Control of the Senate....

[LovetoGiveRoses]

Who will control the senate after the November vote? The traditional pattern is that the party that controls the White House looses seats. Will that happen this time?

Allegations Against Torricelli Called 'Credible'

By Dale Russakoff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 27, 2002; Page A08

NEWARK, Sept. 26 -- With the Democratic Party's slim Senate majority resting heavily on the reelection campaign of Sen. Robert G. Torricelli (D-N.J.), a U.S. district judge unsealed a Justice Department document today in which federal prosecutors said they found "credible" the allegations of a now-imprisoned businessman who said he gave the senator tens of thousands of dollars in cash and illegal gifts.

But the document also said that the government decided not to prosecute Torricelli because the businessman, David Chang, had "serious credibility problems that would have completely undermined Chang's testimony before the jury."

Chang pleaded guilty in 2000 to making $53,700 in illegal political contributions to Torricelli's 1996 Senate campaign. The document was a letter to Chang's sentencing judge -- Alfred M. Wolin, of the federal district court in Newark -- outlining the ways in which he assisted the government's investigation of Torricelli and of a former State Department official who pleaded guilty to taking gifts from Chang in return for official favors.

Torricelli had fought in court to keep the letter sealed, and said in a conference call with reporters that its contents prove what he has said all along: "David Chang is a liar." Torricelli said the letter detailed a pattern of "fraudulent and deceptive conduct" by Chang, and said Chang "had difficulty accepting responsibility for his own conduct."

After three years of investigating Torricelli's financial dealings, the Justice Department last January announced it would not file charges against him. But the department referred the case to the Senate ethics committee, which in July "severely admonished" the prominent Democrat. It found that he had broken Senate rules "and related statutes" by accepting a 52-inch television, a CD player and other gifts from Chang.

Ever since, polls have shown Torricelli losing support. He is now in a statistical dead heat with little-known Republican challenger Doug Forrester, who is receiving warm support from national Republicans. President Bush campaigned with Forrester in Trenton on Monday; today, Education Secretary Roderick R. Paige was in town.

Forrester has made Torricelli's integrity his main issue, and has adopted the slogan, "Help is on the way." Forrester said the prosecutors' letter "destroys what was left of Mr. Torricelli's credibility in this matter."

Also tonight, WNBC-TV, the local NBC affiliate, ran a heavily promoted jailhouse interview with Chang saying that he gave Torricelli the equivalent of $150,000 in cash and gifts in return for official favors. The report included photographs of receipts for gifts Chang said he gave to Torricelli -- a $1,590 Persian rug and $4,600 in antique bronze statues. It also displayed nine canceled checks that Chang had written to "cash."

Chang said he had delivered an envelope containing $25,000 in cash to Torricelli at his home. "Whenever he needs money, he called me," Chang said in the WNBC interview.

The government letter said that Chang led prosecutors to "substantial corroborating evidence, including documentary evidence" of his allegations against Torricelli. But the case rested so heavily on Chang's word that his lack of credibility would doom any prosecution, the letter said.

Torricelli emphasized that proof that Chang cashed checks or bought gifts does not prove that he gave them to Torricelli. He said the WNBC report amounted to "a rehash solely for the purpose of inflicting political damage."

 

[SINthysist]

The widow Carnahan is in trouble too. It seems the Republicans have successfully nationalized the elections (with the help of the Dems WHO SERIOUSLY NEED SOME NEW LEADERSHIP) and that plays to their strength.

 

[Meltzer]

who cares, they'll still be fighting amoungst themselves while the real enemy quietly waits in the shadows for America's self-destruction.

 

[SINthysist]

No, the Democrats do it right out in the open...

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

LOL.

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

Washington Post.

GOP Claims Gains in Voting Tuesday
Strategists Say N.H., N.C. Candidates Strengthen Bid for Senate Majority

By David S. Broder
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, September 12, 2002; Page A05


Republicans said yesterday they had strengthened their prospects in New Hampshire and North Carolina races critical to their chances of regaining a Senate majority, after a busy day of primaries Tuesday that bolstered Democratic hopes of adding to their store of governors.

The healthy majorities achieved by former Cabinet member and Red Cross president Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina and Rep. John E. Sununu (R) in New Hampshire encouraged GOP strategists here about their chances of retaining seats they almost certainly must keep to have any chance of overturning the Democrats' one-vote margin in the Senate.

But Democrats noted that they have well-financed candidates in both races: retiring New Hampshire Gov. Jeanne Shaheen against Sununu and former White House chief of staff Erskine B. Bowles against Dole. And they said the outlook for gubernatorial races in Arizona and Wisconsin were brighter than ever after Tuesday's round of primaries in 12 states and the District of Columbia.

High-spending, competitive races are likely in New Hampshire and North Carolina this fall, as well as in Minnesota, where Sen. Paul D. Wellstone (D) and his challenger, former St. Paul mayor Norm Coleman (R), faced no opposition in their primaries.

Sununu pulled off the most notable victory Tuesday by outpolling previously undefeated Sen. Robert C. Smith (R) by a surprising 9-point margin. Shaheen was unopposed on the Democratic side.

