Two Midterm Elections have hollowed out the Democratic party !

Sources used:
2014 Election turnout lowest in 70 years
Midterm turnout 2014
Lowest Voter turnout since WWII
Democrats could not escape unpopularity

In the first article, it talks about how the voter rate went down tremendously. If you click on the link, there are charts and actual numbers based to the voting rate this year. It actually compares the data from 70 years ago to the rate of voting this past week. I was looking at a chart that gave me the option to see how low the voter turnout actually was in every state.

In the second link, the article refers to the voter rate as a constant issue in the U.S. Also, that in average the most populated areas are less likely to vote and those areas are usually filled of democrats voters. this website also provides charts and a map of the U.S. I found out that some states lost more than ten percent of their voting rate compared to midterms in 2010; those states were Washington, Delaware, Missouri, South Dakota, California, and Indiana. As an example, California in 2010 was at 45.80% and now in 2014 was at 34.80%. On the bright side, some states had a higher voter rate compared to the 2010 midterm; such as Maine. Maine in 2010 was at 55.90%, then in 2014 went up to 59.30%.

In the third link I used, the voter rate is being compared to the rate back during the time of World War 2. Numbers that support this statement is the percentage this year was 36.4 of eligible voters voted. we were so close to the percentage of 1942 which was 33.9. On this website there is a video explaining how the republicans won control in both houses. the reason for the republicans victory is because more whites voted this year than Asian, Hispanics, and blacks.

the last link once again lets us the public know why the democrats lost and it was due to president Obama being a Democrat. president Obama was like a heavy weight on the democrats scale, it brought them to the ground. everyone wanted a change in the government, which doesn't match up because the issues the public cares about, are issues republicans are against!

Takeaways:
1. The voting needs to improve everywhere. It doesn't matter whether or not a state went up, each citizen should be more informed on the government and the importance of their vote.
2. its crazy how low the voter turnout has been these past midterm elections ! I cant believe the turnout is being compared to the turnouts of 70 years ago.

Question?
Will the president voter rate be higher than the midterm elections due to lack of knowledge of midterms ?
Will the midterm election  rate go up the next time ?

Obama's Recent Executive Order on Immigration

What does Obama hope this Executive Order will accomplish?

Article 1
Article 2

Political-related Vocab:

Washington Post: Obama's Evolution on Immigration:

1. Political Pressure- political action which relies upon use of mass media and communication to persuade politicians that the public wants or demands a certain action
2. Political Legacy- Something that happened in the past or that comes from someone in the past, that occurred in politics i.e. Locke's Natural Rights: Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness
3. Executive Authority- Powers of the presidential cabinet
4. Key line of Attack- a strategy or main line of defense
5. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee- the official party group working towards electing Democrats to the U.S. Senate

New York Times: Obama's Immigration Action Has Precedents, but May Set a New One:

1. Imperial Overreach- also know as Imperial Overstretch, it's a hypothesis that suggests an empire can extend itself beyond it's ability to maintain or expand it's military and economic commitments
2. Prosecutorial discretion- Power that Immigration and the Customs Enforcement Agency have to influence a deportation case 
3. Legislative Fiat- Legislative's authoritative decree, sanction, or order
4. Deporter-in-Chief- a nickname that has recently been bestowed on Obama due to his rising number of deportations
5. Bipartisan consensus- two conflicting parties that normally don't agree on much but come to a consensus

Key Political Players, their role, and ideology/beliefs on the issue:

• Barack Obama- President, Democrat

His ideology/beliefs on immigration at this time is that he is in favor of taking action on this issue. But what I'm questioning is, will his sudden take charge action be enough? On Obama's decision to tackle immigration it seems, he's trying to take a stand and negotiate at the same time. He is in favor of taking action on immigration, but not enough action it would seem. As it stands Obama's action will still leave millions of undocumented immigrants to go after and will barely make a dent in the remaining population.

