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My Hair!

McKinney: Ignore the hair

Now that the Lamont upset has been thoroughly analyzed, it's time to look at why Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia - this sites second favorite member of congress - lost her re-election. After conceding to challenger Hank Johnson, McKinney reminded her supporters of her accomplishments, like getting 500 kids into a job training program. But as McKinney said in her concession speech:

"The news media didn't tell you about that because they wanted you to focus on my hair!"

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By Azi Paybarah | Thu, 10 Aug 2006 at 5:07 PM | Permalink

GI's for Joe

Lieberman

Still wondering who, besides bloggers, voted for Ned Lamont? A reader passes on this electoral analysis [pdf], courtesy of a progressive consulting firm in D.C., Strategic Telemetry.

"Areas with high concentrations of voters currently serving in the armed forces were more likley to support Lieberman, but areas with high concentrations of veterans were more likely to support Lamont."

Update: Another key point: "Lamont did best among traditionally high-turnout voters."

By Azi Paybarah | Thu, 10 Aug 2006 at 2:42 PM | Permalink

Town Halls

After last night's rousing debate between KT McFarland and John Spencer, who can wait to see the attorney general's take the stage? An aide to one Democratic candidate reminded me it's happening next week. There will be a televised town hall on Wednesday and a debate on Thursday. To have a true, state-wide town hall, organizers offered candidates their choice of locations throughout the state. Sean Maloney and Charlie King will be at Pace University in the Big Apple. Jeanine Pirro and Mark Green will be in Syracuse. And Andrew Cuomo, who has a new ad, will be by himself in Albany. Which only proves that even among state-wide candidates, Albany isn't that popular of a place.

By Azi Paybarah | Thu, 10 Aug 2006 at 2:03 PM | Permalink

Caption Contest: Clinton and Rangel

photo credit: Leon Neyfakh

Senator Clinton and Rep. Charles Rangel yesterday. Your captions?

By Azi Paybarah | Thu, 10 Aug 2006 at 10:44 AM | Permalink

KT vs. Spencer

In case you missed the fireworks, collegeague Jacob Gershman has the story on the KT McFarland and John Spencer debate here. Somewhere in the mayhem, they got around to discussing Rudy Giuliani and George Pataki, key figures in the party they hope to represent in November. On Giuliani, Spencer said the former mayor was too liberal to support for president. KT said he wasn't. But on George Pataki, they agreed: Both said he has not been an excellent governor. So how well did the mud-slinging help Senator Clinton's re-election effort? One top democratic operative emailed me to ask: "Was that a dream?"

By Azi Paybarah | Thu, 10 Aug 2006 at 10:01 AM | Permalink

Debates, Rangel's Birthday

After Senator Clinton's two Republican rivals have their debate tonight, you can drink with one of them, KT McFarland, and her fan's at Nathan Hale's. The Democratic candidates for Brooklyn's 11th congressional race debate tonight at 7 at Medgar Evers College. Rep. Charles Rangel celebrates his birthday uptown. Wonder what he wishes for when he blows out the candles? Mayor Bloomberg backed Lieberman's independent run for Senate. The Center for Responsive Politics wants people to know, "Three upsets do not an anti-incumbent groundswell make." [via Capitol Confidential] Jonathan Tasini, took a swipe Ned Lamont for not being progressive...one day after congratulating him.

By Azi Paybarah | Wed, 9 Aug 2006 at 4:53 PM | Permalink

Lamont Fever Spreads

From: azi paybarah To: christine anderson Date: Wednesday, Aug 9, 2006 10:38 AM Subject: did eliot call lamont? just curious. From: christine anderson To: azi paybarah Wednesday, August 09, 2006 10:43 AM Nope.

By Azi Paybarah | Wed, 9 Aug 2006 at 3:02 PM | Permalink

Calling Aisle 7

Quote of the day, from David Yasky's email to supporters: "I'm spending so much time on Flatbush Avenue that my campaign staff is now forwarding my calls to Aisle Seven at the Western Beef." The rest of the email is after the jump.

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By Azi Paybarah | Wed, 9 Aug 2006 at 2:28 PM | Permalink

Rangel on Who?

Leon Nayfakh, our intern on the Clinton beat today, had his ear glued to WNYC radio where he heard Rep. Charles Rangel philosophical musings about Senator Clinton's race against, um, who? CR "You may think I'm putting you on but i have no clue as to who is opposing Senator Clinton. Where's he from?" Reporter "New York." CR "Well, I guess he's a nice person." And later, as a covert hat tip to his favorite reporter, Rangel says: "I didn't even know she had a primary. That's interesting."

By Azi Paybarah | Wed, 9 Aug 2006 at 1:30 PM | Permalink