John Tanner

Blue Dog Rep. Tanner Opposes Health Care Bill

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 6:00PM

Rep. John Tanner (D-TN)

Rep. John Tanner (D-TN), a member of the Blue Dogs, has announced his opposition to the current health care bill from the House Democrats:

"After careful review of the current legislation pending in the House and the Congressional Budget Office's analysis, I believe the bill will not help control the long-term costs of health care and puts in place an infrastructure that is not fiscally sustainable over time. I am unable to support this legislation in its present form.

"Most of us realize that serious reforms are needed to fix what is broken in our health care system. Specifically, we should work to reform health insurance; ensure no one can be denied health coverage because of a pre-existing condition; and slow the upward curve of health care costs. I will continue talking with Tennesseans and working with others to achieve these goals, improve our health care system and ensure our reforms help solve, rather than contribute to, our nation's long-term fiscal challenges."

FL-SEN

Club For Growth's New Involvement In Florida Race Spurred By Rubio's Fundraising Success

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 5:17PM

Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio (R)

Yesterday, the Club For Growth launched a new attack ad against Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL), a moderate who is facing a challenge in the GOP primary for Senate from the more conservative former state House Speaker Marco Rubio -- which was, in fact, a change from the Club's previous skepticism about getting involved in this race.

Back in July, when Crist was much further ahead in both polls and fundraising, the Club's executive director David Keating had said the Club was still looking at where it could best spend its money: "We have to look at his race versus all the others we're interested in, and there are going to be a lot of competitive races."

Today, Keating told TPM that Rubio's recent pick-up in fundraising, taking in about $1 million for the previous quarter, was an encouraging sign.

Read more »

Tea Party

GOP Could Face More Challenges From Right, After NY-23

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 5:06PM

Capitol Hill, Tea-Party Rally

In the wake of the NY-23 right-wing revolt, could the GOP be on the verge of seeing even more challenges from the activist right? Some recent developments suggest that the natives are getting restless.

• NRCC chairman Pete Sessions is being challenged in the Republican primary by David Smith, a corporate financial analyst. Smith told us that the NY-23 mess was not a factor in his decision -- but it should help him in attacking Sessions: "It's nice to have my opponent in the national news for a bad reason at the same time I'm announcing my candidacy."

• Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) is facing a Republican primary challenge from Jason Sager, a currently unemployed audio-visual engineer. Sager specifically cited Brown-Waite's having campaigned for Dede Scozzafava, the moderate Republican nominee in NY-23 who ultimately dropped out of the race and endorsed Democrat Bill Owens, as a reason for his challenge.

Read more »

Harry Reid

Report: Reid Preparing For Saturday Senate Sessions In December

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 3:29PM

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) is gearing up to possibly hold Saturday Senate sessions all the way into December, Roll Call reports:

Reid hopes to spend the bulk of the month on the Senate's health care reform bill, but the chamber also will need to complete the annual spending bills that fund the government. The current stopgap appropriations bill expires Dec. 18.

Democratic aides said Reid told Senators this week of the possibility of multiple Saturday sessions, and he has been seeking to line up Members to serve as the Senate's presiding officer on Saturdays.

Pete Sessions

Tea Party Activist Challenging NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions In GOP Primary

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 3:23PM

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX), the chairman of the NRCC, may have another problem on his hands in addition to the House GOP's recent woes in the NY-23 race: A primary challenge from a conservative activist back home.

David Smith, a corporate financial analyst, has declared his candidacy against Sessions in the Republican primary, citing the budget deficit, federal spending, and Sessions' votes for the Wall Street bailout as his main issues.

In an interview with TPM, Smith said that he has participated in Tea Parties as an activist, though he has not been an organizer, and explained that those events are motivated by the same issues of spending in Washington that he's long been concerned about. "And that begun under Republican control of the House and Senate and Republican control of the White House," said Smith. "I know it didn't boil over into marches in the streets and to the White House until a Democrat got elected, but that happened because Republicans weren't doing what people wanted, and Pete was a part of that."

Read more »

Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 2:18PM

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and RNC Chairman Michael Steele

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: RNC chairman Michael Steele, DNC chairman Tim Kaine

• CBS, Face The Nation: Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX), Republican political consultant Ed Rollins, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R-VA).

• Fox News Sunday: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R-VA), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), former New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA).

MoveOn

MoveOn: We Have $3.5 Million Pledged For Primaries Against Dems Who Filibuster Health Care

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 2:15PM

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR)

MoveOn is serious about opposing Senate Democrats who join Republicans to block health care reform, announcing yesterday that they've built up over $3.5 million in pledges to fund primary challenges against any of them.

While no specific Senator is mentioned, it should be noted that Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), who is up for re-election in 2010 and is currently facing a tough race, could find herself becoming a top target of this push from the left.

MoveOn also has a petition that it is asking members to sign: "If ANY member of the Democratic Caucus joins a Republican filibuster of healthcare reform with a public option, the Caucus must immediately strip that Senator of all Committee Chairmanships."

The full e-mail from MoveOn is available after the jump.

Read more »

Bill Owens

Owens Announces Support For House Dems' Health Care Bill

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 1:24PM

Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY)

Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY) can be counted on as a "yes" in this weekend's expected vote on the House Democrats' health care bill, announcing his support in a press release.

"This legislation will reform the insurance industry and provide increased access to affordable healthcare without taxing healthcare benefits, cutting Medicare benefits or raising taxes on the middle class, and that is exactly the direction we need to go," said Owens. "There are still changes I would like to make, including raising the payroll exemption for small businesses, but like I said last week, there is a fundamental need for reform and we must act with a sense of urgency."

Owens won a narrow upset victory in this past Tuesday's NY-23 election, defeating the Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman who had opposed the bill, and picking up the seat for the Democrats. Owens's position here is in line with his prior statements at a debate held last week, shortly before the election.

His full statement is available after the jump.

Read more »

Bill Owens

Bill Owens Sworn In As Congressman For New York's 23rd District

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 1:13PM

Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY)

Rep. Bill Owens (D-NY) has just been sworn in as the member of the House of Representatives for the NY-23 district, after winning this past Tuesday's special election and picking up a previously GOP-held seat for the Democrats.

His certificate of election has not been finalized yet, but the outcome of the race is not in any doubt, and his Conservative Party opponent Doug Hoffman conceded the race. Thus, Owens was able to be sworn into office as soon as was practical.