• Shannen W. Cofffin- Chief Executive

Her ideology/beliefs on the matter are it could possibly unconstitutional what Barack Obama has done. Is he trying to change the game? Is he choosing not to exercise his discretion? Coffin, surely feels that his actions on the immigration issue are more towards he's changing the rules of the game. She seems to think because it's such a big issue and decision, it could in fact be more damaging than what was intended.

• Janet Murguia, president of the National Council of La Raza

Her ideology/beliefs on the matter are that Obama is a  deporter-in-chief, Obama's numbers of deportations are quite high, in fact one of the highest. Is she right? Could Obama in fact be a deporter-in-chief?

Three Takeaways:

1. Their are mixed views (surprising!) on the issue of immigration. It would seem that as much as these actions for immigration could help, they could also be very damaging.
2. This stand that Obama is taking, will still leave millions undocumented and barely make a dent in the remaining population.
3. Obama is set on this issue, even if he has to quote, "move ahead on his own,"

Question:

1. What does Obama hope this Executive Order will accomplish?

In Politics Today: Obama uses DEFEND!

Shawn Luzzi

A.P. Government and Politics

11/24/14

Links to articles:

New York Times

ABC News

PBS News

Vocab:

Deportation: The expulsion of a person or group from a place or country.

Unilaterally: performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of another or the others.

Amnesty: A pardon extended by the government to a group or class of persons, usually for a political offense

Counterfeit: to Imitate something

Prosecutorial: of or pertaining to a prosecutor or prosecution


Takeaways:

1. Republicans display great shame for not passing their own immigration policy by stating, "Shame on us as Republicans for having a body that cannot generate a solution to an issue that is national security, its cultural and its economic."
2. Angry Republicans called out Obama's immigration policy, calling his overreach, "even imperial..."
3. Defending his policy, Obama stated, "Why would we prefer a system in which they're in the shadows, potentially taking advantage of living here but not contributing." 

Questions:

1. With the angry Republican response, would this be the same if these were instead Democrats instead?
2. Why exactly would Repubicans be calling Obama's "overreach" on immigration "Imperial?" 

Obama's Executive Action: Was it a Good Idea, Really?

Hey guys! This post is probably going to be a little bit long, so if you're willing to read all of it and comment, kudos to you! Grab a hot cocoa (or cold cocoa, your choice), take a seat, relax, and read to your heart's content!

Key Terms

NPR "Obama...Immigration":

• Constitutional authority: The power that the President has to make executive decisions in regards to the Constitution.
• Prosecutorial discretion: The power that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency has to influence a deportation case.
• Bipartisan legislative process: A possible process by which both parties in Congress agree on a bill and pass it with majority votes from both party.
• Lame-duck session: The period in Congress in-between a midterm election and the beginning of the newly-elected Congressmen’s terms.
• Government assistance: Federal program, activity, or aid that supports an organization or individuals in terms of health, education, welfare, and similar attributes.

NPR "Obama...Reagan Policy":

• Immigration Reform and Control Act (Simpson-Mazzoli Act): Bill enacted during the Reagan Administration in 1986 that: required employers to provide information about their employees’ immigration status; made it illegal to hire illegal immigrants knowingly; legalized the employment of illegal immigrants in regards to seasonal agricultural business; and legalized other illegal immigrants with certain specifications.
• Deportation: The expulsion of immigrants from the United States for illegal entry.
• Bipartisan support: Support on a bill, topic, or side of an issue from both the Democrats and Republicans.
• Amnesty: Granting legal status to immigrants who were in the United States illegally.
• Balanced comprehensive bill: A hypothetical Congressional bill that President Bush wanted to pass in 2007 regarding immigration.

WashPost:

• Edict: Another term for “executive action.”
• Provision: Part of a legal document, action, etc. that covers a certain topic.
• Reprieve: To postpone an action.
• Middle-ground: Area of compromise between two political sides.
• Direct contravention of law: The direct opposition of a certain law, in this case the Constitution.

