News

Society

Science

Health

Culture

Subscribe

Know the Races

Know the races: A dinner party primer.

By

Morgan Clendaniel

By  Morgan Clendaniel
Add to Google News

For the first time in several years, it’s within the realm of statistical possibility that Democrats could take control of both chambers of Congress. Here are some of the closest and most interesting races to be decided this November 7th. When the votes are counted, the results of these campaigns could be either a revitalized Republican majority, or a potentially far-reaching change in the governance of our country. The SenateSix races that can shift the balance.1. MONTANABURNS (R) v. TESTER (D)In a recent Vanity Fair article, convicted briber Jack Abramoff claimed that he received every appropriation he requested from Conrad Burns’ committee. The senator’s connection to the ever-widening Abramoff scandal has many Montanans up in arms. His opponent, state legislator Jon Tester, won an insurgent primary campaign, trouncing the Democratic establishment’s candidate. It will be difficult to unseat a long-serving politician like Burns, but Tester’s authentic Montana persona (which includes a combination of pro-gun and conservationist positions) could prove just the thing.2. PENNSYLVANIASANTORUM (R) v. CASEY (D)If you google incumbent Senator Rick Santorum, one of the top results will be an unprintable sexual excretion maliciously named “santorum” by syndicated sex columnist Dan Savage. Santorum, number three in the Republican leadership, is one of the Senate’s most conservative members, and his negative comments on issues like homosexuality have riled Democrats as much as they’ve rallied Republicans. Democrats would like nothing more than to remove him from power. They’ve fielded Bob Casey, Jr., the pro-life son of a beloved ex-governor, who has surged ahead in the polls.3. OHIODEWINE (R) v. BROWN (D)After fighting off conservative primary challengers upset at his membership in the “Gang of 14” who compromised on filibusters in the Senate, Mike DeWine may still be tainted by a growing scandal in Ohio state politics that-no joke-involves the buying and selling of rare coins. Rep. Sherrod Brown, who forced the withdrawal of popular anti-war Iraq vet Paul Hackett from the primary, is hoping that anger at the President, and a conservative backlash against DeWine’s more liberal policies, will finally give national Democrats a reason to forgive Ohio for 2004.4. VIRGINIAALLEN (R) v. WEBB (D)Incumbent Virginia Senator George Allen is a conservative poster boy often mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in ’08. Opposing him is newly-minted Democrat James Webb. Democrats hope that Webb’s mélange of liberal (anti-war, pro-choice) and conservative (pro-gun, Reagan’s Secretary of the Navy) positions will so befuddle the state’s swing voters that they will give up trying to figure him out and simply elect him. Webb’s recent party shift may strike some voters as opportunistic, while Allen’s blatant presidential campaigning may turn off others. In the end, it may come down to Virginia’s sizable population of military voters deciding how much more war they’re willing to stomach.5. WASHINGTONCANTWELL (D) v. McGAVICK (R)First term Senator Maria Cantwell won her last election by 2,229 votes, out of 2.5 million votes cast-a mere .09 percent of the total. This tenuous margin of victory puts her at risk against challenger Mike McGavick, a former insurance CEO. McGavick hopes that the absence of Bush’s name on the ballot will keep him from being negatively associated with a national party that is increasingly unpopular in the state. Based on his poll numbers, his dreams may come true. Keeping this seat is the linchpin of the Democrat’s dream of winning back the Senate.6. MINNESOTAKENNEDY (R) v. KLOBUCHAR (D)Truly unpopular Democrat Mark Dayton (the only senator to close his office during the anthrax scare) wisely decided to retire rather than get trounced in this election, so this seat is up for grabs. Prosecutor Amy Klobuchar will try to hold on to the seat for the Democrats. She’ll be running against Rep. Mark Kennedy, who is being hammered for having sided with the White House position in 97 percent of his congressional votes. Since neither candidate offers anything particularly exciting, this race will be a referendum on how the people of Minnesota judge the policies of both parties, without factors like charisma clouding their decision.Other races to watch: Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee

