Democratic Senators up for re-election in 2006

[paineinthearse]

Who deserves our support? Why?

Who deserves our effort for an primary opponent (who and why?)

Let's keep this organized. If you are the first to comment on a Senator, reply with their name in the subject line. Let's try to keep all related comments within that sub-thread.

========================================================
Akaka, Daniel - (D - HI) Class I
141 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Bingaman, Jeff - (D - NM) Class I
703 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

Byrd, Robert - (D - WV) Class I
311 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: byrd.senate.gov/byrd_email.html

Cantwell, Maria - (D - WA) Class I
717 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html

Carper, Thomas - (D - DE) Class I
513 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: carper.senate.gov/email-form.html

Clinton, Hillary - (D - NY) Class I
476 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: clinton.senate.gov/email_form.html

Conrad, Kent - (D - ND) Class I
530 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: conrad.senate.gov/webform.html

Corzine, Jon - (D - NJ) Class I
502 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: corzine.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Dayton, Mark - (D - MN) Class I
346 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: dayton.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Feinstein, Dianne - (D - CA) Class I
331 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: feinstein.senate.gov/email.html

Jeffords, James - (I - VT) Class I
413 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: jeffords.senate.gov/contact-form.html

Kennedy, Edward - (D - MA) Class I
317 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: kennedy.senate.gov/contact.html

Kohl, Herb - (D - WI) Class I
330 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: kohl.senate.gov/gen_contact.html

Lieberman, Joseph - (D - CT) Class I
706 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: lieberman.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm?regarding=issue

Nelson, Bill - (D - FL) Class I
716 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm#email

Nelson, Ben - (D - NE) Class I
720 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: bennelson.senate.gov/email.html

Sarbanes, Paul - (D - MD) Class I
309 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: sarbanes.senate.gov/pages/email.html

Stabenow, Debbie - (D - MI) Class I
702 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]

[paineinthearse]

1. Akaka, Daniel - (D - HI)

[paineinthearse]

32. Who is this guy?

Until yesterday, when I saw him at the VA head confirmation hearing, I thought that "Akaka" was a fictitious code name used during quorum calls.

I'd never before heard him speak or be quoted in the news.

Anyone from Hawaii care to comment?

[Quetzal]

40. He won't lose his seat

not even the Republican governor could beat him.

Here is a picture of him.



He is definetly not your ligning-rod kind of guy. Real mellow.

Voted against the Iraq War and the 87 billion. Against NAFTA, DOMA, and is Pro-Choice. Ladies and Gentlemen, the junior Senator from Hawaii Daniel Akaka.

The only serious problems I know of is that he voted for drilling in Alaska and the Patriot Act.

[Cha]

74. I hope that "republican governor" goes

down in 2006!

[mahina]

117. You and me both tita!

working on it, working on it....somebody will have to want it more than Mazie.
Mazie will lose it.

[Deaniac20]

133. Well after voting YES on ANWR

i say NO! That is exactly what loses us voters and ultimately elections. Plus he's pretty old too, we need a guy who will be with us.

[paineinthearse]

2. Bingaman, Jeff - (D - NM)

[longdriver]

126. Is Bingaman safe? Does he need help?

We need to keep this seat

[paineinthearse]

3. Byrd, Robert - (D - WV)

[Renew Deal]

21. Is he running for reelection?

[genius]

27. I'll send him some money for his re-election

[ProgressiveConn]

54. Send that money to someone who wasn't in the KKK. nt

[saracat]

62. oooold news. He is now one of the best!

[ISUGRADIA]

107. Except on LGBT rights where he is among the worst

[longdriver]

127. He is important war critic / I made contribution

We need to hold this seat

[MrSandman]

144. But he will lead against...

The Replicans on other issues. He stands up against the steamroller intent on placing judges on the bench, who iflevated to SCOTUS, will overturn Roe v Wade.

He argued against the war.

He is a lot better than a Republican, or than many of the current crop of WVa Democrats, led by the governor.

[paineinthearse]

4. Cantwell, Maria - (D - WA)

[Hawkowl]

42. Jury is out on Cantwell

So far Cantwell has taken an appeasement policy towards Shrub. I want her to take a far harder stance against the war and his judicial nominees. I was extremely disapointed that she voted to reject the move to contest the election. She could have at least abstained.

I am pleased she is going to oppose Gonzalez as A.G. Hopefully this is a first step in developing a backbone of steel. If she hopes to do better than Gregoire, she is going to need to mobilize her base or her base is going to find someone else.

Are you listening Cantwell?

[Ken Burch]

89. Cantwell also sold out to corporate power by supporting

The Republican bill that limits class-action lawsuits.

