Patty Murray faces a tough reelection bid for her fourth term in Washington’s Class III Senate seat, given a rising tide of Republican rhetoric and unpopular policies by President Obama. She is not only opposed within her own party, but by a gallery of Republicans. Who will win the Senate seat, a possible decider of the upper house’s majority in 2010.
Author: Patine
The desire of incumbant Democratic governor Christine Gregoire to run for re-election, as well for her Republican rival, Dino Rossi, from 2004, who lost by 129 votes in a third manual count, to once again challenge her, leads to a dominant theme in this election. But can other challengers from the two main parties, and even Third Party and non-partisan candidates, make an impact this election? Or will it retread (or reverse) 2004’s path?
Author: Patine
The one-party governance of the United States has existed since the effective dissolution of the Federalist Party in 1816. James Monroe ran unchallenged for his second term in 1820. But now, there is disagreement amongst the party as to whom should run for the Democratic-Republican label in 1824. The party caucus, the traditional nominating organ in the era, has selected William H. Crawford, but a popular convention nominated Andrew Jackson. Also, John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay also believe they have a stake in running. Thus a four candidate but one party race begins in earnest.
Author: Patine
After the failure of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation to effectively govern the newly independent United States of America, a Constitution was drafted at Philadelphia to create an efficient federal government. It created a position of chief executive called a president, elected indirectly by an Electoral College. Now, the United States’ first president must be elected. Revolutionary War hero George Washington is virtually uncontested for the office of President, so the position of the young nation’s first Vice President is the key here. Will John Adams win the second-in-command position by a landslide, or will another make an upstart victory.
Author: Patine
Democratic President James K. Polk, who presided over the Mexican-American War and the treaty that ended it, has claimed he has accomplished all he set out to do in one term. Now, in the 1848 presidential election, its an open playing field for both Democratic and Whig candidates to seek the nomination, representing both pro- and anti-slavery camps in both parties. And a third, purely anti-slavery party, the Free Soil Party, is running as well.
Author: Patine
