Majority belongs to McConnell

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By Jake Lee

Despite the presence of Hillary Clinton and tens of millions of dollars spent against him, Senator Mitch McConnell beat Alison Lundergan Grimes 56-41 percent.

The 2014 Kentucky Senate race was fierce from the beginning of the primaries to the end on November 4^th. McConnell’s low approval in the state gave democrats an opportunity to find a candidate that could expose the 30 year Senator of his “failed leadership”

For a while, Grimes made McConnell and the GOP nervous. She received a lot of money from donors in and outside of the state and had super pacs backing her. From her negative ads to signs at her rallies that said “Ditch Mitch” and “I challenge Mitch”, Grimes’ campaign threw the kitchen sink at Mitch McConnell.

Fancy Farm Picnic

The first important event that really began the race was the Fancy Farm Picnic. At the event, Grimes and McConnell supporters showed up to hear the two candidates and other surrogates like Rand Paul give speeches.

McConnell Pulling Away

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By Jake Lee

With two days to go until Election Day, it looks like Senator Mitch McConnell will hold on for another term. The three latest polls released in the race have McConnell up by 9, 8 and 5 points, which is all outside the margin of error.

McConnell has run a spectacular ground game this election cycle. His campaign claims that 1 million doors have been knocked, 200,000 in the last week, and that his campaign has made 2.3 million voter contact calls. Those numbers are huge when you consider that the state of Kentucky has less than 5 million people in the state.

Despite these great numbers from the McConnell campaign, there is still momentum on the side of Alison Grimes.

A chuck Norris Endorsement and Obama Protege

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By: Victoria Bakey

Yes, the rumors are true.

“Chuck Norris doesn’t campaign with Greg Abbott,” stated Abbott’s spokesman Avdiel Huerta. “Greg Abbott campaigns with Chuck Norris.”

This is not Norris’ first go around in the political scene.  ABC news reports Norris endorsed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for president in 2012.

Chuck Norris endorsed Greg Abbott, as the best choice to lead the state.  Not only did he endorse the Republican candidate, but he will be joining Abbott on his stops in Corpus Christi and San Antonio, as he continues to encourage people to get out and vote.

Norris implied to Texans that President Obama has already depicted what weak leadership does to a country.  He encourages voters to not make the same mistake in Texas, and choose the candidate with the best, credible experience and leadership

The quick event, with the 74 year old, martial arts expert, attracted over 200 people to Casa Rio Restaurant on the Riverwalk.  It was Abbott’s second campaign stop of the day, which is part of his 24 city, “Get Out the Vote” tour.

Standing next to Norris, Abbott reminded voters that he has filed thirty lawsuits against President Obama, and managed to link him to his opponent Wendy Davis (D).  Abbott was not the only one associating Davis with Obama.  The Republican Party of Texas chairman Steve Munisteri, labeled Davis as Obama’s “protege.”

With some education protesters outside the event, Abbott reminded the public that he wants to restructure education, by focusing on pre-K through 3rd grade.  This will build a “solid foundation” for all the students of Texas.

As for Davis, today, she finally said she would welcome President Barack Obama campaigning her in Texas.  She has really kept her distance from him throughout this brutal campaign for governor.  Politico stated that because she is trailing by double digits in some polls, “Davis is no longer so cautiously staying at arm’s length from Obama, who has gloomy approval ratings in Texas but still packs the ability to boost turnout among Democratic voters.”

Davis claimed she would be honored to have Obama, as well as the Clinton’s support.  However, she said she hasn’t “invited” Obama yet, and there is no indication that he will come to her on the trail between now and election day.  Although, she has discussed the voter ID laws and supreme court decision with Mr. President.  Politico said that Davis claims, “I’ve never backed away from President Obama.”

It is statements like that, that invites Abbott to continue to link Davis with the White House.  Abbott states, “My opponent has embraced the Barack Obama, big-government liberalism that has hijacked states like California and Massachusetts, and now they’re trying to impose on Texas.”

It will be interesting to see in these last two weeks if Obama will make Davis one of his dozens of gubernatorial candidate visits during the midterm campaign.  Will this be the last famous endorser for Abbott? Stay tuned.

Ebola and the Governors Race in Connecticut

By: Lauren Brown

In a campaign one of the most important tools an incumbent can use are his endorsements. Typically, you try to use them in the beginning of the race to discourage other candidates from wanting to run. But sometimes it can be useful to save your endorsements for later in the race when you need a little extra something to capture the attention of your constituents. In Connecticut a typically (but not always blue state), President Obama’s name is not as disregarded as it may be in other red leaning states. Governor Dan Malloy has been endorsed by President Obama and was scheduled to have a rally with him this past week.

But this all came to a halt when the Ebola virus reportedly claimed another health care worker in Texas.