[blondeatlast]

93. Agree, let's see how she takes on judicial nominees.

Still a far cry better than a Republican, though.

[longdriver]

128. WE MUST support Cantwell

She is an environmetalist and important democrat

[paineinthearse]

5. Carper, Thomas - (D - DE)

[woodsprite]

39. He's a very likable "Biden-Lite" jr. member of the DE branch

Personally, I like the guy and I like Biden and Castle too. Not sure who is gonna run against Carper, but I can't see him losing. Delaware tends to stick with incumbents. Especially incumbants who work very well together. Biden (D), Carper (D) and Castle (R) are so soooooo moderate and "centered" that they pretty much conga the same line, every once in awhile one will stick their foot out a little to the left or a little to the right. Part of the good, friendly, mainly polite and no nonsense politics in our state. Of all of them, Biden is the one that seems to have the cajones (sp?) to make an assertive stand, but he always pulls back to center.

You want a good share of nonsense in DE, you gotta go to the county level and below ;)

[cyberpj]

131. What you said about Biden -

exactly right -- he is the one that SEEMS to take a stand - but always pulls back to center.

And lately - to the right of center when voting on really important Dem issues!

I think Joe's gotten a little too entrenched in the good ol boy networks in D.C. to be an activist Dem at this point.

[paineinthearse]

91. Carper is open to replacing SS with PSA's.

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1591383#

[cyberpj]

130. Biden, Carper turned their backs on fellow Delawareans

Biden, Carper turned their backs on fellow Delawareans
By ANDREW D. SLATER
04/03/2005

In an opinion column that appeared in the Feb. 20 edition of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Sen. Joe Biden proclaimed "some corporations knowingly defraud consumers and put profits ahead of people." Biden was arguing for the need to derail congressional Republicans' efforts to pass a law hindering consumers' ability to file class-action lawsuits.

His observation is worth noting considering he also voted for the Bankruptcy Reform Act.

(cont'd...)
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/opinion/community/04032005.html

[paineinthearse]

6. Clinton, Hillary - (D - NY)

[Dob Bole]

76. Hillary doesn't need our $$$...she's well-connected...

I'd rather give my money to someone who needs it more.

Byrd is likely to have a tough race, and possibly Bill Nelson.

[momknowsbest]

92. agreed...

...and she'll make the red states redder!

[blondeatlast]

94. More interested in Gov, I thought?

Can someone clue me in?

[Hippo_Tron]

115. Schummer is the one who wants to run for Governor

It will be an interesting race because New York's AG, Spitzer will run as well.

[NewJeffCT]

124. I thought Spitzer already announced for Governor?

I would think he'd be pretty tough to beat.

[paineinthearse]

125. Rudy to run against Hillary

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1695103&mesg_id=1695103

[paineinthearse]

7. Conrad, Kent - (D - ND)

[paineinthearse]

8. Corzine, Jon - (D - NJ)

[njdemocrat106]

41. Corzine

I know he voted in favor of Rice, but he is quite progressive and he's definitely not "machine" (he funded his campaign with his own money).

[Ken Burch]

45. Of course, Corzine may run for Governor of NJ in '05

Creating a vacancy.

Wonder who they'd run then?

[njdemocrat106]

48. Both Rep. Frank Pallone and Rep. Bob Menendez have expressed interest

if Corzine runs and wins the governor's mansion this year. I think Menendez is or was the 3rd highest ranking Democrat in the House, and he is extremely popular in his district (most of Hudson County, I believe). I don't much about Pallone to make a judgment about him.

[paineinthearse]

49. Pallone

Pallone was active, along with Jim McDermott and Rahm Emmanuel, Thursday nights during the several months prior to the election doing "night order business". Thank god for CSPAN. I was quite impressed by his thought process and verbal abilities.

[Adelante]

90. Corzine is running for Governor

He's already declared and has a lot of support.

[genius]

147. Pallone has a near-perfect voting record. Payne has a perfect one

If Payne doesn't run, Pallone would be an excellent choice. Menendez voted for war appropriations (twice), for the bankruptcy bill, for the Real ID Act (the second time) and for star wars. Between Menendez and Pallone, Pallone is the best by far. The only thing Pallone messed up on was voting for star wars.

[Hippo_Tron]

78. By "may" you mean "will"

He's already announced. He has no serious dem challengers and chances are that he is popular enough to beat whatever slime the repukes throw at him.

[Ken Burch]

132. If he got it, would he appoint his successor, or do they have to have

a special election in New Jersey for Senate vacancies(as we now have to have in Alaska)?

[paineinthearse]

9. Dayton, Mark - (D - MN)

[stray cat]

18. He is voting against confirming Condi Rice

He also had one hell of a statement. We need to keep him in office.

