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While all eyes are fixed on the upcoming presidential and vice-presidential debates, the candidates in the tightest Senate races across the country are gearing up for an October slog of face-to-face exchanges.
And in some cases, they’ve already begun.
Last week, candidates in three of the most closely watched contests -- Virginia, Massachusetts, and Missouri -- faced off for the first time.
This week, two more fiercely contested contests are holding debates, both in presidential swing states.
Tonight in Reno, Nev., U.S. Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D) and Sen. Dean Heller (R) take the stage for the first time this season. Both candidates have been camera shy, mostly avoiding the press and TV interviews while their race has primarily played out on the airwaves -- becoming one of the most contentious campaigns in the country.
In July, the House Ethics Committee voted unanimously to investigate Berkley over conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure. Heller said last week “The most unethical, corrupt person I’ve ever met in my life is Shelley Berkley.”
Berkley, meanwhile, is linking Heller to corruption in her latest TV ad. “Meet Eddie Floyd, a crooked businessman who pled guilty to laundering drug money. A friend of Dean Heller’s,” the Berkley ad begins.
Tonight's Berkley-Heller showdown is the first of three debates between the candidates. They will meet again in Las Vegas on Oct. 11th and on Jon Ralston’s “Face to Face” program on Oct. 15.
In Wisconsin tomorrow night, U.S. Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D) and former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) also will meet for the time. The race has seen as a jolt of competitiveness lately with several polls showing Baldwin surging against Thompson.
Baldwin and Thompson have agreed to two more debates -- on Oct. 18 and Oct. 26, both of which will be broadcast statewide.
Former Nebraska Gov. and U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey (D) and his Republican opponent, state Sen. Deb Fischer (R), will also face off tomorrow night for their second time. In their first match-up, on Aug. 25, both accused the other of kowtowing to partisan interests while championing themselves as a bridge builder.
Kerrey, having served as president of the New School in New York City for 12 years, took on the “carpet bagging” issue.
"This is the second time I've left and come back. And nobody called me a carpetbagger when I came back from Vietnam," he said.
And there will be plenty of other debates next month -- in the Senate contests in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, and New Mexico.
Leave a Comment:
It remains to be seen as to whether Romney's "47%" comments will indeed have any effect on the "down ballot".
For whatever polls are worth, his remarks don't seem to be doing him (or the Republican Party) any good.
Obama/Biden 2012
RCP (Average of polls) Senate as of 9/27/2012
Tossup [1 Tied] + [D leading in 5] + [R leading in 3] = 9
Democrat: Not up/Safe 37 + Likely/Lean 11 = 48
Republican: Not up/Safe 42 + Likely/Lean 1 = 43
A month ago everyone concluded that the Republicans would control the Senate.
Today it is possible that the Dems could actually gain a seat.
WoW, Tammy and Tommy! .... in Wisconsin
At least Tommy Thompson is a common-sensen Republican, a rare species now. If he is elected, I won't be disappointed for he has common-sense.
But I still root for Tammy in Wisconsin.
At least that Claire McCaskill is as good as won..against a light-weight Toddler (Todd Akin) in Missouri.
Mitt will be pushing all his chips into the center of the table during the debates. He cannot win unless he convincingly succeeds in the debates (a highly unlikely prospect), while President Obama cannot lose by taking the high road and letting Mitt take all the chances.
We all remember the difficult time ol' Willard had at the GOP debates competing against a clown car full of crackpots, crazies, and criminals, don't we? Mitt is none and done.
Like walker got defeated in Wisconsin pigotry?
I think Akin will win. Claire sided with Obama. Unforgivable sin in Missouri. Ask Ike in his retirement home.
An Obama win in Nov, followed by trickle-down ending in Dec, gives up true hope that this upcoming New Year celebration will be more meaningful than any since the Clinton years. When between (1992-2000) 12 million jobs were created, a stronger middle class, and a balanced federal budget in just 5 years after tax breaks for the rich ended.
There will be NO DEBATES in the Senate since the Progressives (Democrats) have continually stated: "MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY".
