2008 Presidential Election: Game Thread

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

I will be out of town starting Friday evening unitl Tuesday evening.

[NHI]

I will be out of town starting Friday evening unitl Tuesday evening.

I will push this to Wednesday evening. 11:59 pm set

[badgate]

Lincoln Campaign Schedule

March 6 Pennsylvania
-9:30am - Meet & Greet in Montgomeryville, w/ Rep. Schwartz
-11:00am - Rally in Willow Grove, w/ Rep. Schwartz Rep. Allyson Schwartz endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-12:30pm - Meet & Greet in Glenside, w/ Rep. Schwartz
-1:15pm - Meet & Greet in Wyncote, w/ Rep. Fattah
-2:45pm - GOTV Launch & Rally in Philadelphia, w/ Rep. Fattah Rep. Chaka Fattah endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-4:30pm - Town Hall in Ardmore, w/ Rep. Holden
-6:30pm - Rally in Norristown, w/ Rep. Holden Rep. Tim Holden endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-8:00pm - Speaking at Rubber Chicken Dinner Fundraiser and Meet & Greet in Pottstown, w/ Rep. Holden

March 7 North Carolina
-9:45am - Meet & Greet in Raleigh, w/ Sen. Edwards
-11:00am - Rally in Raleigh, w/ Sen. Edwards Sen. John Edwards endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-1:00pm - Student Q&A at UNC Chapel Hill, w/ Sen. Edwards
-3:00pm - Town Hall in Durham
-6:45pm - Rally in Charlotte, w/ Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-8:00pm - Town Hall at Charlotte City Hall

March 8 Pennsylvania
-9:30am - Major Economic Speech at Penn State, w/ Sen. Hillary Clinton & Gov. Ed Rendell & Howard Dean
-11:00am - Photo Line at Penn State, w/ Sen. Clinton, Govs. Rendell & Dean
-12:30pm - Town Hall in Altoona
-3:00pm - Town Hall in Johnstown
-5:00pm - Press Conference in Pittsburgh, w/ Rep. Michael F. Doyle Rep. Michael F. Doyle endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-6:00-9:00pm - Barnstorming PA-14 w/ Rep. Doyle (including Pittsburgh, Penn Hills, Wilkinsburg, Munhall, West Mifflin, & McKeesport)

March 9 Pennsylvania
-9:00am - Press Conference in Harrisburg, w/ Gov. Ed Rendell & Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Gov. Ed Rendell & Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll endorse Blanche Lincoln for President
-10:15am - Town Hall in Harrisburg, w/ Gov. Rendell
-12:30pm - GOTV Launch in Reading, w/ Lt. Gov. Knoll
-2:30pm - Town Hall in Allentown, w/ Lt. Gov. Knoll
-4:00pm - GOTV Launch in Bethlehem, w/ Gov. Rendell
-6:15pm - Rally in Wilkes-Barre, w/ Gov. Rendell & Lt. Gov. Knoll
-7:30pm - Town Hall in Scranton, w/ Gov. Rendell

March 10 North Carolina & Pennsylvania
-9:00am - GOTV Canvass Launch in Charlotte, w/ Sen. Edwards & Lt. Gov. Perdue
-11:30am - GOTV Canvass Launch in Greensboro/High Point, w/ Sen. Edwards & Lt. Gov. Perdue
-1:00pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in Durham/Raleigh, w/ Sen. Edwards & Lt. Gov. Perdue
-2:00pm - Fly to Philadelphia
-3:30pm - GOTV Canvass Launch/Rally in PA-7, w/ Rep. Joe Sestak Rep. Joe Sestak endorses Blanche Lincoln for President
-4:30pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in PA-2, w/ Rep. Chaka Fattah & Lt. Gov. Knoll
-5:30pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in PA-17, w/ Rep. Tim Holden & Lt. Gov. Knoll
-6:30pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in PA-13, w/ Rep. Allyson Schwartz & Lt. Gov. Knoll
-8:00pm - Massive Rally in Downtown Philadelphia, with Reps. Fattah, Holden, Sestak, Schwartz, & Doyle, and Sen. Bob Casey, Gov. Rendell & Lt. Gov. Knoll Sen. Bob Casey Jr. endorses Blanche Lincoln for President