The three-term representative, who celebrated his 38th birthday on primary day, received back-channel help from the White House and some GOP senators, worried that Smith could not fend off Shaheen's challenge this fall. The senator had incurred the enmity of some party leaders by bolting the GOP to run for president in 2000 as an independent, a decision he quickly recanted.

Speaking privately yesterday, one GOP Senate strategist said, "Sununu exploited the same Smith weaknesses Shaheen would have. With those issues out of the way, we have a much better chance of keeping the seat. It will still be a fight."

In North Carolina, where Sen. Jesse Helms (R) is retiring, recruiting Dole for the race -- with open encouragement from the White House -- gave the GOP a candidate whose name identification the Democrats could only envy. Dole faced "carpetbagger" charges as a long-time absentee, but worked the party grass roots well enough to win 80 percent of the vote against six opponents, only one of whom had enough personal funds to mount a visible effort.

Attorney Jim Snyder (R), who attracted 14 percent of the vote, called Dole's embrace of antiabortion and pro-gun positions opportunistic, but party officials said she had done an effective job of solidifying the "Jessecrat" conservative base and was well-positioned for Bowles's challenge.

In his first campaign, the Charlotte investment banker and onetime Clinton official won 43 percent of the vote, with former state House speaker Dan Blue getting 28 percent and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall 15 percent. Marshall, who had peppered Bowles with criticism for his support of liberal trade policies in the Clinton administration, immediately endorsed and appeared with him. Blue made no formal commitment, but indicated he would come aboard as soon as the two men meet. Blue, an African American, received a large share of the black vote Tuesday and his blessing would be important to Bowles.

Dole seized the initiative in the general election campaign by suggesting that she and Bowles run no ads but instead finance televised joint policy discussions. Bowles rejected that offer, but said he was ready to meet Dole this week to negotiate a set of debates and guidelines that would bar any personal, negative ads.

On the gubernatorial front, Democrats welcomed the Arizona lineup, which pits state Attorney General Janet Napolitano (D) against ex-representative Matt Salmon (R), who defeated two more moderate female opponents in the primary to succeed term-limited Gov. Jane Hull (R). Democrats said Napolitano is well-positioned to compete for Republican women's votes. But the presence of independent candidate Richard Mahoney, a former Democratic secretary of state, could hurt her chances.

In Wisconsin, Gov. Scott McCallum (R), who succeeded to the job when Tommy G. Thompson joined the Bush Cabinet, easily negotiated the first step to election, swamping two unknown challengers with 86 percent of the vote. But he is an early underdog against Attorney General Jim Doyle (D), winner of a close three-way primary over Rep. Thomas M. Barrett and Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

In Rhode Island, Myrth York (D), loser of two previous gubernatorial bids, barely defeated state Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse (D) and will face GOP businessman Donald L. Carcieri in the race to succeed retiring Gov. Lincoln Almond (R). The state is overwhelmingly Democratic, but Republicans believe they have a chance of staying in power.

The race to succeed Shaheen in New Hampshire may also tilt Republican. Businessman Craig Benson (R), who broke spending records with an investment of $9 million in personal funds, won the bitter GOP primary, while Democrats picked state Sen. Mark Fernald (D), who earlier had challenged Shaheen for renomination and is best-known for his advocacy of a state income tax.

Minnesota will have its expected three-way race for governor. State House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R), state Sen. Majority Leader Roger Moe (D) and former Democratic representative Tim Penny, now carrying the standard of retiring Gov. Jesse Ventura's Independence Party, all easily brushed aside nominal primary opposition.

Most of the drama in the New York primary disappeared when former Clinton Cabinet member Andrew Cuomo (D) withdrew, leaving state Comptroller H. Carl McCall (D) unopposed in his challenge to Gov. George E. Pataki (R). Pataki, however, was unable to deny the nomination of the Independence Party to Tom Golisano, who dipped into his substantial fortune to attack the governor from the conservative flank. Despite this turn of events, Pataki is regarded as a solid favorite.

In House primaries, highly regarded Democrats were upset by lesser known candidates in a North Carolina district held by embattled Rep. Robin Hayes (R) and in an new, open district in Arizona, with both developments being welcomed by Republicans trying to stave off the six-seat Democratic gain that would shift control of the House from the GOP.

 

[SINthysist]

I think Republicans are vitalized more than Democrats because they want to fight for a safe America. Democrats are confused and demoralized split between the Peace-at-all-costs movement and the Blue Collar Worker who wants to see someone punished. The white collar worker sees the conservatives as advancing their issues, and the sudden collapse of the ecomomy and loss of wealth has them questioning both sides, but favoring Republicans at the moment knowing business must be made strong again for them to have jobs. IMHO, the Democrats have the longer row to hoe in this election cycle.

 

[A Desert Rose]

Democrats are confused and demoralized split between the Peace-at-all-costs movement and the Blue Collar Worker who wants to see someone punished.

I think you are basically correct. The Democrats seem to be floundering this election cycle.

I cannot add much to your post. It seems to be on the mark.

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

Demographics seems to favor the democrats. Is this going to be a factor?

