http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/ Coverage of the 2006 Senate, House and gubernatorial races including analysis from NewsHour's Political Wrap, reports on election trends and policy issues, and documentaries from key regions of the United States. en-us Copyright ©2006 MacNeil/Lehrer Productions. All Rights Reserved. 144144http://www.pbs.org/newshour/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/images/rss/promo_podcastvote2006.jpg http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/house_11-13.html Tue, 14 Nov 2006 15:26:00 EDT Days after the Democrats won a solid majority in the House of Representatives, the winners of 11 seats remain undecided as the candidates wait for official results of races that will be determined by provisional ballots or that were close enough to require a recount. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/newfaces_11-10.html Fri, 10 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EDT Ten new faces will join the Senate in January -- eight Democrats, one Republican and one independent. Democrat Ben Cardin of Maryland and Republican Bob Corker of Tennessee discuss what they intend to bring to Congress. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/senate_11-09.html Thu, 09 Nov 2006 16:20:00 EDT The narrow victories of former Navy Secretary James Webb in Virginia and state Sen. Jon Tester in Montana mean Democrats secured 51 Senate seats and the majority in both chambers of the upcoming 110th Congress. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/pelosi_11-08.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 20:49:00 EDT Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., slated to become the first female House speaker in January, discusses possible changes in Iraq policy, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's resignation and working with President Bush. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/house_election_11-06.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:20:00 EDT The day after the midterm elections, results continued to roll in giving Democrats more House seats and putting them in the majority. A handful of other races remained too close to call. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/senate_election.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:35:00 EDT News of the defeat of five Senate Republican incumbents in Missouri, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Montana and Ohio ensured that Democrats would have at least 50 seats in the new Congress. Despite the gains, Democrats were focused on Virginia where a Democratic victory would give the party a majority in the Senate for the first time since 2002. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/senate/mt.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:47:00 EDT Montana Senate President and rancher Jon Tester scored a razor-thin victory over an embattled Republican incumbent Wednesday, winning one of the two critical Senate contests that will decide whether the Democrats will control the upper house of Congress next year. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/senate/va.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:47:00 EDT Republican Sen. George Allen and Democrat Jim Webb, former Navy secretary under the Reagan administration, ended Tuesday night's Senate race with a gap so slim a recount was expected. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/senate_election.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:47:00 EDT News of the defeat of four Senate Republican incumbents in Missouri, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Ohio bolstered Democratic hopes of capturing the upper house of Congress for the first time in four years. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/house_election_11-06.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:20:00 EDT In races from one corner of the country to the other, Democrats built upon their lead Wednesday morning with more victories in seats previously held by Republicans. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/ct_4_11-08.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 03:16:00 EDT In one of the nation's most closely watched races, 10-term Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., edged past former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell, D-Conn., to win Connecticut's 4th District. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/colo7_11-08.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 02:12:00 EDT Democrat Ed Perlmutter won his bid for Colorado's 7th District seat Tuesday, beating his Republican opponent Rick O'Donnell and bringing home a much hoped for victory for the Democratic Party. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/tnsen_11-08.html Wed, 08 Nov 2006 02:00:00 EDT Despite a bruising Republican primary and an onslaught of Democratic heavyweights campaigning for his opponent, former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker edged to victory Tuesday in the race for Tennessee Senate. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/house/index.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:58:00 EDT In early returns, Democrats wrested enough House seats from the GOP Tuesday to gain the majority in the next Congress. Speaking from Democratic headquarters, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who would become the first female speaker of the House if Democrats maintain their gains, said "Democrats propose a new direction for all Americans, not just the privileged few." http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/ballots_11-07.