Economist:

• Think-tank: Organization, institute, or group of people who complete and present research to the public, many of which are political.
• Fiscal year: A 12-month period used to calculate how much money the government has earned, spent, and saved.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency: A government agency that enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration to promote homeland security and safety.
• Visa: Affirmation that the owner of a passport is allowed to enter, leave, and or stay for a period of time in the United States.
• Constitutional orthodoxy: The close following of the Constitution.

Key Political Players

• President Barack Obama: Current president, whose term began in 2009 and ends in 2017. Recently announced an executive action regarding immigration, which stated: illegal immigrants who have been in the U.S. for 5 years or have legal children, and have no criminal records, are offered immediate legality.
• Representative Raul Labrador: A Republican Congressman who considers Obama’s executive action unconstitutional.
• President Ronald Reagan: Past president, whose term began in 1981 and ended in 1989. He signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986, the effects of which created “amnesty” for many illegal immigrants; however, it did not balance out the legalization of immigrants with the illegals still entering the U.S. unlawfully.
• President H.W. Bush; Past president, whose term began in 1989 and ended in 1983. He amended the Immigration Reform and Control Act passed by Reagan to grant amnesty to more illegal immigrants than it did originally.
• Senator Mitch McConnell: The soon-to-be-appointed Senate Majority Leader and a Republican, who said that Obama’s executive action is akin to “waving a red flag in front of a bull,” before the executive action’s announcement. To get Congress’s support, Obama has to ally with McConnell and other Republicans.

Significant Takeaways

NPR "Obama...Immigration":

1. President Obama’s executive action may very well not be constitutional, which concerns many Republicans in Congress.
2. The reason for this action is that President Obama has tried to reach out to Republicans in Congress in the past to pass a bill on this issue, and that hasn’t worked.
3. Republicans aren’t against the content of the executive action, but rather the means used to enforce that content.

• Question: What is the Supreme Court’s stance on President Obama’s executive action’s constitutionality, considering that it is the Court’s job to decide so?

NPR "Obama...Reagan Policy":

1. Former President Ronald Reagan enacted the Immigration Reform and Control Act in 1986, which was a jumpstart to granting amnesty to illegal immigrants, and which President Obama is trying to build off of with his executive action.
2. The amount of illegal immigrants in this country has increased significantly over the past 25 years, which means that the Immigration Reform and Control Act wasn’t effective over long periods of time. President Obama is trying to replicate said Act with his executive action.
3. One reason Democrats support Obama’s action is the 1986 bill’s effect regarding the breakup of families, allowing illegal families with certain conditions to stay together, and that Obama’s action expands on this idea.

• Question: Why haven’t Republicans helped to pass an immigration bill in Congress when they clearly are in support of immigration reform?

WashPost:

1. A major issue regarding Obama’s executive action is how it will be carried out; specifically, figuring out exactly when illegal immigrants entered the country.
2. Obama is negating the concept of checks and balances with this executive action, thinking that because Congress disagrees with his ideas, he is allowed to enforce whatever he wants on his own.
3. This situation is far different from what any other president had done, and comparing this with similar situations doesn’t work because it is an potentially-unconstitutional executive action.

• Question: How does the government plan to solve the problem stated in my first takeaway?

Economist:

1. The executive action may either be a disastrous mistake, possibly the cause of future government problems as extreme as another government shutdown or Obama’s impeachment because of the soon-to-be Republican Congress, or a clever political move, since it may inspire the soon-to-be Republican Congress to say things that will be detrimental to the party’s popularity.
2. A positive effect of this action is that the money saved from not deporting as many people could be used in other ways, such as increasing border security, expanding the number of work visas, or making it more difficult for immigrants to overstay their visas.
3. This action is seriously regressive in terms of the relationship between President Obama and Congress. With the overtaking of the majority by the Republican Party, it seemed that relations would be at an all-time low, but this executive action may really create problems between the two government branches.

• Question: As asked in the article, which is more important: following the Constitution by-the-book, or doing what’s ethically right and not separating families for the sake of constitutionality?

