| Georgia Senate Race Could Be Heading For a Runoff The country's attention is firmly set on November 4, but if the Democrats are serious about getting to 60 seats in the Senate, they may need to maintain their motivation for weeks following Election Day. As it stands today, it is very possible that the now-competitive Senate race in Georgia could be heading for a runoff election, which would take place weeks after the general election. Winning the Senate race in Georgia is essential to any 60-seat scenario, so Democrats must be aware of this possibility. If No Candidate Gets at Least 50%, a Runoff Occurs
Election rules in Georgia stipulate that if no candidate reaches a plurality of 50%, a runoff between the two top candidates occurs. Currently, the race is extremely tight, falling within the margin of error in most polls, but the presence of Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley may mean that a runoff will be necessary. Buckley is drawing between 5% and 6% of the vote in the most recent polling, and neither Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss nor Democratic challenger Jim Martin is reaching the 50% threshold. Since the start of the current election cycle, special elections have been very kind to Democrats, as they have won three special elections in Republican districts over the past year, gaining seats in previously noncompetitive districts. However, these victories were widely predicated on a motivation gap between Democratic and Republican voters. This gap may not continue beyond the general election unless we are prepared.
Winning in Georgia Is Vital to Any Path to 60 Senate Seats
Democrats need to win nine Senate seats to achieve a filibuster-proof majority. Winning the race in Georgia is essential in any scenario for 60 Senate seats. Let's assume that the Democrats don't win in Georgia. In order to get the nine seats necessary to get to 60, the Democrats would then have to win in either Kentucky or Mississippi, which is less likely, on top of winning all the remaining toss-ups. NCEC precinct data and consultation would be a vital resource in the event of any runoff.
Ted Stevens Found Guilty on All Seven Counts
Longtime Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty on all seven counts of making false statements on Senate disclosure forms. The charges surround remodeling of his home, which he received from the oil company VECO, among other things. The verdict ensures that this seat will be very competitive throughout the rest of the campaign. There was some worry that an acquittal in the trial would have had negative effects on Mark Begich's campaign. However, the guilty verdict doesn't ensure a Democratic victory, because there remains in Alaska a great deal of loyalty to Stevens, who has held that seat since 1968. NCEC Has Helped More Than 200 House & Senate Candidates Now in our 60th year, NCEC is proud to have supported more than 200 candidates this campaign cycle. NCEC precinct targeting is a tool used to level the playing field, providing candidates with critical information used to get out the vote in districts all over the country. Our data shows campaigns where Democrats are, down to the precinct level, and provides other information such as expected vote, voter persuasion, and media market analysis. This information can make the difference between victory and defeat. Our recipients range from the tier-one target races to the underfunded candidates taking on entrenched incumbents. Our targeting comes to them at no charge, as an in-kind contribution. The generosity of our donors allows our work to continue; a contribution to NCEC is one worth making, as our work makes a difference. Our work will continue through the last day of the election, as we help campaigns utilize our expertise and turn out every possible voter. The wind is blowing in our direction, but we dare not take it for granted. Please contribute one last time.
|
This email was sent to danjmatt@bellsouth.net by insider@ncec.org.
NCEC | 122 C Street NW | Washington | DC | 20001
Comments