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:57:00 EDT In addition to heavy turnout some polling places experienced problems that ranged from malfunctioning voting machines to registration difficulties. An elections expert discusses voting irregularities across the country. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/oh_sen_11-07.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:45:00 EDT In the closely watched Ohio Senate race, Democratic challenger Rep. Sherrod Brown defeated two-term Republican Sen. Mike DeWine. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/ri-sen_11-07.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:42:00 EDT Sheldon Whitehouse, the former state attorney general of Rhode Island, unseated Lincoln Chafee Tuesday in what became an extremely tight Senate race. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pasenate_11-07.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:23:00 EDT Democrat Bob Casey Jr., son of a popular former governor, defeated incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Santorum in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, a much-watched race that had much to do with Santorum's staunch support of President Bush. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/menendez_11-07.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:08:00 EDT Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey kept his seat Tuesday in a race intensely watched to determine which party will control the Senate. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/house_election_11-06.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:35:00 EDT In the first batch of election results, the Democrats picked up four seats in Kentucky and Indiana in their quest to take back control of the House for the first time since 1994. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/senate_election.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:26:00 EDT As anxious partisans eye the returns in 33 Senate races Tuesday night, it will fall to a handful of races where tens of millions of dollars have been spent to decide who will control the chamber for the 110th Congress. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/penn_11-06.html Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:01:00 EDT In three districts in suburban Philadelphia, Republican incumbents are in danger of being defeated in Tuesday's midterm elections in what Democrats are hoping will be a nationwide sweep. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/daschlearmey_11-06.html Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:35:00 EDT This year's midterm elections may lead to a power change in one or both chambers of Congress. Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., and former House Majority Leader Richard Armey, R-Texas, discuss what is at stake. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/sb_11-03.html Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:40:00 EDT Analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks react to recent polls, prospects for the midterm elections, Sen. John Kerry's botched joke, and New York Times columnist Tom Friedman's op-ed on President Bush's handling of Iraq. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_11-03.html Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:39:00 EDT With the hotly contested midterm election in less than a week, Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and Ken Mehlman, chairman of the Republican National Committee, discuss the challenges that lay ahead for their respective parties. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/electronic_11-02.html Thu, 02 Nov 2006 20:04:00 EDT After the problems of the 2000 presidential elections, electronic voting machines were designed to make casting and counting ballots easier and more accurate. But recent problems encountered in several states using the new machines have raised concerns about their reliability and susceptibility to fraud. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/vasenate_11-02.html Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EDT Once considered a safe Republican Senate seat, the battle between GOP incumbent George Allen and Democrat Jim Webb is gaining intensity in the final days before elections. Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine and Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell debate the issues. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/polls_11-02.html Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:20:00 EDT With the midterm elections less than a week away, polls show that voters support a change of U.S. strategy in Iraq and favor Democrats on a generic ballot. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_11-01.html Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EDT With less than a week to go, Republican Bob Corker has a slight lead in the polls over Democratic Rep. Harold Ford Jr., but the seat remains one of three Senate spots the Democrats hope to win to send them into the majority. Two Tennessee newspaper editors discuss the race. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/missouri_10-31.html Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:30:00 EDT Considered one of the most competitive Senate races this midterm cycle, the Missouri matchup between Republican incumbent Jim Talent and his Democratic challenger Claire McCaskill could determine which party controls the Senate. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/conn_10-31.html Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:01:00 EDT The final weeks of the House race in Connecticut's 4th District have seen an increase in partisan vitriol but only a slight shift in polling numbers.According to a University of Connecticut survey conducted in late October, Democratic challenger Dianne Farrell has erased the five-point lead held by incumbent Republican Rep. Christopher Shays at the start of the month. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-30.html Mon, 30 Oct 2006 20:59:00 EDT In several tight races this midterm cycle, both parties are using social issues as a way to rally their bases to vote. As in 2004, Republicans are banking on opposition to gay marriage to boost turnout in eight states, including Tennessee and Virginia, where same-sex marriage amendments are on the ballots. Democrats are using embryonic stem cell research as a campaign issue in debates and television ads in Maryland, Ohio and Missouri. Two political analysts look at these issues and how politicians are using them in their campaigns. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/maryland_10-30.html Mon, 30 Oct 2006 17:48:00 EDT In a nationally televised debate on NBC's "Meet the Press," Democratic candidate for Maryland Senate, Rep. Ben Cardin, attempted to draw distinct ideological lines with his opponent, Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/july-dec06/ads_10-27.html Fri, 27 Oct 2006 18:35:00 EDT With the midterm election approaching and control of Congress at stake, bitterly-fought campaigns have led to a number of controversial negative ads making the news. Analysts discuss the impact of charges of emotional pandering, financial chicanery and loose morals. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pa-06_10-27.html Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:44:00 EDT After months of negative ads and bitter campaign literature, two-term Republican Rep. Jim Gerlach and Democratic challenger for the House Lois Murphy remain deadlocked in a critical suburban Philadelphia district. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pa_8_10-27.html Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:44:00 EDT High-profile appearances and low-blow campaigning play prominently in Pennsylvania's 8th District where Republican Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick tries to defend his seat from political newcomer Patrick Murphy. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/kohut_10-26.html Thu, 26 Oct 2006 22:20:00 EDT Even before the first ballot is cast, dozens of political polls will have tried to predict the outcome of this closely fought midterm election. Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center, reports on his own survey and some of the other recent results. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/battle_close_10-26.html Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:45:00 EDT Having heard from voters, discussed the key races and examined the latest polls, Shields and Brooks, joined by other guests and experts offer some final thoughts about the homestretch of Vote 2006. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/battle_voters_10-26.html Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:21:00 EDT The NewsHour met hundreds of voters along the campaign trail who have expressed an array of opinions on the critical issues that will decide the election. Gwen Ifill sat down with eight likely voters to discuss the war, security, the economy and other issues. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/battle1_10-26.html Thu, 26 Oct 2006 21:05:00 EDT Throughout the campaign, NewsHour correspondents have traveled the country reporting on the closely fought races. Following another look at some of the campaigns, Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report and Stuart Rothenberg of The Rothenberg Political Report examine where the campaigns stand with a week and a half to go. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/gennext_10-25.html Wed, 25 Oct 2006 18:35:00 EDT With control of both chambers of Congress in the balance, the generation of younger voters that showed up at the polls in record numbers in 2004 to vote for Democrat John Kerry could swing the balance -- if they turn out again. A part of a series looking at Generation Next examines what issues are most important to 16-to-25 year olds and what they think of politicians. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/impact_10-25.html Wed, 25 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EDT With Election Day less than two weeks away and Iraq still a top issue for a majority of voters, President Bush gave a White House press conference on his administration's policy in Iraq, saying that he shared the growing public concern with the mounting violence and U.S casualties. The war in Iraq has put many Republicans seats once considered safe in a vulnerable position and given Democrats a campaign platform that has energized voters. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-24.html Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:30:00 EDT Two moderate incumbents in New England, Sens. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., are fighting re-election battles against challengers who accuse them of giving too much support to President Bush's policy in Iraq. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/njsenate_10-24.html Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:19:00 EDT With Election Day just two weeks away, the New Jersey Senate race between Democrat Robert Menendez and Republican Tom Kean remains a virtual dead heat. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-23.html Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:22:00 EDT Two weeks before the midterm elections, Democrats are confident they will retake control of the House and Senate. Two political analysts provide an update on the election landscape and speculation over a 2008 presidential run for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/florida_10-20.html Fri, 20 Oct 2006 18:40:00 EDT The coastal 22nd district in Florida is the setting for a midterm election battle, where Democratic challenger Ron Klein is using President Bush's handling of the Iraq war to his advantage against 26-year Republican congressman Clay Shaw. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/alaska_gov_10-19.html Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:31:00 EDT As the Nov. 7 election approaches and Republican Sarah Palin loses her double-digit lead in the polls, the confrontations between the candidates for Alaska governor have gotten heated and personal. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/congress_10-19.html Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:40:00 EDT A Wall Street Journal/NBC poll found that only 16 percent of those surveyed approved of the way Congress handles its job. Heading into November's elections, this could mean bad news for the Republicans in control. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/ohio_10-19.html Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:30:00 EDT "As Ohio goes, so goes the nation" has become a slogan for recent election years. In 2006, the nation's attention is focused again on the Buckeye State where two-term Republican Sen. Mike DeWine faces a tough battle winning over Ohio voters fed up with the lagging economy and a series of ethics scandals. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-18.html Wed, 18 Oct 2006 18:30:00 EDT In Pennsylvania, two-term Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and his Democratic challenger Bob Casey are locked in what has become one of the nation's tightest races to unseat an incumbent. Next door in New Jersey, Robert Menendez, the Democratic incumbent faces Republican state Sen. Tom Kean. Two political reporters give updates on the races. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/missouri_10-18.html Wed, 18 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EDT Proposition B, a ballot initiative facing Missouri voters in November, would raise the state minimum wage by 25 percent from $5.15 an hour to $6.50 an hour, increasing the wages for Missouri's low income workers for the first time in almost 10 years. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/maryland_10-18.html Wed, 18 Oct 2006 17:42:00 EDT As former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson made sports headlines by hinting that he wanted to fight a female boxer in the ring, he also made political headlines by wearing a "Steele for Maryland" T-shirt at a press conference. Tyson's actions came on the same day that his former promoter, Don King, campaigned for Steele in black communities across Maryland. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pa_senate_10-18.html Wed, 18 Oct 2006 17:41:00 EDT With millions spent hammering away at one another's policies and character, embattled incumbent Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and Democratic challenger Bob Casey ended their series of debates this week with more bitter sparring. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/issue_10-17.html Tue, 17 Oct 2006 18:40:00 EDT So far, candidates, political parties and organizations have spent an estimated $1.5 billion on television ads to boost their election campaigns. Many of these focus on where candidates stand on key issues on the mind of the public: Iraq and the President's handling of the war, ethics scandals, and illegal immigration. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/campaign_10-16.html Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:35:00 EDT Heading into the final weeks before the Nov. 7 midterm elections, the House and Senate campaign committees of both parties are refocusing funding to give an extra boost to candidates. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/notebook/ohio1.html Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:23:00 EDT While following the Ohio Senate race, Gwen Ifill sits down for a bite to eat with the candidates -- and to discuss what's on their plate. She dishes the latest on the campaign trail in this reporter's notebook. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/missouri_10-12.html Thu, 12 Oct 2006 18:33:00 EDT Candidates for the Missouri Senate, Republican incumbent Jim Talent and state auditor Claire McCaskill, debated for the third time Wednesday, highlighting their differences on Iraq, stem cell research and the question of nuclear talks with N. Korea. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/vote2006/graf_giffords_qa_10-11-06.html Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:02:00 EDT In early October, student journalists conducted interviews with candidates in Arizona's 8th District Republican Randy Graf and Democrat Gabrielle Giffords about their beliefs on benefits for undocumented youth. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-10.html Tue, 10 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EDT In Washington, incumbent Democrat Sen. Maria Cantwell faces stiff competition, while in Montana Republican Sen. Conrad Burns fights for reelection in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal. Political analysts discuss the two races in detail. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/ohio_10-10.html Tue, 10 Oct 2006 17:43:00 EDT Reverberations of the e-mail scandal involving former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., can be felt as far as Ohio's 18th District contest, where Republican state Sen. Joy Padgett is running against Democrat Zack Space. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/sb_10-06.html Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:24:00 EDT Political analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss the Tennessee Senate race, other competitive midterm election matchups, and the political implications of the scandal over Rep. Mark Foley's involvement with young male pages. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/tennessee_10-06.html Mon, 09 Oct 2006 12:22:00 EDT In what is heating up to be one of this cycle's most competitive Senate races, Republican Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker and Rep. Harold Ford, D-Tenn., remain neck and neck to replace retiring Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Gwen Ifill reports from Tennessee on how the race is shaping up. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/southdakota_10-09.html Mon, 09 Oct 2006 06:35:00 EDT In response to an abortion ban passed by the South Dakota Legislature this year, opponents successfully petitioning to put a referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot to let voters decide whether the controversial law should stay or go. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/mass_10-06.html Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:06:00 EDT Deval Patrick, Democratic candidate for Massachusetts governor, apologized yesterday for failing to disclose his full involvement with a convicted rapist's case for exoneration. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/issues/economy.html Fri, 06 Oct 2006 13:06:00 EDT Despite recent decreases in energy prices, low unemployment levels, surging stock markets and domestic production that has outpaced other major industrialized nations, polls show Americans are still most concerned about the future of the economy. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/poll_10-05.html Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:23:00 EDT Less than five weeks before the midterm elections, polls suggest that events such as the war in Iraq and the scandal surrounding former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., are not affecting people's party affiliation, though many say the developments will affect how they vote. Two experts discuss the factors at play. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/maryland_10-05.html Thu, 05 Oct 2006 12:28:00 EDT The two main candidates for Maryland Senate, Democratic Rep. Ben Cardin and Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, have traded barbs through television ads about connections to President Bush or special interest groups. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/choices_10-04.html Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:25:00 EDT Political analysts discuss how recent revelations about the Iraq war and messages former Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., sent to congressional interns may impact the upcoming midterm elections and possibly shift the balance of power in Congress. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/newyork_09-29.html Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:15:00 EDT Despite flagging public opinion of the war in Iraq and President Bush, New York's 29th District Rep. Randy Kuhl maintains unwavering support for the administration and welcomed a campaign appearance from Vice President Dick Cheney. His Democratic challenger Eric Massa opposes the war and is banking on support from voters fed up with the president's policy. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/colo_09-29.html Fri, 29 Sep 2006 16:48:00 EDT Colorado Democrat and candidate for the state's 7th Congressional District seat Ed Perlmutter was forced to defend himself Thursday against charges that the work of his lobbyist wife could create a conflict of interest if he is elected. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec06/campaigns_9-27.html Thu, 28 Sep 2006 12:55:00 EDT Politicians preparing for midterm elections are discovering the benefits and drawbacks of online video posting and social networking Web sites such as YouTube, MySpace and Facebook. A report for students and teachers looks at how candidates use these sites in their campaigns. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pa-06_09-27.html Wed, 27 Sep 2006 11:55:00 EDT As incumbent Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., and Democrat Lois Murphy battle in a suburban Philadelphia race seen as many as a bellwether in the fight for control of the House, analysts say the race may be decided not by war and the economy, but by trash. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/alaska_09-26.html Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:37:00 EDT Television ads have sparked a war of words between the campaigns of Democratic candidate Tony Knowles and Republican Sarah Palin this week, with each side accusing the other of hypocrisy and dishonesty. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/indiana_09-25.html Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:00:00 EDT In Indiana's rural 9th District, Republican Rep. Mike Sodrel knows he faces strong anti-incumbent sentiments this fall and is campaigning hard to keep his seat. His opponent Baron Hill, who served three terms before Sodrel defeated him in 2004, is fighting to win back his seat. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/california_09-22.html Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:32:00 EDT After suffering approval ratings around 30 percent a year ago, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a political rebound through his popular environmental policy and bipartisan efforts in the California Legislature. He now enjoys a double-digit lead over his Democratic challenger state Treasurer Phil Angelides who has tried unsuccessfully to link Schwarzenegger to President Bush. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/midterm_09-20.html Thu, 21 Sep 2006 12:35:00 EDT With Republicans fighting to retain their 10-seat advantage in the Senate, Democrats are campaigning to pick up the six seats they need in November's elections to win a majority. Analysts focus on two key Senate races in Virginia and Tennessee. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/mass_09-20.html Wed, 20 Sep 2006 17:04:00 EDT Deval Patrick won the Democratic primary for governor Tuesday and will face Republican Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey in a Nov. 7 election that will make history if either candidate wins. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/ney_09-15.html Fri, 15 Sep 2006 12:41:00 EDT After months of denying any wrongdoing, Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, agreed Friday to plead guilty for his role as "Representative No. 1" in the federal corruption investigation into disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/primaries_09-13.html Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:40:00 EDT Voters in nine states and Washington, D.C. decided their candidates for November's elections in what could be an early look at upcoming election campaigns. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/mdsenate_09-13.html Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:00:00 EDT In what was considered an amicable campaign between two old colleagues, Rep. Benjamin Cardin defeated former congressman Kweisi Mfume in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maryland. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/rhodeisland_09-13.html Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:00:00 EDT Moderate Rhode Island Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a pro-choice Republican who voted against the Iraq war and President Bush's tax cuts, beat a conservative challenger in Tuesday's primary. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/montana_09-12.html Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:56:00 EDT U.S. Senate hopeful Jon Tester clashed with incumbent Republican Conrad Burns in a heated public debate for what is coming to be known as Montana's most expensive Senate race to date. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pennsylvania_09-07.html Thu, 07 Sep 2006 14:38:00 EDT With Labor Day behind them, the campaigns of Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., and Democratic challenger Lois Murphy have continued to hone their strategies in the race for Pennsylvania's 6th District, one of the closest House races in the nation. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/florida_09-06.html Wed, 06 Sep 2006 15:00:00 EDT Without full GOP backing, Rep. Katherine Harris, Florida's former secretary of state who received national attention after Florida's 2000 recount, ran and won the Republican nomination for senator. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/congress_09-05.html Wed, 06 Sep 2006 14:57:00 EDT The House and Senate have less than a month before adjourning to campaign full-time for November's elections. Stuart Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report and Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report give their election predictions, followed by Norman Ornstein of the American Enterprise Institute discussing what Congress plans to tackle in the coming weeks. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/md_09-01.html Fri, 01 Sep 2006 16:32:00 EDT The top Democratic candidates for Maryland's open U.S. Senate seat squared off in a debate Thursday, ahead of the Sept. 12 primary to see who will run against presumptive Republican candidate Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/words_08-31.html Thu, 31 Aug 2006 19:39:00 EDT President Bush has begun a series of speeches to boost support for the war on terrorism and his administration's policy in Iraq, a key issue in many tight mid-term races. Reps. Marty Meehan, D-Mass., and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., debate U.S. foreign policy and its impacts on this year's elections. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/tennessee_08-31.html Thu, 31 Aug 2006 18:17:00 EDT In his tour across the United States to raise support for embattled Republican candidates, President Bush made a fundraising stop in Nashville Wednesday to boost support for Bob Corker. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/missouri_08-30.html Thu, 31 Aug 2006 11:52:00 EDT In November, Missouri residents will vote on an amendment that would allow state scientists to conduct any stem cell research permitted under federal law. Both Republican incumbent Sen. Jim Talent, who opposes it, and his challenger Democrat Claire McCaskill, who supports it, are using the issue to motivate voters in their Senate campaigns. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/ohio_08-29.html Tue, 29 Aug 2006 09:00:00 EDT A group of pastors endorsed Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell over Democrat Ted Strickland, a former Methodist minister and U.S. representative who has increased his early lead to 25 points. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/sp_08-25.html Mon, 28 Aug 2006 13:54:00 EDT Analysts Mark Shields and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss comments by two prominent Republicans, Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Rep. Chris Shays of Connecticut, who criticized the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq. Shays, who faces a tough re-election battle in November, was a strong supporter of the war but now is calling for a timetable for withdrawal. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/pa_08-25.html Fri, 25 Aug 2006 16:00:00 EDT As if the battle for the U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania was not rough enough, now, it appears, the animals have hit the campaign trail, and are wading into protest politics. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec06/alaska_08-23.html Wed, 23 Aug 2006 17:06:00 EDT After a rocky first term, Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski lost his chance at a second try for Alaska's governor's mansion. After polls closed Tuesday, Murkowski conceded defeat and pledged to support the winner, Sarah Palin. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/lamont_08-09.html Wed, 09 Aug 2006 21:52:00 EDT Winner of Connecticut's Democratic primary, Ned Lamont, who spent $4 million of his own money in a successful bid to oust incumbent three-term Senator Joe Lieberman, discusses the Senate race ahead of him as he challenges a Republican candidate and Lieberman again, who has decided to run as an independent. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/lieberman_08-09.html Wed, 09 Aug 2006 21:51:00 EDT After serving as Connecticut's U.S. Senator for 18 years, Democrat Joe Lieberman lost his party's primary on Tuesday. Having announced his decision to run as an "Independent Democrat", Lieberman discusses why he will continue his campaign into the fall general election. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/conn_08-07.html Mon, 07 Aug 2006 21:50:00 EDT Polls that once pegged Ned Lamont as a long-shot in Connecticut's Democratic primary for Senate, now have the first-time candidate ahead of incumbent Sen. Joseph Lieberman going into Tuesday's vote. But, as Gwen Ifill reported Monday, the race is far from over. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/notebook/ct3.html Sun, 06 Aug 2006 23:49:00 EDT Embattled incumbent Senator Joe Lieberman is in the closing days of a bitter re-election fight that pits him against millionaire anti-war candidate Ned Lamont. Gwen Ifill continues her reports from the campaign trail about the senator's difficult days ahead of Tuesday's primary vote. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/notebook/ct2.html Sat, 05 Aug 2006 23:47:00 EDT The frontrunner was scheduled to work the laid-back crowd at the Goshen Jazz Festival in northwestern Connecticut. But, uh, no one had bothered to tell the Goshen Jazz Festival. Gwen Ifill reports from Connecticut. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2006/notebook/ct1.html Fri, 04 Aug 2006 20:10:00 EDT As she headed north to Connecticut to cover the state's Democratic primary battle between incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman and millionaire Ned Lamont, Gwen Ifill looks back 18 years to a time when Lieberman was dark horse candidate looking to unseat an incumbent. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/july-dec06/arizona_07-10.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 20:28:00 EDT Immigration has become a key election issue in Arizona this year as Republican Senator John Kyl tries to retain his seat and voters consider ballot initiatives to make English the official state language and deny undocumented workers certain state services. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june06/connecticut_06-23.html Fri, 23 Jun 2006 19:35:00 EDT In a second report in a series on the 2006 elections, Gwen Ifill reports on how supporting the Iraq war is affecting two congressional incumbents in Connecticut running for re-election in 2006. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june06/pennsylvania_06-16.html Fri, 16 Jun 2006 07:40:00 EDT In the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, several House incumbents are facing unexpectedly tight races. A report on the congressional campaign action, the first in a special series of election year reports - Choices '06. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june06/midterm_06-06.html Tue, 06 Jun 2006 19:45:00 EDT Voters went to the polls in eight states Tuesday, casting ballots in primaries for senators, and governors, and members of the House. Experts discuss what this means for November elections and the Bush administration. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june06/gop_4-28.html Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:36:00 EDT The Republican Party is facing low approval ratings on issues from immigration to government spending. Gwen Ifill reports from Colorado on the challenges facing Republicans heading into this fall's midterm elections. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/redir/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/political_wrap/jan-june06/sb_4-28.html Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:31:00 EDT NewsHour analysts Mark Shields and David Brooks discuss challenges facing the Republican Party ahead of November's midterm election, high gasoline prices and President Bush's appointment of new White House Press Secretary Tony Snow.