Many people, especially Republicans have slammed the President for not taking this threat serious enough and for not acting quickly to stop the virus from spreading from West Africa. In an effort to prove that he does in fact take this seriously he was forced to cancel a campaign endorsement appearance in Connecticut and New Jersey. In a race as close as this one, especially where it has been reported that the governor is trailing, this appearance could be crucial to his success.

Obama’s people have said that he will still be making his trip to Connecticut sometime before the election. It will be interesting to see if the polls are affected by the Presidents appearance with the governor.

Newspaper Endorsement

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By: Victoria Bakey

Endorsement alert. 16 days, 6 hours and 12 minutes until midterm elections.  Sweet 16, and a sweet endorsement.  Local Dallas News released on October 16th that they will be endorsing, Republican gubernatorial candidate, Greg Abbott, in the 2014 race.

The tasteful, and interesting editorial released by the Morning News gives positive weight to both candidates, Abbott and Davis, noting that both have earned the citizen’s of Texas respect.  The newspaper claims that when “weighing” the issues, “Abbott tips the balance as the candidate most capable of sustaining the state’s economic success and holding in check growing extremism in the state GOP.”  Local Dallas News predicts that Davis would be likely to experience extensive ideological battles, if elected, throughout her term.  Abbott has the best chance to make progress in Texas legislation.

Local Dallas News acknowledges Davis’ brutal fight, but states that Texas cannot afford to provoke the “partisan stalemate” that her victory would bring.  However, the Texas Observer thinks this reason for endorsement is alarming in it of itself.

The Observer compared this election to President Obama’s in 2008; upon elections, the GOP refused to cooperate with anything the President wanted.  An even worse and frightening accusation and prediction lies in the Dallas Morning News endorsement; Davis’ surrender to the GOP.  The Observer claims, “that the conservative Legislature seizes the levers of state government and goes to war against Davis, refuses to budge on any issue, refuses to put together a budget, refuses to consider new and important legislation, until its demands are met and Davis effectively surrenders.”  The fear of the Observer, lies in the continuance of Republican power and representation in the state of Texas.

Texas has been a red state for decades.  The Observer worries, in a more general sense, of how “purified” and “partisan-polarized” the state has become, making it impossible to get anything done (despite who has the governor’s mansion).

Despite the worry of political polarization, Local Dallas News believes that Texas’ economic growth, “is the envy of the nation,” leaving Abbott to be the best candidate, and most capable to inspire business confidence.  Although supportive of the GOP candidate, the newspaper does acknowledge their offense by Abbott’s, “handling of hazardous-chemical reporting requirements after the West disaster. Both cases suggest a need to refocus on public safety and transparency.”

Most interesting for citizens of Texas will be recognizing that the nature of Texas politics is changing, and therefore the GOP must not take voters for granted.  The Texas Lyceum Poll, had listed Abbott ahead by only +9 earlier this month.  Real Clear Politics, currently has Abbott ahead by +11.3, to date.  The fluctuation of numbers and issues, should cause the GOP to refer to this race in the future.  Wendy Davis has made a statement in this race.

Local Dallas News says it eloquently; “Davis has breathed life into the Democratic Party.”

Kentucky Candidates Collide

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By Jake Lee

On Monday night, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Grimes sparred in the one and only debate for the Kentucky Senate.

Both candidates held their own and avoided big mistakes and gaffes. Grimes was on the offensive and attacked McConnell over issues like the minimum wage and support from the Koch Brothers. McConnell held his own and talked about his leadership skills in the Senate and even mentioned that he was voted hardest-working Senate member by Capitol Hill staffers.

The most controversial question that has been hovering around the Kentucky media is, “Did Alison Grimes vote for Barack Obama?” She claims that, “Every Kentuckian has the right for privacy at the ballot box.”

She has a point but she did not hesitate to say that she voted for Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary. She is afraid to answer whether or not she voted for Obama and claims to be a Clinton democrat through and through.

McConnell has responded at this claim with attack ads. In one of the ads NBC’s Chuck Todd is quoted and said, “I think she disqualified herself,” pointing out that Kentuckians deserve to know whether or not she voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012. It is a simple question that has now turned into a campaign distraction for Grimes.

Newest Poll Shows Ernst Ahead

By Sophia Sellars

In an October poll released by NBC News, Ernst is up by 2 points. Although this is a smaller lead than she had right after the debate a week and a day ago, her strength as the leading candidate remains.

When you break down the polling questions and results, it is obvious that the race is still very tight. Overall polling numbers between the two candidates have remained very close. The next two debates will have a great influence on the outcome of the upcoming Iowa Senate election.

One of the first questions asks about the approval of President Obama. 50% of registered Iowan voters disapprove of Obama, while only 40% approve. The other 10% are unsure of their feelings towards the President. The disapproval trend Obama is facing is having a great effect on the Democratic candidates running in the midterm election.

