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All Eyes On Ohio: Moreno Seeks To Topple Senator Brown

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The 2024 Ohio Senate race is a key battleground, featuring incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican challenger Bernie Moreno who aims to unseat Brown in a race that will be crucial for determining control of the U.S. Senate.

Meet Bernie Moreno

Bernie Moreno is a successful businessman and Republican candidate in Ohio’s 2024 Senate race. He gained prominence as an auto dealership mogul, owning multiple dealerships across the U.S. before selling most of them to focus on new ventures. Moreno has positioned himself as a political outsider, emphasizing his experience in business and entrepreneurship. His campaign centers on securing the U.S. border, advocating for conservative economic policies and opposing what he calls “woke” political ideologies.

Key Policy Issues

Border Security: Moreno prioritizes strengthening U.S. border security, advocating for stricter immigration enforcement and building infrastructure to prevent illegal crossings.

Economic Reform: He emphasizes conservative economic policies, including reducing taxes and regulations to boost business growth and job creation.

Opposition to “Woke” Policies: Moreno is vocal about fighting what he views as “woke” ideologies, particularly in education and corporate governance, promoting conservative values instead.

Senator Sherrod Brown

Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, has served as Ohio’s U.S. Senator since 2007. Brown has faced recent criticism from conservatives over his support for President Biden’s policies, including issues related to inflation and energy. Brown’s stances on issues like inflation, federal spending, and opposition to domestic energy production have hindered Ohio’s economy, especially in the manufacturing and energy sectors

Critical Issues in the Race

The Ohio Senate contest will likely focus on a few key issues that have shaped recent elections in the Buckeye state. These include economy, energy, and immigration.

Economy and Inflation: Moreno advocates for reduced government spending, deregulation, and tax cuts to combat inflation triggered by the Biden-Harris administration. He argues that excessive government intervention and policies supported by Brown have contributed to rising costs.

Energy and Climate: Moreno supports expanding domestic energy production, emphasizing Ohio’s reliance on traditional energy sectors, to lower energy costs and ensure energy independence, contrasting with Brown’s focus on renewable energy.

Immigration and Border Security: Moreno emphasizes strict immigration control and securing the U.S. border as key to national security and reducing crime.

Campaign Spending and Fundraising

The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno has attracted significant spending and fundraising, making it one of the most expensive Senate contests of 2024. The overall spending in the race has surpassed $300 million, reflecting the high stakes and national attention on this pivotal Senate seat

Sherrod Brown: Brown’s campaign has raised nearly $31 million as of the third quarter of 2024, setting a record for Senate races in Ohio. His campaign is supported by major Democrat donors and organizations, helping him maintain a fundraising lead. According to Brown’s campaign, the most any U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio had raised in a three-month period was Democrat Tim Ryan, who raised $17.2 million in the third quarter of 2022.

Bernie Moreno: Moreno’s campaign, while not matching Brown’s total fundraising according to FEC data, has been supported by significant outside spending from conservative PACs and interest groups. In the third quarter of 2024, Moreno’s joint fundraising committee–which includes Moreno’s campaign, the U.S. Senate Republicans’ campaign arm, and several other affiliated groups–reported collecting $10,080,008.66. The joint fundraising committee and Moreno’s campaign spent more than $8.7 million combined during those three months and ended September with a combined $3.9 million cash on hand, according to FEC records. Moreno has invested heavily in his own campaign, focusing on political ads and outreach to build momentum. Spending in support of Moreno has helped keep the race highly competitive​, pro-Moreno groups have spent just over $150 million on TV ads, compared to about $128 million spent on ads in support of Brown, according to Medium Buying.

Voter Sentiment and Polling

The Ohio Senate race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno is shaping up to be a tight contest. Recent polling indicates a highly competitive race, with some surveys showing a narrow lead for Brown, while others suggest Moreno is gaining ground thanks to his focus on conservative social values and the economy.

RealClearPolitics polling average shows Brown with a slim lead over the Republican challenger of 2.6 percentage points.

Marist polling reports Democrat incumbent Sherrod Brown receives the support of 50% of likely voters statewide including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Republican challenger Bernie Moreno receives 48%. Among independents, Brown has a 54% to 43% advantage over Moreno.

Endorsements

Donald Trump: The former president endorsed Moreno, praising his business acumen and commitment to conservative values.

