Shooting Stars

[NewYorkExpress]

Democrats were energized following special election victories in Montana and Georgia, and looked ahead to both the off-year elections in 2017, and the midterm elections in 2018, where they looked to take back the House, and maintain their seats in the Senate, where the math did not favor them.

New Jersey

With Governor Chris Christie historically unpopular (a Siena poll taken between October 19 and October 21 had his approval rating at 9-70), Democrats felt certain they could pick up the Governor's Mansion. They had a competitive three-way primary, which former Ambassador to Germany Phil Murphy won by a narrow margin. He then selected his primary rival, and longtime State Senator Ray Lesniak as his running mate.

Republicans also had a contested primary, and State Assemblyman Jack Ciaterelli, was able to ride the anti-Christie momentum to a narrow victory over Lieutenant Governor Kim Guagdano. Ciatterelli then selected former State Assemblyman Larry Chatzidikas as his running mate.

While it was harder to tie Ciaterelli to Christie, Murphy was able to do it and Chatzidakis's rust on the campaign trail (He hadn't run for re-election since 2005). Murphy also dominated the debates, leading to a easy 57-41 victory for the Democratic ticket.

Virginia

Governor Terry McAuliffe was term-limited, and popular (a PPP poll taken between October 15 and October 18 showed his approval at 57-39), plus the state's rapidly changing demographics led to an expected Democratic advantage. They had a contested primary, with Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam narrowly defeating former Congressman Tom Perriello.

On the Republican side, former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie easily defeated his opposition (including State Senator Frank Wagner, whose seat Democrats managed to pick up, forcing a twenty-twenty tie in the State Senate- they also won Lieutenant Governor's race behind Political Consultant Susan Platt).

With President Trump's unpopularity (the same PPP poll had his approval at 36-54), and McAuliffe's popularity, Northam was easily able to defeat Gillespie 55-42.

Alabama

With Jeff Sessions's appointment as Attorney General, a new Senator was needed. However, the manner of appointing the new incumbent Luther Strange, other Republicans chomping at the bit to challenge him. Strange didn't even make the runoff, as the crowded Republican Primary left the Controversial Judge Roy Moore, and Congressman Mo Brooks duking it out. Brooks ended up defeating Moore by a modest margin in the September runoff.

Democrats thought they might put a scare into Republicans, especially if Strange or Moore were the nominee. However, their nominee, former U.S Attorney Doug Jones, was not a particularly strong candidate, and while he emerged from the Primary without facing a runoff, he was facing the least damaging candidate to the Republican's hopes in Brooks, who emerged with 58-42 victory in the December general.

[NewYorkExpress]

November 2017

President Trump's nominee for FBI Director, former NYPD Commissoner Raymond Kelly was confirmed by the Senate 51-49 (Heitkamp voted with Republicans, while Paul voted with Democrats) on November 16. A reconciled version of the AHCA passed the House on November 15 by a 225-207 vote, and passed the Senate on November 28 despite a veto threat from President Trump over how much to cut from Medicaid and Medicare (Trump wanted to cut a combined $185 million, House and Senate Republicans wanted to cut a combined $375 million) by a 53-47 vote (Manchin, Heitkamp and Donnelly voted with the Republicans). Trump vetoed the bill on November 29, and the House and Senate both failed to override (200-231 in the House, and 51-48 in the Senate (With Manchin and Donnelly now voting with the Democrats), the next day.

In Foreign Policy news, North Korea conducted another Nuclear Test, this time in Onsong County on November 20. President Trump announced new sanctions against North Korea, as well as against Chinese businesses and entities helping North Korea evade sanctions, two days later.

In Other News, Kyle Busch won the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup, while Rafael Nadal won the ATP World Tour Finals.

[NewYorkExpress]

December 2016

The big story of the month was Jeremy Corbyn's resignation as British Labor Party leader (and Opposition Leader) on December 5, following the party's landslide defeat in the June early elections, which caused the Conservatives to climb to 418 seats in Parliment. He was replaced in both roles by former Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper at the next leadership election on December 20.

In other major news, CBS announced that the Spring season of The Amazing Race, it's 31st would be it's last, following record low ratings for season thirty, and after years of waiting former President Obama finally appeared on the Simpsons (as did Michelle).

[NewYorkExpress]

Video mascot sponsor suggestion for this TL:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynslyx0G0Vs

Cute.

[NewYorkExpress]

I would be shocked if any Democrat voted for ACHA.

Well, Trump is popular in West Virginia and North Dakota ITL... and as for Donnelly, this would hurt him in a primary, if someone ran against him.

[NewYorkExpress]

January 2018

On January 6, Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced she would retire from the Supreme Court citing health concerns. President Trump nominated Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, on January 16 a move that infuriated many conservatives, largely because Sandoval was pro civil-union marriage and pro-choice, both positions which were anathema to the Republican base. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sandoval by a 11-9 vote (Ted Cruz Voted With the Democrats, while Dianne Feinstein voted with Republicans) on January 23. On January 29 The full Senate voted 53-47 to reject Sandoval's nomination (Cruz, Perdue, Moran, Brooks and Boozman all voting with the Democrats), leading to a major defeat for the President.

President Trump also had a misadventure in Foreign Policy, as he got into a Twitter feud with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over his (Trump's) beliefs that Japan should have nuclear weapons... among the more priceless comments were Trump calling Abe a "Hideki Tojo wannabe" and Abe's tweet calling Trump an "orange cancer on our society".

In Israel the Shas Party withdrew from the coalition government over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed peace overtures to the United Arab Emirates (which were rebuffed by the country in question), forcing an election for later in the year.

In more mundane news, the College Football playoff was won by the USC Trojans, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 21-19, handing Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a second straight championship loss. In Tennis, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open (The latter upsetting Serena Williams in the final). Venus Williams announced the US Open, to be held at the end of August, would be her last tournament, causing an outpouring of love from the tennis community.

[NewYorkExpress]

Donnelly would never vote for the AHCA... He's made defending the ACA/Medicare/Medicade a central point of his campaign and frequently mentions it in speeches.

Clearly he didn't read the reconciled version of the bill... seriously though , he's certainly open to Primary challenge now.

[NewYorkExpress]

January 2018

On January 6, Ruth Bader Ginsberg announced she would retire from the Supreme Court citing health concerns. President Trump nominated Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval, on January 16 a move that infuriated many conservatives, largely because Sandoval was pro civil-union marriage and pro-choice, both positions which were anathema to the Republican base. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Sandoval by a 11-9 vote (Ted Cruz Voted With the Democrats, while Dianne Feinstein voted with Republicans) on January 23. On January 29 The full Senate voted 53-48 to reject Sandoval's nomination (Cruz, Perdue, Moran, Brooks and Boozman all voting with the Democrats), leading to a major defeat for the President.