Just ask Mr. "Pocket Veto" Reid or his surrogate, Congresswoman Murray who has stated "If the Republicans don't agree to a tax on the rich, then America can go over the Fiscal Cliff".
Time to vote out THESE CAREER PROGRESSIVE POLITICAL HACKS.
Romney doesn't need a debate, when he picked Ryan for VP he was finish, Mitt is Choking on his TeaReTarded pick !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's what you get when you vote Republican: NO Social Security; NO Medicare: NO Medicaid; NO public services; NO public schools; NO women and minority rights; NO regulations to keep you healthy and safe; NO taxes for infrastructure and other public projects; NO money for colleges; NO religious freedoms; NO trickle down economics; NO fair banks or Wall Street trading for the little guy; NO accurate history or civics for your children; NO fair media. Everything will be privatized for the profit for the 1%. Put aside your biases about a black president and realize that on November 7, if Republicans win, we have no chance to survive as a democracy; we become a full-blown plutocracy with the rest of us working for nothing with no benefits or retirement.
How Progressives (Liberals-Democrats) argue:
Here is a sampling of Progressives (Liberals-Democrats) who are uninformed:
Want to know how Obama gets people to vote for him? Click on the following link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio
Chad state your source -- I've been all over various news sites and not once can I find any republican saying NO to any of the items you mentioned. As usual the twisted talking points you receive have no merit....therefore you don't either.
To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete.
Wow, still no article on this "news" site about the video that went viral touting Obama phones? Gee I have a phone and I pay for it and it seems that our taxes are paying for others to the tune of $16billion --- more freebies for the lazy and those that have no skin in the game!
Bali Bob you said "It remains to be seen as to whether Romney's "47%" comments will indeed have any effect on the "down ballot".
It seems after that comment many Republicans have tried to distance themselves from Romney. I think to a certain extent will somewhat insulate them during debates.
For myself when I here them speak I keep thinking "Not meant to be a factual statement"
There is a strong probability that the debates will not favor Romney. As in past debates, specific questions designed to elicit specific answers will trap the secretive Romney. He doesn't need a debate for his campaign. He needs a priest.
Jim in Texas I don't as that will help he is a Mormon Elder you know.
The biggest advantage to Republican victories will be breaking the "Logjam of Obstruction" perpetrated by Harry Reid who cannot tell the truth if his life depended on it. Harry serves no useful purpose other than to be Obama's "lap dog".
Obama has yet to realize that it is the job of Congress to pass the laws and it is HIS job to enforce such laws that have been passed. Obama enforces what he chooses to enforce, and he IGNORES those he does not like. That is not leadership ... more like a dictatorship !
Really? I don't suppose invoking filibuster nearly 400 times by Republicans in the last two sessions of congress would have any impact whatsoever on that "logjam?" Nice try, Jim ~ ~ ~ but no cigar.
what we really need is more, many more independents running for all offices..and then elect only them.
Ido You don't give the republicans credit for what they did in congress. You do know that it takes two to tangle. The problem wasn't just the democrats the Republicans played just as big a part in it. Now they want Obama to take the blame for the problems that they created with no mention of their responsibility to creating those problems.
This is where early voting may advantage the GOP. With trending for the local elections lagging the national trends, the GOP may not want people to wait to vote if they want to take over the Senate.
With Obama holding promenant leads in many swing states, that takes away the GOP argument that the local Democratic candidate is "with him"... in fact, the candidates can now brag about it.
But in Republican states like Missouri... even when the GOP candidate (Akin) says the most repulsive extreme things possible... the fight is down and dirty and still favors the GOP candidate.
Hopefully the "truth revolution" shines it's light locally as much as it has (and will) nationally.
ted patrick
The GOP is just playing out the final stages of the strategy and tactics they kicked off 4 years ago... make Obama fail... which does not include any admission of culpability.
The GOP play is a tough play in today's "instant info" environment. They're much more accountable for what they say and do... longer.
Jim in Texas
Agreed!