The following is the prepared text of his first speech to the House:

"Madam Speaker,

"I am honored to be here with you all today, and to join you in our continuing effort to build a better, stronger America. This is a proud day for me and my family but it is also a sad day for our country. The shooting at Fort Hood last night that claimed the lives of 13 fine Americans is a stunning reminder of how quickly the peace we enjoy here at home can turn to violence, and how heavily we rely on our brave men and women to keep us free from harm. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and with our soldiers to whom we owe our safety and our freedom.

Read more »

Bill Owens

Bill Owens To Be Sworn In At About Noon Today

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 11:37AM

Rep.-elect Bill Owens (D-NY)

Rep.-elect Bill Owens (D-NY) will be sworn in today at about noon, Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office has confirmed.

Owens's win this past Tuesday in the NY-23 special election was a bright spot for Democrats on an otherwise dreary night, with his victory over Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman giving Democrats a pick-up of a seat that they literally did not hold during the entire 20th century.

Owens will also be meeting with President Obama at 4:25 p.m. ET today. During his campaign Owens had initially been skeptical of a strong public option, but was later supportive of the milder version contained in the current House health care bill. So don't be surprised if the upcoming health care vote, in which Owens could very well make the difference between passage and failure, is a major topic of discussion.

Michele Bachmann

Bachmann Celebrates Capitol Hill Tea Party In Fundraising E-Mail

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 6:03PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) sent out this fundraising e-mail, celebrating the Capitol Hill Tea Party that she had taken a key role in organizing and promoting:

Dear Patriot,

As I write this note, thousands of everyday Americans have come to Washington to speak their mind about the misguided health care bill that Speaker Pelosi and President Obama are pushing through Congress.

What an awe-inspiring sight! These people came by plane, by train, by car and by bus. They drove overnight and they gave up their precious free time to share one message with this Congress: Keep your hands off my health care!

Less than one week from when I put out the call to the American people to come to Washington and pay this emergency house call on Congress, they're here and they're ready to stand up for their freedoms.

Read more »

Doug Hoffman

Doug Hoffman To Speak At North Carolina Republican Dinner

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 4:51PM

NY-23 Candidate Doug Hoffman (Conservative)

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate and de facto last-minute Republican nominee who narrowly lost the NY-23 special election to Democrat Bill Owens this past Tuesday, isn't done yet with politics -- he's headed down South, to speak at a North Carolina Republican event.

As Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling (D) reports:

I've been pretty sure the Republicans will get back control of the North Carolina legislature next year but now I'm not underestimating their chances to defeat themselves.

Just got an e-mail from the party that they're bringing in Doug Hoffman to speak at their Hall of Fame dinner in a couple weeks. The same Doug Hoffman of course who managed to blow a Congressional seat the party had held for over a century.

Michele Bachmann

Dems: If GOP Wants Michele Bachmann To Be Its Voice, 'That's More Than Fine With Us'

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 3:54PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

The Democratic National Committee released this statement today on the Capitol Hill Tea Party, which was organized and promoted by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN):

"If the Republican party wants to make Michele Bachmann the voice of the party, that's more than fine with us. We'll help circulate the petition. But it is surprising that after Congressman-elect Owens won a special election by supporting the President's agenda in a New York district that hasn't elected a Democrat since Benjamin Harrison was President, that the Republican party would continue to allow itself to be led around by nose by the likes of Bachmann, Beck , Limbaugh, Palin and the rest of the extreme tea party crowd. It's their extreme right-wing, rigid ideological agenda that has Americans leaving the Republican Party in droves - and so, if displays like today are what they think is a smart political strategy, all we can say is: go for it," said DNC National Press Secretary Hari Sevugan.

Capitol Hill Tea Party

Broun: 'You're Not Going To Eat This Rotten Stinking Fish'

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 1:55PM

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)

Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA) spoke this afternoon at the Capitol Hill Tea Party, delivering a brief but very energetic speech:

Who will kill this bill? (Shouts of "We will.") You will! You will! And we must! The Constitution of the United States starts with three very powerful words: "We the people." And we the people are speaking! Nancy Pelosi, listen! Fellow patriots, go tell your Congressman, you're not going to eat this rotten stinking fish that is -- Pelosi health care! We are going to put a stop sign in front of her steamroller of socialism! Go to it, patriots!

Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson A Hit At Capitol Hill Tea Party

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 1:34PM

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)

Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC), who famously yelled out "You lie!" during a speech to Congress by President Obama, just spoke to the Capitol Hill Tea Party, receiving massive applause immediately as he came to the podium.

"Speaker Pelosi didn't mean for you to be here," said Wilson. "In fact, back in July, Speaker Pelosi meant for the takeover bill to be passed, it was supposed to be over in July. But fortunately the American people found out, they found out that senior citizens were under attack, by squeezing senior citizens half a trillion dollars. Small businesses found out about the taxes that would virtually eliminate small businesses in the United States."

He also credited this past Tuesday's election in Virginia and New Jersey as a sign of the people making a difference already -- and talked about his own experience in New Jersey.

"And then, I know firsthand of the success of the people of New Jersey. On Sunday, I had the privilege to speak at the Morristown Tea Party," said Wilson. "Here I was, a friendly member of Congress from South Carolina, I was simply urging people to vote, to participate in the election to change the incumbent governor. It was sort of shocking, but later that day the incumbent governor asked me, and said I shouldn't have been in that state. But hey, I'm grateful, the voters of New Jersey acted, they produced change. Thank you for being here, we can make more change next year."

Michele Bachmann

Bachmann Quotes Jefferson: A Revolution Every Now And Then Is A Good Thing

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 1:07PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Rep. Michele Bachmann has been one of the top speakers and a co-master of ceremonies at today's Capitol Hill Tea Party, an event that she herself heavily promoted.

"You came. And you came to your house. And you came for an emergency house call," said Bachmann. "And are they going to listen? Oh yeah, oh yeah, they're going to listen. It was Thomas Jefferson who said a revolution every now and then is a good thing. What do you think?"

This is hardly the first time Bachmann has spoken of revolution. Back in March, she famously told Sean Hannity: "At this point the American people - it's like Thomas Jefferson said, a revolution every now and then is a good thing. We are at the point, Sean, of revolution. And by that, what I mean, an orderly revolution -- where the people of this country wake up get up and make a decision that this is not going to happen on their watch...And we can't let the Democrats achieve their ends any longer."

Today, Bachmann said how she had been writing the journals of Abigail Adams, who wondered if future generations would understand the sacrifices that were made to create this country. "You literally stand with us on hallowed ground," said Bachmann. "This is hallowed ground of freedom, and that freedom was purchased at an incalculable price that none of us can ever truly comprehend. And for 233 years, every generation that has come before has faithfully handed the baton of freedom to the next generation. and so now we are that privileged generation, privileged to be here to be here today."