Link to statement to Condi Rice: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=160x6599

[paineinthearse]

34. See video

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1531492

[EST]

60. WOW!!

I somehow missed this statement (must have been a bad day) at the time. Sooo wonderful to see someone tell it like it really is instead of the mealy-mouth bastard crap that so many of our leaders (unfortunately, our erstwhile contender for president is in that group) are continually spouting. Such blatantly honest speech will probably get him unelected, but bless him, anyhow! Go!

[saracat]

63. But he was the only Dem. well Obama sort of, that thought

Boxers contest to the electors was wrong and terrible.And he said so.

[Dickie Flatt]

70. Have you read his entire speech on the issue?

If not, please do. You may still disagree with Dayton, but hopefully you'll have a better understanding of his reasoning.

[DrGonzoLives]

24. Dayton is a big-time target

Yeah, I got that from a Novak column, but he's connected to the bigwigs on the right, so I believe this one. It's claimed that he doesn't have a lot of his own money left, and hasn't raised all that much - can anyone confirm?

Yeah, we need him around. Minnesota with two Republican Senators...ewwwwww....

[Dickie Flatt]

28. That is accurate

I would be surprised if he is not target number one in 2006. And since he self-funded his 2000 campaign and did not really engage in much fundraising after his victory, he needs every cent he can get.

[blondeatlast]

96. Target; Dayton. Couldn't resist.

He's with the Dayton family that owns Target Corp.

[latteromden]

116. I laughed at that comment, too. :P

[Hippo_Tron]

79. I'm told that he plans to retire

Or at least that's the word here on DU.

[blondeatlast]

95. He's dropped. Any ideas in his place?

Franken says no.

[goodhue]

111. Wetterling

[paineinthearse]

10. Feinstein, Dianne - (D - CA)

[troubleinwinter]

22. She must go. Wonder if she intends to run.

[Ken Burch]

43. If she doesn't, perhaps Pelosi could move up.

[ISUGRADIA]

71. Pelosi won't leave a possible chance to be Speaker of the House

to be a junior US Senator with no senority.

[Ken Burch]

105. Given the way that the Congressional lines are drawn and will

remain drawn in 2006, isn't it a bit ludicrous to think that Democrats have any chance at all to take over the House?

[ISUGRADIA]

106. True very unlikely, and probably not 2008 either, But Pelosi

has a national stage as Democratic Minority Leader. what does she get from becoming a 66 year old Senator with no senority?

[paineinthearse]

36. Feinstein alternatives thread

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=141x6130

[paineinthearse]

65. Replace Feinstein thread in CA forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=141&topic_id=6130&mesg_id=6130

[paineinthearse]

11. Jeffords, James - (I - VT) (he caucuses with the Dems)

[Renew Deal]

20. Who campaigns for him?

Are they pukes? Where would his support come from? Is he willing to become a Democrat officially? Otherwise, we should challenge him.

[bklyncowgirl]

35. I believe that Dean's said he would back Jeffords.

One of Dean's career options was running for Senate in 2006 but Jeffords supported Dean early on and Dean will not challange Jeffords.

[Ken Burch]

44. If a Dem declared against Jeffords, and Dean became DNC chair...

would he still be able to get away with supporting him?
(My dream candidate there would be Bernie Sanders, but not sure whether he'd be willing to run as a Dem)

[Cha]

75. From what I've seen of Jeffords' voting

record..he votes better than some Dems.

[Hippo_Tron]

80. He votes for Reid as majority leader...

And he's at least one of the top 20 most Progressive. There's no reason to challenge him because for all practical purposes he's a progressive democrat.

Oh yea, and BTW, the pukes hate him more than they hate most Democrats because he left the party.

[blondeatlast]

97. Not so fast...

He votes with Dems often more than the usual DINO suspects. We can't afford to lose any seats that we can count on.

I call him a keeper, myself.

[paineinthearse]

136. Jeffords will not seek re-election

http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2005/04/20/ap_exclusive_us_sen_james_jeffords_will_not_seek_re_election/

AP NewsBreak: U.S. Sen. James Jeffords will not seek re-election
By Christopher Graff, Associated Press Writer | April 20, 2005

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont Sen. Jim Jeffords, an independent who triggered one of the most dramatic upheavals in Senate history when he quit the GOP four years ago, intends to retire at the end of his term next year, officials in his home state and Washington said Wednesday. Jeffords will make the announcement Wednesday afternoon in Burlington, three sources close to the senator told The Associated Press on Wednesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity. No calls to Jeffords' press secretary or staff were returned Wednesday morning.