President Trump also had a misadventure in Foreign Policy, as he got into a Twitter feud with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over his (Trump's) beliefs that Japan should have nuclear weapons... among the more priceless comments were Trump calling Abe a "Hideki Tojo wannabe" and Abe's tweet calling Trump an "orange cancer on our society".

In Israel the Shas Party withdrew from the coalition government over Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed peace overtures to the United Arab Emirates (which were rebuffed by the country in question), forcing an election for later in the year.

In more mundane news, the College Football playoff was won by the USC Trojans, who defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 21-19, handing Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban a second straight championship loss. In Tennis, Novak Djokovic and Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open (The latter upsetting Serena Williams in the final). Venus Williams announced the US Open, to be held at the end of August, would be her last tournament, causing an outpouring of love from the tennis community.

Shas isn't a right wing party, they would never do that. They would only withdraw because of something to do with breaking a religious law, such as maintenance works in Shabbat. Tge Jewish Home, on the other hand, could withdraw because of attempts for peace but probably wouldn't in the scenario you presented- no one really opposes making peace with gulf countries.
But otherwise, great timeline!

There was more to it than that... And in any event the UAE was making some rather outrageous demands Netanyahu was unwilling to pay, which was why the deal never made it passed the "are you interested" stage.

[NewYorkExpress]

February 2018

Following the rejection of Brian Sandoval to the Supreme Court seat occupied by the retiring Ruth Bader Ginsberg, President Trump tried again, nominating Diane Sykes on February 4. Conservatives were much more pleased with this nomination, as Sykes had a reliable conservative record as a member of the US Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by an 11-9 vote on February 12, and was confirmed by the full Senate 52-47 on February 26 (Menendez did not vote, he was in court). Sykes would not be sworn in however, until early March.

In other news the Election Hacking/Collusion investigation took on new life, as Paul Manafort, Kellyanne Conway and Stephen Bannon were subpoenaed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Trump ordered Deputy US Attorney Rod Rosenstein to fire Mueller, and after three days (February 11-14) Rosenstein caved (after Trump made it clear Rosenstein's family would have "huge problems"- a taped conversation that didn't come out until after Trump's death). The Senate Inteligence committee and House Oversight Committee both subpoenaed Manafort, Bannon and Conway, on February 16 (Bannon refused to attend any hearing and would subsequently be charged with Contempt of Congress).

Film buffs around the world cried when Dame Judi Dench announced her macular degeneration was too severe to continue acting.

In sports, the Super Bowl was won by the Dallas Cowboys, who defeated the New England Patriots 20-17. Billy Joel was the performer for the halftime show...and did well, according to most observers, with the primary complaint being the length of the show, as opposed to the quality (it ran almost forty minutes, as opposed to the usual thirty or so).

[NewYorkExpress]

March 2018

Israel held its snap election on March 14, with Likud, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gaining seven seats in the Knesset, increasing their total to 37, and forming a coalition with Israel Beitneau's 13 seats, The Jewish Home's 6 and United Torah Judaism's 6 seats for a total of sixty-two in his coalition government. Among the notable names in Netanyahu's new cabinet were Avigdor Lieberman as Foreign Minister (for the third time), and former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz.

In American news, Bernie Sanders disappointed Progressives by issuing a Shermanesque statement, stating he would not run for President in 2020, claiming he was "too darn old". He suggested Keith Ellison or Elizabeth Warren instead. Ellison denied he was interested, Warren issued a non-denial, stating only that she was "interested in winning re-election first".

Bob Menendez was convicted on multiple corruption charges on March 25, and subsequently resigned his seat. With an election upcoming and the primary having not been held yet (The primary wasn't to be held for several months), Governor Murphy appointed former Senator Robert Torrecelli to the seat, who quickly announced he would not enter the primary (several other Democrats were interested, however). Menendez was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison in early May.

A major snowstorm left almost thirty inches of snow in New York City(and thirty-four inches in Boston) between March 7 and March 8, leaving cars stranded for almost ten days, planes grounded for six days, and Mayors Bill De Blasio and Marty Walsh under heavy fire for lack of preparedness. President Trump also came under fire, as FEMA yet again, botched the response to the storm, and the recovery (power wasn't turned on in parts of Long Island and Cape Cod until Mid-April).

The Winter Olympics, after being delayed for a week due to overly mild weather (over 65 Fahrenheit), finally concluded on March 1 with Canada and China tying for the most medals at 39 apiece (Canada had 20 gold, including the important Men's Hockey, China had 11 gold including all four figure skating medals).

[NewYorkExpress]

April 2018

On April 24, Alabama's 5th Congressional District held its special election to replace Mo Brooks, who had been elected to the Senate in December. State Representative Phil Williams (who defeated three minor opponents in the March 6 Republican primary without needing a runoff-one would would have been scheduled for April 3 if needed) defeated the Democratic nominee, former State Representative Greg Burdine in a surprisingly close 50-48 result, owing largely to a strong campaign by Burdine, and Williams declaring he would vote for impeachment of President Trump if it came up (Trumps approval ratings in the district were 57-40 according to a Rasmussen internal for Williams, while a PPP internal for Burdine showed Trumps approval ratings in the district at 49-40).

The Russian Presidential Elections, having previously been scheduled for March 18, due to massive protests in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Archangelsk regarding the government's rule (which saw three people killed and thirteen thousand arrested), were moved to April 13. President Vladimir Putin won a second term by an uncomfortably close 53-38 margin over his closest competitor Oleg Smolin , a Duma deputy of the Communist Party. Protests again broke out across Russia over what was perceived, once again as a rigged election (except in Crimea) leading to another forty-five killed across the country, and twenty-nine thousand arrested. The European Union (and Great Britain, which was still trying to leave) added new sanctions, and while both U.N Ambassador Haley and Secretary of State Tillerson sharply critiqued Putin (Haley calling him a "butcher" in a session of the U.N Security Council, where she introduced a motion to strip Russia of its permanent membership and veto power- Both Russia and China vetoed the motion, and Kazakhstan, Morocco and Belarus also voted against the motion). Trump however, refused to criticize Putin, or add sanctions from the United States.

The Kentucky Wildcats won the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, defeating the Arizona Wildcats 71-67 in the finals, while in the Women's Tournament the Connecticut Huskies defeated the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks 87-79, for Head Coach Geno Auriemma's twelfth national title.