Mr. Moreno will “fight the corrupt Deep State that is destroying our Country,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.

“I could not be more grateful or humbled to have the complete and total endorsement of President Donald Trump at this vital moment in the campaign,” Mr. Moreno said in a statement, adding that a Republican takeover in the Senate and a victory from Mr. Trump in the presidential contest “will Make America Great Again!”

J.D. Vance: The vice presidential candidate backed Moreno early in the race.

“Thrilled to endorse Bernie Moreno for senate. He’s a good friend, a job creator, and will be a fantastic senator. We’d make a hell of a team!” Vance said in a tweet.

Matt Gaetz: The Florida congressman voiced his support for Moreno’s Senate bid.

Jim Jordan: Ohio’s influential congressman and conservative leader has supported Moreno.

“Bernie is a true America First conservative, and will make us proud in the U.S. Senate,” Jordan said. “Our country needs common sense conservative fighters now more than ever. Bernie is a political outsider who has lived the American Dream. His perspective, his grit and his conservative values will serve Ohio well in the U.S. Senate.”

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost: “To defeat Sherrod Brown in November, we need to nominate a proven conservative who can unite the party, and Bernie is the candidate who can do that,” Yost said.

Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam gave $50,000 apiece to Moreno’s campaign in mid-August, and other members of their family kicked in an additional $45,000 in total, records show.

“Bernie is grateful for the overwhelming support of Ohioans who are ready to fire Sherrod Brown after 50 years in political office,” said campaign spokeswoman Reagan McCarthy in a statement. “In the final stretch, Bernie will continue to outwork Sherrod and barnstorm Ohio.”

Trump Drops New Policy At Madison Square Garden

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Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally over the weekend drew in supporters from all over…

During the rally, former President Donald Trump introduced a new policy proposal: a tax credit for Americans who serve as caregivers for family members.

Trump made the announcement when he took the stage after remarks from a number of his campaign surrogates — from former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his running mate and Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) — and said that it was time to recognize those who gave themselves to care for ailing family members.

Watch:

“I am announcing a new policy today that I will support a tax credit for family caregivers who take care of a parent or a loved one. It’s about time that they were recognized, right?” he said as the crowd cheered.

“They add so much to our country and are never spoken of ever, ever, ever,” he continued. “But they’re going to be spoken of now. Thank you all very much.”

The former president also mentioned another policy he’d support — namely the death penalty for any illegal immigrant convicted of killing an American citizen or a law enforcement officer.

“I am hereby calling for the death penalty for any migrant that kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer,” he said, prompting even louder cheers and chants of “USA! USA! USA!”

Kamala’s Trump-Epstein ‘Bombshell’ Falls Apart – Fact-Check Reveals Glaring Problem

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The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday’s unveiling of a decades-old sexual assault allegation against Donald Trump, purported involving Jeffrey Epstein and former model Stacey Williams, has sparked more questions than answers. The allegation surfaced during a paid Zoom call hosted by the Harris campaign, raising immediate doubts about the timing and intent behind the claim. Even more curious, the story found its way into print not in the United States but in the left-leaning British newspaper, The Guardian, after multiple American media outlets reportedly passed on the story.

Even some users who aren’t exactly Trump supporters found the release disappointing. On X, Election Wizard voiced frustration with the Harris campaign’s so-called “October surprise.” “I feel very let down by the Harris people. I was promised a ‘bombshell Trump story’ that would upend the race,” Election Wizard tweeted. “Instead, I got tabloid piece” published in a partisan British newspaper.

A Timeline That Doesn’t Add Up

Adding to the skepticism is the timeline of the alleged events, which is, at best, murky. The accusation, now over 30 years old, reportedly involves an encounter between Williams, Epstein and Trump. In a video interview, Williams recounts a walk with Epstein “from his brownstone on the Upper East Side down Fifth Avenue” in “late winter of 1993,” claiming they visited Trump on a whim.

However, this is where the details begin to unravel. According to ZeroHedge, Epstein only moved into the Wexler mansion on 9 East 71st Street in 1996—three years after this supposed impromptu visit with Trump was said to have taken place. So, how could such a meeting have happened in a location Epstein hadn’t even acquired yet?