Jeffords, 70, has been adamant in saying he will seek re-election, but there have been increasing concerns voiced about his health in recent weeks. Jeffords has suffered from a bad back and neck for years and has seemed confused in several news interviews by some of the questions. Sources say Jeffords will also cite the ill health of his wife Liz as a factor. She has been battling cancer. Jeffords was elected as a Republican to the U.S. House in 1974 and to the U.S. Senate in 1988, but he abandoned the party in 2001 because of disagreements with the Bush administration. "In order to best represent my state of Vermont, my own conscience and principles that I have stood for my whole life, I will leave the Republican Party and become an independent," said Jeffords on May 24, 2001.

At the time the Senate was evenly divided, and Jeffords' decision to become an independent and caucus with the Democrats put the Democrats in charge of the Senate. They retained power until after the 2002 elections. Jeffords has maintained in the past two years that he would seek another term in the Senate: He has hired campaign staff and has more than $2 million in his campaign account. But increasing questions about his health have dogged the senator even though his spokesman, Erik Smulson, said just over a week ago that "Sen. Jeffords is in excellent health, and he's looking forward to waging a spirited campaign."

Jeffords' surprise decision will unleash a host of candidates to replace him. U.S. Rep. Bernie Sanders, the only independent in the House, has said he would run if Jeffords did not, while Republicans Richard Tarrant, a business executive, and Gov. James Douglas are also possible contenders. Former Gov. Howard Dean, now the chair of the Democratic National Committee, had long been rumored as a possible candidate, but Karen Finney, a top aide to Dean, said the former Vermont governor will not be running for the Senate because he's committed to his new duties at the DNC.

[paineinthearse]

149. I have been delenquent in posting Bernie Sanders info

Here's the latest - http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1993915

Excerpt..."Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Rich Tarrant filed his personal financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate last Friday afternoon and also released copies to the press...."

[paineinthearse]

12. Kennedy, Edward - (D - MA)

[paineinthearse]

33. Too old to run for re-election?

If Kennedy runs, who will the repugs run against him??? Risk the Governorship and run Romney? How about Andrew Card???

If he decides to retire, who will run? I predict Meehan and Frank. Reisch?? I'd support McGovern, but I think he is eyeing a House leadership position and/or chair of the rules committee.

[Hippo_Tron]

83. He'll be unopposed if he runs for re-election, Kerry was in 2002

Kennedy is arguably the safest Democrat.

[paineinthearse]

110. Kennedy announces intention for re-election

Practically. I attended Kerry's thank-you reception for Massachusetts volunteers. In Kam Kerry's introduction, he spoke of re-election. Kennedy pretty much confirmed he would run.

[paineinthearse]

13. Kohl, Herb - (D - WI)

[Hippo_Tron]

114. If Tommy Thompson runs, he may have a problem

But we'll see.

[ginnyinWI]

122. We need a better Democrat to take Herb Kohl's place

He is only for the rich. Check out this article from the Shepherd-Express (Milwaukee's alternative newspaper):

http://www.shepherd-express.com/mediamusings.htm

[paineinthearse]

14. Nelson, Bill - (D - FL)

[demo dutch]

69. Don't think he'll make it! He's the last dem!

[Hippo_Tron]

84. Think about this, he won in Florida in 2000

Just think about that.

[demo dutch]

88. True!

[longdriver]

129. WE MUST support Nelson

We cannot let florida get any redder

[ellenfl]

139. yeah, but the repugs are out to get him this time.

in truth, he has been a wishy-washy democrat and i would like to see a stronger dem run against him. however, as i said, the repugs are after his seat. this seat needs all the support it can get . . . whichever dem goes for it.

ellen fl

[paineinthearse]

15. Nelson, Ben - (D - NE)

[tsuki]

51. And if he doesn't get down here and start watering his grassroots,

he's toast.

[ISUGRADIA]

72. Let's be real, dems are a real minority in NE

who could beat him in a primary and win a general election? Nelson has to take stances like this to appease the majority of voters in the state. NE ain't Massachusetts.

[Hippo_Tron]

85. Wasn't Bob Kerrey pretty progressive?

At least much moreso than Nelson?

[SHRED]

66. Voted to confirm Gonzales

[Dave Sund]

68. Nelson has no significant opposition

At least not yet. Johanns is now Sec. of Ag., and Osborne's probably running for governor, which means Gov. Heineman may run for Senate.