In Golf, Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament (the first of the four majors), completing the career Grand Slam (he already the U.S Open in 2011, the Open Championship in 2014, and the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014), and marking his fifth major.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 2018

Zimbabwe's President, Robert Mugabe died of natural causes on May 3 at the age of 95. His successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa quickly faced protests over his (and Mugabe's) ZANU-PF Party's continued rule in Harare, Bulawayo and Chitungwiza on May 6 (The same day as Mugabe's wake), and Harare, Mutare, Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma on May 10 (one day after Mugabe's funeral) leaving a total of 2,087 dead, and 15,098 injured between the two days. The African Union condemmed the attacks (with the exceptions of Malawi and Angola), as did the European Union, while the U.N Security Council imposed sanctions (with only Ethiopia voting against the sanctions package), and President Trump added sanctions from the United States, raising eyebrows, as he continued to refuse to do so in regards to Russia.


The Italian Elections, occurred on May 11. Paolo Gentolini's Democratic Party lost one seat in Parliament (specifically the Chamber of Deputies- they gained seven seats in the Senate increasing their numbers to 106 seats), reducing them to 283 seats. They quickly made a coalition with the Democrats and Progressives 18 seats, Italian Left's 12 seats, Progressive Camp's 2 seats and the Italian Socialists's 2 seats for a total of 317 seats out of 630- a narrow majority. Gentolini quickly built his new cabinet, headlined by returning Defense Minister Roberta Pinotta, Former Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema as Foreign Affairs Minister, and former Prime Minister Mauro Monti as Minister of Economy and Finances.

In the United States, a tax bill was introduced in the House on May 1 by Vern Buchanan (and co-sponsored by Lee Zeldin, Dan Donovan, Ralph Norman and Kay Granger), which cut corporate tax rates by 45%, individual tax rates on the top ten percent of earners by 25%, individual tax rates on the bottom ninety percent of earners by 20%, cut the taxes on carried interest by 15%, and cut the IRS's budget by 35%. The omnibus bill passed the House 217-195 on May 18 (Barbara Comstock voted with the Democrats), but with few changes in the Senate, ran into a wall of trouble. While Democrats did not filibuster the legislation (several Republicans were weighing "no" votes), they were united against the package, and despite President Trump's support, the Senate rejected the package 51-48 (Moore Capito, Heller and Murkowski voted no, while Isakson was not present).

Kellyanne Conway and Paul Manafort testified before the House Intelligence Committee on May 9, and the Senate Intelligence Committee on May 13 and May 14. Both confirmed several key figures in the campaign, such as Steve Bannon, Jeff Sessions and Michael Flynn were aware of and in Bannon and Sessions' case encouraged the Russian interference. The most damaging information came out, however in the Senate hearing, when Conway stated that President Trump was "aware" of Russia's successful attempts to give him the election. Trump retaliated by firing Conway on May 15, and tapping Hope Hicks to replace her. Still, House Republicans, especially Paul Ryan would not commit to impeachment, while more Democrats (including for the first time party leaders in Jim Clyburn, Tammy Baldwin and Elizabeth Warren) called for Trump's impeachment. John Lewis went a step further calling for Vice-President Pence's impeachment stating "If Trump was aware, than Pence must have been too".

In Auto Racing, Heilo Castroneves won his fourth Indianapolis 500, by a convincing margin over Marco Andretti (Three car-lengths).

[NewYorkExpress]

June 2018

The Syrian Democratic Forces captured Raqqa on June 13  from ISIS/L following a six month campaign which left 3,900 soldiers, 14,075 ISIS/L fighters, and a total of 61,056 civilians dead. ISIS/L leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was killed in a American Airstrike early on the evening of June 12, causing a brief success for President Trump. However, this success was blunted by the myriad of scandals President Trump faced at home and abroad. Still his national approval ratings made a climb from 31-44 in a late May PPP poll, to 38-44 in a late June PPP poll.

In the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte resigned on June 20 following revelations that he had taken bribes from a Yakuza Kumicho (boss) on a trip to Japan. The new President, Leni Robredo pardoned Duterte on June 25, causing some protests in Manila (though not many, as Duterte was still popular, with approval ratings at 62-27 according to YouGov).

In Tennis, Rafael Nadal won the French Open, while on the Women's side Garbine Muguzura won her second French Open (and second major), defeating Serena Williams for the second time in two major finals.

In Golf, Jason Day won the U.S Open for his third major (after the 2015 PGA Championship and 2017 Open Championship), defeating Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff. Meanwhile Tiger Woods, citing continued pain in his back, announced his retirement from professional golf, despite having not played in a tournament since the November 2017 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai (part of the European Tour).

[NewYorkExpress]

July 2018

The Japanese General Elections was held on July 21. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Liberal Democratic Party gained 23 seats in the Diet (the lower house of the Japanese Parliament), increasing his party's number of seats to 304. Abe mostly appointed the same ministers for his new cabinet, with his only change being Bummei Ibuki (who had been Sports, Culture, Education and Technology minister in Abe's first cabinet, all the way back in 2006) as minister of Finance (his second time, he had briefly served in that position in 2008), replacing Taro Aso, who was retiring from the Diet to serve as a political commentator on the Nippon News Network-which some thought was demeaning for a former Prime Minister).

The Mexican General Elections were also held on July 1. Secretary of Agrarian Land, Urban Development Rosario Robles of the Party of the Democratic Revolution won with 23% of the vote against a heavily fractured field, for a six year term. At the Same Time the Senate at Chamber of Deputies were both up for election, with the National Action Party winning a total of 61 seats to become the largest party in the Senate, and won the most seats in the Chamber of Deputies with 199 (their closest opponents, the Institutional Revolutionary Party won 135) seats.

North Korea once again called a diplomatic crisis by sinking a British cargo ship in the Sea of Japan on July 13, killing nine, and kidnapping seven survivors, putting them in work camps. Kim Jong-Un refused to negotiate with the British, and Prime Minister May responded by begging China to help depose Kim. Xi Jinping, however was not interested, fearing U.S and South Korean troops on his country's border.

In Domestic News, RNC chairperson Ronna Romney McDaniel resigned as RNC chairwoman following a low fundraising haul of $8.9 million in the Third Quarter. President Trump recommended former Congressman Mark Neumann (R-WI) as the new chairman, and the RNC voted him in as chairman on the second ballot, defeating Maria Cino and Cynthia Dunbar.

In Tennis, Roger Federer and Serena Williams won the Men's and Women's Wimbledon title's respectively.

In Golf, Jordan Speith won the Open Championship by seven shots over Jason Day.

[NewYorkExpress]

August 2018

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley resigned, citing differences over policy regarding Russia with President Trump on August 7, and stoking speculation that she would challenge the President (or possibly, judging by opinion polls, and the mood of the Senate, a President Pence) in 2020. Trump nominated former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on August 18. Giuliani passed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on August 22 by an 10-9 vote (Paul voted with Democrats, Markey was not present), and cleared the Senate by a 50-50 vote with Pence breaking the tie (Manchin, Nelson and Heitkamp voting with Republicans, Paul, Heller and Flake voting with the Democrats).

