State Senator Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL), who trails state Senator Bill Brady (R-IL) in unofficial returns from Tuesday Republican gubernatorial primary, is resisting efforts by Republicans to concede the GOP nomination. But Dillard says that he will not end his campaign and will wait until the approximate 11,000 absentee and provisional ballots are counted, and might formally request a recount.

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     Supporting Cast - Refusing to Step Aside: Governor Pat Quinn (D-IL) and other Democratic leaders are calling on Scott Lee Cohen (D-IL) to step down as the party's lieutenant governor nominee as more reports of his past violent history become public. In Illinois, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run separately in the primary but as a ticket in the general election. Cohen says he has no intention of stepping aside and believe that he can ride out the storm of questions. "It was a bad time in my life," said Cohen.

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     Social Distinction: Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats (R-IA) may begin his campaign appearances by talking about job creation and less government, but he also stresses his conservative social agenda which distinguishes him in the GOP primary from former Governor Terry E. Branstad (R-IA).

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     Alternative Candidate No Longer: Grace Ross, a liberal activist who ran as the Green-Rainbow Party's nominee for governor in 2006, is planning to challenge Governor Deval Patrick for the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nomination this year. She will need 15 percent of the delegates at the party’s convention in June to qualify for the primary ballot.

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     First Casualty: Tuesday party caucus in Minnesota has claimed its first casualty as state Senator Steve Kelley (DFL-MN) dropped out of the race for governor of Minnesota. Kelley received less than 5% of the straw poll taken among caucus attenders. With Kelley out of the race only thirteen candidates remain in the running for the Democratic-Farm-Labor Party nomination.

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     Your Answer Please: Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH) is criticizing his likely Republican challenger John R. Kasich (R-OH) for refusing to answer questions about how he would deal with Ohio's state budget and other issues.

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     Avoiding Pay-to-Play: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Peter Corroon (D-UT) is calling on Governor Gary R. Herbert (R-UT) to return $10,000 in campaign donations from a coal company that received a fast-track decision from state regulators on a strip mine. "The right thing for the Governor to go here is to return the money. The public needs to have confidence that their elected officials and government are not in a pay-to-play position," said Corroon.

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     At a Disadvantage: Edward J. Lynch (R-FL) will try to overcome a 2-1 Democrat to Republican registration in Florida's 19th Congressional District as he seeks to defeat Ted Deutch in the April 13 special election to serve out the remainder of former U.S. Representative Robert Wexler's (D-FL) term. Also running in the general election will be Jim McCormick (I-FL).

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     Welcome to the Big Leagues: The Tea Party can claim their first major victory in a Republican primary in Illinois's 8th Congressional District when Joe Walsh (R-IL). Walsh defeated several more experienced politicians to receive the GOP nomination to face incumbent Melissa Bean (D-IL). Also running in the general election will be Green Party candidate Bill Scheurer (G-IL).

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     New Campaign, New Challenges: In 2008, Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) avoided stiff competition to win her first term in Congress. But Republicans think that have found a strong candidate in Adam Kinzinger (R-IL). Kinzinger won an overwhelming victory in the GOP primary.

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     The General Election Has Begun: Within twenty-four of the primary, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued a statement labeling Republican congressional nominee Randall M. Hultgren (R-IL) a hypocrite and a record of raising taxes while pledging to oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates.

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     Funneling Resources: U.S. Representative Michele M. Bachmann's (R-MN) habit for outrages statements has resulted millions of dollars being funneled into the congressional election in Minnesota's 6th Congressional District.

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     National Republicans versus Local Republicans: The National Republican Congressional Committee has name Alan Nunnelee (R-MS) as part of its Young Guns program with the hope of helping the state Senator in his efforts to defeat freshman U.S. Representative Travis W. Childers (D-MS). But the move has irked some Mississippi Republicans who would rather have the party wait until a nominee is chosen the GOP primary. Nunnelee faces former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross (R-MS) and possibly Fox News political commentator Angela McGlowan (R-MS) in the primary.

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     Democratic Tea Partier: While most Tea Party activists who have decided to run for Congress are choosing to run in Republican primary, but not all. Dan Moadus (D-OH) is challenging U.S. Representative Tim Ryan (D-OH) in the Democratic primary.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Colorado Senate, Florida Governor, Nevada Senate, New Hampshire Governor and New Hampshire Senate.