[paineinthearse]

16. Sarbanes, Paul - (D - MD)

[paineinthearse]

118. "Sen. Sarbanes to Forgo Another Term" - Wash Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26762-2005Mar11.html

Sarbanes to Forgo Another Senate Term

By Spencer Hsu and John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, March 11, 2005; 11:56 AM

Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes will announce today that he will not seek another term in the Senate, a Senate Democratic official confirmed, ending a 34-year congressional career in which the liberal Maryland Democrat played a role in crises ranging from the Watergate impeachment proceedings to the corporate accounting scandals earlier this decade.

Sarbanes, 72, who is serving his 29th year in the Senate, is the state's longest serving U.S. senator. He will retire after his sixth term ends in January 2007. He is the senior Democrat on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and the chairman of Maryland's 10-member congressional delegation.

His departure signals the unofficial start of a wide-open season in Maryland politics to succeed him, a race that could also have ramifications on next year's governor's race.

Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley (D) and Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D), both of whom have been angling to run for governor in 2006, now have another option available to them.

more.....

Staff writers Matthew Mosk, Mike Allen and Chuck Babington contributed to this report.

[LocalDem]

119. Sarbanes' Successor - Chris Van Hollen?

CVH is young and junior, but very very talented and would make a great senator. I think he'd have very strong support from his district.
Certainly there are a lot of other great candidates - Mfume, Wynn, even O'Malley or Duncan if one were to blink - it's the end of an era but it's also a chance for us to put some energetic, progressive Maryland talent in the Senate!

[paineinthearse]

17. Stabenow, Debbie - (D - MI)

[paineinthearse]

31. See thread in "politics"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1526687&mesg_id=1526687

[UrbScotty]

150. Poll: Stabenow leads rivals

http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw116623_20050602.htm

Stabenow held a 57 percent to 30 percent lead over the Rev. Keith Butler of Southfield, a former Detroit city councilman.

<snip>

Stabenow held leads of 57 percent to 28 percent over two others -- the Rev. Jerry Zandstra, program director of a Grand Rapids religion-oriented think tank, and Troy industrial engineer Bart Baron.

<snip>

Fifty-four percent of those polled gave Stabenow a positive job approval rating, while 33 percent gave her a negative rating.

[Zynx]

19. All Democrats deserve our support.

There is no point in picking and choosing.

[Ken Burch]

47. Even Zell Miller, if he was running for Reelection?

Even the old Southern Dixiecrats who joined with the GOP in stopping the passage of civil rights legislation for decades?

[Hippo_Tron]

81. Zell Miller is LITERALLY a DINO, he wouldn't get our support

He even left the democratic caucus.

[paineinthearse]

50. An incumbent out of line with the population deserves a challenge

Incumbency does not waive others' right to challenge via a primary election. At the very least, a strong challenge will move the incumbent towards the challenger. And who knows, the challenger may even win the primary.

[ProgressiveConn]

52. No.

The Democratic party should only recieve your vote if they are putting up candidates who share your political leanings. To support candidates just because they are Dems makes us no better than the Republican liberals everyone is always hating on (rightly so).

If the Republicans put up a more liberal (IMO) candidate than the Dems the Repukes get my vote.

[Hippo_Tron]

86. But getting a majority in the Senate is worth it

Some of the senators that we elect in the process may be more moderate but, trust me, the powers that come along with a Senate majority (powers that we will also be taking away from Bush ass-licker Frist) are huge. Most of the legislation is worked out in committees, not by floor votes. With a Senate majority we will actually hvae a say in this. I could go on and on (as I have many times) but the bottom line is that congress is very much under the control of the majority leadership.

[blondeatlast]

98. We need to be exceedingly careful of any Dem seat we are

are willing to possibly lose.

It could be that with a strengthened caucus, the usual suspects may staart towing OUR line more often. There are a couple of Dem seats that I'm willing to sacrifice, but we must choose exceedingly carefully.

With this Senate, we may be better off with some moderate Rs than with some RW Dems, actually.

We're in a precarious position.

[LocalDem]

120. Agreed.

We need every seat. The party - and we the activists - should be singularly obsessed with building a majority, not purging those who disobey orthodoxy.

[meppie-meppie not]

23. forgive me if this seems a stupid question but, isn't Kerry up for

re-election in 2006 too?

[Dickie Flatt]

29. No, 2008

[meppie-meppie not]

37. oh, right. thanks :-) n/t

[autorank]

25. Lieberman, Joseph - (D - CT) -- Oppose In Primary

[autorank]

26. Lieberman is a traitor to the Democratic Party.

(1) He rises sanctimoniously to chastise Clinton for lack of ethics in the l'affaire Lewinsky. What brazen hypocrisy! At the same time, he was watering down and eliminating regulatory oversight for accountants and consulting firms which resulted in Enron, WorldCom, and many other scandals perpetrated by his large contributors, the financial consulting firms. Clinton's ethical lapse, in the particular case, was limited to his family and playmate. Lieberman's crass political advocacy for the financial consulting firms ruined companies, employees, retirement accounts, and communities all over America.
(2) He concedes the election even before there is reason to in 2000. The happy "surrender monkey" went on television and virtually capitulated several times while there were real questions about which direction the election would take. This followed a silly, self-indulgent, ineffectual campaign for Vice President.
(3) Just today he betrayed his Senate Democrats by supporting the most incompetent and damaging member of the Bush administration other than Chaney and Rumsfeld. The man has no judgment.

