Jim Ellis looks at Senate races nationwide…
Arizona: State Sen. Kelli Ward, already challenging Sen. John McCain in the Republican primary, announced that she will soon resign her elected position in order to campaign statewide full time. Ms. Ward is not viewed to be a top tier political threat to the veteran incumbent and former Republican presidential nominee, but her campaign certainly could do Mr. McCain some damage as he prepares to face Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ-1) in the general election.
Florida: Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL-9) finds some of his top campaign aides leading an exodus of campaign staff. The campaign manager, deputy manager, and communications director all left the Grayson effort early in the week, possibly signaling a campaign in turmoil. It is unclear if this will increase the odds that Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL-2), a likely mid-decade redistricting victim, enters the Senate race. The party favorite at this point is Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-FL-18). Republicans have a crowded field of candidates. Sen. Marco Rubio (R) is not seeking re-election in order to run for President.
Louisiana: Reps. Charles Boustany (R-LA-3) and John Fleming (R-LA-4) have made it clear that they will seek Sen. David Vitter’s (R) open seat next year. One person who took himself out of the race is outgoing Lt. Governor and defeated gubernatorial candidate Jay Dardenne (R). Mr. Dardenne, who endorsed Democrat John Bel Edwards in the run-off election against Vitter, publicly stated this week that he will not enter the Senate campaign. It is expected that he will join the Edwards Administration in a major capacity. For Democrats, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, brother to former Sen. Mary Landrieu (D), announced that he will not enter the Senate campaign. Former Democratic state Senator Troy Hebert confirms he is considering joining the Senate race in January as an Independent.
Maryland: Though Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD-4) is woefully behind fellow Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD-8) in fundraising (Van Hollen has an almost 5:1 advantage in campaign receipts), she received some welcome news this week. The liberal EMILY’S List social issues organization announced plans to spend more than $1 million on her behalf in the Democratic primary campaign.
AAN Staff
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