Late Update: The DNC has put out its response -- saying that it's fine by them if the GOP wants Bachmann to be its voice.

Capitol Hill Tea Party

Capitol Hill Tea Party Seeks To 'Drive The Liberals Crazy' With Pledge Of Allegiance

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 12:30PM

At the Capitol Hill Tea Party just now, Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) stepped up to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance -- which he said drives the liberals crazy.

"And so as we now renew our commitment to the Red, White and Blue, let us with boldness proclaim the fact that we are one nation under God," said Akin. "It is altogether fitting that we should do this -- and it drives the liberals crazy."

The crowd laughed, and joined Akin in the Pledge, with a genuine shout given to the key words, "...one nation, UNDER GOD, with liberty..."

Other Republican members of Congress were on stage, too: Minority Leader John Boehner (OH), Minority Whip Eric Cantor (VA), Roy Blunt (MO), Jeb Hensarling (TX), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA), Michele Bachmann (MN) -- who was a key organizer of the event -- Virginia Foxx (NC), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Jean Schmidt (OH), Sue Myrick (NC), and many more.

Nathan Deal

GOP Rep. Deal, Candidate For Georgia Governor, Asking For Obama's Birth Certificate

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 11:09AM

Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA)

Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), a candidate in the GOP primary for Governor of Georgia, has announced that he is signing a letter to the White House with several of his colleagues -- asking for a copy of President Obama's birth certificate.

Deal made the announcement this morning in an online chat held by his campaign, when asked by Tom Crawford of the Georgia Report (subscription required):

[Comment From Tom Crawford]
Do you believe that Barack Obama is a native-born American citizen who is eligible to serve as president? I am asking because your comments on this issue have been a little ambiguous. I would appreciate your clearing this up.

Nathan Deal - I am joining several of my colleagues in the House in writing a letter to the President asking that he release a copy of his birth certificate so we can have an answer to this question.

Deal's campaign spokesman Harris Blackwood confirmed the authenticity of the chat to TPM, explaining the Congressman's comment: "There have been so many constituents, a lot of people have asked him, they ask him on the campaign trail. Let's just get an answer, that's all we're saying, not suggesting anything to the contrary."

Roundup

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | November 5, 2009, 8:58AM

Fmr. Gov. Mitt Romney (R), Fmr. Gov. George Pataki (R), Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R)

Pawlenty, Romney And Pataki Call New Mayor Of Manchester, New Hampshire
Ted Gatsas, the new Republican mayor-elect of Manchester, New Hampshire, told ABC News that he's already received congratulatory phone calls from Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney and George Pataki. "I don't know who is running for president but I don't mind telling you who has called," said Gatsas.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will speak at 9:30 a.m. ET, delivering opening remarks and participating in an interactive discussion with tribal leaders at the White House Tribal Nations Conference. He will meet with senior advisers at 11 a.m. ET, and receive his daily briefing at 11:40 a.m. ET. At 12:30 p.m. ET, he will have lunch with Vice President Biden. He will meet at 1:40 p.m. ET with Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner. He will meet at 3 p.m. ET with President Ian Khama of Botswana. He will meet at 3:40 p.m. ET with representatives of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and at 4 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At 4:50 p.m. ET, he will deliver closing remarks at the White House Tribal Nations Conference.

Read more »

2009 elections

Another Key Tuesday Result: Voters Rejected Anti-Tax, Anti-Spending Measures

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 6:04PM

In a further sign that yesterday's election results were not a verdict in favor of anti-tax Tea Partyism, two key referenda to limit state taxes and spending went down to serious defeat.

In Maine, where the big news was the state's rejection of gay marriage, voters also resoundingly defeated a "Taxpayers Bill of Rights" (TABOR) referendum, which would have placed spending limits on state and local governments, and required direct voter approval for tax increases. This is the third time in five years that Maine has rejected TABOR proposals. As the Portland Press Herald points out, the loss this year was actually worse than last time -- from an eight-point margin of defeat in 2006, to a 21-point margin this time around.

Another anti-tax vote in Washington state, Initiative 1033, would have similarly capped state and local spending and property taxes, and would have required voter approval for tax increases. It failed by ten points. The Seattle Times said: "Gone are the days when professional initiative guru Tim Eyman dreams up a clever formula for restraining government and voters fall in line. If Eyman can't read newspaper headlines about deep cutbacks in public services -- parks, public safety, education -- voters surely can. They know government is not flush right now and in a painful recession, the public sometimes needs a little help from government."

Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont: Why I'm Exploring A Run For Governor

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 5:34PM

Fmr. Greenwich Selectman Ned Lamont

I just spoke to Ned Lamont, the Connecticut businessman and former Greenwich selectman who won the 2006 Democratic primary against Sen. Joe Lieberman, only to lose to the newly-independent Lieberman in the general election, and who has now formed an statewide exploratory committee for a potential run for governor.

My first question to Mr. Lamont: Does he expect to win the endorsement of the state's Junior Senator?

"I, um, I wouldn't expect that," Lamont said, after a brief pause. "But I certainly reached out to Sen. Lieberman today, if he wants to hear why I'm doing this, and why I think it's important."

Read more »

Mark Kirk

Kirk Seeking Palin's Endorsement For Senate Run -- After Badmouthing Her In 2008

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 4:41PM

Fmr. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R), Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL)

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) has been actively seeking seeking the endorsement of none other than Sarah Palin in his race for Senate, the Washington Post reports, a sharp turnaround from prior image as a moderate and even his own open criticism of Palin herself.

In a memo, Kirk wrote that he was hoping for Palin to support his candidacy when she comes to Chicago to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show, saying that "the Chicago media will focus on one key issue: Does Gov[ernor] Palin oppose Congressman Mark Kirk's bid to take the Obama Senate seat for the Republicans?"

Kirk has formerly had a reputation as a moderate Republican able to win in Democratic areas, such as his own district that voted for Barack Obama by 61%-38%. And in October of 2008, he openly declared of Palin, "I would have picked someone different."

But the pressure of seeking the Republican statewide nomination, with a primary electorate that has become increasingly right-wing, sure has him looking for the Palin stamp of approval.

Michele Bachmann

Bachmann's Chief Of Staff Quits

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 3:35PM

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-MN) chief of staff Michelle Marston, a long-time veteran of Capitol Hill who has guided Bachmann in her much-increased national TV presence this year, has quit her post.

The Politico reports:

In an e-mail exchange with POLITICO, Marston declined to say why she's going.