THE HOUSE

Most people don’t know who represents them in Congress. Even fewer can name the challenger to their current representative-one of the reasons why it’s rare for an incumbent to lose a House race. Should the Democrats manage to grab 15 seats from the Republicans, you’ll be hearing from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2007-a vision of the future that is ratcheting up the GOP fundraising. Here are 15 races that, unlike most of the 435 House contests, have outcomes that may be in doubt.CONNECTICUT2nd DistrictEastern ConnecticutSIMMONS (R) v. COURTNEY (D)If Democrats want to take back the house, the best targets are moderate Republicans who serve in Democratic-leaning districts. Rep. Rob Simmons is a prime example. If his district decides they’ve had enough of the Republican party line, Joe Courtney is in-despite the fact that Simmons doesn’t very often toe that party line.FLORIDA22nd DistrictIncluding West Palm BeachSHAW (R) v. KLEIN (D)As of June, state Senator Ron Klein had raised more money than any other nonincumbent candidate in his attempt to unseat 13-term Rep. Clay Shaw. But Shaw is a savvy vet of these House races, and the 22nd was redistricted in 2002 to give Shaw an edge against Democratic challengers-even popular, well-funded ones.LOUISIANA3rd District Southern LouisianaMELANCON (D) v. ROMERO (R)In this district hit hard by Katrina, Rep. Charlie Melancon is running against state Senator Craig Romero, who has grabbed a bunch of cross-the-aisle endorsements.NEW MEXICO1st DistrictAlbuquerque and vicinityWILSON (R) v. MADRID (D)Patricia Madrid, New Mexico’s attorney general, is fighting to take this seat in a district that went for Kerry by a slim margin in 2004. Wilson is popular, but may be dragged down by New Mexicans’ low opinion of her party.NEW YORK24th District (open)Central New YorkARCURI (D) v. MEIER (R)Twelve-term congresswoman and moderate Republican Sherry Boehlert retired, leaving a vacuum in this fairly conservative (for New York) upstate district. State Senator Ray Meier is well liked, but District Attorney Michael Arcuri may be helped by having Democrats on the ticket (Clinton for senator, Spitzer for governor) who will win in a landslide.NORTH CAROLINA11th DistrictIncluding AshevilleTAYLOR (R) v. SHULER (D)Charles Taylor made the ill-advised decision (later retracted) to come out against using federal money to pay for a memorial to the passengers of United Flight 93. Conservative Democrat (and former college football star and pro football burnout) Heath Shuler is coming on strong.OHIO18th District (open)Suburbs of ColumbusPADGETT (R) v. SPACE (D)Bob Ney, often implicated in the Abramoff scandal, suddenly dropped out of the race in early August. He has anointed state Senator Joy Padgett as his successor, but a Republican primary had not yet taken place at press time. Challenger Zack Space hopes his pledge to accept absolutely nothing from lobbyists if he is elected will resonate with voters tired of corruption.PENNSYLVANIA6th DistrictWest suburbs of PhilidelphiaGERLACH (R) v. MURPHY (D)Lois Murphy is challenging Rep. Jim Gerlach again after losing to him in 2004. Gerlach needs to be as moderate as possible while still appearing conservative. His district isn’t happy with the war, but isn’t particularly liberal at heart either.GEORGIA8th DistrictIncluding MaconMARSHALL (D) v. COLLINS (R)Mac Collins lost a Republican primary in the 2004 senate race, and is looking to get back to Washington. Rep. Jim Marshall’s district has been redistricted since he won his seat, and now leans more Republican than when he was first elected. Couple that with Collins’ large war chest, and Marshall faces a tough test.IOWA1st District (open)Eastern IowaBRALEY (D) v. WHALEN (R)The fight for this open seat in Iowa may be an indication of how things will settle nationwide on election night. The district has been controlled by Republicans for years, but has been turning bluer recently. If Bruce Braley can claim the seat, Washington, D.C. might look different come 2007.IOWA3rd DistrictIncluding Des MoinesBOSWELL (D) v. LAMBERTI (R)Iowa’s hallowed place as the starting gate for the presidency means that its local races get a lot of attention from presidential candidates who want an Iowa friend come primary season. Sadly, incumbent Rep. Leonard Boswell has been hampered by health problems, making Jeff Lamberti’s well-financed campaign to unseat him seem a bit heartless.ILLINOIS6th District (open)Chicago SuburbsDUCKWORTH (D) v. ROSKAM (R)Tammy Duckworth lost both legs in Iraq, and her critique of the war has propelled her into a tight race with Peter Roskam, a well-funded state senator. It’s a historically Republican district with an open seat, so Duckworth is going to have to get lucky.8th DistrictNorthern suburbs of ChicagoBEAN (D) v. McSWEENEY (R)Rep. Melissa Bean has money in the bank and the weight of incumbency, but millionaire businessman David McSweeney has a chance in this slightly Republican district. McSweeney’s business ties with Enron, however, won’t endear him to many voters.INDIANA8th DistrictSouthwestern IndianaHOSTETTLER (R) v. ELLSWORTH (D)Rep. John Hostettler once claimed that abortions and breast cancer are medically linked. He was also arrested for trying to carry a gun onto a plane. Pro-life, pro-gun Democrat Brad Ellsworth is just the kind of challenger that this conservative district might choose to replace their volatile congressman.TEXAS17th DistrictIncluding Waco and College StationEDWARDS (D) v. TAYLOR (R)This district includes the western White House in Crawford, and the president won it by 70 percent in 2004, yet it’s represented by Democrat Chet Edwards. Proving that Democrats aren’t the only party that can benefit by fielding Iraq vets, recently returned soldier Van Taylor is offering a formidable challenge to Edwards.