March 11 Pennsylvania
-9:00am - GOTV Canvass Launch in Allentown, w/ Sen. Hillary Clinton
-12:00pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in Harrisburg, w/ Gov. Howard Dean
-3:00pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in Pittsburgh, w/ Pres. Bill Clinton & Rep. Doyle
-4:30pm - Fly to Pittsburgh
-6:00pm - Press Conference outside major voting site in Pittsburgh, w/ Gov. Rendell & Rep. Doyle
-8:00pm - Rally in Pittsburgh, w/ Gov. Rendell, Sen. Casey, & Rep. Doyle
-10:00pm - Satellite pre-tape interview with North Carolina for morning news shows

March 12 Pennsylvania
-9:00am - GOTV Canvass Launch in Pittsburgh, w/ Gov. Rendell, Sen. Casey, & Rep. Doyle
-10:15am - Fly to Philadelphia
-12:00pm - GOTV Canvass Launch on PA-2 and PA-7 borders, w/ Reps. Chaka Fattah & Joe Sestak
-1:15pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in PA-17, w/ Rep. Tim Holden & Sen. Bob Casey
-2:45pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in PA-13, w/ Rep. Allyson Schwartz & Sen. Bob Casey
-5:00pm - GOTV Canvass Launch in Philadelphia proper, w/ Rep. Chaka Fattah, Sen. Bob Casey, & Gov. Ed Rendell
-9:00pm - Election Nights Results Party at Philly HQ

[badgate]

TV Ad: For The Children

[Camera shows LINCOLN speaking to a 3rd grade class, sitting at a computer with a young student showing them how it works, and helping out at a food bank while LINCOLN's voiceover plays]

LINCOLN: I usually shy away from the spotlight. Four years ago I almost turned down Vice President on Joe Biden's ticket for that very reason. The people that convinced me otherwise? My children.

My children have been the guiding light throughout my time in public service. It's because of them that I was inspired to focus on putting more information technology in classrooms at The Gates Foundation.

When I say I will raise the minimum wage, it's not for the endorsement of some union. It's for the children.

When I call for universal access to health care, it's not for the donations of Hospital CEOs. It's for the children.

And as President, when I do what it takes to protect America from terrorism and agents against democracy, it's not for Haliburton or Dick Cheney's pocketbook. It's for the children.

That's who I am. That's why I'm running. That's why it's time to join me in this historic movement. Visit voteforblanche.com for the easiest way to find your polling place on Tuesday. Thank you, and we'll see you at the polls.

[Text on Screen: BLANCHE LINCOLN IS FOR THE CHILDREN]

TV Ad: The Time Is Now



[LINCOLN voice over over photos of her as a young girl, photo of MLK, photos of protestors people in voting booths, Americana and Blanche with her husband and children smiling]

LINCOLN: I remember, as a little girl, being inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. I remember his rhetoric of 'the fierce urgency of now.'

Well, 'now' is here. The time is now. We can't wait another second to let power continue to reside in the hands of the chosen few who lock out millions of Americans from the political process.

[photo of EVAN BAYH and RUDY GIULIANI side by side]

[Camera now goes to LINCOLN speaking to the camera]

LINCOLN: All Americans, regardless of race or religion or age, are entitled to a transparent government that works for them. That hasn't been what we've gotten from our government lately.

Your primary is on March 12th. Help us change the course of our nation so that it works for everyone. Visit voteforblanche.com for a fast and easy briefing on how to vote in your state's primary. Don't wait; the time is now.

[badgate]

OOC: By my account we are ending the turn on a Monday. Should I add 3/12?

[NHI]

OOC: By my account we are ending the turn on a Monday. Should I add 3/12?

Yes, please do.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

I will begin posting tomorrow evening

[badgate]

OOC: My schedule's been updated to include Sen. Bob Casey Jr's endorsement (forgot about him) and 3/12

[badgate]

Surrogates

People:


North Carolina
Former California Attorney General Bill Lockyer (D-CA)
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom (D-CA)
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty (D-D.C.)
Gov. Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)
Sen. John Edwards (D-NC)
Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue (D-NC)
Gov. Steve Beshear (D-KY)
Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC)
Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu (D-LA)
Sen. Dan Mongiardo (D-KY)
Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI)
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Rep. John Conyers (D-MI)
Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-IL)
State Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D-SC)
Frmr. Gov. Jim Hodges (D-SC)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
Former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn (D-GA)
Gov. Janet Napolitano (D-AZ)
Gov. Brad Henry (D-OK)
Barbara Ann Radnofsky (D-TX)
Frmr. New Mexico Lt. Gov. Roberto Mondragon (D-NM)
Santa Fe Mayor David Coss (D-NM)
Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chávez (D-NM)
Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D-LA)
Houston Mayor Bill White (D-TX)
State Sen. Kirk Watson (D-TX)
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS)
Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD)