"I'm just not talking about it, and frankly I don't think there's a story here," Marston wrote. "Now, the thousands of people calling our office to tell us [they're] coming to Capitol Hill tomorrow - that's a story."

...

A conservative Republican House member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, suggested that Bachman's views - and her willingness to state them - make it hard for her to keep staff.

"When your captain's crazy, it's time to find a new ship," the lawmaker said.

NY-23

Minuteman PAC Blames Dede For Hoffman's Loss, Vows To Keep Fighting GOP Establishment

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 3:17PM

NY-23 Candidates Dede Scozzafava (R) and Doug Hoffman (Conservative)

The Republican fratricide that cost the GOP the NY-23 special election is only going to keep on going, with the Minuteman PAC -- the anti-illegal immigration group that endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman -- vowing to keep up the fight in a new e-mail to their supporter list:

And, the vote totals revealed that reality late last night when it appeared that Bill Owen's margin of victory was the same percentage of votes cast for Scozzafava.

The moral of the story? Had Scozzafava not run, Hoffman would have easily won the election!!!

STOP MORE SCOZZAFAVA SPOILERS! HELP MINUTEMAN PAC RE-ARM FOR 2010!

...

After Minuteman PAC stepped into the race on behalf of Hoffman to expose Scozzafava and Owens' liberal records, Scozzafava was forced to abandon her campaign and her true colors were exposed to the entire country. . .

And Minuteman PAC will continue aiming at key races where brave patriot candidates have enlisted to unseat or defeat anti-American candidates! That's why we cannot sulk, we cannot rest, we must keep fighting. . .

The full e-mail is available after the jump.

Read more »

Ned Lamont

Lamont Officially Exploring Run For Governor Of Connecticut

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 2:39PM

Fmr. Greenwich Selectman Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont has made it official -- he is exploring a run for Governor of Connecticut.

Lamont, a businessman and former Greenwich Selectman, came out of nowhere to beat Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary, running on an anti-Iraq War platform. Lieberman then won the general election as an independent, thanks to the support of Republican voters, and has been bedeviling the Democratic leadership in Washington ever since.

Earlier today, Lamont announced the formation of a statewide exploratory committee, but did not specify exactly which office he might be seeking -- though it was rather obvious, by his criticisms of the current Republican Gov. Jodi Rell. But now it's official, that he's got his eyes on the statehouse.

NRSC

NRSC Won't Spend Money In Contested Primaries

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 2:05PM

State Rep. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R)

On the heels of the NY-23 special House election, in which Conservative Party insurgent Doug Hoffman overtook moderate GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava, only to lose to Democrat Bill Owens, NRSC chairman John Cornyn (R-TX) has announced that the GOP's national Senate committee will not be spending money in contested primaries.

"There's no incentive for us to weigh in," Cornyn told ABC News. "We have to look at our resources."

This could have huge ramifications in the Florida Senate race, where moderate Gov. Charlie Crist has been endorsed by the NRSC, and faces the more conservative former state House Speaker Marco Rubio. Crist has already emerged as a new top target for the same right-wing activists who went after Scozzafava.

Read more »

Sarah Palin

Palin: NY-23 Race Isn't Over, 'Just Postponed Until 2010'

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 12:57PM

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

Former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), whose endorsement of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in the NY-23 special election helped to give him a huge boost against moderate Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava, posted this note last night on her Facebook account, commenting on Hoffman's defeat by Democrat Bill Owens:

The race for New York's 23rd District is not over, just postponed until 2010. The issues of this election have always centered on the economy - on the need for fiscal restraint, smaller government, and policies that encourage jobs. In 2010, these issues will be even more crucial to the electorate. I commend Doug Hoffman and all the other under-dog candidates who have the courage to put themselves out there and run against the odds.

Read more »

Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont Announces Statewide Exploratory Committee

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 12:43PM

Fmr. Greenwich Selectman Ned Lamont

Ned Lamont, the Connecticut businessman who defeated Sen. Joe Lieberman in the 2006 Democratic primary only to lose the general election, has now announced the formation of a statewide exploratory committee.

Lamont's press release doesn't say exactly which statewide office he'll be seeking, but the language points towards a gubernatorial campaign, with its criticism of the current Republican Gov. Jodi Rell: "Like businesses, states thrive with strong executive leadership, and they fall behind with weak leadership. As measured by the loss of jobs, young people leaving our state, and the never-ending budget crisis, Connecticut's Chief Executive is simply not getting the job done."

The full press release is available after the jump.

Late Update: Lamont has now made it official, that he is exploring a run for the governorship.

Read more »

KY-SEN

Poll: Rand Paul Leads In Kentucky Republican Senate Primary

Eric Kleefeld | November 4, 2009, 12:04PM

Senate candidate Rand Paul (R-KY)

A new SurveyUSA poll in Kentucky finds that Rand Paul, an ophthalmologist and son of Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), has a narrow lead in the Republican primary for Senate against the establishment favorite, Secretary of State Trey Grayson.

The numbers: Paul 35%, Grayson 32%, within the ±4.7% margin of error. Back in August, Grayson was ahead of Paul by 37%-26%. This is a Republican-held open seat, currently occupied by retiring GOP Sen. Jim Bunning.

In the Democratic primary, Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo leads state Attorney General Jack Conway by 39%-28%, with a ±4.1% margin of error, compared to a 39%-31% Mongiardo lead in August.

And here are the general election match-ups: Grayson leads Conway by 43%-39%, and he leads Mongiardo by 48%-38%. Conway leads Paul by 44%-39%, and Mongiardo and Paul are tied at 43%-43%. The margin of error is ±2.4%.

NY-23

Hoffman Camp, Right-Wing Bloggers Accuse Dems Of Slashing Supporter's Car -- Police Say He Drove Over Bottle

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 6:07PM

Earlier today, the Hoffman campaign and conservative bloggers threw a fit over a very nefarious accusation: That somebody had slashed the tire of a Hoffman poll-watcher's pickup truck.

"Hoffman Poll Watcher Has Tires Slashed," blared Red State, with photos of the truck and its flat tire. And Hoffman himself chimed in.

"We just had a report that one of our pollsters in Clinton County just had their tires slashed," Hoffman said. "So I think the Democrats are doing everything they possibly can to steal this election away from the 23rd District."

However, the Wall Street Journal reports that the local police captain said there's another explanation: "This was not a tire slashing--this was some guy who drove over a bottle and cut his tire."

Amusingly, Red State updated their post as follows: "[updated:] Local police are not willing to confirm it was a tire slashing and say it could be that the poll watcher ran over a bottle."

