Friday, February 15, 2013

Hagan's U.S. Senate race deemed a toss-up

You're still recovering from the 2012 elections, we know. But pundits never tire of crystal-balling political campaigns, and a new forecast pegs North Carolina's U.S. Senate race next year as a toss-up.

Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., is expected to seek a second term. A number of Republicans are thought to be eyeing her seat, including state Senate leader Phil Berger, House Speaker Thom Tillis and U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx.

Larry Sabato, an oft-quoted political scientist at the University of Virginia, produces "The Crystal Ball," his take on upcoming races. This week, he issued his prognostications on all 35 Senate races in 2014. Here's how he sees Hagan's reelection battle shaping up:

North Carolina: Sen. Kay Hagan (D) was swept into office with the aid of presidential turnout in 2008. This time around, there's no presidential race above her on the ballot. Granted, she outperformed Obama in 2008, but turnout will certainly be down this time around, and Hagan won't be facing off against a vulnerable incumbent (then-Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole). For Hagan, much will depend on two factors: First, the state of the nation (Obama's popularity, economic revival) as we get closer to Election Day 2014; and second, the Republican opposing her on the ballot. Hagan has little control over either, though she could borrow from Sen. Claire McCaskill's (D-MO) playbook and attempt to influence the GOP primary result. Among the possible Republican candidates are North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis and Reps. Renee Ellmers, Patrick McHenry, Virginia Foxx and George Holding. While recent polling shows Hagan leading these potential opponents, her middling approval rating and the midterm dynamics make this race a TOSS-UP.

To read Sabato's full report, click here.

13 comments:

Lambie said...

What? North Carolina has a United States Senator named Hagan? Who knew?

Skippy said...
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Skippy said...
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Skippy said...

Poster #1, yes we do. And if just one so called journalist will ask her about Obama's agenda and his gun grab and whether she supports it, she will squirm worse than a night crawler. But she is also the same genius that voted for Obamacare and now is trying to get the Medical Device Maker tax repealed which is in the bill now knowing that is one of many job killers in the bill that she voted for that no one read. She is toast next year swept because the zombies that voted for the fraud that is currently in the White House that is now on his 2nd vacation of the year already while his lovely wife jet sets off to Aspen this weekend on our dime of course will not show up pull the lever for her in the straight ticket vote that got her in the office the first time.

Jay said...

I won't be voting for her. I've written to her on various subjects over her last term and it's only within the last year that she's started sending replies with a lot of words but which say little as to her position. I don't want another sleazy politician to claim to represent me.

Ghoul said...

Needed some help with a federal agency and called her office for help, knowing her party was in power and she might have more pull than any Republican. But, you have to go online and fill out some forms just to speak to someone in her office (I did not expect to speak to her directly, just someone in her office that could put things in motion.)

Called Richard Burr's office and spoke to a real live human who took interest in my problem and help solve it in a week.

Thanks so much for doing less than nothing Kay!

ncknight said...

Patooee...with an Obama sheep like Hagan.

Anonymous said...

Hagan's a nonentity. She's been absent in place since she was elected and I hope, dearly hope she gets primaried.

That being said, if she's the democrat nominee and either McHenry or Tillis run against her? I'll simply hold my nose and fill in her circle on the ballot.

JWMJR said...

As George Carlin said; Think about how stupid the average American is, then remember that half the people are even stupider. that's how we get Democrats in charge.

JWMJR said...

As George Carlin said; Think about how stupid the average American is, then remember that half the people are even stupider. that's how we get Democrats in charge.

Ettolrahc said...

Why not just look at her voting record and decide for yourself.

http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/21082/kay-hagan

Garth Vader said...

Dr. Greg Brannon is the only declared Republican candidate for Senate. I don't know why the Disturber is trying to pick the Republicans' candidate for them. Sorta like asking a vegetarian to recommend a steakhouse.

Check out Brannon on Facebook, YouTube, and at the homepage of the Founders' Truth organization he founded.

Garth Vader said...

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2013
Contact: Reilly O'Neal
Email: press@gregbrannon.com
Phone: 919-605-7532

Brannon Makes it Official: Announces U.S. Senate Campaign Kickoff Tour

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Dr. Greg Brannon, a Cary pro-life Obstetrician and conservative leader in North Carolina, will officially announce his bid to challenge Democrat Senator Kay Hagan with a two-day “Restore the American Dream” kickoff tour on Wednesday, February 27.

The eight-city tour will highlight Greg Brannon's background, his motivation for running and his passion for restoring constitutional government in America. The “Restore the American Dream” tour begins Tuesday morning in Wilmington.

"On February 27, 1776, at the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, North Carolina, Patriots won the first decisive victory of the Revolutionary War by defeating a force of British Loyalists, near Wilmington, NC. This dramatic victory ended British rule in the colony forever," said Greg Brannon.

Fighting to Restore the American Dream in North Carolina will be my job in the U.S. Senate, and that's why I am kicking off this campaign by talking to voters across the state on this historic date," Brannon added.

The two-day tour will continue with stops in Greenville, Raleigh, Greensboro, Monroe, Charlotte, Asheville and Burlington.

"As an American citizen, I'm extremely concerned by the daily attacks on our Bill of Rights and our God-given liberties. Over the last few years, as I’ve raised my children and run my medical practice, I’ve been overcome by an overwhelming concern for the health of this great nation.

“I’m running for Senate to put an end to politics-as-usual in Washington. Like the majority of North Carolinians, I’ve had enough of Big Government politicians running roughshod over the people of North Carolina – and I plan to do something about it,” added Brannon.

Brannon says he has been overwhelmed by the show of support he has received from citizens, business leaders, and elected officials across North Carolina encouraging him to run for this office.

The Brannon for U.S. Senate Kickoff Tour agenda is listed below. Further time and venue details will be released over the next few days.

All members of the community, as well as the media, are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Opportunities to speak with the candidate are available for members of the media upon request. Please contact Campaign Manager, Reilly O'Neal, at (919) 605-7532 or email press@gregbrannon.com with questions.

February 27

Wilmington
Greenville
Raleigh
Greensboro

February 28

Monroe
Charlotte
Asheville
Burlington

Copyright © 2013 Brannon for U.S. Senate, All rights reserved.
Brannon for U.S. Senate
Our mailing address is:
Brannon for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 10853
Raleigh, NC 27605