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     Politician Do the Strangest Things - Arrested Campaign: Jerry Dean "J.D." Carter (R) was arrested at a senior center in Lander County Nevada on charges of disturbing the peace, trespassing and resisting a public officer. Carter claims that he was campaigning for the office of U.S. Senate from Nevada, but his legal residence is in California. The Nevada Secretary of State's office said Carter was never a candidate for U.S. Senate, never filed the required forms, and because he does not live in the state, is not eligible to run. They have sent a memorandum to all county clerks advising them that Carter cannot run.

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     That Was Then, This is Now: When John S. McCain (R-AZ) was running for president and wanted to brandish his maverick credentials, he said that he would support ending the ban on homosexual serving in the military at soon as the top brass said they agreed with the change. But now that he is facing a primary challenge from Former U.S. Representative J.D. Hayworth, Jr. (R-AZ) and Minutemen founder Chris Simcox (R-AZ), Arizona's Senior Senator says that he will not support ending the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.

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Demon Sheep for Senate

     Third Choice and Top Tier: New Castle County Executive Christopher A. Coons (D-DE) filed paperwork with the federal election commission to run for the U.S. Senate, providing Democrats a top tier candidate to take on U.S. Representative Mike Castle (R-DE).

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     Endorsed Without Cash: National Republican Senatorial Committee John Cornyn (R-FL) says that the NRSC will continue to endorse Charlie Crist (R-FL), despite his drop in the polls, but that the Florida Governor should not expect any financial support for his primary fight against Marco Rubio (R-FL).

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     Virginia Lobbyist to Run in Indiana: Former U.S. Senator Daniel R. Coats (R-IN), who retired from politics in 1999, became a lobbyist and moved his voter registration to Virginia, has decided to return to Indiana and run for his old Senate seat. The National Republican Congressional Committee has promised to help Coats round up the 4500 signatures he will need by February 19 to get on the ballot.

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     The Benefits of Wasting $40 Million: Dino Rossi (R-WA) says that he can wait until May before deciding whether or not to run for the U.S. Senate thanks to the $40 million he spent in name recognition in two failed gubernatorial bids.

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     Not This Time: It appears that the talk about former Governor Tommy G. Thompson (R-WI) running for the governor or U.S. Senate was just talk. Thompson has joined the advisory board of the Peak Ridge AgTech Fund which would indicate that he will not be a candidate for public office in 2010.

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     Attention Grabber: California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (R-CA) has accused a senior aide for his primary rival Meg Whitman (R-CA) of trying to strong-arm him out of the gubernatorial contest and offering him a political bribe.

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     Conceding Defeat: Two days after the primary Daniel W. Hynes (D-IL) concede to Pat Quinn (D-IL). Despite trailing by less than 8,000 votes, Hynes said he accepted the results and would not request a recount.
     Meanwhile, the Republican nomination is still being dispute. State Senator Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL) trails state Senator Bill Brady (R-IL) by 406 votes. A recount cannot be requested until early March, after the official results are tabulated.

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     Alternative Party News - Affiliation of the Week: Gubernatorial candidate Peter Roess has changed his party affiliation against. In 2008, Roess was a member of the Green Party. Last summer, Roess became a Democrat. Roess has changed his party affiliation again, this time to Republican.

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     Expanding Rights: Diane D. Denish (D-NM) alone among the six gubernatorial candidates in New Mexico supports extending rights and privileges of married couples to domestic partners.

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     The Birth of a Nation: Tennessee Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey (R-TN), who is seeking his party's gubernatorial nomination, says he doesn't know whether President Barack H. Obama (D-IL) is a U.S. citizen, adding his name to the rank of birthers.

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     Less Welcome Than Before: It was bad enough when a pair of Republican congressional candidates refused to get out of the race following freshman Congressman Parker Griffith's (R-AL) change of party affiliation. Now Wayne Parker (R-AL), Griffith's 2008 GOP opponent, is considering joining Lester Phillip (R-AL) and Morris J. Brooks (R-AL) in the primary.

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     Better the Race You Know: U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA), who had been considering running for state Attorney General, announced that she will run for re-election.

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     Two Roads Diverged in a Wood and I Took the Dark Path of Socialism: Former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross (R-MS) asked "Are we going to go down the dark path of socialism?" while announcing his congressional candidacy.