NJ-GOV

Christie Camp Calls For State Investigation Of Dem Robocalls Promoting Indy Candidate Daggett

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 3:29PM

NJ-GOV Candidates Chris Daggett (I), Chris Christie (R) and Gov. Jon Corzine (D)

The Christie campaign is complaining to the state about a tactic from the New Jersey Democrats -- who have admitted to making robocalls to promote independent candidate Chris Daggett.

The calls happened in Somerset County, an area where Christie should likely do very well, and where any addition in vote for Daggett would likely come more from Christie's column than Corzine's.

The Christie campaign has sent a letter to ELEC (the state equivalent of the Federal Election Commission), demanding an investigation into the calls and an immediate directive that the Dems stop it, on the grounds that the calls would constitute an illegal in-kind contribution from the Dems to Daggett.

Keep in mind that these calls have been done in the final two days of a campaign -- meaning there's really no way to feasibly stop them, or to undo any potential damage that they might inflict.

NJ-GOV

Daggett Votes: I Practiced Finding My Name On The Sample Ballot

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 2:32PM

Chris Daggett, independent candidate for governor in New Jersey

Independent New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Chris Daggett voted this morning -- in a process that involved some jokes about his obscure location on many county ballots, mixed in among numerous minor candidates.

As the Star-Ledger reports:

After taking a few minutes to fill out his ballot a poll worker said, "he can't find his name!"

When Daggett emerged he responded, "I found my name. I practiced on the sample ballot."

On my own absentee ballot, issued by Essex County, Daggett's name was ninth out of 12 choices. Corzine was first, and Christie was second, with a whole lot of lesser-known independent and third-party candidates between Daggett and the two major nominees.

NY-23

Scozzafava: No Republicans Bothered To Call Me After I Dropped Out

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 1:43PM

Dede Scozzafava, the New York state Assemblywoman and former Republican candidate in the NY-23 special election, told the Syracuse Post-Standard about her experience in withdrawing from the race and endorsing Democrat Bill Owens -- and decried the national conservative activists who mobilized against her and in favor of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman.

Scozzafava said that she received calls from two key New York Democrats, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Steve Israel, who she says did not ask her for any endorsement but instead simply told her they were sorry for how she'd been treated by the GOP. As for the Republicans, Scozzafava said: "The one thing that wasn't occurring, as the Republicans in Washington were changing their allegiances, no one bothered to call me."

Read more »

NY-23

Report: Police Called To NY-23 Polling Sites...To Deal With Rowdy Hoffman-Backers

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 1:30PM

NY-23 Candidate Doug Hoffman (Conservative)

We now have a report of on-the-ground mischief in NY-23, the sort of interference that Republicans have been warning about for today. The catch: Democrats are claiming that the mischief is coming from supporters of the Conservative candidate, Doug Hoffman.

The New York Daily News reports that police were called to polling sites in St. Lawrence County, a Democratic area in the district, to deal with some rowdy Hoffman-backers.

Former state Democratic chairwoman June O'Neill claimed that Hoffman-supporters are "yelling anti-choice stuff at voters" near the polls, that a woman involved said she was a "commissioner" -- and is allegedly from Texas -- and wouldn't leave the polling site. "This is not the way we roll in the North Country," O'Neill quipped.

The county's Republican election commissioner Debbie Pahler (each county in New York has two election commissioners, one Democrat and one Republican) confirmed to the paper that the police were called, but said that this was a routine matter of people electioneering within the 100-feet boundary around a polling site. "If people are electioneering within the marker and don't stop when we ask them to, our inspectors are instructed to call law enforcement to assist them. I don't think anybody was arrested."

NJ-GOV

Menendez Uses Bush Against Christie On Election Day

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 12:28PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

At a get-out-the-vote rally today in New Jersey, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) continued to use the legacy of the unpopular George W. Bush as a cudgel against Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie.

Menendez asked the crowd: "Are you going to vote for a Bush pioneer who will try to implement the same policies that led us into the worst economy since the Great Depression?"

Christie served as a U.S. Attorney in the Bush administration, and before that had raised money for the Bush 2000 campaign.

Jim Moran

Jim Moran: If GOP Were Running In Afghanistan, They Would Be On The 'Taliban Ticket'

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 11:58AM

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA)

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) made a tough accusation against the Republicans at a Sunday get-out-the-vote rally in Virginia -- openly accusing them of being like the Taliban.

"I mean, if the Republicans were running in Afghanistan, they'd be running on the Taliban ticket as far as I can see," Moran declared.

The campaign of Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell, who has been attacked by the Democrats for his staunch social conservatism -- and a hard-right college thesis written in his 30s -- called Moran's comments "negative" and "vicious."

After that initial remark, Moran doesn't appear to be keeping this up. My TPM colleague Christina Bellantoni was at last night's rally, and tells me that Moran did not say anything like that last night. So he definitely toned it down after Sunday.

Alan Grayson

Grayson Raises Half-Million In 'Money-Bomb' Fundraiser

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 10:52AM

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL)

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) was able to raise a half-million dollars in his "money-bomb" fundraiser -- a single day of massive online donations -- a solid amount that ought to go a long way towards him fighting out his 2010 campaign, in which the Republicans have had trouble recruiting a big-name candidate to oppose the fiery left-winger.

According to Grayson's official page for the fundraiser, he has taken in $507,125.

Let's compare that to another recent money-bomb, by Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), who urged her supporters to "send the left a message." In her case, Bachmann only took in about $100,000.

Grayson had a definite public-relations strategy for his money drive, having spent about two weeks promoting the scheduled fundraiser in his TV appearances and other venues, and he built up pledges that could be quickly collected in the morning. Bachmann did not have any similar pledge operation, and as a result Grayson outdid her by a five-to-one ratio.

Joe Lieberman

Reid's Office: There Is No Understanding With Lieberman, But We Hope To Get His Health Care Vote

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 10:29AM

Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's office is denying reports of any understanding with Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT), that Lieberman would vote for cloture on health care.

Reid spokesman Jim Manley told us: "There is no such understanding. We hope to have his vote in the end but we are not there yet."

A leadership aide also told us: "Senator Reid is speaking with Senator Lieberman and all members of his Caucus. To say that there is some 'understanding' about votes at the end of the process is preposterous."

Joe Lieberman

Lieberman's Office: There Is No Deal On Health Care, He Will Still Filibuster Public Option

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 9:40AM

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT)

Sen. Joe Lieberman's (I-CT) office is shooting down a report in The Hill that Lieberman has reached an understanding with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to not block health care reform.

Lieberman spokesman Marshall Wittman told National Review: "Senator Lieberman's clear position is that he will vote for the motion to proceed to the health-care bill because he supports health-care reform that will control costs and insure people who don't have it now, but will oppose cloture on a final bill if it contains a public option."

