Let's send the last Republican congressman in New England packing, shall we? - Todd

There are only four days left until the Jim Himes Blograiser & Pub Quiz.  People are organizing themselves into teams, RSVP's are coming in, and we're getting a lot of love both from the netroots and local Democrats.  The support from the netroots community in particular has been overwhelming.  

Currently 300 people have given to Jim through Act Blue.   I'd like to see that number jump to 350 by Saturday.  But to accomplish that we need your help.  

Jim Himes can defeat Chris Shays. I've heard him speak, watched him meet with voters and address their concerns.  I've seen his dedication to running a people powered campaign firsthand.  

The last time I was in a room with Chris Shays he bragged about major beneficiary of Rove's maneuvering in the 2006 election.  The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has launched an investigation into whether the White House used Federal funds to aid Republicans in the last election cycle.  When asked about this by a reporter Shays said: "I milked that for all it was worth." Only last week Chris Shays threatened not to run again if his Caucus didn't give him the Chairmanship of that same committee.  And if voters in the 4th district reelected him and he was denied the Chairmanship? "I will resign." 

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From the diaries, CT-04 steps up with a Jim Himes end of Q3 blograiser. Donate to help send Chris Shays packing! - Todd

What: Test your knowledge of political trivia in a fun competition.  Join your favorite blogger or politician's quiz team, or form your own and compete for the right to call yourself Jim Himes' geekiest supporter.

Donate: Act Blue
RSVP Here

When:     Saturday September 29 from 7 to 9PM

Where:  
Bradford's Grill and Tavern
83 Bedford Street
Stamford, CT
(203) 961 9999

*Suggested Minimum Donation $25*

More details over the flip...

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The beginning of the month brought the Senate rankings. Two weeks have passed, so it is time to look at the picture in the House. As bad as this week was for the GOP on the Senate (and make no mistake about it, between Hagel's retirement and Warner and Shaheen jumping in the race, this was as bad as it can get), House Republicans did their best to beat that. After a month of recruitment failures and retirement announcements, Republicans are not at their best in House races, and while some of them were hoping that they could reconquer the House in November 2008, that looks increasingly unlikely.

Read full ranking at Campaign Diaries.

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Senate Republicans have not been doing well for a while now. But the GOP's disarray is now extending to the House! The series of Republicans congressmen (Pryce, Hastert, LaHood, Peckering, ...) declaring their intention to retire in August started the wave of bad news, but this past week shows the GOP's House problems go much deeper than these open seats.

Read full analysis here,  on Campaign Diaries.

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I wasn't surprised by the results of the Kos poll.  It only confirms what I've known for some time.  Joe Lieberman sold voters in CT a bill of goods, and buyer's remorse has set in.  But the race is long over.  You might be asking yourself what the value of knowing is?  The answer is political capital, namely how little of it Lieberman has left.  

Lieberman used up nearly all of his political capital in last year's Senate race.  I don't believe he could win another election here, even with being a well known, well funded incumbent.  More important is how little weight his endorsement will carry, and how Democrats can use that to our advantage.  

What does that mean for 2008?  Here in Connecticut it's good news for Jim Himes.  Lieberman will almost certainly endorse Shays and campaign for him in the 4th CD.  Who better to illustrate Shays' ever changing position on Iraq than Joe No one wants the troops home more than I do Lieberman?  I can't wait for them to hit the campaign trail together.  

Nationally, Lieberman's lack of political capital can be utilized for any race he chooses to get involved in.  We've already seen Senate Challenger Tom Allen invoke Lieberman's support of incumbent Susan Collins with great results.  Joe Lieberman could easily become one of the best weapons in the progressive Dem infrastructure's arsenal. Who will Joe help next?