Lieberman needs to be opposed in the CT primary and opposed vigorously.

[paineinthearse]

30. Thanks for adding

I must have been rushed.

JOE must GO!

[paineinthearse]

38. See "Senator Lieberman Sucks" thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3006197&mesg_id=3006197

[Ken Burch]

46. Question...if pushed too hard this year, would Lieberman cross over?

Or resign?(which, with a GOP governor in CT, would throw the seat to the Repugs anyway?)

Who would be his challenger in a primary?
If that challenger prevailed, would he or she be marked for defeat by the DLC(switching back into their ancestral identity as Democrats for Nixon)?

[ProgressiveConn]

53. Joey is already already a Republican.

I wouldn't mind one bit if he switched parties. After all he supports them in blue at least with him in Red we have a CHANCE to elect a real Democrat.

[Hippo_Tron]

82. Lieberman isn't a Republican, though...

We don't exactly like his stances on foreign policy but he very much has his roots and connections in the Democratic party.

[thom1102]

113. Jodi Rell, CT gov has moved into that seat after

her predecessor resigned amid scandal. She is vulnerable and would probably put a middle of the road dem in his place if he resigned. She would be damned if she did, damned if she didn't. We are actively pursuing a challenger here in CT. The whisper campaign is getting louder. There are 4 very high profile Dems vying to take down Rell, one or two could switch paths if they see Joe is vulnerable. Then there is Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General, who has been positioning himself to run in Lieberman's place if he moved up to Pres or Veep. He has lots of Name Recognition, and money to challenge.

The challenge right now is almost entirely coming from the grassroots, and is in its infancy. For more information:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DumpJoe/

[paineinthearse]

55. Another Lieberman thread in CT forum......

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=143x944

[blondeatlast]

99. MUST GO. What's his R opponent specs? Any idea?

We might be far better off with one of them.

[NewJeffCT]

123. Top Republicans in the state

Governor M. Jodi Rell. She enjoys remarkably high approval ratings (80% or so) across the board despite being a part of the John Rowland administration for 10 years. Right now, she is enjoying an extended media honeymoon and is likely to remain popular for at least several more months. I've written a few LTTEs to try & take her down a notch, but it's not working. She is moderate and has said she would sign a civil unions bill if it passes the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature this year (likely), and has also proposed money for stem cell research in state. She has a down home charm that is a refreshing change from the arrogant Rowland (even Republicans who liked him as governor politically thought Rowland was an arrogant SOB as a person) Unless Rowland can be tied to her better, she will be tough to beat for any state Democrat for governor in 2006, save Lieberman or Dodd.

Chris Shays Longtime Congressman from very wealthy Fairfield County. He is basically a mirror of his district - fairly liberal on social issues, moderate to conservative on others. I'm pretty sure he is pro-choice and was one of the few Republicans to vocally oppose (on the record) House Republicans when they tried to re-write ethics rules for Tommy DeLay. However, he was also pro-Iraq war. Has said his friendship with Lieberman has kept him from running against Joe. Had a tough race against charismatic Diane Farrell last time, but generally wins handily. Would be a tough match for any Democrat in the state save Chris Dodd, including his friend Joe Lieberman.

Nancy Johnson The most conservative of the major politicians in CT, she is a long time Congresswoman from NW CT. I think she was one of the deciding votes in the House decision a while back not to reprimand Newt Gingrich over ethics violations. She has won fairly handily in a blue collar blue district for years, however. I think she is anti-choice, but I'm not sure. Has a grandmotherly type image that plays well in her district. A challenge to beat for the non-major state Democrats (Dodd, Lieberman, Blumenthal, Larson & DeLauro)

Rob Simmons Fairly new Congressman from Eastern CT, another blue collar blue district. Won 4 or 6 years ago against lazy liberal Sam Gejdensen and has defended his seat twice in tough races despite huge funding advantages. Fairly conservative & a former CIA operative, he will have trouble if a name Democrat runs in his own district. I do not think he is a threat for any statewide office.