Any question that starts with "And what, Mr. Romney, is your position on [fill in the blank]" will wipe him out.
Does he give his pre-Governor response?... his Governor response?... his extreme right primary positions?... or his new-found "caring" Romney answers?
And how do we handle his campaign's denial after each response?
He's toast.
ldo
These are only a reflection of your guilability... I can go find a Republican acting like an idiot just as quickly.
I don't live in any of the above mentioned states but the debates sound like they are going to be so interesting! For those of you that do, please let us all know how they turn out! Might be worth a drive to Nevada later today .. .that one looks to be intense!
Obama/Biden 2012
" In their first match-up, on Aug. 25, both accused the other of cow-tailing to partisan interests while championing themselves as a bridge builder.'
I think you meant "kowtowing". According to dictionary.com, "cowtail" is defined as"
cow·tail
[kou-teyl] (noun )
"a coarse wool of poor quality. "
Either that, or the Demon Sheep are back! :)
Sad day when a journalist doesn't know the difference between cow tail and kowtowing. Just another example of our wonderful educational system or is it just that he misspoke.
Maybe they are using some sort of "speak" program for their computers. I have an i-phone with microphone and it frequently gives me a wrong word. If the word is spelled correctly, even if not the right word, spell check will not correct it! That being said--doesn't anyone ever read proof anymore?
"We have met the enemy and he is us!" Pogo by Walt Kelly
Fixed now, I missed that, but very funny!
Is "cow-tailing" anything like "cow-tipping"?
'Cause I won't vote for anyone who goes around tipping poor little defenseless heifers.....
Thanks JoAnne, I needed that.
Gotta tell you, it's late on Friday night, I'm tired and I won't tell you what I'm smoking but what you said made me laugh out loud.........
Here are great debate topics America. Why does the GOP/RNC want to destroy the Office Of The Presidency? Why are the GOP/RNC Senators following the Tax Pledge of "Goofy Grover?" What happened to their Pledges to the US Constitution, the US Declaration Of Independence, and the US Bill Of Rights? Why are the members of the "Mickey Mouse Mitch McConnell Club" political obstrucionists? Why are the members of the "Insane McCain Clan" trying to use the poltics of destruction on our nation? Has the GOP/RNC tactics equal to TREASON against our nation? Why is the GOP/RNC "Hoollum's On The Hill" in step politically, economically, socially, and culturally with the GOP/RNC Senate?
I think it is time for Obama to try and expand the map and run ads in MO, AZ, MT, and IN with the express interest of getting Democratic senate candidates in those states elected. Who know, if Willard continues to implode, he might actually carry one or more of those states.
Let's hope, especially if Obama is reelected which appears likely, that the Republicans take control of the Senate even if only by one or two votes. At least maybe we could get a Budget passed and most of the appropriations bills written and passed.
If the Democrats retail control of the Senate we will still see gridlock in Washington. We saw how Clinton moved toward the right after Democrats lost control of Congress in 95.
We can not continue to run the government on "continuing resolutions" and no appropriations bills. Harry Reid has proven to be the biggest road block and has become the most ineffective Senate leader in history.
I agree that Harry Reid is the worst majority leader in modern history. However, John Boehner has been equally ineffective in trying to get his caucus on board.
Thus, I don't believe a Republican Congress and a Democratic president will be the recipe for getting things done. We will get at least two and probably four more years of the same. Obama has made many efforts to compromise, but they have gotten him nowhere because the Tea Party Republicans believe compromise is defined as "Do it our way or not at all." At least Republicans in the 1990's were somewhat reasonable when it came to policy--once they got the budget showdown behind them.
Obama compromise? What a joke. I suppose his "I won" statement is compromise?
sfcret really? Harry Reid has proven to be the biggest road block?
You're just too funny... What you're doing is called transferrence. Get some help...
Chip - Maybe you need some help, where is the Budget Resolution from the Senate? There hasn't been one for three years. The House has past and sent to the Senate over 20 jobs bills yet Harry Reid has not allowed the Senate to vote on them. He puts Obama's Budget Request up for a vote and it is voted down 99 - 0, not even one democrat voted for it.