 

[celiaKitten]

I think Republicans are vitalized more than Democrats because they want to fight for a safe America. Democrats are confused and demoralized split between the Peace-at-all-costs movement and the Blue Collar Worker who wants to see someone punished. The white collar worker sees the conservatives as advancing their issues, and the sudden collapse of the ecomomy and loss of wealth has them questioning both sides, but favoring Republicans at the moment knowing business must be made strong again for them to have jobs. IMHO, the Democrats have the longer row to hoe in this election cycle.

Or, perhaps Dems are looking to use war as a last resort .. to be used after all other alternative have been looked at.

Rushing headfirst into a war isn't exactly a smart thing to do either .. and that seems to be what Bush wants.

 

[SINthysist]

I dunno ck, just how patient does one get?

At some point inaction goads action.

The radical element of this region, and pretty much no other, has for the last 30+ years hijacked, kidnapped, extorted, bombed, and assasinated while we have been patient. Each, new angle that they come up with has been an escalation of tactics, designed to garner more attention and create more fear.

America loves heroes. America wants heroes. We want to feel safe again and those whom appear to stand in the way of that will face the wrath of the American electorate. As Cynthia McKinney!

 

[A Desert Rose]

Cynthia McKinney!

There is a whole new thread topic for you.

 

[SINthysist]

And if we are rushing headlong, how come no one's dying yet?

Bush has gone, begging hat in hand to everyone whose damanded he come account for himself.

Still doing it.

Blair believes. Now that the German election is over, guess who else will quietly be on board?

 

[SINthysist]

Agreed.

 

[REDWAVE]

Well . . .

Well, it doesn't happen opften, but I do agree with SINthysist about one thing. The Dems seriously need some new leadership. Daschle and Gephart are pathetic, and are failing to mount any real opposition to Bush and his fascist drive. Gore is a phony preppy elitist who occasionally postures to the left when he thinks he'll gain from it politically. Long term demographic trends do favor the Democrats-- but in this election, they're not doing so well, even though Bush and the Republicans were very vulnerable, especially on the economy.

But the war distraction has trumped that.

 

[SINthysist]

Everyone assume in the long-term demographics that the party will not split between the radical social elements and the union workers, who will become more white collar and more middle class as we loose traditional jobs and the blue-collar Dems wake up and go, what the fawk...?

As the social pendulum swings back to the right, the Dems will have to split or play catch-up because you can't pander to everyone once the boom years are over.

 

[Weevil]

Everyone assume in the long-term demographics that the party will not split between the radical social elements and the union workers, who will become more white collar and more middle class as we loose traditional jobs and the blue-collar Dems wake up and go, what the fawk...?

As the social pendulum swings back to the right, the Dems will have to split or play catch-up because you can't pander to everyone once the boom years are over.

Hey, if the Dems win more seats in Senate and take the house, will steam shoot out of your ears?

 

[SINthysist]

No, I'll continue exactly as now, as I did before when they were in control.

But it won't happen in the house.

May not hapen in the Senate.

Especially when the coalition comes together, the markets going up, energized conservatives tired of throwing their vote at third parties and electing Clintons coupled with discouraged Dems on the fringes tired of throwing thier vote at the Democrats and electing Clintons...

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

The immigrant/Spanish vote is increasing dramatically (and doing a lot of great things for this country). Will this be a factor? Will it favor Democrats or Republicans? Will it be a "hinge" vote?

 

[Weevil]

No, I'll continue exactly as now, as I did before when they were in control.

But it won't happen in the house.

May not hapen in the Senate.

Especially when the coalition comes together, the markets going up, energized conservatives tired of throwing their vote at third parties and electing Clintons coupled with discouraged Dems on the fringes tired of throwing thier vote at the Democrats and electing Clintons...

If Dems don't get tired of electing Kennedys why would they get tired of Clintons after just two?

Who knows what could happen? It'll be a long month.

 

[LovetoGiveRoses]

If Dems don't get tired of electing Kennedys why would they get tired of Clintons after just two?

Who knows what could happen? It'll be a long month.

I agree. There's lots of factors up in the air. It could be a very long month.

 

[Guest]

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[70/30]

With GWB campaigning full time(immediately after an extended vacation) it is no surprise you are hearing more about the CONs. What's the total now, 130mil? It'll be interesting, especially since Rove and Card readily admit their politicking tactics. GWB was extra quick about declaring 9 counties in Texas as national disaster areas from Isidore. That tells me he is marginally frightened the latinos will come out in droves for Sanchez and Kirk.
The Dems are stalling enough on the Iraq invasion, the saturation is causing people to ease in. Sure DEMs want issues brought up, especially considering the upcoming Supreme Court nominations. No worry for me, if the USA gets 2 or 3 more Thomas', I'll just move to the PAC WEST and blend in with their splinter republic.

 

[Guest]

Thats discrimination, that puts repubs at a disadvantage, I don't think they know how to argue without C&P, they'd have to actually write things in their own words, or name call.

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[LovetoGiveRoses]

It cuts down on the quoting out of context problem. I like reading, so it really doesn't bother me much. However, I guess I can only use exerpts.