We telephoned Lieberman's office for further comment, and they referred us back to the National Review post. Reid's office has not returned our request for comment at this time.

NY-23

Owens: Limbaugh's Attack On Scozzafava 'Offends Me Personally' And 'Exemplifies Exactly What's Wrong With Hoffman'

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 6:16PM

NY-23 candidates Dede Scozzafava (R) and Bill Owens (D)

Democratic NY-23 candidate Bill Owens is jumping to the defense of Dede Scozzafava, his Republican former rival who dropped out of the race and endorsed him against Conservative Doug Hoffman, following an attack on her by Rush Limbaugh.

Limbaugh declared today that Scozzafava was "guilty of widespread bestiality. She has screwed every RINO in the country." Owens released this statement:

"This despicable attack on Assemblywoman Scozzafava offends me personally and exemplifies exactly what's wrong with Hoffman and his right wing backers. Assemblywoman Scozzafava is an honorable public servant who has served Upstate New York as an independent and principled leader who always prioritized the best interests of Upstate New York ahead of a partisan agenda. Rush Limbaugh and the rest of the right wing special interests that are running Hoffman's campaign can't even begin to compete with what she has accomplished over her career."

"Doug Hoffman and his supporters have sunk to a new low today. There is no excuse for this kind of shameful rhetoric and Doug Hoffman ought to denounce Limbaugh immediately."

NJ-GOV

New Jersey Dems Admit To Robocalls Promoting Indy Candidate Daggett In GOP County

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 5:52PM

Chris Daggett, independent candidate for governor in New Jersey

The New Jersey Democrats have been caught in a dirty trick in the home stretch of the gubernatorial race, PolitickerNJ reports, sending out robocalls promoting independent Chris Daggett to a Republican-leaning county.

The calls went to Somerset County, which has usually been a Republican stronghold. It did vote for Barack Obama in 2008, but it also voted for Bush in 2000 and 2004, and for the GOP candidates for governor in 2001 and 2005, and for Senate in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2008. (In two of those elections listed, Jon Corzine was the Democratic nominee.)

State Party chairman Joe Cryan had previously denied that the calls came from the Dems, though they did in fact say at the end that they were paid for by "NJDSC" (New Jersey Democratic State Committee), and listed the party's address. A party spokesperson has told PolitickerNJ that Cryan was unaware of the calls when he'd made the denial.

Read more »

NJ-GOV

Polls Show No Obvious Winner In New Jersey

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 5:37PM

Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R) and Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ)

Let's take a look at the final polls in New Jersey, which present a mixed bag of results and really no clear verdict as to who will win the close race between Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and Republican former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie.

This race will really come down to two big questions: a) Which side is the better get-out-the-vote operation, and b) If independent Chris Daggett loses support in the voting booth, how many of his breakaway voters will be Corzine-leaners or Christie-leaners? Given past history in New Jersey, the Democrats probably have the edge on the first question. The second question, however, is simply unknowable at this time.

• The Monmouth poll has Corzine ahead 43%-41%, Daggett at 8%, with a ±3.7% margin of error. The previous poll from late last week had Christie ahead by 43%-42%-8%. The movement from one poll to the next was not statistically significant.

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NJ-GOV

Did Christie Campaign Violate Copyright Law, Steal Stock Video?

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 3:59PM

Former US Attorney Chris Christie

The Christie campaign has apparently been caught in another copyright violation issue, in addition to their run-in with Monty Python. This time, it involves the apparent unlicensed pilfering of copyrighted stock footage -- complete with the anti-piracy watermarks.

As the Blue Jersey site discovered, a new Christie Web video featured stock footage that still had watermarks in them from Pond5, a stock footage licensing company, suggesting that the campaign had not paid to use the footage and was instead using the samples. The watermarks were in some instances covered up with on-screen text, but were still visible to the discerning eye.

The video has since been taken down, but here are some still shots:

(Click images to enlarge.)

"Thanks for bringing this to our attention," Pond5 CEO Tom Bennett told us. "It does appear that the Christie campaign has used stock footage from Pond5 without licensing it, in violation of both our license agreement and copyright law. We have brought this to our legal counsel and will be determining a course of action soon."

Bennett also informed us that to his knowledge, the company has not had any contact with the Christie campaign at this time. The Christie campaign has not returned our requests for comment.

Late Update: The video has now been restored on Christie's YouTube page -- apparently in a rush, as it was done with watermarks and all. Bennett told us that at 3:43 p.m. ET, someone associated with the Christie campaign bought permissions for all the relevant videos. "So it looks like they're doing damage control," Bennett said.

NJ-GOV

Christie Could Be Sued By...Monty Python?

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 3:30PM

Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R) Chris Christie, and former Monty Python member Terry Jones

Chris Christie could soon be facing legal action from some very illustrious people: Monty Python.

This comes after the Christie campaign used footage of a sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus, without having sought permission, for a Web video. The video has since been taken down, but was preserved by Monty Python and given to the Huffington Post.

Monty Python's Terry Jones, perhaps best known for his screechy-voiced female characters (especially Brian's mother Mandy in Life of Brian), told the HuffPo that the group is strongly considering a lawsuit for copyright infringement.

"It is totally outrageous that a former US Attorney knows so little about the law that he thinks he can rip off people," said Jones. "On the other hand -- another of Bush's legal appointees was Alberto Gonzales and he didn't seem to know much about the law either."

NY-23

Scozzafava Records Robocall For Owens

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 3:11PM

NY-23 candidates Dede Scozzafava (R) and Bill Owens (D)

Dede Scozzafava, the moderate Republican who withdrew this weekend from the NY-23 special election, after a national right-wing campaign in favor of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, has now taken another step in her surprise endorsement of Democrat Bill Owens: Taping a robocall for him.

"It's not in the cards for me to be your representative but I strongly believe Bill Owens is the only candidate who can build upon [former GOP Congressman, now Secretary of the Army] John McHugh's lasting legacy in Congress," Scozzafava says. "In Bill Owens I see a sense of duty and integrity. He will be an independent voice, devoted to doing what is right for New York. To address the tough challenges ahead we must rise above partisanship and politics, and work together."

Click To Play

Doug Hoffman

Hoffman Calls Glenn Beck His 'Mentor,' Will Keep In Touch

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 3:03PM

NY-23 Candidate Doug Hoffman (Conservative) and Glenn Beck

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate in NY-23, appeared today on the Glenn Beck show -- and declared that Beck is a "mentor" of his, and that he'll stay in touch with Beck if he's elected:

HOFFMAN: I have good mentors here.