[paineinthearse]

112. JoeMustGo group formed!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3155247

[paineinthearse]

121. John Ormann is considering a challenge

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1673030&mesg_id=1673030

[paineinthearse]

137. Rep. Delauro's staff floats Lieberman challenge

by kos
Thu Apr 21st, 2005 at 12:59:47 PDT

Staffers for Rep. Rosa Delauro of Connecticut floated a possible Lieberman primary challenge at a local party event last night. Now, it may very well have been an eager staffer fantasizing about such a challenge (Delauro would become a national figure and grass- and netroots hero overnight), or it could be a something a bit more orchestrated, a trial balloon of sorts amongst the types of people whose support would be critical for such a David v. Goliath challenge.

Delauro would be a great candidate to take on Lieberman. Other possibilities are Attorney General Dick Blumenthal, who is fixated on an uphill gubernatorial challenge. Or, a favorite alternative of mine, former Republican senator Lowell Weicker -- the very guy who Lieberman ousted with a challenge from the right in 1988. He left the Republican Party and served as governor of CT as an independent. At 74, however, he may be done with politics.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/4/21/155948/660

[murielm99]

56. I think Durbin is up for re-election, too. nt

[paineinthearse]

57. Durbin is class 2 (2009)

My source is http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

[ginnyinWI]

58. this question is beside the point, isn't it?

I thought that what we need is to get more Dems in office in the Senate. This means keeping the ones we have, or they will be replaced by Republicans! This is the way it works: the incumbent Dem runs for re-election, and is challenged by a Republican for the seat. Even a bad or weak Dem is preferrable to that. We've got to take back Capitol Hill! Sure some are better than others, but please realize who the real enemy is.

[saracat]

64. I wouldn't campaign against any of them but I will only

support "realDems" who share my values. Sometimes the enemy within is worse than that which is outside. If he were still around , would you still support Zell Miller?

[blondeatlast]

100. I think we need to keep as many as possible, with one or two

exceptions. Keep in mind some will retire; not all have announced yet, though.

Truth is, I think we are better off with Jeffords. I'd love to see HD bring him over to our side of the aisle permanently.

[radio4progressives]

59. VOTE NO To War Profiteers - Vote NO on Feinstein!

Feinstein has a conflict of interest on matters of war. Her and Her husband financially benefit vis a vis investments, military, pentagon and NASA contracts, among other venture capitilists projects, and are indeed, associated with the Carlyle Group, which off shore offices enables the avoidance of taxes among other issues.

I posted several articles on this board a week or so ago.

Feinstein has blood on her hands.

She must not be re-elected.

[blondeatlast]

101. Purity-wise, I agree. But we don't know what to expect from her

opponent.

She's a DINO-lite, but we may need her.

She does give me the creeps, though. Big time.

[electropop]

61. One solitary Senator: Boxer

She voted on January 6th to protect and defend the constitution. The rest should be toppled in primary challenges.

[Hippo_Tron]

87. Yup, giving the Repukes a fillibuster-proof majority is really gonna help

Hell, why don't we just get down on the floor and start singing a chorus of "hail to the chief" every time we see chimpy.

[blondeatlast]

103. Oh, HT, pragmatism just messes up all the pretty purity.

You're no fun anymore.

:eyes:

[blondeatlast]

102. Okay, let's just vote the Neocons in at large. That really helps

the country. Let's see what you have to say when there are NO filibusters and W.rong can get the SCOTUS and Cabinet he wants without question... :scared:

:eyes:

[DianeK]

67. One small correction...

Senator Jim Jeffords of Vermont is not a Democrat but an independent after leaving the Republican party. I have a feeling he will not be running next time out...I actually think the Bernie Sanders will have a run for that Senatorial seat and I also believe that whatever Bernie wants Bernie shall have.

[Cha]

73. By now we know..Mark Dayton

isn't running and neither is Corzine.

Jim Jeffords, Byrd, Kennedy, Akaka, and Sarbanes(I think) are the ones I really want back..and I guess the rest of them except for lieman are better than repugs.

[leesa]

77. Sad. It's a shame Dayton isn't running. He is one fine man. Does he

just need money to campaign? We can get money.

[blondeatlast]

104. He knows he's been targeted (pardon the unintentional pun).

He's got no money problems--he's in the family that owns Target stores.

But the RW cult killers have him on radar and I don't think he cares to take them on.

Sad, sad day.

[Wilms]

108. Crossover, hopefully?

The RI Republican Senator, Lincoln Chafee has been considered a crossover threat. Joe (?) Kennedy decided against running in the Dem Primary, there.

Anyone know more about the RI scene?