As reported by American Liberty News on Wednesday, political journalist Mark Halperin warned about “actors” attempting to influence the 2024 presidential race. Halperin mentioned that he was approached with a story supposedly capable of “ending Trump’s campaign,” but he did not find it credible and chose not to pursue it:

“The point I was making is actors who want a certain outcome are on social media and in pitches to reporters, and in the case of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg… are trying to affect the end of the race because they’re so desperate to try to pull a Comey,” Halperin stated, referencing the 2016 election’s late-stage developments. He reiterated, “I’m not pursuing the story. I don’t think it’s true… All I’m saying is there are people out there pitching stuff.” (RELATED: Slain Soldier’s Family Dismisses The Atlantic’s Trump ‘Hit Piece’)

This clarification comes amid signs of stronger-than-expected early voting turnout for Republicans, though prominent conservatives are warning supporters not to become complacent.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.

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Mel Gibson Rips Into Kamala Harris – Says Her IQ Matches A ‘Fence Post’

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Mat Weller matweller, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a candid exchange with paparazzi at an airport, actor and two-time Oscar winning filmmaker Mel Gibson let it be known in no uncertain terms what he thinks about Vice President Kamala Harris. The interaction, captured in footage obtained by TMZ, shows Gibson responding to questions about his opinion on the upcoming election.

When asked by a cameraman, “Who are you voting for?” the paparazzo quickly suggested, “I’m gonna guess. Trump.” Gibson, known for his outspoken nature, replied, “I think that’s a pretty good guess.” He then went on to critique Harris, stating, “[Kamala has a] miserable track record, appalling track record. No policies to speak of.” His criticism culminated with a jab at Harris’s intelligence, claiming she has “the IQ of a fence post.”

Gibson began his career in the late 1970s but rose to international fame with the Mad Max series, starting with Mad Max (1979). These films established him as a charismatic action star. His role in Mad Max (1981) and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) cemented his status as a rugged and intense actor.

Gibson gained further recognition with his role as Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series, which started in 1987. The buddy-cop action films, known for their blend of humor and intense action, made him a certified A-list Hollywood star.

WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

In addition to his action roles, Gibson showed his range in films like Hamlet (1990), where he delivered a well-received performance in a dramatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. Other notable roles include Braveheart (1995), The Patriot (2000) and Signs (2002), showcasing his ability to play both intense warriors and more complex characters.

Gibson’s transition into directing has been marked by critical acclaim. It was Braveheart (1995) that solidified his reputation as a director. The historical epic that tells the story of Scottish warrior William Wallace, who led a rebellion against English rule in the late 13th century, earned him the Best Director award, as well as Best Picture.

In 2004, Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ, which dramatizes the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $600 million worldwide. More than two decades later, the film has had a lasting cultural impact and remains a point of discussion in religious and film circles.

Gibson continued to explore historical and cultural themes with Apocalypto (2006), a film set during the decline of the Mayan civilization. Known for its use of native languages and visceral intensity, Apocalypto was praised for its ambitious storytelling and immersive direction.

After a period marked by personal and professional setbacks, Gibson made a notable comeback with Hacksaw Ridge (2016). The World War II drama tells the true story of Desmond Doss, a pacifist combat medic. Doss received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his acts of valor during the Battle of Okinawa. He was the first conscientious objector to be awarded this honor, though he preferred the term “conscientious cooperator” because he did not refuse to serve—only to carry a weapon.

Gibson is currently working on The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, a follow-up to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. This sequel aims to explore the events between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The first part is in post-production and is scheduled for a 2025 release​.

Additionally, Gibson is involved in Lethal Weapon 5, which marks his return as both director and actor, taking over the directorial role after the passing of the original series director, Richard Donner. The film will see Gibson reprising his role as Martin Riggs, with Danny Glover expected to return as Roger Murtaugh.

This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.

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Report: Trump Legal Team Files To Dismiss Special Counsel’s Election Interference Case

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Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Lawyers for former President Trump filed a motion on Thursday to dismiss charges related to the 2020 election brought against him by Special Counsel Jack Smith.

In their legal filing, the Trump team claims Smith was unlawfully appointed.

Fox News reports:

“President Donald J. Trump respectfully requests leave to file this proposed motion to dismiss the Superseding Indictment and for injunctive relief—which is timely and, alternatively, supported by good cause—based on violations of the Constitution’s Appointments and Appropriations Clauses,” the filing states. 

The Appointments Clause says, “Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States be appointed by the President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, although Congress may vest the appointment of inferior officers in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.” Smith, however, was never confirmed by the Senate.