Pennsylvania
Gov. Joe Manchin III (D-WV)
Frmr. Arizona Governor Bruce Babbit (D-AZ)
Former President Bill Clinton (D-AR)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Gov. Ted Strickland (D-OH)
Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA)
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX)
Sen. Bob Kerrey (D-NE)
Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-MD)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Lt. Gov. Baker Knoll (D-PA)
Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
Rep. Tim Holden (D-PA)
Rep. Michael F. Doyle (D-PA)
Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)
Gov. Chet Culver (D-IA)
Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA)
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA)
Gov. Jodi Rell (R-CT)
Gov. John Baldacci (D-ME)
California Lt. Governor John Garamendi (D-CA)
Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA)
Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Boston Mayor Thomas Menino (D-MA)
Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME)
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D-MT)
Rep. James Matheson (D-UT)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL)
California Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA)
Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Oprah Winfrey (D-IL)
Frmr. VP Al Gore (D-TN)
Jesse Jackson (D-IL)
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D-IL)
Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Gov. Howard Dean (D-VT)
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)
Gov. Christine Gregoire (D-WA)
Gov. Gary Locke (D-WA)
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D-WI)



Organizations:
NOW - Organizing voter registration drives nationwide, airing a TV ad in all upcoming primary states promoting Lincoln's proposed policies for victims of rape, incest, & sexual assault.
Planned Parenthood - Airing a TV ad focusing on Lincoln's support of women breaking glass ceilings in all upcoming primary states; Sending 20 paid canvassers to Pennsylvania for GOTV
NAACP - Airing TV spots in all upcoming primary states targeting African American support and turnout.
American Federation of Teachers - Sending mailers promoting Lincoln's 5-point anti-poverty agenda and support for women in leadership roles, in all upcoming primary states
League of Women Voters - Organizing volunteer canvassers in all upcoming primary states GOTV
Southern Poverty Law Center - Sending mailers in all upcoming primary states
AFLCIO - Spread 70 paid canvassers to Pennsylvania & North Carolina (40 to PA, 30 to NC)
Service Employees International Union - Airing TV ad in all upcoming primary states for union voter support for Lincoln

[badgate]

Statement from Lincoln Campaign

We have reaffirmed the support of all previous surrogates and endorsers who will serve as super delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. By our count the Lincoln campaign has the votes of 50 super delegates, with more to come in the following weeks as we reach out to uncommitted delegates in all previous primary states. Below is the list of 50 past and current elected officials who are prepared to help unite the party by nominating Blanche Lincoln for President in Denver.

Should Blanche win all of the final primary contests, we estimate that she will be at 2,091 delegates. These super delegates will put her at 2,141; 24 votes over the threshold for nomination.

Superdelegates
Mayor Adrian Fenty (D.C.)
Senato Ken Salazar (CO)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (AZ)
Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC)
Senator Mary Landrieu (LA)
Senator Carl Levin (MI)
Senator Dick Durbin (IL)
Rep. John Conyers (MI)
State Rep. Michael Madigan (IL)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL)
Gov. Janet Napolitano (AZ)
Gov. Brad Henry (OK)
Mayor Martin Chavez (NM)
Gov. Joe Manchin (WV)
Pres. Bill Clinton (NY)
Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL)
Gov. Chet Culver (IA)
Gov. Ed Rendell (PA)
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA)
Gov. John Baldacci (ME)
Sen. Ted Kennedy (MA)
Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY)
Rep. Mike Michaud (ME)
Sen. Jack Reed (RI)
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI)
Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT)
Rep. Jim Matheson (UT)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA)
Sen. Joe Biden (DE)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA)
Vice Pres. Al Gore (TN)
Gov. Howard Dean (VT)
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Sen. Patty Murray (WA)
Gov. Christine Gregoire (WA)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)
Gov. Ted Strickland (OH)
Sen. Bob Casey (PA)
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (TX)
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS)
Sen. Tim Johnson (SD)
Dennis Kucinich (OH)
Gov. Steve Beshear (KY)
Rep. Michael F. Doyle (PA)
Rep. Tim Holden (PA)
Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA)




This list is based on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Democratic_Party_superdelegates,_2008#List_of_seated_superdelegates

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

NEW ENDORSEMENTS

PA Rep. Bob Brady
PA Rep. John P. Murtha
PA Rep. Patrick Murphy
NC Rep. David E. Price
NC Rep. Melvin L. Watt
NC Gov Jim Hunt
NC Gov Mike Easley