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     Can't Win: Lackawanna County Commissioner Corey O'Brien (D-PA) says that Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski's (D-PA) approval ratings are so low that there is no way he can win re-election.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Illinois Senate, Iowa 3rd District, Kentucky Senate, New York Governor, New York Senate and Texas Governor.

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     Supporting Cast - Less Supportive: In a result reminiscent of the 1986 Illinois Democratic primary, a flawed candidate has won the party's nomination largely because of a big field of relatively unknown candidates. But in this case it was both Democrats and Republicans who will have flawed candidates. Pawn shop Scott Lee Cohen (D-IL), who won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, was arrested four-and-a-half years ago and accused of holding a knife to a former girlfriend's neck. The misdemeanor charge against Cohen was only dropped after the women, who had just been found guilty of prostitution, failed to show up to testify. Republicans, meanwhile, overlooked the many qualified and experienced candidates to choose a little known business, Jason Plummer (R-IL), who has ties to extremists organizations.

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     And the Nominees are . . . : The votes are still being counted, and will likely have to be recounted, before Illinois voters know who their gubernatorial nominees will be. More than 1.5 million voters turned out for the primary, but fewer than 7,500 separate Governor Pat Quinn (D-IL) and state Comptroller Daniel W. Hynes (D-IL). With 99% of the vote counted, Quinn has 50.4% of the vote.
     The race is even closer on the Republican side. Five hundred votes separate state Senators Bill Brady (R-IL) and Kirk W. Dillard (R-IL). In fact, only eight thousand votes separate the first and third place finisher, Andrew J. "Andy" McKenna, Jr. (R-IL).
     At least the nominees for U.S. Senate are known. As expected U.S. Representative Mark S. Kirk (R-IL) and state Treasurer Alexander "Alexi" Giannoulias (R-IL) will face off for the seat once held by President Barack H. Obama (D-IL).
     While the GOP may have nominated a moderate for the Senate, the rejected the more mainstream candidate in almost every House contest. Businessman Bob Dold (R-IL) defeated state Representative Elizabeth "Beth" Coulson (R-IL) who was recruited by the National Republican Congressional Committee in hopes of holding the seat being vacated by Kirk. Dold will have a harder time in the general election when he will face three time nominee Daniel J. Seals (D-IL). And in the 14th congressional District voters rejected Ethan A. Hastert (R-IL), the son of former House Speaker John Dennis Hastert (R-IL), and instead choose the more conservative Randy Hultgren (R-IL) to face incumbent Bill Foster (D-IL).

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     We Won't Be Coakleyed: As expected, Florida state Senator Ted Deutch (D-FL) won the Democratic nomination for the special election to fill the remainder of former Congressman Robert Wexler's (D-FL) term. Democrats insist that they will not allow Republican nominee Ed Lymch (R-FL) surprise them in the April 13 general election, like Republicans did with the upset victory of Senator-elect Scott P. Brown (R-MA).

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     Considerations: Part of the reason U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) is considering entering the race against U.S. Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-AR) is because most of the announced Republican Senate candidates have been experience trouble raising the funds necessary to take on the incumbent and her $5 million war chest. Only Kim D. Hendren (R-AR) and Gilbert Baker (R-AR) has been able to raise more than $100,000 and Hendren's bankroll was assisted by his personal donation of $200,000.
     There might also be another reason - revenge. Lincoln defeated Boozman's brother, the late Fay Boozman (R-AR), to win her first Senate term.

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     Keeping His Options Open: That fact that he will most likely be not only outraised, but financial swamped by Linda McMahon (R-CT), has from former U.S. Representative Rob Simmons (R-CT) keeping his option open. Simmons has refused to rule out exiting the Republican Senate primary and running for his old congressional seat.

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     Alternative Candidate News - Better Independent: Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio says that because Charlie Crist's (R-FL) poll numbers, the Governor should abandon his plans to seek the Republican Senate nomination and simply run in the general election as an independent. "Charlie is flat. There's no intensity. A Republican should be doing much better among Republicans than with Democrats." Crist's campaign insists that the idea of an independent campaign is not something they would ever consider.

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     Now It's Personal: U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS) said that his primary opponent Jerry Moran's (R-KS) recent comment about his home in Virginia was an unwarranted attack on his family. Congressman Moran claims that he has not purchased a home in the Washington, D.C. area because he wanted to remain grounded in Kansas. He calls Washington, a "corrupting place." Tiahrt says he purchased a house in Virginia in order to enable his family to spend more time with him.