GLENN: Wait, wait. Wait, wait. Are they mentors that will show -

HOFFMAN: I'm talking about you, Glenn.

GLENN: Oh, okay. I was going to say all right, as long as they are standing out from the shadows. [...]

HOFFMAN: No. Yeah, well, I'm going to keep in touch with people like you so I don't get infected with that disease.

NY-23

Biden: Moderate Republican Voters Should Teach The GOP A Lesson, Vote Owens

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 2:26PM

NY-23 candidates Bill Owens (D) and VP Joe Biden

At his rally today with NY-23 Democratic candidate Bill Owens, Vice President Biden tapped into the emerging narrative that the this election represents the expulsion of moderates from the Republican Party -- and that moderate GOP voters should vote for Owens in order to teach the GOP a lesson.

"We aren't asking you to switch your party," said Biden. "We are just saying join us in teaching a lesson to those absolutists who say no dissent is permitted within your own party."

This comes after Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava was driven out of the race for being too moderate, by a national right-wing campaign in favor of Conservative Party nominee Doug Hoffman, and Scozzafava's subsequent withdrawal and endorsement of Owens.

NJ-GOV

Poll: Corzine Edging Christie By 43%-41%

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 1:27PM

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R)

The new Monmouth poll of the New Jersey gubernatorial race gives Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine a narrow lead over Republican Chris Christie, in an election that is really anyone's guess going into Election Day tomorrow.

The numbers: Corzine 43%, Christie 41%, and independent Chris Daggett 8%, with a ±3.7% margin of error. This poll was conducted Saturday and Sunday. In the previous poll released yesterday, which was conducted Wednesday through Friday, Christie had a lead of 43%-42%-8%, not a statistically significant change.

From the pollster's analysis: "This race is still as close as it can be. It's possible that President Obama's visit boosted the governor's chances. But it is also likely that some anti-Corzine voters are still unsure of casting their lot with Christie. If the undecided vote breaks largely for the Republican, this race could be a squeaker."

Chris Daggett

Poll: Corzine Leads Christie By 41%-37%

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 1:12PM

Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R) and Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ)

The new Democracy Corps (D) poll of New Jersey finds Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine with a narrow lead over his Republican opponent Chris Christie, contrary to other polls today that have put Christie ahead.

The numbers: Corzine 41%, Christie 37%, and independent Chris Daggett 15%, with a ±4% margin of error. Last week, Corzine was ahead by 43%-38%-12%.

When Daggett-supporters are pushed to support a major candidate, Corzine is ahead by 47%-41%, which is consistent with other polls that have shown Daggett currently taking more votes away from Corzine than Christie. Third-party candidates often lose significant support on Election Day -- so this race could really turn on how many votes Daggett loses in the voting booth, and how many of those people are Corzine-leaners or Christie-leaners.

Michele Bachmann

Bachmann's New Effort To Rally Against Congress -- And Do It Inside The Buildings -- Endorsed By GOP Leadership

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 12:54PM

Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), who is best known for making inflammatory calls for revolution against President Obama, now has the full backing of the GOP leadership in her latest push to protest against the "tyranny" of the Obama administration.

As Greg Sargent reported, the spokesmen for both House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) supported Bachmann's call for a rally this Thursday in Washington against the Democrats' health care proposals, and her rallying cry: "If you believe in liberty, and if you're rejecting tyranny, this is it."

But what about the other part of Bachmann's initiative. She told Sean Hannity: "I'd love to have every one of your viewers to join me so we can go up and down through the halls, find members of Congress, look at the whites of their eyes and say, 'Don't take away my healthcare.'"

Read more »

NJ-GOV

Poll: Christie Up Over Corzine 45%-42%

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 12:20PM

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R)

The new SurveyUSA poll of the New Jersey gubernatorial race gives Republican nominee Chris Christie a narrow lead over Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine in the home stretch.

The numbers: Christie 45%, Corzine 42%, and independent Chris Daggett 10%, with a ±4.1% margin of error. Late last week, Corzine and Christie were tied at 43%-43%-11%.

The pollster's analysis supplies its own caveats for the poll data: "On 2 of the 3 nights, much of NJ was home watching local teams play in the World Series. And: 1 of the 3 nights was Halloween, when families with children are home in uniquely large numbers. As such, results of this survey should be interpreted cautiously: a narrow Corzine victory is not inconsistent with the data, but a narrow Christie win is more consistent with the data."

The final polls have been showing some momentum for Christie in the home stretch. Let's see whether it holds true tomorrow night, or whether the New Jersey Dems' ground game puts Corzine over the top.

Alan Grayson

Grayson Conducting Money-Bomb Fundraiser, To Reward 'Congressman With Guts'

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 11:50AM

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL)

Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL) is conducting a "money-bomb" fundraiser today -- a single day of big fundraising -- in an effort to show that Americans support him as a self-proclaimed "Congressman With Guts."

Grayson had promoted this fundraiser for the last two weeks, and was building up pledges that could then be quickly collected in the morning.

So far, he's at $354,307, closing in on his official goal of $400,000. Let's see how he does for the whole day.

NY-23

Gingrich 'Deeply Upset' That Scozzafava Endorsed Democrat After He'd Supported Her

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 11:07AM

Fmr. Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) and NY-23 candidate Dede Scozzafava (R)

Newt Gingrich, who had previously endorsed moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava in the NY-23 special election, now says he is "deeply upset" about her endorsement of Democrat Bill Owens after she withdrew from the race.

"How could she have accepted all that support?" said Gingrich, also adding: "I'm very, very let down because she told everybody she was a Republican, and she said she was a loyal Republican."

Gingrich had caught a lot of criticism on the right for supporting Scozzafava, and arguing that the Republican Party needs to have room for moderates. Now that Scozzafava has quit the race and endorsed the Democrat, due to campaign by the right to push her out in favor of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman, Gingrich will certainly have to work hard to undo the damage from his having bet on the wrong horse.

NY-23

GOPer Scozzafava Appears At Dem Owens Campaign Event

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 10:34AM

NY-23 candidates Dede Scozzafava (R) and Bill Owens (D)

Dede Scozzafava, the former Republican candidate in the NY-23 special election who has now endorsed Democrat Bill Owens, made a surprise appearance at an Owens event last night.

The Watertown Daily Times reports:

On Sunday, at an Owens campaign event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall on Gouverneur Street, Mr. Owens and Ms. Scozzafava talked politics during their meeting. She warned him to avoid the "hateful and divisive" tactics she said were used by her Conservative opponent.