Now you tell me what has Harry Reid accomplished as Senate Leader?
You're the one that needs a help... Check out the filibuster record in Congress over the last four years and tell us who's wearing the belt.
Gimme a break.. They're nothing but self-proclaimed obstructionists and their latest victims are the farm bill and the vets jobs bill.
They're disgusting and could care less about the country but would lie and die for that ridiculous low-life party.
Harry Reid got the Healthcare Reform Act passed, something no other Majority Leader ever accomplished. He did that, despite the fact that he knew it might cost him re-election, an act of great political courage.
As far as being a roadblock, he does represent the majority in the Senate, and they should have the right to decide what bills they will consider. I notice that none of the right wingers objected when the Democratic conrolled House sent 127 bills to the Senate and Mitch McConnell (representing barely 40% of the membership) prevented them from even being discussed. Double standard.. or just plain hypocrisy; take your pick.
Chip - Typical lefty response, you didn't answer one thing that I mentioned. Your reply was nothing but left wing talking points. The Budget can not be filibustered, but yet the Senate can't even propose a Budget with a majority.
As for the two bills you referred to, you do even know what's in them? There are currently about 8 programs pertaining to veterans and numerous ones for farmers. These bills requested by Obama are nothing but political. BTW, how are they supposed to be paid for?
Reality has a Liberal Bias. GET REAL.
sfcret;
Both houses have passed appropriations bills. That is how the U.S. keeps running.
sfcret
The Farm Bill is a continuing bill that is voted on every 2 years (the original was every 5 years).
Sfcret,
Looks like Chip has disappeared. LOL
Mitt your lying, lies,Lies of the GOP & Paul Ryan TeaWackers, Mitt R. Bain, Citizens United and all the Alec corps : that pays off the RepublicanPUKES Politicians. Its all about the Wealthy getting richer and the middle class getting poorer.....They don't want to help the poor...Who are the one's that leach off the taxpayer. The Wealthy: they get welfare both for themselves an for the Corps. ...But it seems that the Wealthy get away with it ..They steal billions and the few poor steals a few thousands. So what does the GOP want, is Screw the MIddle Class to get even with the few. As I say its the me me me and F everyone else.... The failures of the Republicans party trying to take away SS & Medicare & Health care for Woman so they can give their wealthy Blackmailers more money...To hell with the Poor and Needy. Let them freeze in the winter and stave the Old and Babies,let them die from bad water, do away with the EPA and thats what you'll have, just like all you Tea baggers want...You make me sick with your Me Me Me altitude. Greedy and you all call yourself a REAL Christians, Mormans. What a laugh: Wake up...Sounds like Mitt!!!!!!Fuss up your tax Return: Stop your lieing RYAN:
Damn Jobo, leave a couple of epithets for the rest of us!
Some one have to explain if this info IS REAL?
What information are you concerned about? Most, not all of what you see from the left and center is likely the truth but what you see from the right, especially the far right (teaparty) is likely lies, bald faced lies. I hope that helps but without specifics one can't really answer your question.
Lucy: Just listem and you shall learn the truth what the Republican and Tea party is all about..The wealthyer get Wealthy and the poor get pooer...trust your instinct?
Romney isn't the only problem. His rotten attitude towards the middle class, the poor, non-whites, and females permeates the Republican party from top to bottom. The whole Republican organization has but one overriding goal, and that is to return America to the ways and means of the 1890's.
Actually, the republicans are on a mission to rebuild/expand "white" America or more accurately, rich white America.
One has a Democratic right to protect and defend 'Socialism', the other 'Plutocracy'. One thing they both have in common is their support of 'Corporate Fascism'. That's the greatness of 'Democracy'. You would never have caught Josef Stalin debating Adolph Hitler in their day.
FYI: Our Forefathers specifically avoided creating a 'Democracy', they knew the dangerous pitfalls and dangers inherent within that form of government. That's why they created a 'Republic'.