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     The End is Near: Republican Senator-elect Scott P. Brown (R-MA) is expected to be sworn in as the latest member of the U.S. Senate on February 11 at 12:45 pm, ending the Democratic Party's supermajority.

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     Another Sacrifice: Former state Delegate Carmen M. Amedori (R-MD) announced her candidacy for the Senate seat occupied by Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD).

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     As Long As Your Looking: Former U.S. Representative Joseph J. DioGuardi (R-NY) appears ready to enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY). Dioguardi served two terms in Congress in the early 1980's before being defeated in 1988 by Nita M. Lowey (D-NY). He has made several comeback attempts including running for Congress thrice as the nominee of the New York Right to Life Party.

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     Like Clinton and Kennedy Before Him: Some Democratic advocates, especially supporters of U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) continue to criticize former Tennessee Congressman Harold E. Ford's (D-NY) exploration of a campaign for the U.S. Senate. They question how anyone who only recently moved to the Empire State could adequately represents the interests of its residents. Gillibrand was appointed to seat formerly held by Hillary Clinton (D-NY), who herself moved to the state in 2000 with the intention of running for then open Senate seat.

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     Spending More than 1500x More: When polls indicated that Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman (R-CA) was gaining on presumptive Democratic nominee Edmond G. "Jerry" Brown, Jr. (D-CA), the billionaire businesswoman hailed it as proof that the California governor race was a toss-up. We now know why Whitman has been improving in the polls. She spent $19.5 million dollars on her campaign in calendar year 2009. Brown, on the other hand, spent just $137,000. The former governor has raised $12 million for his yet undeclared candidacy.

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     The Ins and Outs of Connecticut: On the same day that Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton (R-CT) officially entered the race for governor of Connecticut, state Senator Gary D. LeBeau (D-CT) ended his campaign. LeBeau says that all of the Democratic candidates have begun to address the issues that got him into the race.

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     Crunch Time: The twelve gubernatorial candidates in Georgia are in the midst of a three-week stretch of debates and forums.

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     Politicians Do the Strangest Things - I Lie to Get Attention: Democrat Herbert West, III (D-KS) now says that he never really intended to drop out of the gubernatorial election. A day after declaring Kansas voters "too stupid to think for themselves," West claims that his earlier press release was nothing more than a means to get his name in the press. "I lied so they would announce my name. [T]hey blocked my name from the Kansas viewers of their Media outlets. I feel my actions are justified," said West.

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     Minnesotans Went to the Polls Too: Democratic and Republican party activists met caucuses across Minnesota last night in the first step toward selecting delegates to the parties' convention who will in turn choose gubernatorial nominees. Depending on the outcome of the caucus, several of the more than two dozen candidates currently running will likely drop out of the race.

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     Playing Favorites: Judging from his recent comments, former U.S. Representative Enrico A. "Rick" Lazio (R-NY) has a preference of whom he would rather face in the 2010 gubernatorial general election. Lazio accused state Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo (D-NY) of "ducking hard questions while waiting to formally announce." But Lazio made more conciliatory comments about Governor David A. Paterson (D-NY) who currently trails Lazio in some opinion surveys. Lazio called Paterson "nice man" who merits credit for setting out the scope of his platform versus Cuomo who's "undermining the governor of his own party."

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     Alternative Party News - Uniting the Republicans and Libertarians: Failed congressional candidate Warren Redlich (R-NY) says that he hopes to run for governor of New York as the nominee of the Libertarian and Republican parties.

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     Litigious, But Not Overly So: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami's (D-TX) company has been involved in more than 80 lawsuits ranging from dissolved partnerships to trademark and contractual disputes to sexual harassment claims. University of Houston law professor Richard Alderman says that the large number of suits is "not unusual." "Major companies," says Alderman are often "involved in litigation, especially with respect to trade secrets and noncompete agreements. ... It doesn't seem like they are overly litigious."

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     Cagey: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released an online video accusing Republican congressional candidate Tim Griffin (R-AR) of being the "architect" of a voter-suppression scheme. At issue is a GOP effort to minority voters who might be registered at a wrong address. Democrats, however, call the prospect caging, an effort to disqualify voters who fail to sign for registered campaign mail sent to their homes. They note that Griffin sent email from his official U.S. Attorney address with attached files named "Caging.xls."