In New York, following a multi-year string of gang shootings on Long Island, mostly by MS-13, Governor Cuomo called the Legislature back into session to pass an anti-gang bill. The bill, which increased the penalties for belonging in a criminal organization such as MS-13 to a class B felony, and made the owning of "gang tattoos" a class A misdemeanor. While the ACLU protested the bill, and threatened to sue, the State Assembly passed the bill 88-50 on August 20, and the State Senate did so as well on August 23, 33-31.

In Baseball, Washington Nationals Outfielder Bryce Harper signed the richest contract in Major League Baseball history, an eleven year $333 million extension, with an opt-out after five years that would keep him in Washington through 2030 (unless he opted out after the 2024 season).

Brazil became the first FIFA World Cup winner in many years to promptly replace their coach, Tite, who left to coach Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimnares. He was promptly replaced by a non-Brazilian coach, Jurgen Klinsmann (last seen coaching the US National Team), which caused protests amongst soccer fans in Brazil, including angry letters to the head of the Brazilian Soccer Federation Marco Polo Del Nero.

[NewYorkExpress]

September 2018
 
A suicide bombing took place on September 6 at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, after a Lady Gaga concert, killing 41 and wounding 208. While ISIS/L's new leadership, under Abu Fatima al Jaheshi (who had escaped death at both Mosul-which fell in July 2017 and Raqqa, and was now in the terror group/shrinking Islamic State's new capital of Mayadin, Syria) claimed the attack quickly, Indian Prime Minister Naendra Modi blamed Pakistan, a charge which both Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the head of the ISI Naveed Mukhtar, both denied

Congressman Rob Quist got into hot water after a polling company who was doing internal polls for him (and multiple State Senate candidates in Montana), was indicted by the U.S Attorney for the District of Montana on the charges of defrauding Quist (and three other Democrats in the State Senate), by publishing and charging for non-existent internal polls, using checks from the campaigns on personal expenses, including Maserati's, trips to Glacier National Park, and entries into the World Series of Poker Main Event, a total expenditure of $875,050 pilfered. Quist who was trailing his opponent in the polls, was forced to answer some tough questions about his trust in the pollster.

The Senate Intelligence Committee subpoenaed Vice-President Pence to answer questions on President Trump's (and his own) ties to Russia on August 4, and Pence appeared on August 10, and promptly plead the fifth. Also appearing at this hearing was Corey Lewandowski who stated "Russia was helping Trump as far back January 2016", and former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, who stated "there was no doubt Putin wanted Trump to win".

[NewYorkExpress]

Late October/Early November 2018

On October 15, President Trump (or Pence) got his first challenger, as former Senator Tom Daschle announced his bid for the White House from Pierre, South Dakota. Daschle, who was expected to be the oldest candidate in the field at 72 by the Iowa Caucus (Elizabeth Warren, who had yet to announce a run, would be 70 by the caucus, for example), was in the middle of the pack in Iowa (just behind Kirsten Gillibrand, and ahead of Cory Booker) and near the back in both New Hampshire and South Carolina (there had been no Presidential polling done of Nevada to this point, so no one had any clue what polling was like there).  Daschle's nomination speech accused President Trump of "treason" and called for single-payer health care, and a "parting of the ways" with Saudi Arabia.

Democrats led in the generic ballot (by as much as 50-41), but despite high hopes of taking back the House, they knew the best they could hope for was minimal losses in the Senate, due to the map advantage the Republicans had (most of the seats up were in states Trump won).

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part One

North Carolina

While the Tar Heel State had no Gubernatorial or Senate races on the ballot, there was a full slate of Congressional races. Most were expected to be uncompetitive, however. one stood out, as Walter Jones's tenure of defying House leadership was ended in the primary by Pamlico County Commissioner Paul Delamar III 53-44. Delamar then defeated a weak Democrat 60-33 in the General Election.

Kentucky

The Bluegrass State also had no Senate or Gubernatorial elections atop the ballot, but Democrats were eager to prove they weren't completely out of it here yet. National and Statewide Democrats targeted Andy Barr, however their first choice, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray (last seen losing statewide to Rand Paul in 2016), declined to run. Democrats settled for State Representative Derrick Graham, who quickly cleared the field of Primary opposition and ultimately defeated Barr 50-49 in one of the closest races in the country, for a key Democratic pickup.

Republicans for their part, targeted John Yarmuth early, despite the districts demographics not favoring them (they had to try to pick up seats somewhere), and recruited Louisville Metro Councilwoman Julie Denton to challenge him. Despite early polls which showed the race within ten points (mostly Denton internals), Yarmuth pulled away as Trump's scandals got even worse, and National Republicans triaged the race in late August. Yarmuth won 57-39, his lowest margin of victory since 2010.

Louisiana

Louisiana also did not have a Senate seat or Gubernatorial seat up for grabs, and no one expected its six House seats to be competitive. However, like in Eric Cantor in 2014, Steve Scalise's position in House Republican Leadership (He was Majority Whip), left him open to a primary challenge from his right, in this case Tangihopa Parish Councilman David Vial. Unlike Cantor, Scalise defeated Vial in both the in jungle primary 45-32 and the runoff 53-47.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Two

New Jersey

There was a Senate Election on the ballot, and Bob Menendez's scandals had already drawn primary challengers, and strong Republican opponents. His resignation changed nothing, especially when the appointed Senator, Robert Torricelli announced he would not run. Democrats nominated former Congressman Rush Holt, who defeated State Senator (and former Governor) Richard Codey, and former Congressman Rob Andrews 43-29-25 in that order. Republicans also had a competitive primary, with State Assemblyman Jon Brammick defeating former Senator Jeffery Chisea 49-45. In the General Election former Governor Christie's continued unpopularity (his approval ratings were up to "only" 23-58 according to Quinnipiac), and Menendez's scandals weighed on the race, to make it one of the closer Senate races in the nation. However, the Democratic lean of the state, plus the anti-Trump feeling led to a 50-47 Holt victory-a Democratic hold.

Democrats had multiple targets amongst New Jersey's Congressmen. Frank LoBiondo faced Gloucester Township Mayor (and former State Assemblyman) David Mayer in a race that set a spending record for the district. LoBiondo lost 48-47, for another Democratic gain.  

Tom McArthur meanwhile, contemplated a Senate bid before passing, and ended up facing former Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard, who had been the nominee in 2014. This time Belgard was able to pick up the seat for the Democrats by 50-48 margin, largely by stressing McArthur's work on two separate versions of the AHCA act.

The third of the Democrat's targets, Leonard Lance, saw his opponent become Franklin Township Mayor Phillip Kramer after a contested primary, which Kramer won with 56% of the vote against four opponents. Like LoBiondo's race, this race set an expenditure record for the district, and resulted in another Democratic gain, as Kramer defeated Lance 51-46.