Final Takeaway

After reading all four articles (two from a liberal news source, one from a conservative news source, and one from a moderate news source), I have many more questions that I do answers, and many more worries regarding not only the conflict in our nation’s government, but also the fates of the people affected by this executive action. Is Obama’s action constitutional, and can it really be carried out? What response will it generate from the Republican Congress in the future, conflict or compromise? Will it work over time? I agree that this action is like none other and that it appears very, very risky. In reality, President Obama should’ve tried reasoning with Republicans in Congress more, before it was too late. Now it’s too late. Then again, maybe Republicans in Congress should have reaches out to the President more. In the end, the blame game doesn’t matter. Hopefully, if this action is successful, it will be a precedent for a possible future bill that will more formally (and more legally) fix this issue, for good. If this action is unsuccessful, perhaps it serves to teach future presidents: always connect with your Congress, no matter what party you’re on. It will make all the difference.

Thanks for reading! I hope you finished your hot (or cold) cocoa and your heart is fully content!

Obama Makes Pledge for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented Immigrants Watch and Wait as Obama Makes Long-Awaited Pledge (NY Times)

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/20/politics/obama-immigration-bush/ (CNN)

Obama Makes Pledge for Undocumented Immigrants

Vocab

Deport - Verb - Expel (a foreigner) from a country, typically on the grounds of illegal status or for

having committed a crime. (NY Times)

CASA de Maryland - a faction that is  immigrant advocacy group (NY Times)

Reprieves - cancel or postpone the punishment (NY Times)

Capitol Hill - the U.S. Congress (CNN)

Bipartisan - cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies. (CNN)

Executive Order - a rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law. (CNN)

Subverting - undermine the power and authority of (an established system or institution). (CNN)

Comprehensive - Complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something (CNN)

Key Players

President Obama - his role was pretty much to protect over half of undocumented immigrants in this country by granting temporary residency He took such executive action because he believes that nothing is getting done in congress and the house of senate.

Republican Party - Overall, the Republican party is losing it as they believe the president over stepped his boundary by taking such Executive Action. They are trying at their very best to take him down from his throne and saying he is acting more as a kind.

Takeaways

• President took an executive action in order to grant protection to undocumented immigrants (without the consent of congress)
• Republicans are saying he went too far and he is more of a king that a respectful leader by doing such action
• Come January, Republicans will have a lot of control in the federal government. So he took such action in order to avoid a bigger fuss later on and keep his promise.

Question: What is the limit of executive power in this case? Did he go over by taking this action or did he do the right thing by drastically passing a bill on his own?

Iowa Senate Race 2014 - Mia Gadson

Important Points :

• Race to take the place of Tom Harkin, the former democratic senator.
• Republicans are confident about the opportunity of grabbing this seat especially because of the lead they were able to grasp with Joni Ernst in June and her smart campaign about castrating pigs. 
• Bruce Braley, a democrat, not yet adaptive to Iowans and how they live
• It stands that more people care about their farms more than social security and medicare.
• Gender plays a role in who will hold the upcoming seat in the senate.

Sources :

• http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/senate/ia/iowa_senate_ernst_vs_braley-3990.html 
• http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/iowa-senate-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=23881441
• "Squeal" - Youtube Video

Iowa is amongst some of the most republican states in America. Very rarely did Iowa ever elect a democratic senator. Tom Harkin the most recent democratic incumbent lost his seat to Joni Ernst a republican senator and the first female senator in Iowa and won the election by 52.2 percent.

Bruce Braley her opponent stood no chance against her due to his lack of knowledge on Iowans and how they operate. Also Joni Ernst had a capturing campaign called "Squeal." Squeal was covering the topic of the castrating of pigs which connects to the people living in Iowa. Iowans don't really have an immense care on situations such as Social Security or Medicare.

Questions

• Why would someone run for a seat, in this case Bruce Baley, not knowing much on the people your going to represent?
• Why in the past have Iowans elected Democrats if they are such a Republican state? 

