A Day At The Congressional Races
Here's today's run-down of the Congressional races:
Bachmann's Challenger Goes On The Air
Rep. Michele Bachmann's (R-MN) Democratic opponent El Tinklenberg is taking advantage of the huge windfall of donation he's gotten in the wake of Bachmann's Red-Scare-inciting Hardball appearance -- he's raised $700,000 in the last few days, and counting -- and is spending $188,000 to air this new spot introducing himself to voters:
This is very much a GOP district -- it voted 57%-42% for George W. Bush in 2004 -- but the Tinklenberg campaign hopes to capitalize on voter backlash against Bush Republicanism in general and against Bachmann's extremism in particular. Meanwhile, CQ has changed its rating on the race from "Republican Favored" to "Leans Republican."
Bachmann Denies Questioning Obama's Patriotism
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) is firing back at critics of her McCarthyite statements on Hardball last week. "Despite the way the blogs and the Democratic Party are spinning it, I never called all liberals anti-American, I never questioned Barack Obama's patriotism," Bachmann writes in a guest op-ed for the Politico. Here's what Bachmann said, via Nexis: "Absolutely. I'm very concerned that he may have anti-American views."
Dem Congressional Committees Dwarf The GOP In Cash On Hand
The national Democratic committees entered October way ahead of their GOP counterparts in cash on hand for the Congress races. The numbers: The DSCC had $26.3 million, compared to $17.4 million for the Republicans. On the House side, the DCCC had $41.3 million, more than double the NRCC's $17.4 million.
Poll: McConnell In A Tied Race
A new SurveyUSA poll of Kentucky shows Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell tied with Democratic businessman Bruce Lunsford, with the two at 48% apiece. McConnell has been hit hard in the economy, and Democrats would love to pull off a decapitation of the Senate Republican leadership.
NRSC Ad: Al Franken Is Morally Unfit To Hold Public Office
The NRSC has this new ad up attacking Al Franken's moral character, using criticism of Franken by prominent Democrats during the run-up to his eventual nomination:
"His pornographic writings: 'Beyond the bounds of what is appropriate for any candidate for public office,'" the announcer says. "His work: 'Appalling' and 'completely unacceptable.'"
Poll: Franken Narrowly Ahead In Minnesota
A new Star Tribune poll of the Minnesota Senate races gives Al Franken 39%, incumbent GOP Sen. Norm Coleman 36%, and Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley 18%. Two and a half weeks ago, the Star Tribune gave Franken a 43%-34% lead, in the wake of an immediate voter backlash against the Wall St. bailout.
Poll: Democrat Leading Bill Sali
A new SurveyUSA poll shows House candidate Walt Minnick (D-ID) leading Rep. Bill Sali (R) by a 51%-45% margin. This deep-red district should be off-limits to Democrats, but Sali is a controversial figure due to various personal antics -- most recently he walked up while a Minnick staffer was speaking to a reporter, and proceeded to loudly heckle the staffer and give him the bunny ears.
Poll: GOP Ahead In Open Wyoming Seat
A new SurveyUSA poll in the Wyoming House race shows the Republicans favored to retain their open seat here. The numbers: State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis (R) 50%, 2006 Dem nominee Gary Trauner 44%.
Oh, happy happy joy joy!!!
October 21, 2008 11:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
And we get two for the price of one. Elaine Chao gets to go home to Kentucky as well.
October 21, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
That Politico Bachmann piece is atrocious. That they gave her two pages to deny what everyone with a TV or a computer clearly saw her saying is the height of chutzpah.
It's also a reminder of where Politico's sympathies really lie, IMO.
October 21, 2008 11:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Not opinion. Objective and factual.
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
The Politico piece only makes her look pathetic and desperate. "Who you gonna believe, me or your lyin' eyes?"
October 21, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
The firm hired to do the robo calls is FLS-DCI. They have a home office in St.Paul Minnesota. They are the PREMIER "go to" telemarketer and PR sleaze shop for the GOP .Google their name,FLS-DCI and you'll find an endorsement from none other than Turd Blosson himself, KKKarl Rove. t (BTW,one of their biggest clients is AT&T, who just gave McCain free cell towers.) I wonder if FLS-DCI get a "special rate" from AT&T for all those robo calls? You can COUNT on a new wave of slime robo calls in Minnesota to defend Bachmann AND offend ANYONE unfortunate enough to answer the phone!
October 21, 2008 1:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks like chutzpah is all they have left.