[Wilms]

109. Well here's a few thoughts...

<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=176x149>

[Name removed]

134. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[yamblaster200]

135. Bob Casey jr in pa

We need to get rid of Santorum, I don't know much about Casey, but I know he's a dem and running against Santorum, and thats good enough for me.

[Mondon]

140. He's anti-choice!

Like father, like son. Can't we do better? The Philly suburbs have voted Dem for the last couple of cycles because while Repub they are liberal on social issues -- like choice. Offer Casey, and they have no incentive not to follow the party line.

[ZRB]

138. Akaka needs to go

After his atrocious vote on ANWR. He makes me sick.

[ArkySue]

141. Here's some ratings

This is interesting information from the website below.


http://www.bushwatch.net/demwatch.htm

For those who are keeping score, Senator Boxer has a score of 90% (9
approved votes), based upon 10 vote opportunities: the Ohio vote
rejection, the Rice and Gonzales nominations, the consumer protections
and bankruptcy votes, the ANWR vote, the medicare budget cut, the tax
cut budget, the Bush budget, and the Schiavo vote.

6 Passing grades of 80% (8 approved votes) go to: Edward M. Kennedy
and John Kerry of Massachusetts, Carl Levin of Michigan, Richard Durbin
of Illinois, Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey and Tom Harkin of Iowa.

12 Dems with passing grades of 70% (7 approved votes) are:

Daniel Akaka (D-HI) Robert Byrd (D-WV) Corzine (D-NJ) Dayton (D-MN)
Dorgan (D-ND) Feingold (D-WI) Leahy (D-VT) Mikulski (D-MD) Murray
(D-WA) Reed (D-RI) Sarbanes (D-MD) Wyden (D-OR)

16 other partial Dems and the lone Independent now have failing scores
of 60% (6 approved votes):

Baucus (D-MT) Bayh (D-IN) Biden (D-DE) Cantwell (D-WA) Clinton (D-NY)
Dodd (D-CT) Feinstein (D-CA) Jeffords (I-VT) Nelson (D-FL) Obama (D-IL)
Pryor (D-AR) Reid (D-NV) Rockefeller (D-WV) Stabenow (D-MI) Schumer
(D-NY)

Joseph I. Lieberman (D-CT) drops to a half-Dem grade of 50% (5
approved votes) for his no-vote.

Those 8 Pretend Dems who now have a grade of 40% (4 approved votes) are:

Bingaman (D-NM) Carper (D-DE) Inouye (D-HI) Johnson (D-SD) Kohl (D-WI)
Lincoln (D-AR) Nelson (D-NE) Salazar (D-COL)

The 1 DINO (Democratic In Name Only) with a grade of 30% (3 approved
votes) is Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. --Jerry Politex, 04.30.05

[mac2]

142. No longer my support

When once again the election was stolen and they remained silent at the Electoral Certification, I thought this is a repeat of 2000. It was even announced Bush was the winner when challenges were happening around the country to the fraud, etc. They negated them all...silencing us.

I'm no longer going to support any of the present elected Democrats on the list.

I want a progressive who is for voting reforms (real ones) and against the Patriot Acts, National ID, war, WTO, out sourcing even our government jobs, etc. Very few on this list are of that belief.

I want a real base Democrat...for the people not the corporations.

They get not a red cent or vote from me. I've fought hard over the years for reform since 2000..only to be silenced and ignored.

Kerry should be given the boot after his dismal actions. He didn't plan on winning. People stood in line for hours to vote for him. He just let them down.

[Name removed]

143. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Demrock6]

145. Sorr you feel that way.

I think they did what they had to do. I felt your pain and my senator help explane it.
Hope it helps:


Thank you for contacting me about the certification of the 2004 Presidential electoral vote.

I strongly agree with you that every American should have the right to vote and know that his or her vote will be counted accurately. It is imperative that in the very near future, we look not just at Ohio, but at the election process in all the states so that we can make necessary changes to the conduct of our elections.

I did not oppose the election results when the electoral vote count came before the Senate and the House of Representatives, because Congress is not the proper public authority to adjudicate election results. For Members of Congress to vote—after a two-hour debate prescribed under existing federal law—whether to reject a state's certified tally of votes, eliminate its electoral votes, and, in this case, throw the election into the House of Representatives for another partisan vote, is a profound intrusion into a Democratic election. Such a process should be pursued only when the most extreme and compelling evidence points to fraud of sufficient magnitude to steal the election. I did not see evidence of such a violation in the 2004 Presidential election.

Thank you again for being in touch with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me again regarding any other matters of concern to you.

My best regards.
Sincerely,


Mark Dayton
United States Senator

[genius]

146. Good. We can get rid of the Nelsons.

[paineinthearse]

148. 2006 SENATE RACE MAP