Runoff election in Louisiana, 2014

     This is something you don't hear every day. (At  least I don't.) In the race in Louisiana for Senate, they have had to make a runoff race that will be held December 6th. From having 6 candidates running, only two will actually run the runoff race this coming month. For one it is the incumbent (D) Mary Landrieu, who got 41.1%, against (R) Bill Cassidy, who got 41%. None of these two got the necessary over 50% and for that they will have to have a runoff. 

     Louisiana tends to be very reliably Republican if the 2008 and 2012 elections are anything to go by as they voted a little over 50% leaning towards the Republican Candidates vs current President Obama. 

     Landrieu is running for her fourth term and it is worth to note that she has never won a single campaign with no more than 53%. Democrats also backed off the ads since Republicans already have control and it won't do any harm if she wins or not since it is almost clear that Democrats will struggle to get things done with Republicans running. 

According to ABC News' "14 for 14" Project, the race for Governor of Wisconsin is a big race to watch.  It is not clearly a blue state or a red state.  Wisconsin claims a Democrat Senator (Tammy Baldwin) and a Republican Senator (Ron Johnson). There are also three U.S. Representatives for each of these two major parties.  Congressional representation is evenly split between red and blue. But, in the two most recent presidential elections, Wisconsin's electoral votes went to the Democrats and Barack Obama.  In fact, the last time Wisconsin's electoral votes went to a Republican candidate was for Ronald Reagan in 1984.

The incumbent Scott Walker is seeking re-election.  ABC News states that, "Scott Walker is the only governor in American history to win a gubernatorial recall election, and he's governed as a budget-cutting, union-breaking conservative in a purple state." 

Democrat Mary Burke, is running against the incumbent, Governor Walker.  This election displays how divided the political culture remains in Wisconsin; especially after the protests against Walker throughout his first term and his ability to battle through them and remain in office.

As NPR's Melissa Block shows that Mary Burke is not afraid of the Obama Effect and is campaigning with the President's help in Wisconsin cities like Madison and Milwaukee.  It's kind of funny because while other Democrats actively avoid association with the President during the campaign season, Mary Burke realized that the President can help her game in African-American districts that turned out for Obama in the past. 

The key issue of this race connects back to Governor Walker's controversial signing of anti-union legislation that limited the collective bargaining rights of union members in the states.  Also, political pundits are watching this race closely.  If Walker can win again in a purple state, it shows potential for him as a Republican candidate in the 2016 presidential election.

According to Real Clear Politics, there is no clear leader in this race.  While Governor Walker held a strong lead in the polls back in May, they are in a dead heat.

Not only will we find out Wisconsin's future governor on Election Day, we will also find out about Walker's chances of throwing his hat into the ring in 2016.

SOURCES:

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wisconsin-governor-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=22270185

http://www.270towin.com/states/Wisconsin

http://www.npr.org/2014/10/28/359632675/in-wisconsin-election-gov-scott-walker-fights-to-hold-on

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/wi/wisconsin_governor_walker_vs_burke-4099.html

Arkansas Race

Arkansas is complicated politically, they have mostly elected Democrats to the senate, but all the races in the past have been fairly close. The state is a purple state that swings closely one way or the other. The incumbent in this race is Senator Mark Pryor D. and he is running against Rep. Tom Cotton. In addition Pryor's father David Pryor was Arkansas's senator from 1978-1996, but Cotton is backed by not just the GOP, but also the Tea Party, he is a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and has a couple of Harvard degrees. Making him a very dangerous opponent.

Winning this race would mean a third term for Pryor, but it's going to be very tough for Pryor because of Obama's low ratings on his healthcare reform and overall. This could really be the edge that Cotton needs to split the state to his side. This race is so important because Democrats in the South may be extinct after this election.