The fourth and final Democratic target was Rodney Frelinghuysen. He faced Woodland Park Mayor Keith Kazmark after a contested primary (Kazmark had entered the race three days before the filing deadline, and ultimately won with 49% of the vote against three opponents). While Trump was unpopular, the Frelinghuysen name was still golden in New Jersey, and many thought it would be an upset if the incumbent lost. However, on election night, Democrats gained a fourth seat, as Kazmark won 49-46.

Republicans for their part, targeted Josh Gottheimer. After successfully persuading the controversial Scott Garrett not to run a rematch (though it took until December 2017), Republicans nominated State Assemblyman Robert Auth without opposition. Despite Trump's unpopularity, Auth was able to keep it close, however he was unable to seal the deal, and Gottheimer held the seat for Democrats 50-45.


New Hampshire

New Hampshire elects its Governors to two year terms, which meant Chris Sununu was up again for a second term. He dodged a primary challenge, while Democrats had a primary fight between former Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand (last seen running for Governor in 2016) and Attorney General Joseph Foster, which Marchand won 51-48 in a minor upset. Sununu was in hot water for pardoning a man convicted of pistol whipping his wife, who'd gone on to murder her two weeks after the pardon (he'd pled guilty to that charge, and received a sentence of life in prison), and for going on record opposing U.S aid to Muslim countries, calling them "savages" in a mid-July rally. Marchand picked up the Governor's mansion for Democrats 54-43.

Republicans thought they could beat both Carol Shea-Porter and Ann McLane Kuster. Against Kuster, they ran Claremont City Councilor Bruce Temple, however the race was triaged in September and Kuster was able to hold the seat by a convincing 55-43 margin. Against Shea Porter, their nominee was Dover City Councilman Jason Gagnon, who vanquished Eddie Edwards in the primary, fending of charges he (Gagnon) was not a real Republican in the process. The race was close, however Shea-Porter rode the anti-Trump/Sununu mood to 49-47 victory.

Indiana

There was a key Senate race atop the ballot here. Progressives (and Democrats in general) were angry with Joe Donnelly for his vote in favor of AHCA the previous November, and targeted him for defeat. He faced Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Indianapolis City-County Councilwoman Christine Scales in the primary. Donnelly hoped a divided field would allow him to win, however it was not to be, as Scales won with 38% to 34% for Donnelly and 26% for Freeman-Wilson.  Republicans also had a contested primary battle, as Congressman Todd Rokita, Former Congressman Marlin Stutzman and State Senator Mike Delph dueled for a likely pickup. Rokita ultimately won the Primary with 44% of the vote to 30% for Stutzman and 23% for Delph. Democrats quickly triaged the seat in November, as they had so many defend (they likely going to with Donnelly as the nominee anyway, as polls showed him down by as much as 50-39 to Rokita, 47-40 to Stutzman, and 48-42 to Delph), and Rokita gave the Republicans their first gain in the Senate with a 58-40 victory.

Democrats actually put up a fight in multiple House Districts in Indiana. First was the seat being vacated by Todd Rokita. Democrats nominated Kokomo Common Councilman Robert Hayes, while Republicans saw former Congressman Steve Buyer seek a return, and clear out the field. Despite criticism for being a tobacco lobbyist, Buyer defeated Hayes 57-41, the closest race in the district in decades.

The Other seat Democrats (with half an eye on it) attempted to target belonged to Susan Brooks. She faced Marion Mayor Jess Alumbaugh. Democrats put more effort here than they did against Buyer, but Brooks ended up holding the seat 56-43, her closest race ever, and the districts closest since 2012 (Brooks' initial election to Congress).

Vermont

With Bernie Sanders having essentially taken himself out of the Presidential race, all eyes were on who he might endorse (and he was playing coy about that, for most part, only talking up Elizabeth Warren, Keith Ellison, and to a lesser extent Kirsten Gillibrand). However he was also up for re-election, and despite speculation he might retire, he filed to run for re-election, stating he "was committed to changing American lives". For the first time he filed to run as a Democrat, stating that "this is my party now", and faced no primary opposition. Republicans, meanwhile, nominated former Lieutenant Governor Brian Dubie, a surprisingly strong candidate to face Sanders, as they wanted to stop cold his growing national influence. Despite the race gaining national attention, mainly because Sanders had a serious challenger for the first time, Dubie faced an uphill battle, especially in an anti-Trump midterm and ultimately lost 57-40.

Like New Hampshire, Vermont elects its Governor every two years. Phil Scott was relatively popular, however with President Trump so unpopular in-state, many thought he would have to fight to hold on. Speculation that Sue Minter, the Democrats 2016 nominee for Governor, and early front-runner would seek a re-match ultimately came to naught, as she passed on the race. Instead, Democrats turned to State Assemblyman Tristan Toleno as their nominee. Despite rumors that Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman would run for the Republicans, he chose not to, instead running for re-election. The race was tight, but Scott ultimately hung on, and defeated Toleno 50.3.-47.8.

No one realistically thought that Vermont's At-Large Congressional District would be remotely competitive, however Peter Welch announced in October 2017 that he would run for Secretary of State instead (He would win easily), making this an open seat (however no less safe for Democrats, at least according to Stu Rothenberg). Democrats nominated Secretary of State James "Jim" Condos, while Republicans nominated former Auditor Randolph "Randy" Brock. Republicans put no money into the seat, and Condos, who was only expected to serve one or two terms won 60-38.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterms-Part Three

Delaware

Delaware's Senate race was top-of mind for some, especially after Tom Carper announced he would retire in September 2017. Democrats quickly lined up to replace him, with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, former Governor Jack Markell, and Attorney General Matthew Denn, quickly establishing themselves as the top three candidates. Markell used his superior name recognition to win the primary with 38% of the vote to 31% for Denn and 26% for Blunt Rochester. Republicans, by contrast nominated Treasurer Ken Simpler with little struggle. Simpler had a difficult task in a state where Trump was unpopular, and ultimately lost 55-41 to Markell, in what was Markell's closest general election since being elected Treasurer in 1998.

The House seat Blunt Rochester was vacating was also not expected to be competitive, and was expected to draw a large number of Democrats. However, State Representative Valerie Longhurst entered, and, other than a few perennial candidates, the field cleared for her. (Longhurst won 70% in the Primary). Republicans, meanwhile nominated Rehoboth Beach Mayor Sam Cooper with minimal fuss. With Trump relatively unpopular in the state, and Cooper running a poor General Election campaign Longhurst won a convincing 61-35 victory

Montana

Jon Tester was expected to be in a dogfight in 2018, especially after he supported Democratic leadership in voting against the ACHA and the tax packages advanced by the House. However, Republicans had trouble finding a candidate, setting up a nomination battle between State Senator Albert Olszewski and State Representative Carl Glimm, neither of whom impressed the NRSC. Glimm won the primary 55-44, and Tester quickly began pulling away, as Glimm struggled to get his message out, leading to the NRSC to triage the race in early October (they had many other targets). Remarkably, given Montana's rightward leanings, Tester defeated Glimm 54-45.