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Decider: Evan Bayh

March 6-12, 2008

Campaigning at NC

States & Regions Visited:
Mar. 6- West, South PA
Mar. 7- East, North PA
Mar. 8- West, South NC
Mar. 9- East, North NC
Mar. 10- Raleigh, NC
Mar. 11- Harrisburg, PA
Mar. 12- GOTV in NC (morning), GOTV in PA (afternoon), BIG NIGHT (Philadelphia, PA, evening)

TV Appearances:
Mar. 6- ABC World News
Mar. 7- CNN programs
Mar. 8- O'Reilly Factor
Mar. 9- CBS Evening News
Mar. 10- FULL GINSBURG
Mar. 11- Morning Joe
Mar. 12- All Networks

ADS will be ran 5x a day in PA and NC, while 1-2x a day in the rest of the states

RED means surrogates from that state will be stationed at NC
BLUE means surrogates from that state will be stationed at PA

[NHI]

Round 20: March 12-19, 2008

Delegate Count: Democrats (2,117 needed to be nominated)

Evan Bayh: 1,756 (Needs 361)

Blanche Lincoln: 1,747 (Needs 370)

Hillary Clinton: 90

Howard Dean: 20

The race for the Democratic nomination has been unlike any in recent memory. The strong contest between Senator Evan Bayh from Indiana and Former Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas has produced passionate support and showed an energized Democratic Party. However, some have been wondering if the prolonged nature of the race will ultimately hurt the eventual nominee.

James Carville, a Clinton ally and backer of Hillary, originally expected Clinton to run away with the nomination and that the Republican primary would be the long slog. "It's turned around in a completely unexpected direction. I think we'll be fine, but we will need to unify around whoever wins the nomination.

In the North Carolina Primary Lincoln was the widely expected winner and while she did clinch the primary, Evan Bayh delivered a commendable showing, finishing with 48 percent of the vote; which can be attributed to a strong push in the final days.

In Pennsylvania, a neighboring midwest state, from Bayh's neck of the woods, went to the Indiana Senator rather convincingly. Bayh leaves the night with a narrow lead in the delegates and reestablished momentum for his campaign.

For the The Giuliani Reelection effort, the President sits on a a 51 percent approval rating and continues to lead either Democratic rivals by two to three points. Though, pundits predict a close race, especially once the Democratic nomination is settled.

North Carolina Primary: 144 Delegates

√ Blanche Lincoln: 51.87% (144)
Evan Bayh: 48.13%

Pennsylvania Primary: 197 Delegates

√ Evan Bayh: 52.80% (197)
Blanche Lincoln: 47.20%

March 19th Primaries:

West Virginia: Lean Lincoln

Democrats Abroad:

March 27th Primaries:

Kentucky: Tossup

Oregon: Lean Bayh

April 3rd: Primaries

Montana: Lean Bayh

This Round will close Monday at 11:59 pm EST

[badgate]

"We fought against a system that may very well have been rigged. Together we put almost nineteen million cracks in that glass ceiling. I couldn't be prouder of this campaign and the successes of everyone involved. I will never forget or stop fighting for the principles we have united on.

Tonight, I must end my campaign for the Presidency. I had hoped to be speaking to you all under different circumstances, but here we arrive, too soon, at the end. I will continue to hope and pray for Senator Bayh, as I have throughout the primaries. I hope he can earn all our votes in November.

God bless you all, and thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. Good night."


While getting in her car, past the press area

REPORTER: "Senator Lincoln, do you plan to endorse Evan Bayh?"

LINCOLN: "No."

REPORTER: "Will you release your delegates?"

LINCOLN: "I just did, and I encourage all of them to vote their heart. Goodnight."

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

(live on all networks)

I would like to thank Sen. Blanche Lincoln for being a strong opponent in this primary, but also for being a good friend at Congress. It's really hard to fight against a Lincoln, do you agree?

(laughter)

This is not yet the end of the long, dreary road we passed during the primaries. It is only the beginning. The beginning of a road that will lead us through peace and prosperity if you will make the right choice this November.

I wish that all of us should be united when we begin and end this journey. Good night and may God Bless the United States of America

QUESTIONS FROM JOURNALISTS

REPORTER: Any comments from this question answered by Sen. Lincoln?

You must be logged in to read this quote.

BAYH: It's fine with me. But our campaign is looking forward for her endorsement.