The four biggest issues in this Senate race are Pryor's support for Obama and the healthcare reform, Cotton's voting record, seniors issues, and the candidates personalities. Of the first two issues each candidate has managed to make the other look like a supporter of Obama or an extremist, Pryor is winning with his personality, and Cotton is more popular in the senior issues.

According to the polls this is really anyone's race, but this elections impact could b very great. If Cotton wins there will be one less Democrat in the South which seems to be an increasing trend. If Pryor wins then the Democrats have one more person in the Senate decreasing the chances of the Republicans taking the senate.

Overview
Key Issues

Incumbent

• Jeanne Shaheen - D (NH), Rerunning, 6 year term.
• Vote: 48.4%

Challenger

• Scott Brown - R (NH) Running for senator, used to be senator for Massachusetts, 2 year term. He is against Obamacare but trying to use his NH roots to gain voters.

• Vote: 45.9%

Outlook

• Shaheen vs Brown
• This race may be the most expensive race NH has experienced. Shaheen is expected to win. Brown was the former senator for Massachusetts (MA) and is now running for NH senator. He is known as a carpetbagger, a candidate who runs somewhere where they have no local connections. He lost in MA but may win NH.

The incumbent in this race is Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. She is rerunning as senator for New Hampshire (NH).  Her challenger is Republican Scott Brown, former senator of Massachusetts (MA). Whoever wins this means they are helping not only the state but also gaining seats for their party in senate. New Hampshire is a blue state meaning Shaheen is more likely to win but with Brown using his New Hampshire roots to reel people in it can change. According to polls, Shaheen is in the lead with 48.4% votes. Brown has 45.9%.

Source:

• http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hampshire-senate-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=22992314
• http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/senate/nh/new_hampshire_senate_brown_vs_shaheen-3894.html

Incumbent

• Senator Pat Roberts - R, Served in Senate since 1997. Seeking fourth term
• Vote: 41.8%

Challenger

• Greg Orman - I
• Vote: 42.5%

Outlook

• Kansas hasn’t voted for a democrat since before WW2. They don’t plan on doing so but they may vote for an independent party. Nominee Chad Taylor, a democrat, backed out of the race in order to help Greg Orman. They still are a red state but that doesn’t mean they will vote for a republican. So far Orman, Independent, is in the lead with 42.5%. Pat Roberts, our incumbent who is a republican,  is seeking his fourth term. His votes are at 41.8%. Times in Kansas can be changing now if Orman wins. Like the other article seats in senate may rise or fall depending on who wins here.

Source

• http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/kansas-senate-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=25253115
• http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/senate/ks/kansas_senate_roberts_vs_orman-5216.html
• http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/30/greg-orman-vs-pat-roberts-senate-race-reflects-kan/
• http://www.electionprojection.com/2014-elections/kansas-senate-election.php
• http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/30/greg-orman-vs-pat-roberts-senate-race-reflects-kan/

Texas Governor Race 2014

ABC News' "14 for 14" claims that Texas is a state to watch during for 2014's mid term elections and it's clear why. With the longest reigning Texas governor, Rick Perry, finally stepping down from his position, both Abbot and Davis are fighting for that open seat. With no incumbent running, the victor of this race is less clear than others. Texas is without a doubt an overall  conservative, and republican state, hence why it has a status of being red. They haven't elected a Democratic governor since Ann Richards back in 1990. With that in mind, most would expect Republican candidate, Attorney General Greg Abbot, is a shoe in for the position. However, Wendy Davis is a Democratic icon that's a force to be reckoned with.

Wendy Davis is no stranger to advocating for abortion rights. Her 11-hour filibuster on an anti-abortion bill was truly a noteworthy and remarkable notion that has caught the attention of her public. Not to mention she has shared her own personal stories with abortion making her a relatable candidate in this election. Her passion in this issue could win many women votes. 

Davis' Republican counter part has also had his share of strongly fighting for what he wanted. Abbot clearly identified himself as a conservative when he fought the Supreme Court to keep the Ten Commandments on the state capitol complex. This action and his ideals should win him the Christian vote. 

