Thursday, March 1, 2012

House Of Lords Watch

Olympia Snowe's decision not to run for re-election may be a bigger story than anything remaining in the GOP presidential primary (well, assuming that Romney wins). Democrats are pretty well-positioned, having two Congresscritters contending for the nomination -- Chellie Pingree and Mike Michaud, as well as former Governor John Baldacci. I don't know anything beyond what I've seen on their Wikipedia pages, but Pingree seems to be more progressive than Michaud. Susan Collins is up for re-election in 2014, and if Snowe's decision is any kind of suggestion that she'll do the same thing, it's something for Democrats to celebrate.

Bob Kerrey's decision to run for his old Nebraska Senate seat is also good news, but I'd still expect the Republicans to carry that one. I'm pleased to see Mazie Hirono up big over Ed Case in a recent poll, though it's a Hirono campaign poll and earlier polling hasn't been so strong. I'm less happy to see Tommy Thompson leading Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin -- Baldwin is one of the most left-wing people in Congress and I'd love to see her win.

3 comments:

N in Seattle said...

Pingree is definitely more progressive than Michaud.

It's not a close call -- she's one of the five Vice Chairs of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (as is Tammy Baldwin).

Michaud, on the other hand, is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Robin said...

Neil, could I have your 1 or 2 on a hypothetical new line of plush/stuffed toys in 535 varieties called "Congresscritters," please.

Neil Sinhababu said...

Given the fact that they're mostly old white guys, it's a 1. I guess with a more diverse legislature, it'd be more interesting.

I tend to use Congresscritters just for House people rather than Senators.