“The proposed motion establishes that this unjust case was dead on arrival— unconstitutional even before its inception,” the Trump filing states.

Trump lawyers argued that in November 2022, Attorney General Merick Garland “violated the Appointments Clause by naming private-citizen Smith to target President Trump, while President Trump was campaigning to take back the Oval Office from the Attorney General’s boss, without a statutory basis for doing so.” 

Trump attorneys argue that Smith “was not appointed ‘by Law,'” and argue that he “has operated with a blank check by relying on an inapplicable permanent indefinite appropriation that was enacted in connection with a reauthorization of the Independent Counsel Act in 1987.” 

“Smith was not appointed pursuant to that Act, which expired in 1999. The appropriation contemplates the possibility of appointment by some ‘other law,’ but no ‘other law’ authorized Smith’s appointment,” the attorneys continue. “The appropriation also requires that the prosecutor be “independent,” in the very particular, rigorous sense that attorneys appointed pursuant to the defunct Independent Counsel Act were meant to be independent.” 

They added: “That is not true of Smith’s appointment, either.” 

“For these reasons, Smith should have never been permitted to access these huge sums of money, and his use of this funding violated the Appropriations Clause,” the filing states. “Based on these violations of the Appointments and Appropriations Clauses, the Superseding Indictment should be dismissed with prejudice. In addition, an injunction against additional spending by Smith is necessary to prevent ongoing irreparable harm and to ensure complete relief for the Appropriations Clause violation.” 

Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges. 

Smith has until Halloween, Oct. 31, to file his response.

Report: Trump Won’t Rule Out Hunter Biden Pardon If Elected

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President Joe Biden hugs his family during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)

Former President Trump said Thursday that he would not rule out pardoning Hunter Biden if he wins November’s election.

“I wouldn’t take it off the books. See, unlike Joe Biden, despite what they’ve done to me, where they’ve gone after me so viciously, despite what — and Hunter’s a bad boy. There’s no question about it. He’s been a bad boy,” Trump told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Biden, was found guilty in June of lying about his use of illicit drugs when applying to purchase a gun six years ago and unlawfully possessing it thereafter, marking the first criminal conviction of a sitting president’s child.

A federal judge agreed to push back Hunter Biden’s sentencing to Dec. 4. 

Hunter Biden in September pleaded guilty to all nine federal tax charges he faced, staving off his second criminal trial this year, just before it was set to begin.

President Biden has repeatedly said he would not pardon his son before leaving office.

Watch: Kamala Harris Asked About Pardoning Donald Trump

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Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

MSNBC host and NBC News senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson repeatedly asked Vice President Kamala Harris if she would consider pardoning former President Donald Trump if he is found guilty — the VP’s face said as much as or more than what she was willing to say outright.

Vice President Harris sat for a one-on-one interview with Jackson on Tuesday night’s edition of NBC Nightly News, during which Harris tried to parry the pardon question by resisting “hypotheticals” — then shot the question down a second time.

JACKSON: If you win, it is entirely possible that the federal court cases against the former president will continue on. He is, of course, facing those felony charges. Would you consider if you win and he’s convicted, a pardon for former President Trump?

HARRIS: I’m not going to get into those hypotheticals. I’m focused on the next 14 days.

JACKSON: But do you believe, is there any part of you that subscribes to the argument that has been made in the past that a pardon could help bring America together, could help you unify the country and move them, move on.

HARRIS: Let me tell you what’s going to help us move on. I get elected President of the United States.

JACKSON: One of the things you talked about is having a Republican in your camp- in your cabinet, potentially.

HARRIS: Yes.

JACKSON: You spent a lot of time on the campaign trail with former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, as you referenced, is she somebody who, is she somebody who would consider putting in the cabinet? Have you talked with her about this topic?

HARRIS: I’ll keep you posted.

Trump Assassination Attempt 911 Calls Released

Months after a 20-year-old gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, Butler County officials have released 911 calls from that day.

One redacted call came from the wife of a 74-year-old shooting victim from Moon Township, telling police her husband was shot at the rally, but she does not know what hospital he was transported to. James Copenhaver, a 74-year-old man from Moon Township, was shot and critically wounded at the rally.

“Paramedics serviced him. I called Butler Hospital. He’s not there. They told me to call 911,” the woman can be heard telling a dispatcher.