Voter turnout for the state of Texas is truly the deciding factor in this election. With Texas' Republican consistency Abbot is sure to win. He does in fact have a 17% voter lead on Davis. However, the state's growing numbers in Hispanic and young voters could make this a close race. Davis herself said, "It's not that Texas is a deeply red state; it's that it's a chronically low-vote-participation state." Maybe this is the start of Texas furthering itself from being a red state?

SOURCES:

1. http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/texas-governor-race-2014-abc-news-14-14/story?id=22270229
2. http://www.npr.org/2014/09/13/347958028/wendy-davis-tells-of-her-own-difficult-abortions-in-forgetting
3. http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2014/governor/tx/texas_governor_abbott_vs_davis-3596.html

The Bluegrass State, Kentucky: Mitch McConnell vs Alison Grimes

ABC News, in its “14 for 14” Project, proclaims that “The Kentucky Senate race will be the most watched 2014 contest of them all…” The reason for the excitement? Incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell has been in office for Kentucky since 1984—30 years! Kentucky, known by its nickname “The Bluegrass State,” has a very confusing political climate. Most voters identify themselves as Democrats; however, Republican candidates are most often chosen, which is how McConnell has stayed in office for so long. Therefore, the fact that a Democrat is challenging the long-standing Senator is a huge political focus. The fact that the Democrat was LEADING in some polls is an even bigger political focus. The mentioned Democratic challenger is named Alison Grimes, and is aiming for the seat of the previously-mentioned incumbent Mitch McConnell.

Mitch McConnell being a long-standing Senator isn’t the only reason this race is the hottest out there. In the confusing political climate that is the Bluegrass State, many factors will influence the upcoming election. For example, many believe that McConnell has had his fill of being Senator, and that 30 years in Congress is more than enough for one person. Also, through tv ads, Grimes has been attempting to attract more conservative Democrats. However, McConnell appeals to older citizens more, and older citizens are more likely to vote. Also, at one point, it appeared that Grimes was leading. Now, Mitch McConnell has stepped up his game, and is leading in all polls.

The major issues in this race aren’t exactly issues. Voters are weighing between two outcomes: having McConnell at least another 6 years OR electing Grimes, who voters believe will act as Obama believes she should. This, in fact, ties back to the “mid-term effect” perfectly: because of Obama’s unpopularity and Grimes’s affiliation with him, people are less likely to vote for her. Therefore, Grimes has been trying make distance between herself and President Obama. Also, it’s a question of money: McConnell has raised $21 million for his campaign, while Grimes has raised $8 million. This is factor that voters will either take as good or bad.

According to the most recent polls, Incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell will win this race. He is currently about 6% ahead of Alison Grimes in the poll. If McConnell stays in office and the Senate gains at least 6 Republican seats, then McConnell will become the official Senate majority leader. Republicans having control of the Senate is a huge deal because they already have control of the House of Representatives. Republicans would completely control Congress, causing major problems between the legislative branch and President Obama. Looking further, if a Republican president is elected and their numbers in Congress don’t diminish, both the legislative and executive branches will be under Republican control. Therefore, it is very likely that, in the farther future, the Republicans will become unpopular and the Democrats will take over, and the cycle will go on and on. However, that’s just speculation.

Sources:
ABC News

Courier Journal
Real Clear Politics
Basic Info About Kentucky

Kansas Slug Fest

Kansas is a very red state and has been since 1932, yet the 2014 midterm election is putting Kansas in somewhat of an identity crisis.

The Democrat candidate has already dropped out and it's now a 1 v 1 runoff between incumbent Senator Pat Roberts R. and Independent Greg Orman. Senator Roberts had represented Kansas in Washington since 1997, so it looks like an uphill battle for Orman. However, some in Kansas believe that Sen. Roberts has gotten a little too comfortable in his position making this race very close and leaving the Republicans biting their nails. The Republicans were counting on Kansas to be an easy state as it has been since 1932, but are now spending time and money on ensuing Roberts seat, but right now with just one or two percent between each other the election is anyone's.

