Dems Promised Me Seniority: Demoted Specter

But trend and dismal 21% approval of Congress could spell Dem's demise

(NEWSER) - The sizable lead among registered voters Democrats have maintained since the 2006 midterm elections has eroded to almost nothing. In the latest Gallup poll, Dems have just a 2-point advantage over Republicans going into the 2010 midterms, 46% to 44%, well within the sampling error. That’s down from a 6-point lead in July, due mostly to a decrease in support from independents. More»

(NEWSER) - As the 2010 election nears, GOP senatorial candidates are seeing a bump in campaign donations, the Washington Post reports. FEC filings show that in Florida, for instance, Charlie Crist pulled in $4.3 million in the second quarter, almost 4 times as much as his leading Democratic rival. Roy Blunt also did well in Missouri, citing the Democrats' "monopoly" as a fundraising tool. "Republican contributors are likely to be more and more concerned about the direction of the Democratic agenda,” said one observer. More»

Takes steps for Reid, Specter, Gillibrand 4 months into term

(NEWSER) - He’s been in office just a few months—but President Obama’s already working to get Democrats elected in 2010, the Wall Street Journal reports. So far this month, Obama has urged a potential candidate to run in North Carolina, battled a primary threat to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, pledged support for Sen. Arlen Specter, and planned to raise funds for Sen. Harry Reid. More»

(NEWSER) - Arlen Specter is jumping to the Democrats, leaving the party excruciatingly close to a filibuster-proof Senate majority, reports Politico. Sources say VP Joe Biden was key to the effort to recruit the Pennsylvania senator. “Since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right,” Specter said in a statement. “I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans.” More»

Stick up to Reid, Dems urge Pelosi

(NEWSER) - The Senate requires 60 votes to avoid filibuster, so the 58-strong Democrats are at the mercy of centrist Republicans Arlen Specter, Olympia Snowe, and Susan Collins. Politico reports that House Dems, who have no trouble passing bills on their own, are unhappy that their legislation has to run this gauntlet. Says one, “You have Specter, Snowe, and Collins dictating terms to 250" of us. More»