Archive

An Independent Candidacy Would Make Trump the Biggest Loser

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 11, 2015 · 8:45 AM EST

An independent presidential run by Donald Trump would sink Republican chances of winning the White House, but Trump would be the biggest loser. And if there is one thing Trump can’t afford or stomach, it’s losing.

During the wealthy businessman’s latest dustup with the GOP establishment over his…

What Does It Take To Crack the Inner Circle of Political Consultants?

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 10, 2015 · 10:12 AM EST

Democrat John Bel Edwards’ “prostitutes over patriots” ad will be remembered as one of the most-hard hitting television spots in campaign history. But did it catch the attention of national Democratic strategists?

Political consulting is a competitive sport with millions of dollars at stake. There…

Rothenberg’s End of the Year Awards

by Stuart Rothenberg December 9, 2015 · 11:11 AM EST

It has been almost 20 years since I started writing a best/worst end of the year column. Since I’m committed to doing them until I finally get one right, here goes this year’s attempt.

Weirdest Political Development of 2015

The nominees:

  • Bernard Sanders’ candidacy.
  • John A. Boehner quits.
  • Ben…

4 Court Cases That Could Impact the 2016 Elections

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 6, 2015 · 9:20 AM EST

Breaking news can be hard to predict, except when it’s tied to a controversial court case.

Candidates and consultants spend their time, energy and dollars staying on message — trying to focus voters on winning issues. But breaking news, even something such as a court decision that can be…

Louisiana Senate: In the Wake of David Vitter

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 4, 2015 · 2:30 PM EST

Republican Sen. David Vitter managed to lose the governorship of Louisiana for his party this year in remarkable fashion. Now the GOP is trying to hold onto his Senate seat next year. 

Vitter spared himself days, weeks, or months of questions and pressure by announcing he would not seek…

Presidential Battleground Spotlight: Wisconsin

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 4, 2015 · 2:29 PM EST

Next year will go a long way in defining Wisconsin’s political identity. And there is plenty at stake including 10 electoral votes and a U.S. Senate seat with the majority hanging in the balance.

The Republican presidential nominee hasn’t won the Badger State since President Ronald Reagan’s…

Illinois House: Filing Deadline Passes, Along with Two Democratic Takeover Opportunities

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 4, 2015 · 2:28 PM EST

It’s not even 2016 yet, but the filing deadline for candidates in Illinois came and went on Tuesday. Democrats failed to recruit top-tier candidates in two competitive districts, which means the map Democrats drew after the last census will fall short of its desired intent once again. 

In the last…

Florida House: New Lines Change Outlook in 5 Races

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 4, 2015 · 2:27 PM EST

After years of court battles, the Florida Supreme Court finally decided on a new congressional map that changes the dynamic in a handful of districts. 

The results must be bittersweet for Democrats, who have been crying for “fair districts” for quite sometime and could net as many as three seats…

Report Shorts (December 4, 2015) California Senate, Florida Senate, Maryland Senate

December 4, 2015 · 2:26 PM EST

California Senate. A recent story in The Hill highlighted some grumbling about state Attorney General Kamala Harris’ campaign. Harris is viewed as the clear frontrunner to replace retiring Sen. Barbara Boxer, but some observers believe her burn rate is too high (she’s spending too much of the money…