"It's not about ideology," Ms. Scozzafava said. "It's about the local issues."

Read more »

NY-23

Poll: Hoffman Narrowly Ahead Of Owens, 41%-36%

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 9:32AM

NY-23 Candidates Doug Hoffman (Conservative) and Bill Owens (D)

The new Siena poll of the NY-23 race gives Conservative Doug Hoffman a lead over Democrat Bill Owens -- but only a narrow one.

The numbers: Hoffman 41%, Owens 36%, and Republican Dede Scozzafava -- who dropped out of the race and endorsed the Democrat Owens, but is still on the ballot -- at 6%, with a whopping 18% undecided. In the previous poll from two days ago, before the whole fiasco mentioned previously, Owens had 36%, Hoffman 35%, Scozzafava 20%, and only 9% were undecided.

This is in contrast to last night's Public Policy Polling (D) survey, which gave Hoffman a double-digit lead. When two reputable pollsters differ, the tie should probably go to the local one, Siena, in terms of which to put greater faith in -- but in any case we'll find out the truth tomorrow night, when people actually vote.

From the pollster's analysis: "With nearly one in five voters undecided the day before Election Day and voters still trying to comprehend the dramatic withdrawal of Scozzafava, and her subsequent endorsement of Owens, this is still a wide open race. The two candidates and campaigns are both in a sprint to try and convince these undecided voters to support them. Which ever campaign succeeds in convincing the undecided voters and then getting them to the polls tomorrow, will likely be looking at a victory tomorrow night."

NJ-GOV

Poll: Christie Ahead of Corzine By 42%-40%

Eric Kleefeld | November 2, 2009, 8:54AM

Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R) and Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ)

The new Quinnipiac poll of the New Jersey gubernatorial races gives Republican nominee Chris Christie a slim lead over Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine -- a late Christie surge, after Quinnipiac last poll had put Corzine ahead.

The numbers: Christie 42%, Corzine 40%, and independent Chris Daggett 12%, with a ±2.5% margin of error. In the previous poll from last week, Corzine had 43%, Christie 38%, and Daggett 13%.

The pollster's analysis says that as of right now, Daggett is taking more votes away from Corzine than he is from Christie: "Daggett is the key to an incredibly close New Jersey election."

NJ-GOV

Poll: Christie Ahead Of Corzine By 47%-41%

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2009, 11:57PM

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-NJ) and Former US Attorney Chris Christie (R)

The new survey of the New Jersey gubernatorial race from Public Policy Polling (D) gives Republican nominee Chris Christie a six-point leader over Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine.

The numbers: Christie 47%, Corzine 41%, and independent Chris Daggett 11%, with a ±3.1% margin of error. The previous poll from last week gave Christie a narrower lead of 42%-38%-13%.

From the pollster's analysis: "If Christie does indeed end up as the winner it will be an indication that you can only be so unpopular as an elected official and still hope to get reelected. 57% of voters in the state have an unfavorable opinion of Corzine while only 34% view him positively. Christie isn't exactly Mr. Popularity, as only 43% of voters in the state have a favorable opinion of him to 42% negative, but compared to Corzine those numbers look pretty good."

Late Update: Another poll from today, Monmouth poll, gives Christie an edge of 43%-42%, plus Daggett with 8%, with a ±3% margin of error. The previous poll from two weeks ago had the race tied at 39%-39%-14%.

NY-23

Poll: Hoffman Leads Owens In NY-23

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2009, 11:44PM

NY-23 Candidates Doug Hoffman (Conservative) and Bill Owens (D)

The new survey of the NY-23 special election from Public Policy Polling (D) finds Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman with a solid lead over Democrat Bill Owens, in a race that has seen a topsy-turvy weekend as moderate GOP nominee Dede Scozzafava dropped out and endorsed Owens.

The numbers: Hoffman 51%, Owens 34%, and Scozzafava (whose name remains on the ballot) 13%, with a ±2.3% margin of error. In a strict two-way matchup, Hoffman leads Owens by 54%-38%.

One caveat: Special elections are notoriously hard to poll -- especially a race as crazy as this one -- and this survey does have some inconsistencies from others. For example, only 39% of its likely voter pool approves of President Obama, with 52% disapproving. By contrast, the Siena poll gave Obama a favorable rating of 59%-37%. (True, "approval" and "favorable" are two different questions, but even then they shouldn't have answers that are this different.)

So which numbers should be believed? The simple answer is that we don't know. Either one of them could be right, or both could be wrong. We'll find out soon enough, on Tuesday night.

NY-23

In NY-23 Bombshell, Republican Scozzafava Endorses Democrat Owens

Eric Kleefeld | November 1, 2009, 2:57PM

NY-23 candidates Bill Owens (D), Dede Scozzafava (R), and Doug Hoffman (C)

In a huge development in the NY-23 special election, moderate Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava -- who dropped out of the race yesterday, in the face of bad fundraising and polling numbers that had shown she'd lost GOP support to Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman -- has now endorsed Democrat Bill Owens.

Scozzafava's campaign had been undermined by national right-wing activists who denounced her liberal social views -- she is pro-choice and pro-gay marriage -- and now she's doing what she can to prevent their own candidate Hoffman from winning:

You know me, and throughout my career, I have been always been an independent voice for the people I represent. I have stood for our honest principles, and a truthful discussion of the issues, even when it cost me personally and politically. Since beginning my campaign, I have told you that this election is not about me; it's about the people of this District.

It is in this spirit that I am writing to let you know I am supporting Bill Owens for Congress and urge you to do the same.

Scozzafava's name remains on the ballot as the Republican candidate, but she'll be voting for the Democrat Owens. Scozzafava's full statement is available after the jump.

Late Update: Scozzafava's former campaign spokesman Matt Burns gives us this comment, breaking with his former boss: "Dede is entitled to her own opinion, as is everyone, but I obviously disagree with her decision (to support Owens). I am supporting Doug Hoffman, because denying Nancy Pelosi another foot soldier is vital to restoring fiscal responsibility and common sense in Washington."

Late Late Update: We asked NRCC spokesman Ken Spain for comment, and he simply pointed us to this statement from earlier today, which was released in order to promise a seat on the House Armed Services Committee for Hoffman if he is elected: "There are only two candidates that remain in this race and voters are interested in two things. The candidate best positioned and suited to protect Fort Drum and continue the legacy of John McHugh is Doug Hoffman as the Republican leadership pledged to secure support for him on the House Armed Services Committee earlier today. Secondly, only Doug Hoffman is willing to stand up to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and put the brakes on her agenda of massive government takeovers and less jobs."

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