Braley attempted to distance himself from the President in the debate on the 28th, stating that he is “not going to owe President Obama anything on Election Day.” Perhaps this statement provided some voters with assurance of Braley’s intentions, but regardless, Braley is still behind in the polls.

46% of likely voters stated in the poll that they would vote for Ernst if the election was that day. 44% of likely Iowan voters chose Braley. 9% of likely voters remain undecided. These are the people that Braley and Ernst need to reach. The candidates have two debates and 27 days to persuade that 9%.

Another question that further shows how Iowans are feeling about the two candidates was the question that asked “Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of candidate x?” Joni Ernst’s polling numbers were tied at 44% for favorable and unfavorable with likely voters.

In contrast, Bruce Braley fell behind. Only 39% of likely voters had a favorable opinion, while 44% had an unfavorable opinion of the candidate. The perception is that Braley lost the first debate against Ernst, and his opinion ratings are being effected by this.

This however, is only one poll. The October Loras College poll determined the race a tie. What will the candidates do in the remaining days to tip the scale?

Are We In Good Hands?

By: Daniel Martinez

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According to Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s Hardball tonight, Americans need to be educated on the matters that have happened in the course of the last couples days. Apparently the government is not doing their job how Americans think they should. First the secret service failed to notice that the president was in an elevator with a guy who had a gun, and who also happened to be an ex convict. This took place under the watch of Secret Service Director Julia Pierson.

This is to say the least, dissapointing. How does one of the most, if not the most powerful man in the world end up in a dangerous situation such as that? We as tax payers do not appreciate our tax dollars being used in a lousy way and paying people who are unfit to handle the job.

Second, the fence jumper intrusion took place under the watch of Pierson. Omar Gonzales was the man who climbed the fence of the White House and managed to make his way inside. Writer from MSNBC, Emma Morgolin stated “(Gonzales) made it much deeper into the building than had been initially reported, overpowering a Secret Service officer at the front door and barreling through the 80-foot-long East Room, where the president will often host receptions or deliver addresses.”

As we have seen these past couple of days, the secret service defintely need to do something about their staff. We cannot afford to put the most powerful person in the United States in the hands of a mediocre security.

Lastly, what frightens me the most is that we are not be told the truth at the time that these important events seem to happen. I as an American citizen should be informed truthfully and not be lied to by my own government. Fortunately the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will be question Pierson about the past incidents that have taken place.

Let’s Talk Money

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By: Danielle Cammiso

Money plays a big role in political campaigns, it often can make it or break it for candidates running for office. West Virginia senate candidates Shelley Moore Capito and Natalie Tennant are both actively raising money to secure the senate seat left open by Jay Rockefeller.

According to OpenSecrets.org, Capito has raised $5,482,547 and spent $2,169,714. This leaves her with $4,916,345 on hand until the November election, unless she spends or raises more funds. Also according to OpenSecrets.org, Tennant has raised $2,371,332 and spent $854,923; leaving her with $1,516,407. This data was collected on June 30, 2014. 

Editorial: Democrats and Obama should “Rally around the Flag”

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By Jake Lee

If there is any positive aspect that the George W. Bush administration can take away from the Afghan and Iraq wars, it is that the beginnings of each war saw an increase in public approval.

The latest Real Clear Politics average shows that the Senate is leaning towards the Republicans, but it is still possibly for democrats to keep some seats.

Democrats are at a disadvantage on the economy, health care, immigration and other issues. Obama’s foreign policy has also been in disarray, until late Monday night when he finally authorized strikes in Syria against ISIS.

Politicians on both sides of the aisle on Capitol Hill approved of the strikes. Some are calling for more boots on the ground, but the president has repeatedly said that he doesn’t want that. Instead he has called for a broad coalition to fight against ISIS.On Monday night, several middle eastern countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia joined with the United States to fight ISIS in Syria.

Fox News’ own Shepard Smith claimed,“Like Saudi Arabia’s going to have some boots over there? or Jordan?There will be no commitment from those two, on this I will bet every penny I will ever make at this network.”

It looks like Shepard might need to find 700,000,000 (he earns $7 million a year) pennies because the Obama administration has seemed to have gotten middle eastern support. It remains to be seen if the support will be meaningful or if the USA will have to send more of its own troops.

War is unpopular but so is Obama’s leadership. If Obama and the democratic party can get behind a coordinated effort against ISIS, then the American public may back them in the 2014 races and beyond.

For Boehner and other Republicans, they have approved of the the airstrikes, but believe a bigger effort is needed to defeat ISIS.

Many political and military leaders have said that the threat of ISIS and other terrorist groups isn’t going away anytime soon. In the short term, we will all be watching Obama’s military moves and whether or not the American public will consider these actions in the ballot box this November.