The dispatcher tells her to stay on the line and not hang up.

“I won’t,” she says.

Other 911 calls released by Butler County give more insight into the moment gunman Thomas Crooks fired approximately eight times, nicking Trump in the ear, killing Corey Comperatore, and injuring Copenhaver and another man named David Dutch.

“We’re at the Butler Farm Show. We need assistance now,” says another.

“We’re at the Trump assembly, and there’s a guy shooting,” another caller can be heard telling dispatchers.

Listen to the chilling audio below:

The calls reveal a chaotic scene after shots rang out at the rally, with attendees unaware whether the shooter was an active threat to those attending the event.

Investigation revealed that Crooks had accessed the roof of a nearby building by climbing HVAC equipment and piping on the side of the building, which was outside the official perimeters of the rally but less than 200 yards from where Trump was speaking on stage.

A local officer with Butler County identified where the shots were coming from, located the shooter, and fired one round at Crooks with his rifle, “which caused the shooter to recoil and briefly fall out of sight,” Adams Township Police Department Sgt. Edward Lenz testified in September.

A Secret Service counter sniper then fired the fatal shot that neutralized Crooks on the roof of the AGR building, where he was perched with a direct line of sight to Trump.

Pennsylvania’s 2024 Senate Race Heats Up – A Must-Win For Republicans

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The 2024 Pennsylvania Senate race is emerging as one of the most closely watched and pivotal contests in the nation, with significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey Jr. is seeking reelection for a fourth term, while Republicans are coalescing around David McCormick, a former hedge fund executive.

Both candidates are gearing up for what is expected to be one of the most expensive and competitive Senate races in the country…

Bob Casey Jr.: The Incumbent

Bob Casey Jr., son of the late Governor Bob Casey Sr., has served Pennsylvania in the Senate since 2006. Casey has built a reputation as a pragmatic legislator who prioritizes health care, jobs and labor rights.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the Senate, Casey has leveraged his seniority to secure key committee assignments, including on the influential Senate Finance Committee.

However, the political climate in Pennsylvania has become increasingly polarized in recent years, teeing up a more challenging electoral environment for the seasoned politician this year. With the Keystone State narrowly voting for Joe Biden in 2020 after flipping to Donald Trump in 2016, Republicans see this as an opportunity to unseat Casey.

David McCormick: The Challenger

David McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO and Army veteran, is a prominent figure in Pennsylvania politics and business. McCormick served as the CEO of Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, from 2020 to 2022, where he gained a reputation for strong leadership in the financial sector. A West Point graduate, McCormick also served as an Army officer during the Gulf War, earning a Bronze Star for his service.

National Archives at College Park – Still Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In public service, McCormick held senior economic positions in the George W. Bush administration, including Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. His platform emphasizes economic growth, job creation and strengthening national security. McCormick is also focused on fiscal conservatism, advocating for reduced government spending and taxes.

McCormick previously ran for Senate in 2022, narrowly losing the Republican primary to Mehmet Oz, who ultimately lost to Democrat John Fetterman in the general election. Since then, McCormick has remained active in Pennsylvania politics, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative and critic of the Biden administration’s economic policies.

McCormick’s background in business and finance has appealed to Pennsylvania’s suburban voters, while his military service has resonated with the state’s sizable veteran population along with Donald Trump’s MAGA base.

Key Policy Issues

In his 2024 campaign, McCormick has focused on national security, economic freedom and his status as a business leader and political outsider, in stark contrast to Casey’s long tenure in Washington. This dynamic has brought the race to a near tie.

McCormick’s platform focuses on reducing government spending, boosting economic growth and opposing progressive policies that he argues have hurt the state’s energy sector, particularly coal and natural gas.

Fundraising and Campaign Spending

The Pennsylvania Senate race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation, with both candidates benefiting from substantial outside spending.

According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data, Bob Casey has raised more than $21 million, thanks to strong support from labor unions, healthcare groups, and Democrat super PACs such as the Senate Majority PAC. Casey’s deep connections with national Democrats and his long-standing relationships with Pennsylvania’s organized labor groups have made him a fundraising powerhouse.

On the Republican side, David McCormick has raised over $17 million with significant support from national conservative groups such as Club for Growth and Americans for Prosperity.

Endorsements and Support

Donald Trump: Former President Donald Trump officially endorsed McCormick’s Senate bid last April during a Pennsylvania rally.