Rob Quist, on the other hand wasn't doing as well. Dealing with a fraudulent pollster scandal, he faced one of the youngest legislators in the country in State Assemblyman Daniel Zolnikov. Zolnikov ran a strong campaign, and the fraudulent pollster scandal was just one bridge too far, as Zolnikov won 49.7-49.3, in a rare bright spot for house Republicans.

South Carolina

With Nikki Haley's appointment as UN Ambassador (then resigning), Henry McMaster became Governor. However he faced opposition in the primary from Congressman (and former Governor) Mark Sanford and former Lieutenant Governor (as a Democrat) Yancy McGill (a fourth candidate, Catharine Templeton was running, but dropped down to run for Sanford's Congressional seat in December 2017). Sanford and McMaster advanced from the primary with 38 and 33 percent of the vote respectively, to 22% for McGill, followed by Sanford winning a bitter runoff (Sanford's extramarital affair was brought up several times) 53-47. Democrats also had a contested primary, with the top candidates being Florence Mayor Stephen Wukela, State Representative Mandy Powers Norrell, and State Senator James Smith. This primary was far more civil than the Republicans, and Powers Norrell ultimately won with 50.47% of the vote to 30.22% for Smith and 18.08% for Wukela. In the general election, the race turned sour again, as Sanford's affair was again brought up by Democrats, while Powers Norrell was derided as a "tax and spend liberal". Ultimately Sanford won 53-44.

Two House races in South Carolina stood out as interesting. Joe Wilson faced a primary challenge from former State Party chair Matt Moore, but he narrowly turned it back 50-47, and went on to defeat an underfunded Democrat with ease.

The open seat being vacated by Mark Sanford (who once again was being elected Governor), was not actually expected to be competitive, but Democrats thought they could put up a fight. They nominated Catharine Templeton (who dropped down from the Governor's race, due to poor polling), while Republicans had a contested primary between Myrtle Beach mayor John Rhodes, Dorchester County Councilman Con Chelis and Goose Creek City Councilman Kevin Condon. Rhodes won the primary with 50.42% of the vote, followed by Condon with 30% and then Chelis with 16.16%. The General was surprisingly competitive, largely due to Sanford's underperformance atop the ballot (Trump was relatively popular here), but Rhodes ultimately held the seat for the Republicans 55-43.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Four

Utah

Orrin Hatch faced the likelihood of a primary challenge should he run again, however Hatch stepped aside (changing his mind about running for the third time) in January 2018. Despite rumblings of Mitt Romney entering the race, the 2012 Presidential nominee declined to run, as did Mia Love, leading to several leading candidates on the Republican side in former Governor (and U.S Health and Services secretary and EPA Administrator) Mike Leavitt, former Congressman Chris Cannon, former Provo Mayor Lewis Billings and State Senator Margaret Dayton (Who had been eliminated at the convention in the race to succeed Jason Chaffetz). Cannon and Billings were eliminated at the convention (neither were collecting signatures to appear on the primary ballot), and Dayton then upset Leavitt in the primary 53-47. Democrats meanwhile, finally persuaded former Congressman Jim Matheson to run, and he cleared the primary field. While Democrats rued that Hatch had stepped aside, Matheson ran a strong campaign, while Dayton seemed to take victory for granted. Still she, and the Republicans won an uncomfortably close 50-44 hold, with 6% going to a write-in campaign for Evan McMillian (which McMillian did not encourage).

None of Utah's House Districts were competitive, however Deidre Henderson (who won her House seat in a special election to replace Jason Chaffetz on Election Day 2017), faced a primary challenge from State Senator Curtis Bramble. Henderson defeated Bramble in the primary 55-44, then defeated her Democratic opponent 68-30.

Alabama

Robert Bentley was term-limited, but his scandals made Kay Ivey Governor, and speculation abounded about whether she would run for a full term. Ivey, however announced she would not run in August 2017, leaving the Republican field wide open. The top candidates were Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, State Senator Del Marsh, Secretary of State John Merrill, and State Senator Lee "Trip" Pittman (a fifth candidate, former Morgan County Commissioner Stacy Lee George was also running, but she dropped down to run for Secretary of State- she lost in the primary). Marsh and Merrill advanced to the runoff with 28% and 25% of the vote respectively, with Battle earning 24% and Pittman earning 12.8%. Marsh won the runoff, 53-47. Democrats also had a contested primary, between State Representative Craig Ford and former State Supreme Court Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Ford won the primary 51-45, and put up a fight in the general. However Trump's popularity here, ultimately put Marsh over the top by a 55-43 margin.

Only one House District drew attention, as Martha Roby faced a primary challenge, for not toeing the Trump line, from Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon. Roby was still on the outs with the base, and made matters worse by stating she supported impeaching President Trump in May 2018, after Kellyanne Conway's testimony before the House Intelligence Committee. McLendon defeated Roby in the primary 52-43, and defeated 2014 nominee Erick Wright in the general 64-34.

Virginia

Tim Kaine was widely expected to win re-election, and that expectation only increased after the NRSC's top choice Congresswoman Barbara Comstock declined to run, instead choosing to seek re-election. Republicans saw a primary battle between former Congressman Randy Forbes, Former Congressman Tom Davis, Former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and former Hewlett-Packard CEO (and 2010 Senate nominee in California) Carly Fiorina. Fiorina used the name recognition from her 2016 Presidential run to emerge with the primary victory, earning 30.5% of the vote, to 27% for Cuccinelli, 25.5% for Forbes and 16% for Davis. With demographic changes in Virginia, plus Trump's unpopularity, meant Republicans triaged the race by Labor Day. Kaine decisively defeated Fiorina 57-39.

Democrats targeted two seats in Virginia. The first belonged to Scott Taylor, who faced Accomack County Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar. Taylor faced a close race, but hung on 51-48, in a race that was only targeted late by Democrats (much like Susan Brooks and John Rhodes).