October 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
At least you have a choice now. You can believe what she wrote on Politico or you can believe what you saw and heard in the Matthews interview. Fair and balanced.
I seldom read Powerlineblog, but have been checking since the introduction of Bachmann to all of America, as one of the blog principals is from the twin cities. And finally, a peep about Bachmann. They managed to criticize a Star Tribune article under this heading "Stanley Kurtz fact checks the Star Tribune", making the Bachmann fiasco all about fact checking her remarks about Obama's relationship with Ayers. Pity the poor misinformed readers of Powerlineblog as to what this whole thing is about. I guess it would take me a few days as well to find an entirely different side spin on Bachmann's pathetic and shameful tirade that would appeal to Powerlineblog readers.
October 21, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Leave the paranoia for the Repubelicans dude. All politico did was give her a shovel so she could dig herself in even deeper.
October 22, 2008 1:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
How does one be a patriot while at the same time hold anti-American views?
October 21, 2008 11:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
What she meant is that Obama IS a patriot... just not for the USA.
October 21, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Because it's patriotic to be anti-American. You betcha!
October 21, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Because he is an Arab doncha know. He's patriotic to the Arabs.
October 21, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hot Dog! I'm so glad to share a piece of Al's ad!!!
October 21, 2008 11:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
Al. T - I mean. (I bet you knew that)
That is one race I will be watching carefully!
October 21, 2008 11:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Repubs: They lie - even when there's video to prove the opposite. And this woman calls herself a Christian?
October 21, 2008 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's from the Dick Cheney school of plausible deniability:
But though she didn't say Obama had anti-American views, she certainly did question his patriotism.
October 21, 2008 11:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Of course, what she actually said was "anti-America" not "American". Guess she didn't fully comprehend McCarthy.
What a ranting lunatic. Ready for FuxNews.
PEACE
October 21, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT
Check out this vid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iojPaw8yX0
will.i.am has got some competition!
October 21, 2008 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Impressive talent!
October 21, 2008 12:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bachmann going down is now in my Schadenfreudian Top 5 Republican losses. Humiliations galore! Clearly McCain, McConnell and Dole are also there. I need a fifth...
http://pufferfish.typepad.com/
October 21, 2008 11:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
May I suggest Saxby Chambliss?
October 21, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Second.
October 21, 2008 11:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
Get off my boy Saxby! He ain't going anywhere except back to Washington, and he's taking Rick Goddard with him! I can't do anything about OH, NC, VA...but GA is going to be as red as Idaho in a few more elections!
October 21, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
As an old Minnesota boy, top of my list has been Coleman defeated by Franken for sometime. So Bachmann getting cratered would be a MN twofer.
October 21, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Second that !
October 21, 2008 12:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
She has Palinitis. Seems to be catching...
October 21, 2008 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nothing that can't be cured with a swift Palinectomy,
October 21, 2008 11:47 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for that mental image. Blech!
October 21, 2008 11:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
She is a straight damn liar. I saw the clip.
Should Tinklenberg go negative? If so, that interview should be the bulk of it. When you claim that the entire Democratic leadership is anti-American, along with the bulk of liberals, you are in dangerous territory.
McCain is paying for overreaching with this "Obama's a socialist" crap. People just don't believe it. And they don't like it. Well, Bachmann accused the Democratic nominee, the Speaker of the House, And the Senate Majority Leader of being anti-American. If that isn't the height of overreaching I don't know what is.
I do know that the last time half of the country was anti-American, we had a civil war.
Chrislrob
P.S. Login works now?!
October 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think Al T should stay positive. He's winning on the merits. The vids are probably everywhere in that district already.
October 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
No, those vids are not everywhere . I live in Tink's district. I have not been an enthusiastic supporter because as a minister, he does not support a woman's right to choose.
Worst of all he tries to slink around and not answer the question, which I asked him dirctly during the Presidential primary caucus. He gave this long winded spell and I replied, I need a yes or no, will you support Roe v. Wade or not. He went into his spiel again.
Bachmann is bad, but most of us opposed to her were simply thinking of waiting till next election to put up a better candidate than Tink.
Now, he could win...thanks to Bach's ignorant rant.
October 21, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for letting us know more about Tink. I did not know he was anti-choice (or too gutless to say it out loud). How sad is that? 6th CD's choice is to upgrade to anti-choice from radio-active demons. It's a step in the right direction. Hey, maybe we can re-gerrymander the 6th CD! Let's slide North Minneapolis in, lop off a couple counties to the north. Voila!