“I am officially giving my endorsement to David McCormick tonight. He’s a good a man. He wants to run a good ship. He’s a smart guy, who was a very successful guy. He’s given up a lot to do this,” Trump told supporters at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania.

“I’ll tell you what: He’s the nominee of the Republican Party, David McCormick. Go out and vote for him because Casey doesn’t do a damn thing,” Trump said.

Pat Toomey: Former Senator Pat Toomey praised McCormick’s economic expertise and commitment to conservative values, saying he’s the right leader to represent Pennsylvania.

Ari Fleischer: The former White House Press Secretary endorsed McCormick at a September fundraiser, highlighting his strong leadership and policy experience.

Organizational Endorsements:

Senate Leadership Fund: Backed McCormick as part of their efforts to secure Republican Senate seats.

Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC): Endorsed McCormick for his unwavering support for Israel and stance against antisemitism​.

“RJC trusts Dave McCormick – a 7th generation Pennsylvanian, West Point graduate, combat veteran, Bronze star recipient, Pennsylvania job creator and business leader – to be a Senator the people of Pennsylvania can be proud of.”

“Bob Casey is no friend of Israel. Where Bob Casey has failed, Dave McCormick will lead.”

Voter Sentiment and Polling

Recent polling data suggests that the race between Casey and McCormick is likely to be close, reflecting Pennsylvania’s status as a swing state. Polls indicate that Casey holds a slight lead over McCormick, but the race is expected to tighten as November draws closer. Pennsylvania has a history of closely contested statewide elections, with margins often decided by just a few percentage points.

RealClearPolitics (October 14, 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.8% to 44.6%​

Emerson College Poll (October 2024): 48% support incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Casey while 46% support Republican Dave McCormick.

Trafalgar Polling (October 2024): Casey leads McCormick 47.4% to 45.6% with 7% undecided.

Quinnipiac Univesity (October 2024): Incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey leads Republican challenger David McCormick 51% to 43%. Democrats 96% to 3% back Casey, while Republicans 88 % to 10% back McCormick. Independents are evenly split, with 44% supporting McCormick and 44% supporting Casey.

Both candidates will need to appeal to Pennsylvania’s diverse electorate, which includes rural, suburban, and urban voters. Rural parts of the state have trended Republican in recent elections, while urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh remain Democratic strongholds. The key battleground will likely be the suburbs, particularly in counties like Bucks and Montgomery, where moderate and independent voters could swing the outcome.

Battle Royale In Wisconsin: Can Republicans Prevail?

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Voter turnout is likely to be the key factor…

The Wisconsin Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and expensive races in the 2024 election cycle. Let’s take a deeper dive into this contentious race.

Tammy Baldwin: Meet The Incumbent

Senate Democrats, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Senator Tammy Baldwin has represented Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate since 2012, making history as the first openly gay member of the chamber. She has built a reputation as a progressive champion, focusing on key issues like health care, LGBTQ+ rights and so-called economic fairness—advocating for reducing income inequality, expanding access to social safety nets and promoting the redistribution of wealth and resources. Over the course of her two terms, she has built a strong base of support in urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison but has alienated voters elsewhere over her support of far-left policies.

Baldwin faces a tough reelection battle in 2024 as Wisconsin’s political landscape has become increasingly competitive. However, with her incumbent status and a robust war chest, Baldwin remains a formidable candidate with deep connections to Wisconsin voters.

The Republican Challenger: Eric Hovde

Eric Hovde 2012 Senate campaign. WisPolitics.com, via Wikimedia Commons

Eric Hovde, a prominent businessman, philanthropist and Madison native, is making his second bid for the U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. As a successful entrepreneur, Hovde built a career in real estate investment and banking, having served as CEO of Hovde Properties and Hovde Capital Advisors. His business acumen has fueled his platform of fiscal conservatism, emphasizing reduced government spending and tax reform. Hovde is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly through his foundation, which focuses on supporting veterans, health care initiatives and combating homelessness. His campaign has receive significant support from conservative PACs, including the Fix Washington Political Action Committee, which received $1 million from Hovde’s brother days after its creation.

Key Policy Issues:

Fiscal Conservatism: Hovde emphasizes reducing government spending, cutting taxes and addressing the national debt through economic policies aimed at shrinking government intervention.