REPORTER: Senator, who will be your running mate?

BAYH: Our campaign is working right now on a shortlist. It would be released, maybe next week

(expect some grammatical errors)

[NHI]

BREAKING NEWS:

EVAN BAYH IS THE PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE

Senator Blanche Lincoln fought the good fight and came closer to winning a major party's nomination than any woman in history. Now, having ended her campaign Evan Bayh becomes the presumptive nominee for the Democrats. Bay will take on President Giuliani in what is already expected to be a closer race. The latest poll puts Bayh down by two points.

Giuliani: 49%
Bayh:     47%

[MadmanMotley]

Excerpt of Jesse Ventura's Speech in New Orleans, LA:


More of the same! As we have seen in both Republican and Democratic primaries, the establishment is in control! We need a president that is accountable to the people, not beholden to a party! Over the past few months while the two parties have been fighting amongst themselves I have been building a massive ground campaign for the presidency, relying on volunteers across the nation, now every state has a Ventura for President headquarters. Now today I come before you to announce my selection for Vice-President, former governor of this great state, Buddy Roemer!


Thank you Senator Ventura! Together our ticket is one of unity, one of the people's voice, one of consensus, of working for you, the American people. We are not dragged down by special interest groups, or parties, instead we are held responsible by the people we represent, and that is you! We must work hard, but our presence in this race will be known, and it will be known that we work for you! Run with us to take back the White House for the people!

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

Announcement

Democratic VP List

After Sen. Evan Bayh became the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for President, our campaign drafted several persons for the nominee for Vice President. Here is the draft version of the list, in which only 7 of them will be included in the shortlist version.

1. Former Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), 2004 Democratic vice-presidential nominee.
2. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE), 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.
3. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) (declined)
4. Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA)
5. Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM)
6. Former Governor Howard Dean (D-VT)
7. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
8. Senator John Edwards (D-NC)
9. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)
10. Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH)
11. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
12. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI)
13. Former Representative Dick Gephardt (D-MO)
14. Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS)
15. Former Senator Gary Hart (D-CO)
16. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA)
17. Former Governor Tom Vilsack (D-IA)
18. Former Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ)
19. Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
20. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
21. Former Senator Bob Graham (D-FL)
22. Representative Dennis Kucinich (D-OH)
23. Former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD)
24. Representative Luis Gutiérrez (D-IL)
25. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)
26. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D-NY)
27. Former Governor Mario Cuomo (D-NY)
28. Governor Martin O'Malley (D-MD)

ADD ON: Former Vice President Al Gore (D-TN), 2000 Democratic Presidential Nominee

You can vote on who will be included to the shortlist (vote up to 7, PM me). Voting will end on 12/23/2014 11:59 PM EST.

[NewYorkExpress]

Chappaqua, New York


I'll be happy to campaign for Senator Bayh wherever and whenever, but I ask him to please remove me from consideration as his Vice-Presidential nominee... I've already done the rough equivalent of the job, and in any case, we really don't need Donald Trump picking the next Senator from this state.

Senator Bayh, if you are listening, I would strongly recommend picking Senator Obama or Senator Daschle, as I believe you someone to your left for balance. Either of them would be fine picks. Not me.   

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

STATEMENT

We are announcing that Former VP Al Gore joins the list of the possible VP nominee of the Democratic Party for 2008.

[NHI]

A a Reminder: This round will close tonight.

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

NEWS

Not Interested Sen. Clinton is not interested in becoming the VP nominee of the Democratic Party, suggested Sen. Obama and Fmr. Senator Tom Daschle as possible VP picks.

Kucinich? A new poll conducted by the Bayh campaign shows that Dennis Kucinich is one of the leading candidates to become the Democratic vice presidential nominee. This is odd since that Rep. Kucinich ran four years ago as the Green Party nominee for President. Other persons suggested by voters are Sen. Obama, Sen. Daschle, Sen. Biden (full results will be published soon)

Off the trail Sen. Bayh took a week off to meet with his campaign staff and to attend Congress. He also met with Sen. Lincoln to discuss about the primaries. He said that, he would start the campaign early on in order to keep his campaign energized and to win the election in November.