October 21, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would still rather have an anti-choice El than this woman, who is clearly nuts and has ridden to office on her looks, another Palin type. At least he is running as a Democrat, which means more democratic votes. He cannot be worse than she is.
October 21, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree.
October 21, 2008 1:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Give it a rest already. If the Republicans didn't legislate away Roe during their years of one-party misrule, Tinklenberg isn't going to do it himself.
Do you honestly think that's the one and only issue that matters in this election? Is everything else just peachy?
Look, I happen to think that ending a pregnancy is the last, worst option, yet one that needs to remain available. I just refuse to put up any longer with single-issue zealotry on the subject - from either side. There are a lot of other issues at play where Bachmann is one of the worst of the worst, and if you're saying you'll put up with (even maybe prefer) her because her opponent isn't with you on one issue, you're flat-out insane.
October 21, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's "El" Tinklenberg...short for "Elwin."
Another one of names given by a parent who didn't expect their child to run for public office.
October 21, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't it Elwyn with a "y"?
October 21, 2008 1:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
And let us not ever forget that the half of the country that was genuinely and proudly ANTI-American is exactly the part that Failin' claims is "pro-american."
Confederate obsessives, every fuckin' one of 'em. But "we're not racists," oh no.
Part of me wants Obama to win without a single state of the old Confederacy. Let 'em have to come crawling to the White House on their hands and knees over broken glass to plead for forgiveness.
October 21, 2008 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
Rather odd for an Alaskan to be "confederate obsessed".
October 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's so tempting, isn't it?
October 21, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually no it isn't.
I am hoping voter turnout across the South finally breaks the Southern Strategy forever.
And dammit, please- the North seems intent as far as the liberal side of the North goes, to refight the fucking civil war twice as much as any Southerner I know.
Come on. Everybody bitches and complains about the South - dammit, that's how shit like Katrina happens - nobody thinks we're worth shit to the country.
*sigh*
October 21, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tena, I'm with you on so much. Here I have to disagree.
When the Stars and Bars is seen there as I see it - the American equivalent of the swastika - by everyone, including the "good ol' boys" in their pick-em-ups, when I see the South show me something like that - when things really do change there, then and only then will I believe.
Don't tell me, show me. Show all of us.
And yes, I know you're trying your best. I still think we'd have been far better off slamming the door shut in 1861.
October 21, 2008 1:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Speaking as a North Carolinian (admittedly not deep south or anything), what you're saying is sort of silly, in as much as it's contrary to the spirit of Obama's campaign (and Dean's 50 state strategy), doesn't show the slightest knowledge of how southerners actually feel, and reflects the kind of single-issue monomania you complain about yourself upthread (regarding abortion rights).
I guess republicans aren't the only ones who can mistake chauvinism for principle.
October 21, 2008 2:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure. Because I see the same old racist, reactionary, repellent (and that's just the R's) officials getting elected from a certain region, and that region happens to be the epicenter of much of the religious extremist hysteria that has held far too much of my country in its loathsome thrall for far too long, and keep hearing "Y'all just don't understand." as some sort of disclaimer (or rationalization) whenever such things are called into question.
Whatever would lead me to any conclusion from that?
October 21, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
The DCCC just committed $1,000,000 to the MN-6 race. Let them go negative so El can stay positive.
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
This lady is evil.
on a funny off topic. Ben Bernanke endorsed Obama. lol
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122455027730552509.html
October 21, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, that's just the WSJ Looney Tunes op-ed page. Bernanke didn't reject the new stimulus proposal, so he must be an Obamanation, right? Sheesh.
And while Bernanke seems pretty competent and apolitical (mostly), can we please have Paul Volcker back?
October 21, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
What she meant was "he doesn't play for the Patriots".
October 21, 2008 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
God Bachmann - you loony bitch! You are video on national TV telling the world you questioned Obama's patriotism and the entire Democratic Party's "pro-America" sensibilities.
Michelle, if you don't shut up, I have a feeling Norm Coleman is going to come for you -
You ain't helping the Repugs one bit. LMAO!
October 21, 2008 11:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Michele Bachmann Overdrive Performs 'Taking Care of Diss-ness'
http://satiricalpolitical.com/?p=4168
October 21, 2008 11:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
I love the creativity this election year!
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now replaces Kathleen Turner Overdrive as one of my favorite ephemeral band names....
October 21, 2008 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bachmann Turncoat Overdrive, a la the Daily Show.
October 21, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bachmann Tormenter Overdose
October 21, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent!