The other seat belonged to Barbara Comstock, who thought about (and was heavily recruited for) a Senate bid, but ultimately declined. Democrats nominated State Senator Jennifer Wexton, who defeated five opponents in the Democratic primary with 55% of the vote. The general election was nasty, with a Wexton ad calling Comstock a "dangerous extremist" and a Comstock ad calling Wexton a "terrorist enabler". Wexton ultimately gave Democrats another pickup, defeating Comstock 50-48.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Five

West Virginia

Joe Manchin was in for the fight of his life in 2018, with President Trump holding sky-high approvals, and his own approvals falling. His votes in favor of the AHCA, tax bills, and various Trump nominees left him at odds with his party as well. He barely beat back a primary challenge from Paula Jean Swearingen 49-48, and entered the general election trailing badly. Republicans saw a primary battle between Congressman Evan Jenkins (The NRCC's favorite) and Attorney General Patrick Morrissey. Jenkins had a polling edge through most of the battle, and defeated Morrissey 53-46. In the general, Manchin fell even further behind, and Democrats triaged the race in Early November, days before election day (the same day as Indiana), to focus on other battles elsewhere. Jenkins gave Republicans another gain, 53-45.

The House seat Jenkins was vacating was not expected to be competitive, and the action was in the Republican Primary where State Delegate Rick Snuffer and State Delegate Rupie Phillips waged an expensive ($11.87 million) primary battle. Phillips was able to outspend and outraise Snuffer, and won 50-47, then proceeded to easily defeat a underfunded Democrat 70-24.

Kansas

Sam Brownback was term-limited as Governor, and horrendously unpopular, meaning Democrats had an opening in this ruby-red state. First though, they had a primary to get through, between former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and former Secretary of Agriculture Joshua Svaty. Brewer was endorsed by the DGA, and both Gabrielle Giffords and Michael Bloomberg, while Svaty was able to outraise and outspend him. Still, it wasn't enough, as Brewer won the primary 52-46. Republicans also had a competitive primary, between Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer, former State Representative William Kassebaum (son of Nancy, and Grandson of Alf Landon) and former State Assemblyman Ed O'Malley (a fourth candidate, Secretary of State Kris Kobach originally entered the race, but he dropped down to the Congressional race to succeed Lynn Jenkins). Colyer convincingly won the primary with 61% of the vote, to 18% for Kassebaum and 18% for O'Malley. In the General, Brownback's unpopularity (especially compared to Trump) hovered over the field, and Brewer was able to successfully tie Colyer to Brownback, winning with 37% of the vote to Colyer's 33%, and Greg Orman, who was running an independent campaign earning 28%.

Two Congressional Districts drew some interest from the outside. Roger Marshall faced a primary challenge from the man he unseated in 2016, Tim Huleskamp. The race was bitter, with Huleskamp being called an " bloody tart" and "grade A nimrod" in advertisements. Marshall ended up winning the primary 55-43, and winning the general unopposed.

The other district belonged to Lynn Jenkins, who was retiring. Controversial Secretary of State Kris Kobach dropped down from the Governor's race to run here in January 2018, and quickly won the nomination. His opponent would be former State Representative Paul Davis, who was the Democrats 2014 nominee for Governor. Kobach attracted national spending against him, and despite the very red nature of the district, Kobach (and Brownback's unpopularity) put the race in play. Amazingly, Davis scored the upset for the Democrats, defeating Kobach 49-48.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Six

Arkansas

Asa Hutchinson was popular, and was expected to glide to victory. Democrats, however thought they at least had a credible candidate in former U.S Attorney and 2016 Senate nominee Connor Eldridge. However, Eldridge never connected with the overwhelmingly conservative electorate, leading to a 61-37 Hutchinson victory.

Democrats targeted French Hill, nominating State Representative Clarke Tucker (Republicans picked up Tucker's State House seat, as part of their continuing domination of Arkansas). Despite a spirited effort, Hill held the seat for Republicans with a close 51-48 victory.

Georgia

Nathan Deal was term-limited, and had mixed approval ratings. Democrats were determined to invest yet more resources into the state to turn it blue (atlas red). They had a competitive primary between Former Congressman John Barrow, State Assemblywoman Stacey Evans, State Assemblywoman Stacey Abrams, and 2014 Senate nominee Michelle Nunn (Daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn). Abrams and Nunn advanced from the primary to runoff with 31% and 29% respectively to 23% for Barrow and 19% for Evans. Republicans also had a crowded primary, between Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, State Senator Hunter Hill, former Congressman Jack Kingston and former U.S Attorney Joe Whitley. Cagle and Kingston advanced to the runoff with 29% and 24% respectively, to 23.7% for Kemp, 22.3% for Hill and 10.5% for Whitley. After a relatively civil campaign, Cagle won the runoff 52-48. The DGA poured money into the race, and Abrams won for Democrats second gain in a Gubernatorial race 50.3-48.6.

There were two House races worth watching in Georgia, both in seats held by Democrats. David Scott was under fire for donating to Republicans (Johnny Isakson, Mia Love and Bob Corker), and faced a primary challenge from Douglasville City Councilwoman Marcia Hampton. Hampton hit Scott for "not being a real Democrat", and won her challenge 52-47. Hampton, then defeated marginal opposition in the general election 63-36.

The other belonged to Jon Ossoff, who Republicans were certain they could defeat. Former State Senator Dan Moody won the Republican nomination in a runoff against businessman Cade Joiner. Moody's candidacy was not backed by the NRCC, but National Republicans still sought to defeat him. With the mood against President Trump, Ossoff held on for a 50.48-49.12 victory.

[NewYorkExpress]

2018 Midterm Elections-Part Seven

Idaho

Butch Otter was eligible to run for a fourth term as Governor, but he chose not to run, leaving an open seat for the first time since 2006. Several Republicans lined up to compete for the seat, with leading candidates being Congressman Raul Labrador, Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, former State Senator Ross Fulcher and Latah County Commissioner Dave McGraw. Labrador attacked his opponents, especially Little and Wasden for being insufficiently conservative, and received endorsements from Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, (Little was backed by the RGA and Mitt Romney, while Wasden was backed by Butch Otter, John McCain and John Kasich). His endorsements, and attacks put him over the top with 28% of the vote to 25% for Little, 19% for Wasden, 15% for Fulcher and 11% for McGraw. Democrats nominated Boise School Board Trustee, and 2014 nominee AJ Balukoff without much struggle. Despite good results for Democrats in nearby states (like Montana's Senate race), this was not one of those results. Labrador waltzed to victory, 69-29.

Labrador's election as Governor meant an open house seat, and Republicans were expected to line up for the seat. The leading candidates were former Lieutenant Governor David Leroy, Coeur D'Alene City Councilman Dan Gookin, Meridian City Councilman Ty Palmer and Lewiston City Councilman Jesse Maldonado. While Leroy had some name recognition from his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, he had last run for office in 1994 (for a predecessor of this district), and as such was unknown to much of the district. This primary was much more civil than the one atop the ballot, with few attacks. Leroy's endorsements (Butch Otter and Dirk Kempthorne) didn't help, with primary voters, while Labrador remained neutral, a boon to the underdogs. Ultimately Gookin won the Primary with 41% of the vote to 32% for Leroy, 15% for Palmer and 8% for Maldonado. Gookin then defeated his opposition in the general election 70-28.