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     Shake Up in the Eighth: The field of Republican candidates hoping to take on freshman U.S. Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL) shifted overnight. Businessman W. Bruce O'Donoghue (R-FL), who was heavily recruited by the National Republican Congressional Committee, relented to run. Meanwhile, developer Armando Gutierrez, Jr. (R-FL), who was the top fundraiser among GOP candidates in Florida's 8th Congressional District, abruptly announced his withdrawal. Gutierrez says that he wants to focus on the prospects of trying to bring a baseball team to Orlando. O'Donoghue still faces a primary battle against state Representative Kurt Kelly (R-FL) and a field of ten lesser-known Republicans.

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     Only Two: DeKalb County Commissioner Lee May (D-GA) announced that he will not be a candidate for Congress this year. May's decision, however, does not mean that U.S. Representative Henry C. "Hank" Johnson's (D-GA) re-election is a sure thing. DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes (D-GA) has already announced her candidacy and former DeKalb County CEO Vernon A. Jones (D-GA) is considering a campaign. Republican Liz Carter (R-GA) and Larry Gause (R-GA) are also running but neither Republican is given much chance in the heavily gerrymandered district.

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     Casting Calls: If Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R-IN) wants to serve in Congress he will have to defeat his fellow Republican. A day after Rokita said that he would seek retiring U.S. Representative Stephen Buyer's (R-IN) congressional seat, state Senator Brandt E. Hershman (R-IN) announced that he too would seek the GOP nomination in Indiana's 4th District.

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     The Brown Example: Hoping to duplicate the showing of Senator-elect Scott P. Brown (R-MA) in Massachusetts' 10th Congressional District, state Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R-MA) announced that he will challenge U.S. Representative William D. Delahunt (D-MA). He is not the only Republican hoping to defeat Delahunt. Don Hussey (R-MA) and Ray Kasperowicz (R-MA) have already announced their candidacy and former state Treasurer Joseph D. "Joe" Malone (R-MA) and state Senator Robert L. Hedlund (R-MA) are thinking about running. All of them could be running against a strong headwind. The last Republican to hold the seat was Hastings Keith (R-MA), who served from 1959 to 1973. Perhaps Perry should rename his upcoming fundraiser The Jokes on Perry instead of Jokes with Jeff.

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     Don't Worry. Oswald was in the Book Depository, Not the Grassy Knoll: Democratic congressional candidate Chad Larkins (D-NC) told police that he was confronted by a man who asked about his political views and then proceed to threaten him. Larkins claims that the man told him that "he had been waiting for me in the 'grassy knoll.' and he was going to assassinate me like Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated John F. Kennedy."

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     Easy Win: U.S. Representative Steve Austria (R-OH) was able to win his first term in Congress during a year which not good for Republicans. Austria announced his campaign for re-election yesterday and is unlikely to face any serious challengers.

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     For All Gall(bladder): U.S. Representative Jack Murtha's hospitalization for complication after laparoscopic surgery has reignited rumors that the Pennsylvania Democrat will not seek a twentieth term in Congress.

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     Checking the Poll: After commissioning a poll of the congressional district last month, former U.S. Representative David Davis (R-TN) announced that he will not seek a rematch against Congressman Phil Roe (R-TN). "In my opinion, a re-election bid would require a negative campaign that would not be in the best interest of the 1st Congressional District nor the political process," Davis said in a written statement.

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     To Busy to Stop for Death: Attorney Rick Martin (R-TX) died last weekend but his name will, nonetheless, be on the Republican primary ballot next month. Martin was running against U.S. Representative Mike McCaul (R-TX) and fellow challenger Joe Petronis (R-TX) for the GOP congressional nomination in Texas's 10th District.

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     Big Coal's Man: Former state Supreme Court Justice Elliott E. "Spike" Maynard (R-WV), who changed parties and filed at the last minute to run against U.S. Representative Nick Rahall II (D-WV), is being portrayed as a lapdog for the coal industry. A photograph of Maynard with Massey Energy chief Don Blankenship dining together on the French Riviera is largely credited with Maynard third-place finish during the Democratic primary in 2008.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Arkansas Senate, Florida Governor, Florida Senate, Kansas Senate Primary, Virginia 8th District.

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     On Any Given Tuesday: Less than two days before voters go to the polls, attorney Jacob J. Meister (D-IL) announced that he was withdrawing from the race for the Democratic Senate nomination and endorsing state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D-IL). Meister was hoping to become the first openly gay member of the U.S. Senate.