October 21, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
No surprise here. Palin's star is sinking fast per the latest NY Times/CBS polling data:
"Mrs. Palin’s negative rating is the highest for a vice-presidential candidate as measured by The Times and CBS News. Even Dan Quayle, with whom Mrs. Palin is often compared because of her age and inexperience on the national scene, was not viewed as negatively in the 1988 campaign."
October 21, 2008 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
O/T, but thought it was worth pointing out.
October 21, 2008 12:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's the difference between being a dumb, but pretty boy, and being a dumb and vicious bitch.
Quayle was risible, but not mean - he wasn't hated. He was just laughed at.
She's hated.
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
If it had been Marilyn Quayle instead of Dan who had been VP, she would have become hated as a vicious bitch - cause she is. I've heard her speak in person and she's loony as they come - she was raised in a far right Xian cult.
October 21, 2008 12:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
If Palin can restore dignity to the sagging Quayle reputation so quickly, surely Bush is right that history will judge him more kindly.
October 21, 2008 12:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Prarie Home Companion, Fargo, Jesse V., Larry Craig's escapades, Al Franken and now Michelle Bachmann. Just when America needs comic relief, Minnesota steps to the plate.
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wish there was something funny about Michele Bachmann. I'm not in her district, but I'm in her media area, so I get a lot of her.
She's scary-scary. Not funny.
And let's not blame MN for Larry Craig. ;-)
October 21, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, MN did have the nerve to put bathrooms in its airport!!
October 21, 2008 12:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
The firm hired to do the robo calls is FLS-DCI. They have a home office in St.Paul Minnesota. They are the PREMIER "go to" telemarketer and PR sleaze shop for the GOP .Google their name,FLS-DCI and you'll find an endorsement from none other than Turd Blosson himself, KKKarl Rove. t (BTW,one of their biggest clients is AT&T, who just gave McCain free cell towers.) I wonder if FLS-DCI get a "special rate" from AT&T for all those robo calls? You can COUNT on a new wave of slime robo calls in Minnesota to defend Bachmann AND offend ANYONE unfortunate enough to answer the phone!
October 21, 2008 12:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been waiting since at least 2002 for a Joseph Welch moment that would expose these clowns for what they are and start the pendulum moving back the other way. With Bachmann's rant, they may have done it to themselves.
October 21, 2008 12:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have been waiting for a Howard Beale* moment ,when we ALL collectively open our windows (and mouths) and yell out loud and clear-"We're mad as hell,and we're NOT gonna take it anymore!!" *(From the movie "Network"-beg,borrow,steal a DVD of this movie. INCREDIBLE!)
October 21, 2008 1:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm very concerned that Michele Bachmann may be a loose, trashy whore.
I mean, who is the real Michele Bachmann?
I believe the American people have a right to know.
October 21, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
The repubs seem to have forgotten one huge rule: When you're up to your eyeballs is $#!+, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!!!!
October 21, 2008 12:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
RULES? Repubes don't need no stinkin' rules!!!
October 21, 2008 12:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I heard the Bill Sali "intervention" rivals Jackass - I can't seem to find the youtube vid though - Greg? TPM? help...
October 21, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
The national Democratic committees entered October way ahead of their GOP counterparts in cash on hand for the Congress races. The numbers: The DSCC had $26.3 million, compared to $17.4 million for the Republicans. On the House side, the DCCC had $41.3 million, more than double the NRCC's $17.4 million.
Damn!
The key thing here is that very few Dem seats in the Senate or the House are at risk. Those that are in close races (other than the Foley seat) have raised decent warchests of their own. So little of this money will need to used on Defense. There are a couple of campaigns where they might want to sprinkle it just to make sure. But for the most part, the Dem money can be used for Offense.
In constrast, the Repubs are on the defense all over the place. You know the Senators at risk like Mitchy are going to be tapping into those funds. The beauty is that the Dems have *more* money that they can pull out of the reserve to give to Lunsford, forcing Mitch to tap in even deeper.
John
October 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Michelle Bachman is a good, patriotic American and I just wonder about those of you who are saying otherwise. Michelle and I both would like it if all of you guys on tpm became pro-American. Of course, I'm always an optomist, omotrist?, optomotrist?, whatever...
October 21, 2008 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tinklenberg FTW !!!
October 21, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ad: "His comedy was occassionally so-so."
October 21, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Does anyone else think that Tinklenberg kind of looks like Walter Mondale?
October 21, 2008 9:23 PM | Reply | Permalink