[NHI]

Round 21: March 20-29, 2008

Delegate Count: Democrats (2,117 needed to be nominated)

Evan Bayh: 1,756 (Needs 361

Blanche Lincoln: 1,747 (Needs 370)

Hillary Clinton: 90

Howard Dean: 20

Top Headlines:

CNN: √ EVAN BAYH: PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE

New York Post: Bayh! Bayh! Blanche! IN Sen. Gets Dem. Nod

New York Times: BAYH Indiana Senator is Presumptive Nominee for the Democratic Party

March 19th Primaries:

West Virginia: √ Bayh: 64% Lincoln: 36%

Democrats Abroad: √ Bayh: 87% Lincoln: 13%

Now the presumptive nominee, Evan Bayh has three months before the Democratic convention to patch together his party after a long and some would say contentious primary battle. He is already making headlines over possible running mates, with Dennis Kucinich gaining traction. The Ohio Congressman would shore up Bayh's left flank and unite the Democratic base around his nomination. The disadvantage to Kucinich is him being a congressman, and that he ran on the Green Party ballot four years ago after losing the Democratic nomination, a move which some Democrats argue cost Joe Biden the election.

Regardless, Bayh now faces President Giuliani directly. Most polls continue to give the President a two to three point lead, even with the addition of the third party candidates. Libertarian Candidate Jesse Ventura made headlines this week as well, with the selection of Buddy Roemer as his running mate. The former Louisiana Governor and Democrat turned Republican is a seen as a bold and smart pick by Ventura, who looks to be competitive with the Democrat and Republican candidates. Given the success of Gary Johnson's campaign four years most pundits expect Ventura to at least meet, if not succeed that floor.

Michael Bloomberg, likely Independent Candidate still polls a distance third behind Bayh and Giuliani. Despite national name ID, Bloomberg has been largely invisible during the primary process, which can be attributed to his drop in the polls. Even if he campaigns at the level many expect him to, the final analysis is that the race will still ultimately come dow to a contest between Giuliani and Bayh.

2008: Battleground Map

Rudy Giuliani: 202

Evan Bayh: 180

This Round will close Monday at 11:59 pm EST
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! - NHI

[NHI]

Polling: March 20, 2008

Alabama: Safe Giuliani

Alaska: Tossup

Giuliani: 44%
Bayh: 39%
Ventura: 10%
Bloomberg: 3%

Arizona: Lean Giuliani

Giuliani: 45%
Bayh: 40%
Ventura: 4%
Bloomberg: 2%

Arkansas: Lean Giuliani

Giuliani: 48%
Bayh: 44%
Bloomberg: 3%
Ventura: 2%

California: Lean Bayh

Bayh: 43%
Giuliani: 38%
Bloomberg: 4%
Ventura: 2%

Colorado: Tossup

Giuliani: 43%
Bayh: 37%
Ventura: 6%
Bloomberg: 3%

Connecticut: Tossup

Giuliani: 45%
Bayh: 44%
Bloomberg: 6%
Ventura: 1%

Delaware: Lean Bayh

Bayh: 47%
Giuliani: 44%
Bloomberg: 3%
Ventura: 1%

District of Columbia: Safe Bayh

Florida: Tossup

Giuliani: 46%
Bayh: 42%
Ventura: 3%
Bloomberg: 3%

Georgia: Safe Giuliani

Hawaii: Safe Bayh

Idaho: Safe Giuliani

Illinois: Safe Bayh

Indiana: Tossup

Bayh: 48%
Giuliani: 44%
Bloomberg: 3%
Ventura: 2%

Iowa: Lean Bayh

Bayh: 46%
Giuliani: 39%
Ventura: 4%
Bloomberg: 2%

Kansas: Safe Giuliani

Kentucky: Lean Giuliani

Giuliani: 47%
Bayh: 43%
Ventura: 3%
Bloomberg: 2%

Louisiana: Lean Giuliani

Giuliani: 48%
Bayh: 41%
Ventura: 6%
Bloomberg: 2%

Maryland: Safe Bayh

Massachusetts: Safe Bayh

Michigan: Lean Bayh

Bayh: 50%
Giuliani: 45%
Bloomberg: 2%
Ventura: 1%

Minnesota: Tossup

Bayh: 39%
Giuliani: 37%
Ventura: 11%
Bloomberg: 4%

Mississippi: Safe Giuliani

Missouri: Lean Giuliani

Giuliani: 50%
Bayh: 46%
Ventura: 3%
Bloomberg: 1%

Maine: Tossup

Bayh: 48%
Giuliani: 45%
Bloomberg: 3%
Ventura: 2%

[Former Lincoln Assemblyman & Lt. Gov. RGN]

UPDATE ON VP SHORTLIST

After meeting with his campaign staff, Sen. Bayh decided that TEN people will be included in the VP nominee shortlist.