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     Another Republican Takes a Bayh: For the second time in the same number of weeks, U.S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) has lucked out. Last week, U.S. Representative Mike Pence (R-IN) took a pass at the Senate race. Yesterday, Secretary of State Todd Rokita (R-IN), who had also been mentioned as a potential candidate, announced that he would run for the congressional seat of retiring U.S. Representative Stephen Buyer (R-IN).

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     Selling Your Soul to Get Elected: Physician Robin Titus (R-NV) has ended her campaign for the U.S. Senate admitting that she could not compete financially. "I'm not about to sell my soul to a corporation or special interests," she said.

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     The Noble Cause: Mike Long, the chair of New York Conservative Party, says he had a "real positive" dinner meeting with CNBC's Larry Kudlow (R-NY). Kudlow has not confirmed that he will run for the U.S. Senate, but he said that defeating U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would be a "noble cause" worth giving up his television show.

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     Tying the Hands of the Administration: U.S. Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) is threatening to cut off funding for fighting terrorism if the Obama administration continues to pursue federal prosecution of suspected terrorists.

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     Balancing the Budget with Smoke and Mirrors: Coming into an election year, Governor Charlie Crist (R-FL) has proposed a budget for Florida which relies on unconfirmed revenues including federal stimulus money, revenues from an unapproved Seminole Indian gambling deal and raids on state savings accounts and trust funds.

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     Alternative Candidate News - The Best of Both Parties: High school teacher Ken Cannon (I-KS) says that he will use the best of what each political party has to offer during his independent campaign for governor of Kansas.

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     The Usual Pomp and Circumstance: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care CEO Charles D. Baker (R-MA) and running mate, state Senator Richard R. Tisei (R-MA) officially kicked off their campaign for governor and lieutenant governor with pomp and circumstance.

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     Just Getting Started: Efforts are underway to try to trim the field of Democrats seeking the gubernatorial nomination in Pennsylvania. Activists have approached Scanton Mayor Christopher Doherty (D-PA) about possibly running for lieutenant governor on a ticket with Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato (D-PA).

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     Nothing to See: The latest debate between Republican gubernatorial candidates Rick Perry (R-TX), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Debra Medina (R-TX) is unlikely to change voters' perception of the race.

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     Attacking from the Right Flank: Freshman U.S. Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA) is the latest Republican congressman to face the wrath of conservatives during the primary. Mission Therapeutics vice president Michael Babich (R-CA) announced that he will campaign as an "open-minded conservative" alternative to McClintock.

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     Politicians Do the Strangest Things - Like Taking Candy From a Baby: The eight-month-old granddaughter of Democratic congressional candidate Ben Graber (D-FL) donated $250 to her grandfather campaign. Her occupation was listed on federal financial disclosure forms as "student." Graber says the check was written by his daughter and drawn on his granddaughter's trust fund. The infant was listed as a student because she takes gymnastics.

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     Fund Raising Spending: Already billed as the most vulnerable member of Congress, U.S. Representative Anh "Joseph" Cao (R-LA) has less money to fight for his election after drawing down his campaign treasury. Cao spent $35,000 more than he raised during the fourth quarter of 2009.

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     This Way to the Egress, Come See the Egress: Unlike the other Republican candidates who have left the race since former U.S. Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) announced his candidacy, consultant Jeffrey Schott (R-PA) did not endorse the former Republican congressman's comeback attempt.

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     Attorney General Misinterprets The Law: Conservative activists are criticizing a ruling by newly installed state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA) regarding fundraising by state legislators. Despite a state law prohibiting lawmakers from raising cash during the General Assembly session, Cuccinelli said that fellow Republican state Senate Robert Hurt (R-VA) could continue to raise money for his congressional campaign while voting of legislation which could benefit his donors.

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     Last Minute Auditions: On the last day for candidates to file statements of candidates there was a pair of surprises in West Virginia. state senator Michael A. Oliverio II (D-WV), who made two unsuccessful campaigns for Secretary of State, announced that he would challenge U.S. Representative Alan B. Mollohan (D-WV) in the Democratic primary. Mollohan was already a top target of the Republicans after being the subject of a federal investigation. The Justice department recently ended its investigation without pursuing criminal charges, but Republicans still smell blood in the water.
     Meanwhile, on the other end of the state, Republicans found a last minute credible challenge to face U.S. Representative Nick Joe Rahall (D-WV). Former state Supreme Court Justice Elliott E. "Spike" Maynard (R-WV) filed to challenge the 17th term incumbent.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Alaska Senate, Alaska House, Florida Senate, New York Senates and Washington Senate.