Contrary to what most have been brainwashed to believe... 'The word 'Democracy' in any form ' DOES NOT appear in the 'Constitution of the Republic of the United States of America', nor in the 'Bill of Rights'.'
We barely avoided a monarchy. If George Washington hadn't turned it down, we would have a king right now. Probably some inbred rich white dude.
The Democracy is in the form of "in order to create a more perfect union, we the people" which the people empowered a government. That is a democratic form of government. We are a republic because we elect persons to represent us (we the people). Some would argue the U.S. is a democratic republic.
It's time to rid this stale and inept Congress and vote in sincere, younger folks who better realize the priorities in this country and especially those who want to make a difference.
The Constitution should be amended to limit Congress and the Supreme Court to eight years service. The two party system and the Electoral College should be abolished. Special interest groups and lobbyists shall not be permitted and made unlawful. Anyone over 55 should not be allowed to serve in politics. A few major items...........more to consider, I'm sure. Just a thought.
Yeah, vote in some inexperienced young politicians and expect them to fend off the temptations put before them by rich corporations and donors.
I'd agree with 2 terms House, 2 Senate. Maybe we should limit the President to 1 six year term and eliminate all this re-election BS. No one over 55? Sorry, most people don't even have a clue until they are 30, they just think they do.
I believe this year, the democrats are going to do what the republicans did in 2010!
It looks pretty much like the left can sweep this election and THAT would be a great thing!!!!!!
Since the right has obstructed any and every thing that would have helped the american people for the last four years, it's time to get them OUT!!!!
Maybe if they leaders of the right see that we are not stupid, and we will not be lied to, and we will not be brain-washed by their rich masters, maybe they will finally get their sh*t together, kick out all the radicals and extremists, and maybe then they will have a chance in 2016,,,unfortunately I don't see that happening, since they are so filled with hate and cater to their very small base and very rich masters, that I truly believe the GOP is now a defunct party!!!!
Don't get your hopes up too much. Once the left takes over both houses it tends to include voices from across the political spectrum in decision making. That is why it was so hard to pass a national healthcare plan. The obstructionists were part of the process from Eisenhower to President Obama.
In Romney they have another tool they can use and what they want has nothing to do with average or even well-to-do Americans. Romney is willingly being used.
Romney really is another disaster, the blank slate billionaires and corporations need to perform their checklist.
McCaskill will win Missouri, she has always back Seniors, she has been a good Senator, and after the idiot talks about the rape charge, the man is an idiot. Go Claire, we will vote for you. keep it going.
Its just a hunch ~ but with the way Romney AND Ryan have sullied the Republican brand over the past two months I don't see Republicans keeping the House, much less winning the Senate. At play here is the congressional stagnation that every voter has seen for the past four years. A split congress will continue that paralysis and most know this as fact. Additionally, the Tea
PottyParty's grandiose promises in 2010 will be compared to their production and that places many of those seats in jeopardy. Its a crap shoot ~ but with an approval rating of just below 12%, I doubt that any House incumbent sleeps well at night, especially in the Republican caucus.don't be so quick to jump to your conclusions, the press is watering down the true facts as usual. Romney can test obama's character big time. mainly because obama is flying under a false flag.
But of course. When the "facts" don't back up your ideology, they are "watered down." When polling doesn't favor your candidate, they are "skewed." When Democrats win the 2012 election, it will be voter fraud, ballot manipulation, blatant cheating, rigged counting process ~ ~ ~ you get the picture. Always an excuse.
Reality has a liberal bias. Is that what you're comlaining about 11?
I'm glad my state of Oregon has no Senate race this year. The last one we had we DUMPED the only TEApublican we had. Now, we have two Democrats who work TOGETHER for our STATE and NATION! To vote for the FAILED GOP is One Foolish Idea!
Watch some GOP LOON attack with more LIES, DISTORTIONS, DEFLECTIONS and INSULTS. They do it so well!