 Some of the issues in the race are abortion, budget, civil rights, education, environment, and more. Roberts believes letting employers and insurance plans can deny access to abortion, it's okay to spend money in times of war, but otherwise should be frugal, and opposed UN ban of discrimination against disabilities. Orman supports access to abortion, wants to report federal spending by strict accounting standards, gov't should not ban same sex marriage, and national innovation for high student achievement.

Next year this election could decide between to Republicans winning Congress or not. If Orman wins he will most likely caucus or side with the Democrats, meaning the biggest loss for Republicans in years. If Roberts wins the Republicans will have a good chance of winning Congress and controlling it for the next four years.

Stumping
Issues
Kansas Race

Elaine Negron

Who will will this race ? Democrat or republican?
Dannel Malloy for Governor
The Grand-Ave Vote
The Poll Charts, what do they think?

In the first link , the New York Times is encouraging Connecticut voters why they should re-elect Malloy for governor. the reason for Malloy to be back in office is because he has been effective these past years. he has done many things to benefit the people of Connecticut. first of all, he raised up the minimum wage and extended the sick leave for many of workers, he has passed a sensible gun control due to the sad tragic in Newtown,and ended the death penalty. Also, now we have a stabilized state budget. I know many citizens don't like him for other reasons, but in my opinion he has done a lot on behalf of citizens living in Connecticut.

The Grand-Ave vote refers to the biggest street in Fair Haven it self. This particular street goes right through the middle, and it is where most Hispanics roam. The Governor of Puerto Rico himself came up to Connecticut and was talking to other Latinos encouraging them to vote and what will be the benefits of this result. Throughout this article, in the New Haven Independent there are photos of the Governor of PR talking to other Hispanics in local businesses in the town.

The poll charts are very very interesting at this moment, because at every moment the charts are changing due to what specific group think who the new governor will be. At this moment, Malloy is up in three groups according to there predictions. Foley is up in the quinnipac poll chart.

In my opinion, this is a very intense race for the Governor seat. I think its the most intense race I have seen in a CT so far. Honestly, I don't know who will win in directly since the poll charts are always changing. It is in the hands of the citizens within the state of Connecticut.
All i am thinking is that no matter who is elected to office, Connecticut citizens are going to have an interesting year.  My questions is what issues will be taken care of this upcoming year?

"Kentucky Senate Race 2014"

Political Culture:

• Kentucky is mostly Republican and right wing, which is what most would describe as a red state; around 60% of voters voted for Governor Romney in 2012.

The Incumbent/Open Seat:

• The Incumbent here is Republican senator Mitch McConnell, who is running against Democratic Kentucky Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes.  

The Significance of the Race:

• This race is absolutely huge. Itt's unusual for Senate or House seats to seriously be contested in Kentucky, but with McConnell's approval ratings in the state low, it really presents an opportunity for the Democrats to seize control of a Senate seat in a state they usually wouldn't have much of a chance in; especially considering their attempt to hold on to control of the Senate this November.

Key Issues:

• One of the reasons Senator McConnell has been looked down upon recently by the public is that he is a large part (at least according to the more leftist media) of the recent gridlock that has been going on in Washington recently, as well as his tendency to be "the ultimate Washington insider". Grimes promises, however, to not just be Obama's candidate; but to work with both parties to "do what's right for Kentucky". 

Polls:

• McConnell is slightly ahead of Grimes at the moment, with 48% of voters planning to back McConnell, and 43% on Grimes' side. 3% are voting for Libertarian David Patterson, and 6% have yet to make up their minds.

Potential Impact:

• As I said before, with McConnell's approval ratings in the low, the Democrats see a perfect opportunity to get a seat in a state the would normally expect not to have a chance in. This is crucial, since the Democrats are trying to hold their majority of the Senate, and ousting the minority leader could do wonders for the Democratic party should Grimes win.

Sources can be found here and here.