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     Supporting Cast - For Party Unity: For the sake of party unity, real estate investor Rob Lauer (R-NV) announced that he was abandoning his campaign for Congress and endorsing the candidacy of former state Senator Joe Heck (R-NV) against freshman U.S. Representative Alice Costandina "Dina" Titus (D-NV). Lauer will instead run for Secretary of State.

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     If It is a Tuesday, There Must Be a Primary: The start of the primary season starts tomorrow when Illinois voters go to the polls to pick the major party nominees. The most watched race will be the gubernatorial primaries. Pat Quinn (D-IL), who succeeded to the office of governor upon the impeachment of Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), is facing a spirit challenge from state Comptroller Daniel W. Hynes (D-IL). Hynes has been airing television commercials criticizing Quinn for the state's earlier release prison program and has been gaining in recent polls.
     Democrats will also pick a nominee to campaign for Barack H. Obama's (D-il) old Senate seat. State Treasurer Alexander "Alexi" Giannoulias (D-IL) is leading in the polls, but some Democrats are concerned that his connections to convicted felon Tony Rezko, his family's bank's problems could hurt him during the general election against likely Republican Senate nominee U.S. Representative Mark S. Kirk (R-IL).
     The picture from the Republican gubernatorial primary is not as clear. None of the six candidates has been able to break out of the pack. It is anyone's bet who will come out in first place, with most wagering on state Senator Bill Brady (R-IL), former state party chairman Andrew J. "Andy" McKenna, Jr. (R-IL) or former Attorney General Jim Ryan (R-IL) capturing a plurality win.
     Several congressional races have the potential to be defining moments for the GOP. State Representative Beth Coulson (R-IL), a moderate viewed by national Republicans as the candidate with the best chance of keeping Mark Kirk's congressional seat in Republicans hands, is struggling in the final days against businessman Bob Dold (D-IL). Democrats will pick either Daniel J. "Dan" Seals (D-IL), who lost a pair of close races against Kirk, or state Representative Julie Hamos (D-IL).

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     Buying Notice: National Rifle Association Board member Buz Mills (R-AZ) officially entered the Arizona gubernatorial race with the deposit of $2.1 million of his own money into his campaign treasury. State Treasurer Dean Martin (R-AZ), one of the Republicans Mills will face in the GOP primary, said he was not concerned about personal fortune that Mills has at his disposal noting that Mills needs to spend much of his money just to make himself known to the voters.

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     Field in Flux: The field of candidates in the Connecticut gubernatorial contest continues to be in a state of flux. Businessman R. Nelson "Oz" Griebel (R-CT) officially launches his bid. Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton (R-CT) and Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura (D-CT) are planning their announcements this month. U.S. Representative Christopher H. Shays (R-CT), whose political career appeared to end with his unsuccessful re-election campaign in 2008, is considering running. Meanwhile, former state House Speaker James A. Amann (D-CT) is considering ending his campaign. Amann is concerned that he will not be able to compete against the personal fortunes of Tom Foley (R-CT) and Ned Lamont (D-CT).

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     Are There Still Democrats in Kansas: State Senator Tom Holland (D-KS) is reportedly considering running for governor of Kansas against presumptive Republican nominee Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS). This is good news for Democrats whose only announced candidate is disabled former Boeing employee Marty Mork (D-KS), now that Herb West (D-KS) has dropped out.

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     When Will the Wait Be Over: Maryland Republican's waiting game for Robert L. "Bob" Ehrlich Jr. (R-MD) may be coming to an end as the former Governor appears ready to announce that he will seek a rematch against Governor Martin O'Malley (D-MD).

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     Reform Means Taking Money From Retirees: Hoping to cast himself as a reformer during his re-election campaign, Governor Deval L. Patrick (D-MA) has introduced a proposal to overhaul how Massachusetts handles state pensions.

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     Alternative Party News - Fifty-Fifty: There is a chance that former Republican Congressman John J. H. "Joe" Schwarz (R-MI) will run for governor of Michigan as an independent. It not a big chance. Schwarz says there is only a 50-50 chance that he would run.

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     Cattle-Call Debate: Twenty gubernatorial candidates, including four independent candidates, participated in what is likely to be the largest debate Minnesota has ever had.