Add to Google News

Tags

advertisement

More for You

  • Oakland officials open ‘play-lending library’ to offset the cost of equipment for youth sports
    Photo credit: Canva – Oakland is providing free sports equipment so kids can just play.
    ,

    Oakland officials open ‘play-lending library’ to offset the cost of equipment for youth sports

    Oakland is equipping kids to enjoy sports and games this summer.

    Erik Barnes

    Playing sports has been a common childhood experience that has led to lifelong hobbies, exercise, and forming lasting friendships. However, it’s gotten less common in recent years. Sign-up fees, uniforms, and many other expenses have led to most low-income families unable to afford to have their kids play. With that in mind, the city of Oakland, California believes they found a solution: a library. No, not the book kind.

    Officials are letting children check out soccer balls, footballs, yoga mats, tennis equipment, and other sports supplies at their newly opened Park Play Lending Library. Kids can also check out board games and card games like UNO as well. Using this library located at the Larry E. Reid Sports Center is absolutely free to anyone.

    “Every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and thrive,” said Maribel Lopez, City of Oakland Recreation Supervisor said in a press release. “The Park Play Lending Library is an investment in our community and a step toward ensuring that all Oakland residents have access to the recreational resources they enjoy, regardless of their financial situation.”

    Encouraging kids to socialize, play, and grow

    Oakland residents and officials welcome this sports equipment library for a myriad of reasons. It’s not just to allow access to certain activities, but to help address the lack of third places and areas for children to play overall. Whether it’s through sports or games, face-to-face playing helps children’s social skills, combats loneliness, and expands the immediate world around them.

    “We’re aware that sports can lead to social mobility,” Lopez told SFGate. “When kids are familiar with golf, tennis, soccer, and other, you know, games or sports that are more socially mobile, then they have access to different communities, different friend groups, different neighborhoods, and we want to be a vehicle for that. We want kids to be able to speak each other’s language and connect through sports.”

    Expenses in youth sports has become a federal government issue

    Children being priced out of local sports programs due to expense has been a rising issue across the country. It’s to the point where the federal government is looking to intervene.