Health care Reform: He advocates for market-based solutions in health care, promoting competition and reducing the influence of government in the U.S. health care system.

Economic Growth: Hovde supports deregulation to help businesses thrive, focusing on reducing what he sees as overregulation that hinders job creation and economic expansion.

Critical Issues in the Race

The 2024 Senate race in Wisconsin will likely hinge on a few key issues that have shaped recent elections in the state. These include the economy, health care and the rural-urban divide that has become increasingly pronounced in Wisconsin politics.

  1. The Economy: Wisconsin’s economy, like much of the Midwest, is heavily reliant on manufacturing and agriculture. Job creation, wage growth and trade policies will be at the forefront of voter concerns. Baldwin has championed policies aimed at revitalizing Wisconsin’s industrial base, such as her efforts to protect manufacturing jobs from outsourcing. However, Republicans argue that her policies have not gone far enough to stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural, GOP-leaning areas.
  2. Health care: Health care continues to be a top issue for Wisconsin voters, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baldwin has been an advocate for expanding health care access, including supporting Obamacare.
  3. The Rural-Urban Divide: Like many other swing states, Wisconsin has a stark political divide between its urban and rural areas. Baldwin’s challenge will be to maintain her strong support in liberal strongholds like Madison and Milwaukee, while making inroads in rural areas that have increasingly turned to Republicans in recent elections. Hovde is working to bridge the gap between the party’s base in rural Wisconsin and more moderate, suburban voters. Waukesha, a historically suburban Republican stronghold west of Milwaukee that has shifted leftward in recent cycles, may play a decisive role depending on the margin of victory for Trump and Hovde there.

Campaign Spending and Fundraising

With control of the Senate at stake, both parties view Wisconsin as a true toss-up, guaranteeing that fundraising and spending will continue at unprecedented levels.

When all said and done, the 2024 Senate race is expected to be one of the most expensive in Wisconsin’s history, with both candidates benefiting from significant outside spending by national political action committees (PACs). According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data, Baldwin has raised over $30 million, positioning her campaign to compete on a national level. Her campaign has benefitted from support from Democrat-leaning groups such as the Senate Majority PAC and organizations focused on health care and LGBTQ+ rights, according to Open Secrets.

On the Republican side, Hovde has brought considerable personal wealth to his campaign, as he did during his 2012 run according to FEC data. Prominent conservative PACs, Americans for Prosperity and Club For Growth have also been strong supporters of the Hovde campaign. Fix Washington PAC endorsed Hovde for his pro-business policies.

Voter Sentiment and Polling

Senator Baldwin’s approval ratings remain relatively strong, but Republicans see an opportunity to exploit national dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s administration, particularly on issues like inflation and immigration and uncertainty surrounding a potential Harris presidency.

Recent polling data highlights the competitiveness of the 2024 Wisconsin Senate race between the incumbent Senator and Republican businessman. Several sources point to a tightening contest:

  • RealClearPolitics polling average shows Baldwin with a slim lead of around 3 percentage points over Hovde, with Baldwin polling at 49% and Hovde at 46%​.
  • Wisconsin Watch reported Baldwin leading Hovde by 52% to 44%, but this lead appears to be outside the poll’s margin of error. Other polls, such as those from Emerson College and Marist College, also reflect a smaller gap, with Baldwin holding leads within 3-5 points​.
  • A Cook Political Report poll marked the race as a “toss-up,” with a significant swing among independent voters toward Hovde, further tightening the race to a 49% to 47% split.
  • A Quinnipiac University poll released October 9th, reported incumbent Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin has a slight lead over Republican challenger Eric Hovde 50% to 46%.

The Wisconsin Senate race is crucial for both parties as they fight for control of the upper chamber. With Democrats holding a narrow 51-49 majority in the Senate, every competitive seat counts, and Wisconsin’s swing-state status means the race could play a decisive role in determining which party controls the Senate after 2024.

For Republicans, flipping Baldwin’s seat would not only bolster their chances of retaking the Senate but also signal a continued shift in the Midwest toward the GOP.

The 2024 Wisconsin Senate race will be one of the most closely watched contests in the nation, with both parties pouring significant resources into the state. Senator Tammy Baldwin’s bid for a third term will test her ability to maintain support in a politically divided state, while Republicans look to capitalize on national trends and local concerns to flip the seat.