Posted on 07/17/2014 7:08:07 AM PDT by cotton1706
Stuart Rothenberg, editor and publisher of the nonpartisan Rothenberg Political Report, changed his rating on Sen. Al Franken’s race for re-election in Minnesota to reflect a slightly more competitive environment for the Democrat.
But Mr. Rothenberg, an experienced handicapper, was quick to note that his ratings change – from “safe Democrat” to “Democrat favored” – has everything to do with headwinds confronting the party and very little to do with Mr. Franken’s Republican opponent, businessman Mike McFadden.
“The change reflects the broad national environment and Minnesota’s generally competitive nature,” Mr. Rothenberg wrote in the online item that posted Monday morning. “The new rating says little about Republican challenger Mike McFadden’s candidacy, other than the fact that the wealthy businessman appears to have considerable personal resources that he can sink into the race if he wishes.”
There is little reason at this point for Democrats to worry about losing the Minnesota seat, despite Republican efforts to expand the map of competitive Senate races. Mr. Franken has had a comfortable lead in the few polls taken of the race, and the Democrat ended June with more than $5 million in the bank, according to his campaign, compared with the $2 million Mr. McFadden will report.
The race could easily tighten down the stretch, as Mr. McFadden continues introducing himself to voters and the Republican and his outside allies bombard Mr. Franken with negative ads. But Mr. Rothenberg changed his rating more to put the Minnesota seat in the same column with other Republican longshots in New Hampshire and Virginia.
Of course, with Republicans in striking distance of the six seats they need to reclaim the Senate majority, every tremor warrants some attention.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.wsj.com ...
Well if that’s what you want.
MN should have never been rated “safe democrat” with Franken as the incumbent.
It’s a solid 2nd tier chance. I’d put 12th most likely on our takeover list, behind NH but well ahead of Virginia and Oregon.
I use to think of Minnesota as that wilderness, pristine state with family values. I’ve definitely changed my mind. . . we have just inherited a new relative from there. Has been indoctrinated in liberal ways from family and education. The university system there is really off base.
Same people who selected J. Ventura. Must be something in the water
Is it bad? Stupid? Inane?
Yes.
And that differs from 99% of his fellow senators how?
And that differs from 99% of his fellow senators how?
My senators are Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby. I’ve been very pleased with both.
it’s dumb, but Time magazine said it was in their top 5 best ads or something...for whatever that’s worth.
Throw the turd out. Please.
Watched it once. Now I never watch TV without my hand on the remote, lest it comes on again.
It’s third grade film class material.
Thank you... That is the only explanation that I have gotten since we were asked to support him that has made any sense.
I hope things work out for McDaniel.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.