    Representatives of both Congress and the Senate have introduced the Let Kids Play Act bill to their peers. The purpose of the bill, according to Congressman Pat Ryan and Senator Chris Murphy among other authors, is to limit or outright remove private equity firms’ involvement in youth sports. The representatives state that the cost to participate in youth sports rose by 46% over the last five years. They also claim that many families are paying more than $5,000 per kid so they can play. By removing private equity involvement, the hope is to cut down on junk fees, stay-to-play schemes, data mining, and other issues that are making it harder for families to allow their kids to participate in local organized youth sports.

    While the federal government debates on this issue, a local library or park allowing children access to sports equipment to have pick-up games may be a great first step to renew what was a common American childhood experience.

    Keep Reading →
  • After a field trip for 100 low-income kids was canceled, police officer rents a whole movie theater for them
    Photo credit: Canva – Officer Reavie opened his wallet and his heart to help kids enjoy a movie in the theater.
    ,

    After a field trip for 100 low-income kids was canceled, police officer rents a whole movie theater for them

    He spent nearly $2,000 to give them a nice trip to the movies.

    Erik Barnes

    Arizona middle schoolers that were a part of Greenway Middle School’s “After the Bell” summer program were really looking forward to their field trip. However, funding for their end-of-summer field trip fell through. That’s when School Resource Officer Sean Reavie stepped in.

    Using money from his own pocket, Reavie rented out all 144 seats at a local movie theater so the kids could enjoy a screening of Toy Story 5. The movie, the snacks, the sodas, all on him. For many of the kids, it would be their first time ever watching a movie in a theater.

    An act of generosity, an act of community

    After being contacted by the program director, Katie Jenkins, Reavie didn’t hesitate to spend his own money on the theater rental and treats. The cost added up to nearly $2,000.

    “If they needed more, I would have given them more,” Reavie said to 12 News. “You can’t break a promise to a child. They come here knowing that there’s a reward at the end.”

    Reavie understood that this trip to the movies was more than it seemed. Greenway Middle School is a Title one school, meaning that the majority of the students came from low-income households. Several of the students qualified for free breakfast and lunch daily from the school. Going to a movie theater was a luxury that most of the kids’ families cannot afford.

    “Some of them live in a different life than most of us would comprehend, and they just haven’t seen a lot of good things with their own eyes,” said Reavie. “Their family doesn’t have a car. Parents, if they have two, work multiple jobs. Half of them have never been to a water park before. They’ve never been across the other side of the highway before.”

    Prior to the movie, after Officer Reavie explained that he would take care of all expenses, he made just one request to the kids.

    “As you get older in life, help other people, as a payback to me,” he told them. “Would you do that? That’s all I ask of you.”

    Reavie is a superhero (well, dresses like one sometimes)

    This isn’t the first time Reavie helped fund a great experience for local school kids. In 2025, he spent more than $3,000 to take students to Hurricane Harbor water park.

    Reavie spent the early years of his police career as a child crimes detective for six years before taking on his current role. Along with that, Reavie started a superhero-inspired charity that supports teen youth programs and child advocacy.

    “It dawned on me that little kids who were scared responded to superheroes,” he said. “So I started a superhero-based foundation called Put On The Cape: A Foundation For Hope.”

    The Put On The Cape organization has officers and “causeplayers” dress up as superheroes to host events to raise money for children’s causes. Their homepage reads,”Our mission fills the toy closet, food pantry, and clothing wardrobe to the children and their families. This takes the burden off the center so they can focus on healing the child from the trauma they’ve endured.”

    With or without a cape, Officer Reavie is setting a great example of giving in order to plant hope in a generation that could grow up to give back tenfold.

    Keep Reading →
  • 14-year-old Montana kid rescues a drowning man with his lasso and rodeo skills
    Photo credit: Canva – Young Jory Thomas saved a life with his roping skills.
    ,

    14-year-old Montana kid rescues a drowning man with his lasso and rodeo skills

    “Luckily, I caught him first try.”