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     Looks Like a Sure Thing: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman (R-NE), who announced his re-election campaign last week, has more than $1.2 million in his campaign treasury and no potential Democratic challenger.

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     War of Words: Gubernatorial candidates Rory Reid (D-NV) and Brian E. Sandoval (R-NV) have engaged in a war of words over the state's $1 billion budget shortfall. Reid says that he won't join his opponents in offering solutions because the next governor needs to move away from the "short-term thinking." Sandoval said in a written statement, "It is unacceptable that a candidate seeking the most important office in this state would not offer a plan, or even a single idea, to deal with our current fiscal crisis."

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     Too Poor: Erie County Executive Chris Collins (R-NY) has shut down his gubernatorial exploratory committee saying that it was too difficult to raise enough money for a statewide campaign.

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     Greener Prospects: Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH) is promoting green-energy jobs as a means to help Ohio out of its economic recession, and as a theme for his re-election campaign.

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     Learning at the Knee of the Best: Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Fallin (R-OK) confirmed that Robert Flanagan, one of the four men arrested and charged as part of an illegal scheme to gain access to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), worked in her congressional office in 2008 and 2009 as a paid intern.

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     Hoping for Hoeffel: Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph M. "Joe" Hoeffel (D-PA) officially launched his bid for governor of Pennsylvania last week.

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     Discrimination or Nepotism: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Farouk Shami (D-TX) accused former Houston Mayor Bill White of taking jobs from poor city residents and giving them to his friends. "He is discriminating. He's taking jobs from African-Americans and giving them to his friends ... He's a failure and cannot run a city," said Shami.

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     In Wyoming: Former state House Majority Leader Ron Micheli (R-WY) formally kicked off his gubernatorial campaign promising to make it easier to do business in Wyoming. Meanwhile his primary opponent Rita Meyer (R-WY) cut ties with a volunteer who used a bit of online trickery to misdirect people trying to visit Matt Mead's (R-WY) website. Visitors to mattmeadforgovernor.com were directed temporary to Meyer's campaign website.

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     Just Too Conservative: Democrats got there preferred candidate to run for the open seat in Arkansas's 2nd congressional district. State House Speaker Robbie Wills (D-AR) announced that he would run. The conservative Democrat, however, will likely face a primary challenge. State Senator Joyce Elliot (D-AR) has already announced here candidacy and congressional aide Dave Boling (D-AR) is expected to announce his candidacy soon.

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     The Harder Path: U.S. Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) is considering forgoing what would be an easy campaign for re-election for a run for state Attorney General.

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     Mad As Hell: Retired naval office Larry Gause (R-GA) has decided to make his first political campaign after alleging that he has not received help from the Veterans' Administration for years. Gause will run for Congress from Georgia's 4th Congressional District.

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     Coming To a District Near You: Massachusetts state Representative Jeffrey D. Perry (R-MA) is expected to announce this week whether or not he will run against Congressman William D. Delahunt (D-MA).

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     Moderates Deserve Representation Too: Several Republicans members of Congress are facing primary challenges from conservative activists. But in Montana, Montana State University professor A.J. Otjen (R-MT) announced that he would run against U.S. Representative Dennis Rehberg (R-MT) because the state needed someone to represent the state's moderate and independent voters. "It's time we stopped the ideology and started thinking about governing," said Otjen.

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     Clearing the Field: Former assistant prosecutor Dean Malik (R-PA) became the second Republican to drop out of the race in Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District following the announcement by former U.S. Representative Mike Fitzpatrick's (R-PA) decision to seek a rematch against U.S. Representative Patrick J. Murphy (D-PA).

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     Alternative Candidate News - Going Independent Together: Real estate developer Jim McKelvey (D-VA) has loaned his congressional campaign $500,000 and has not ruled out running as an independent, which he said he will do should it appear that state Senator Robert Hurt (R-VA) will win the Republican nomination. McKelvey is not the first Republican to talk about forgoing the nomination to run in the general election as an independent. Bradley Rees (I-VA) already abandoned his campaign for the GOP nomination and announced an independent candidacy.

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     No Surprise: U.S. Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA) surprised no one when he announced last week that he would run for re-election.

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     Poll Updates: Updated poll information has been posted. New polls were posted in the following races: Florida Governor, Michigan Governor, Washington Mayor and Wisconsin Governor.

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