Senate votes…electioneering….is there a difference?

The 5 largest oil companies reported $36 billion in profits in just 3 short months. In response, Senate Democrats attempted to impose an excess profits tax on them. This attempt was killed by a Republican-led filibuster this week.

As this is election season, it is interesting to see where everyone came down on this issue. Only one Democrat opposed the tax, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, a state with a large oil industry. Technically, Sen. Harry Reid also voted no, but this was after he knew the vote would fail, leaving him the ability to raise the issue later.

On the Republican side, Norm Coleman of MN, Susan Collins of ME and Gordon Smith of OR all voted with the Democrats. Coincidentally, they are all up for re-election…hmmmmm.

They were also joined by Republicans Chuck Grassley of IA and John Warner of VA, who are not running for re-election.

Now the race is on….which Republican raised the most money for Big Oil?

Senate Watch: North Carolina

In my initial list, I somehow forgot about the North Carolina race. Incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole is being challenged by former state senator Kay Hagan. Hagan looks like she will pose a strong challenge to Dole, especially with the help of red and purple state Senators like Jon Tester and Claire McCaskill. I first heard word of this race during the Democratic primary when I heard that a gay man was running for US Senate in North Carolina. My skepticism of a gay man winning state-wide office was reinforced by his crushing defeat at the hands of Kagan in the primary….but that’s beside the point…or a point for another day. For now, we can settle for a NC Senate race that features two women.

Bob Schaffer for CO Senate…not lookin good

It’s never fun when your friends and colleagues are heading to jail as you launch your Senate campaign…just ask Republican Bob Schaffer of Colorado.

Schaffer may, or may not have authored a $3.6 million earmark in 2000 for the National Alternative Fuels Foundation in 2000.  Founder Bill Orr gave Schaffer a job there after his stint in Congress.  Orr was just convicted on 22 counts, including misrepresenting his research results to obtain federal funding.  On one hand, you would think he was doing something productive, in his efforts to develop alternative energy, but it turns out that he paid himself $500,000 from the federal grant for 2 years of work. Here’s more

Former Schaffer campaign staffer Scott Shires also was convicted of wrongdoing in this case. Meanwhile, Bob Schaffer was enjoying his position on the Board of Directors at NAFF while this illegal activity was going on. It looks like 2008 could be another year of Republicans in jail.

Senate Elections 2008

Come November, a third of the Senate is up for re-election. Where will these races be? I’m starting a list which I’m thinking that I will be adding to later.

1. Warner v Gilmore in VA. Former Gov. Mark Warner is taking on former Gov. Gilmore. Warner left office with high approval ratings and is currently crushing his opponent in fundraising. His television ad campaign has already started in the expensive DC media market. Gilmore went nowhere in his presidential bid and limped to a primary win. Despite the fact that this seat is currently held by a Republican (John Warner), Mark Warner, the Democrat, looks like he is going to walk away with an easy win…….unless he fills the VP slot?
2. In New Mexico, GOPer Steve Pearce beat out Heather Wilson in the GOP primary….wasn’t she wrapped up in the AG firing scandal? Pearce is taking on Tom Udall. This is another state where the incumbent GOP senator is vacating his seat.
3. In Colorado, Democratic Congressman Mark Udall is taking on Bob Schaffer, a former congressman and more recently an employee of Aspect Energy LLC….hmm….will be interesting to look more into this. Again, a Republican is vacating his Senate seat (Wayne Allard)…..I’m picking up a trend here!
4. In New Hampshire, it’s Sununu v Shaheen. John Sununu beat Jeanne Shaheen for a 2002 House seat, but Shaheen is looking good so far…..unless her husband’s overzealous support of Hillary Clinton becomes a detriment.
5. In Alaska, Democrat Mark Begich is challenging Ted “tubes” Stevens. Apparently Sen. Stevens is a huge fan of his Blackberry, despite his infamous internet quote. Sen. Stevens brings another lobbying scandal to election ’08.

Others Senate races are in Louisiana, Minnesota, Oregon, North Carolina and Maine. As it’s my home state, I need to mention Michigan too……will anyone ever come close to beating Senator Carl Levin…I think not.

More to come on these Senate Races…I just wanted to have a starting point to work from.