Democrats need Republican incumbents to retire from competitive districts in order to expand the playing field of competitive House races. But GOP Rep. Dan Benishek’s decision not to run for re-election in Michigan barely moves the status quo of the House battlefield.
Benishek was already considered vulnerable this cycle, and…
After spending five weeks at home in their districts with their families, how many members got homesick and are set to retire?
If history is a guide, at least a handful or more House members will announce their departure in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Earlier this month,…
Targeting Rep. Mike Coffman has become a biennial tradition for Democrats. But even though Colorado’s 6th District is one of the country’s premiere swing seats, Democrats have had trouble finding the right combination of candidate and election cycle to defeat the GOP congressman.
Earlier this cycle, Coffman considered leaving…
Minnesota’s 2nd District. GOP Rep. John Kline announced his retirement on Thursday, leaving open a competitive district that President Barack Obama won narrowly, 49.1 percent to 49 percent, in 2012. Democrats had two credible challengers in the race already, but it will take some time as potential candidates on…
Republican Rep. Dave Reichert is seriously considering a gubernatorial bid in Washington state, according to multiple GOP sources.
The congressman has been the consistent source of rumors for a statewide bid over the past decade. But those rumors were often fueled by House Democrats who wanted him to leave…
Ethics problems can be serious trouble for any politician, but party strategists often use Federal Election Committee complaints to play games with the opposition, because the allegation has a slim chance of being ruled on before Election Day.
“Everyone knows both sides file complaints to get press hits,” one campaign…
Democrats want to hold the White House, take back the majorities in the Senate and the House, and gain ground in governorships. But what happens when those are conflicting goals?
In Florida, strategists at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are excited Rep. Patrick Murphy is running for the state’s…
It’s not easy to transition from governor to become one of 100 senators. But former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and former Iowa Gov. Chet Culver are contemplating something even more humbling — jumping from chief executive to become one of 435 in the House.
Earlier this month, my Roll…
Pam Galloway has never met Alex Mooney, but she might owe him a Thank You card.
If Mooney, a former state senator from Maryland, hadn’t been elected to West Virginia’s 2nd District last cycle, it would be easy to dismiss Galloway, a former state senator from Wisconsin running in…
Florida’s 5th District. The state’s congressional map is still influx as the Legislature deals with the court’s demands. Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown’s district is likely to change significantly, including dropping Orlando territory and gaining parts of Jacksonville. Under that scenario, former 2nd District nominee Al Lawson (D) is a…
