The Hotline's Hot House Race Updates
A daily update of ads, polls, trends and analyses from the hottest House races.
Updated Race Rankings: House **** Senate **** Governors
1. Familiar Patterns: In new TV ads, GOPers attack their opponents on nat'l security. To highlight a few -- Rep. Rob Simmons's (R) up with a new TV ad in CT 02 against '02 nominee Joe Courtney (D), while in VA 02, Rep. Thelma Drake's (R) up with one against Virginia Beach Cmsr. of Revenue Phil Kellam (D).
Simmons's full script, "Threats."
ANNCR: "North Korea tests a nuclear weapon; Iran's leader says 'Death to Americans.' With new threats assaulting us, Congressman Rob Simmons stands out as strong enough to protect us. 37 Years of Military Experience. 10 years of Intelligence Experience. Joe Courtney? No military experience. No intelligence experience. None! With threats everywhere, Rob Simmons is best equipped to protect your family and our nation."
Drake's full script, "Interception."
ANNCR: "An enemy in the shadows. Terrorists that know only death and destruction. Thelma Drake says find them where they hide. Already one terrorist plot uncovered, countless lives saved. But Phil Kellam says stop, don't intercept calls to known terrorists -- even with a potential terrorist plot unfolding until paper work is filed. Kellam says wait for the lawyers. He would put us all at risk. Phil Kellam. Dead wrong on national security."
2. Running With A Bad Crowd: At Living Word Christian Center in MN 06, Rev. Mac Hammond church-delievered endorsement of state Sen. Michele Bachmann (R) spurred a complaint to the IRS, and "led a church official to acknowledge that the endorsement was inappropriate."
Although Hammond introduced Bachmann before speeches she gave at four weekend services, she said, "We can't publicly endorse as a church and would not for any candidate." Yet she added, "But I can tell you personally that I'm going to vote for... Bachmann" (Minneapolis Star Tribune).
3. An Iraq Attack: Iraq war vet Patrick Murphy (D)launched a new TV ad attacking Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R) in PA 08.
4. Down To The Wire: In KY 03, a Cooper & Secrest Associates (D) poll; conducted 10/11 and 10/14-15 for ex-publisher John Yarmuth (D); surveyed 564 LVs; margin of error +/- 4.12% (release, 10/17). Tested: Rep. Anne Northup (R) and Yarmuth.
General Election Matchup Northup 45% Yarmuth 44 Other/undec 11