Given, two more weeks, the Republican Super-PAC's will be moving all their support from Team Romney/Ryan, trying their endeavor best to laser in on both Senate & House contest. Romney's ship is taking in too much water, consequently, Republicans are scrambling for both life-jackets and boats.
If Romney sinks the party, it won't be saved by down-ballot races. Its far too late to shift opinions three weeks and no abandonment will be evidenced until after the first debate. If Romney scores well, it won't happen then. For all practical purposes, the 2012 ballot outcome is already decided. Oh, there is potential for a "blow up" here and there but not across the full spectrum. I'd suspect that the bulk of ballots cast will be "straight party" voting and that does not bode well for the party trailing in the presidential race.
Jim you are probably right in many states, but I live in a state where the presidential race will definitely go to Obama, but the senate race is a dead heat. It may have something to do with the fact that so far all the 2 candidates have done is spent time skewering each other, and neither has talked one bit about what he/she has to offer ... looking forward to the senatorial debates in my state!
I saw bloggers talk about progressives implying that was bad. Here's a quote from Republican president Dwight David Eisenhower who earlier commanded the D-Day invasion in Europe taken from Wikipedia.
As the 1954 congressional elections approached, and it became evident that the Republicans were in danger of losing their thin majority in both houses, Eisenhower was among those blaming the Old Guard for the losses, and took up the charge to stop suspected efforts by the right wing to take control of the GOP. Ike then articulated his position as a moderate, progressive Republican: "I have just one purpose...and that is to build up a strong progressive Republican Party in this country. If the right wing wants a fight, they are going to get it...before I end up, either this Republican Party will reflect progressivism or I won't be with them anymore."[105]
If Republicans were smart, they would be putting all their money and effort into the senate races, as with their weak presidential candidate, the presidency is most likely lost.
I'm glad government has replaced our 'Republic' with a Democracy. Where else can you see a debate between 'Socialism' and 'Corporate Fascism' in a 'Plutocratic' environment. Truly an example of how well it works!
A similar debate between Stalin and Hitler about who should run the World would have been one giant step towards Democracy.
FYI: ANY form of the word 'Democracy' is intentionally absent in the 'Constitution of the Republic of the United States of America', and the 'Bill of Rights'. Do you have any idea why?
Domoingo, the United States is indeed a Republic because the Founding fathers were fearful of a Democracy. By popular usage the word, 'democracy' has come to mean a form of government in which the government derives its power from the people and is accountable to them for the use of that power. In that sense the United States might accurately be called a Democracy.
Actually given the times a real democracy would have been unworkable. Can you imagine trying to pass laws voted on by a populace covering the area of the original US? Can you imagine the time it would take to get anything done? We would still be voting on the Bill of Rights.
Oh, and the literacy rate of the populace at that Ike is something I have never researched. I can't imagine that it was particularly high though. At least in the outlying areas.
Domingo
No, I don't know your answer. Thats something ive never run across. Care to explain? Thanks
The Constitution has a passage "in order to create a more perfect union, we the people" which states that we the people empower a government (a democracy). We also have elected people that represent us (republic). Some argue the U.S. is a democratic republic (which it is).
Maybe it is time to lean back and look at just where we are at and what could
easily happen in the future if all this hateful and nasty dialogue continues.
Without respect for each other or a compromise of views there can only be one
outcome. As a friend of mine has been saying now for the last 5 or 6 months
America is rushing headlong towards another Civil War only this time it will be
the 99% against the Republicans and their 1% masters. Stop and think hard and
long about what a war would mean to our nation. Democrats and Republicans alike
should remember that it would NOT be just you on the firing line but also your
wives, children and grandchildren. The first Civil War cost the lives of over
500,000 Americans but such a war today would likely far surpass that number. Is
their what you REALLY want just because of politics? Just because you cannot be
civil to one another or agree to compromise for the good of the nation? Think I
am wrong? Just think back over the last 4 years of the hate and vile coming from
both sides. There may still be time to avoid another Civil War, but the posts I
have read above and on other comment pages does not give me a lot of hope
for our future.
It's politics. Get over it.