Washington

Maria Cantwell was widely expected to win another term in the Senate with relative ease, especially as the mood continued to sour against President Trump. Advancing from the top-two primary to face Cantwell was Lewis Treasurer Amy Davis, after several prospective candidates (Dino Rossi, Jamie Herrera Buetler, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert) all declined. Davis's campaign was badly underfunded, and with Trump's unpopularity, he was destined to lose. Cantwell won 70-30.

Democrats targeted a pair of House seats in the Evergreen State. First up was Jaime Herrera Buetler, who spent much of late 2017 contemplating a Senate run, and much of 2018 dodging constituents over the tax bill the House had passed back in May. After the top-two primary Herrera Buetler faced Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt. Herrera Buetler started with the lead, but as Trump's fortunes declined, so did Herrera Buetler's lead, resulting in another Democratic pickup, and a 52-48 victory for Leavitt.

The other target was Dave Reichert. Democrats quickly rallied behind Auburn City Councilwoman Yolanda Trout-Manuel, and she and Reichert easily advanced out of the top-two primary. Reichert was hammered for his voting in favor of the Republican tax bill and going on record saying that impeaching President Trump was "purely political theater", and the NRCC triaged the race to defend other seats. Trout-Manuel won 53-47, for another Democratic gain.

Mississippi

Roger Wicker faced a primary from State Senator Chris McDaniel, who had pulled the same stunt in 2014 against Thad Cochran. Unlike in 2014 however, Wicker was well-liked in Mississippi, and McDaniel as a result faced an uphill task defeating him-or even forcing a runoff. Despite bitter attacks from McDaniel, and endorsements for McDaniel from Sarah Palin and Ted Cruz, Wicker won outright 58-41. Democrats hoped for Jim Hood to run, but he once again declined. Instead they turned to former Governor Ronnie Musgrove for a rematch (he had been the nominee against Wicker in 2008). Progressives grumbled, but many pointed out that they were unlikely to win in Mississippi anyways. Musgrove kept the race close for much of the summer and early fall, but Mississippi's Republican lean was ultimately too much, as Wicker won 59-39, his closest race since is initial election to the Senate (also against Musgrove).

Mississippi had no competitive House races to speak of, either in the primary or in the general election. All four incumbents were re-elected with ease.

[NewYorkExpress]

Midterm Elections 2018-Part Eight

Missouri

Claire McCaskill was widely considered one of the most endangered Senators in the country heading into the 2018 midterms, along with Joe Manchin, Heidi Heitkamp and Joe Donnelly. Republicans had a stacked primary between retired NASCAR star Carl Edwards, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, State Senator Mike Kehoe, former Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder, State Senator Ryan Silvey and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer. Edwards started with the lead due to his celebrity, but he was exposed as a poor campaigner and quickly fell in the polls. The real battle was between Wagner, Kinder and Luetkemeyer for the title of most conservative, and for the lead. Wagner came under fire for unendorsing President Trump, then re-endorsing him, Kinder had several problems dating back to his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, while Lueketmeyer was endorsed by Ted Cruz and Sarah Palin. The race was tight, with Lueketmeyer (who was attacked the least, and had the most prominent endorsements) earning 23% of the vote to Wagner's 18%, Edwards's 15.6%, Kinder's 15.4%, Kehoe's 14% and Silvey's 13.3%. Lueketmeyer was not McCaskill's preferred opponent (that was Kinder), but she had enough material on him to heavily attack him. Once again, like in 2012, a gaffe by an opponent saved McCaskill, as Lueketmeyer used a sexually explicit term to refer to her in a televised debate in Mid-October (in Jefferson City). McCaskill as a result, held the seat for Democrats with a 51-45 victory.

Ann Wagner left behind an open House seat that was just on the edge of what Democrats could target. They nominated State Senator Jill Schupp without any difficulty, while Republicans easily nominated State Representative Marsha Haefner. Despite a good year for Democrats nationally and in Missouri (McCaskill was not expected to win, let alone by six points), this was not a good result, as Haefner held the seat for Republicans 55-42.

Blaine Lueketmeyer also left behind an open House seat. Republicans nominated Franklin County Sherriff Gary Toelke, while Democrats almost didn't field a candidate, with Lincoln County Treasurer Brenda O'Brien entering the day before the filing deadline. Ultimately the rightward lean of the district proved decisive (despite Toelke bucking his party's leadership, and saying he would vote for impeachment of President Trump) as Toelke won 65-33.

Maine

Angus King was one of two Democratic leaning Independents, but with Bernie Sanders changing his voter registration to the Democrats, King would be alone amongst Independents in the Senate if re-elected. He dodged a bullet when Paul LePage declined to run, leaving State Senator Eric Brakey as the Republican nominee. Democrats, angry that King had voted for several of President Trump's cabinet nominees, also put up a candidate, in State Senator Dawn Hill. Brakey never got his campaign going, leaving the race as a battle between King and Hill for the soul of Maine's left. The race was tight all the way through, a surprise to all, heading into election day, but King escaped with 46% of the vote to 45% for Hill and 8% for Brakey.

Paul LePage was term-limited and unpopular, and Democrats itched to pick up his seat. Former State Senator Justin Alfond and former State Representative Mark Eves duked it out in the Primary with Alfond winning 55-44. On the Republican side, Susan Collins kept the field in suspense for months, before bowing out in January 2018, but the very next day the other "Maine Sister" Former Senator Olympia Snowe surprised everyone by announcing she would run instead. Snowe turned back token opposition in the primary, and seemed to be Republican's best chances of keeping the seat red (atlas blue). Alfond and the DGA fought hard, as did the independent candidate in the race (because it's Maine) Treasurer Terry Hayes. However Snowe hung on for a huge win for Republicans with 41% (her lowest share of the vote since running for the House in 1992) 35% for Alfond and 22% for Hayes.

Democrats targeted Bruce Poliquin, who had briefly contemplated a Gubernatorial run before Collins, and then Snowe froze the field out. The DCCC successfully recruited Author Owen King (Son of the acclaimed author Stephen King) to face Poliquin. King received fundraising support from book-lovers across the Democratic Party divide, and earned another pickup for the Democrats defeating Poliquin 50-45.

North Dakota

Heidi Heitkamp was another extremely endangered incumbent. Republicans quickly united behind Congressman Kevin Cramer, and he posted wide leads in the polls for much of the year. Despite Heitkamp's skill at retail politics, the partisan divide was too much, as Cramer gave Republicans their third Senate gain 54-44.

Cramer's election to the Senate left open a House seat. State Senator Tom Campbell won the Republican nomination, and defeated a weak Democrat 63-35.