    Erik Barnes

    A teenager is being praised for pulling off a heroic act straight out of an American western film. The boy saved a man from drowning by lassoing him like a cowboy.

    Fourteen-year-old Jory Thomas was just visiting with his grandparents on their campground near Yellowstone River. Jory had his lariat to practice the roping skills he’d been learning for the past year. That’s when he heard cries for help from the nearby river.

    “We all heard, ‘Help, help,’” Jory said to KTVQ News. “There’s two or three people floating down the river, one hanging on to the cooler, and he wasn’t saying anything.”

    A raft carrying four people crashed into a bridge pillar, knocking them all into the Yellowstone River. While three of them made it to shore, the fourth was drifting quickly downstream as he clung to a cooler. Jory emptied his pockets and grabbed his lariat, immediately rushing to help.

    Practice prepared him for this moment

    “This current was pretty fast then, and he was moving pretty quickly,” said Jory. “Only thing I could focus on was helping him get out of the water because I didn’t want to see anyone go in front of me.”

    Jory had been practicing using a lariat to rope a dummy on his parents’ ranch nearly every afternoon when the weather was fair. Ready for action, Jory ran into the shallower part of the river, getting chest-deep into the water. Letting his training do the work, Jory took his 12-foot lariat and lassoed the drowning man.

    “Luckily, I caught him first try,” he said.

    Jory slowly pulled the man to shore as first responders arrived.

    “I felt pretty good afterwards that I knew he was okay and was out of the water,” he said. “God was basically putting me in the place of all this. God was just telling me all of this at the time and saying, ‘Go get him, you got it, and I believe in you.’”

    Jory’s instinct was to help

    Jory’s family was proud but not too surprised that he leapt into action. To them, being helpful was just Jory being Jory.

    “His first instinct always is to help other people. He’s always been that way,” said Sandy, Thomas’ grandmother. “The whole community is proud of him. We’ve had a lot of feedback, but that’s Jory. He’s always there to help somebody else.”

    “We’ll be in town at the grocery store, and you’ll see an elderly person,” Jase, Jory’s father, told Cowboy State Daily. “They can’t pack the groceries, and he never says a word. He goes over and gets their groceries and packs them out. That’s just who he is.”

    The local police also praised Jory for taking action.

    “My opinion, Jory saved the individual’s life, 100%,” said Sweet Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg. “Had Jory not acted, I believe the chances of this individual making it to shore were very slim.”’

    “Jory saw another in trouble and acted, not for himself but for another,” Ronneberg added. “Jory is a lesson for all of us in this day and age and showed us what is courageous and right.”

    Keep Reading →

advertisement

youth sports, library, congress, bill
Public Good

Oakland officials open ‘play-lending library’ to offset the cost of equipment for youth sports

wholesome, movie theater, feel good, kids
Public Good

After a field trip for 100 low-income kids was canceled, police officer rents a whole movie theater for them

drowning, teenage hero, lasso, heroic story
Local

14-year-old Montana kid rescues a drowning man with his lasso and rodeo skills

biosolid fertilizer, gardening, waste water treatment, environment
Environment

How D.C.’s ‘humanure’ fertilizer creates lush gardens and big profits while improving the environment

laziness, efficiency, scientific study, work life
Work

In 1947, a car executive said lazy people are just smart. 79 years later, science backs him up.

Sign Up for the Daily Good!

Advertisement

Explore More Stories

See All
fast fashion, environment, european union, recycling
Fashion

European Union enforces ban on destroying unsold fast-fashion clothing by major companies

Erik Barnes
What kids are doing on tablets seems to matter more than how long they use them.
Health

Screen time guidelines for kids and adolescents have shifted as research paints a more nuanced picture

Good Partner
e-bike, e-scooter, safety tips, emergency room
Care

ER doctor and mom sets the record straight for parents of kids with e-bikes and e-scooters

Erik Barnes
At times, feeling personally grateful to someone can feel like a big ask – but there are other forms of gratitude.
Ideas

How to be grateful to someone – even when you really don’t want to

Good Partner