Inside Elections

2016 Senate Ratings (March 2, 2015)

March 2, 2015 · 12:08 PM EST

Rand Paul, Hillary Clinton Face Foreign Policy Challenges in 2016

by Stuart Rothenberg March 2, 2015 · 8:45 AM EST

While the economy is a decisive topic in many presidential elections, national security looks increasingly likely to become a top issue in next year’s contest. And if that happens, it could dramatically affect both the direction of the race for the Republican nomination and the party’s prospects in…

Remembrance of Shutdowns Past

by Stuart Rothenberg February 27, 2015 · 9:00 AM EST

Republicans scored big gains in the 2010 and 2014 elections because both of those midterms were about President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party. Democrats had successful elections in 2006, 2008 and 2012 primarily because they made those elections about the GOP and George W. Bush, John McCain…

Senate Challenger Battles Secretary of State Curse

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 24, 2015 · 7:21 AM EST

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, a Democrat, announced his challenge to GOP Sen. Roy Blunt Thursday. But he’ll have to overcome the Republican lean of the Show-Me State and history in order to win.

There are many paths to the Senate, but being a secretary of state is usually not one of…

How Much Money Does it Take to Defeat a Senator?

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 20, 2015 · 2:30 PM EST

Political reporters love to write about fundraising. Tracking and comparing how much money incumbents and challengers have raised and spent is a staple of political journalism. But it can also be misleading. 

If history is any guide, candidate spending can be a poor indicator of re-election…

New York 19: Top-Tier Holding Pattern

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 20, 2015 · 2:29 PM EST

GOP Rep. Chris Gibson shocked the Hudson Valley by announcing his retirement from Congress after just three terms. But even though he is leaving behind a competitive open seat in New York’s 19th District, there hasn’t exactly been a stampede of candidates ready to jump into the race. Why not?

California Senate: Boxer’s Retirement Complicates Contenders’ Plans to Move Up the Ladder

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 20, 2015 · 2:28 PM EST

Democrat Barbara Boxer’s retirement sets up the first open Senate seat in California in over 20 years, but it’s not quite the right timing for some ambitious politicos. 

For an open seat in a Democratic state, the Democratic field has narrowed quickly. State Attorney General Kamala Harris is…

Oregon: Brown Takes the Helm as Kitzhaber Resigns

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 20, 2015 · 2:27 PM EST

Democratic Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon resigned his office last week under an ethical cloud, but Republicans still don’t have much of a shot taking over the governorship anytime soon. 

Kitzhaber was re-elected, 50 percent to 44 percent, to his fourth term just last November. But his reign in…

Report Shorts (February 20, 2015) California 44, Mississippi 1, Missouri Senate

February 20, 2015 · 2:26 PM EST

California’s 44th District. Democratic Rep. Janice Hahn is running for an open seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and not seeking re-election in 2016. Her seat is not at risk of falling into Republican hands. State Sen. Isadore Hall (D) is running and has Hahn’s support. 

Other…

2015-16 Gubernatorial Ratings (February 20, 2015)

February 20, 2015 · 2:25 PM EST