Primary Updates and Observations (O'Donnell Wins)

Via Left Coast Rebel: Voila, the Christine O'Donnell victory speech from tonight's smashing tea party primary win:

Wall Street Journal: NRSC: No Plans to Fund O’Donnell

NY Results: Jay Townsend wins GOP nomination to take on Chucky Schumer. Doug Hoffman trailing Doheny (53/47) with 83.1% reporting.

11:44 p.m. NH-Sen: Conservative Lamontagne in the lead with 40.7% of the vote in GOP primary (31.6% reporting).

Maryland Results: Harris takes MD-01 in GOP primary, Wargotz (recently a Democrat) in the lead in GOP Senate primary with 58% reporting.

11:26 p.m. Marty Lamb (recently a Democrat) wins MA-03 GOP primary, Sean Bielat wins MA-04 GOP primary (Barney Frank's district).

Michelle Malkin: Delaware election website reports that GOP voter turnout is 26% today, while Dem voter turnout is 9%.

D. Loesch (via cprater): Grassroots just showed NRSC that they are irrelevant. If they want to take their ball and go home I'll help give them a ride.

10:18 p.m. Charles Lollar wins!

9:57 p.m: WI-07: Duffy 66.4% (with 4% reporting)

9:52 p.m. MD-05 - Lollar 63.8%, Bailey 26.8%... 27.8% reporting

9:44 p.m. 2.6% reporting - NY-23 - Doheny 51.3%, Hoffman 48.7%

Michelle Malkin: "Nine-term, cap&tax, bailout buddy Soros Republican Mike Castle has been denied a Senate seat." Thank you, Christine

Nice RSM quote: Christine O’Donnell has won the Delaware GOP Senate primary, defeating Mike Castle, Allahpundit, Charles Krauthammer, and Jim Geraghty.

9:25 p.m. MD-Sen: Jim Rutledge 35%, Eric Wargotz 31% with only 2% in

Will the GOP establishement stop promoting Scozzafavas, Specters and Castles now? Doubt it.

9:10 p.m. NH-SEN - Lamontagne 49%, Ayotte 34% (with 9% reporting).

9:09 p.m. The Other McCain: PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS HQ UPDATE: O’DONNELL WINS!

9:06 p.m. Via southsalem "85% in... 54% / 46% in favor of O'Donnell..."

9:01 p.m. Wow. 11 point lead for Christine! Christine O'Donnell, 55%; Michael Castle, 44%... 37% precincts reporting. Palin Power? Anti-incumbent fever? Tea Party insanity? Everyone will pick their own favorite narrative.

8:59 p.m. NH-SEN with 7.3% reporting - 50% Lamontagne, 33.1% Ayotte.

8:57 p.m: 37% reporting - O'Donnell at 55.4%, Castle 44.6%

8:37 p.m.

Christine O'Donnell 54%,

Michael Castle 45%;

14% precincts reporting

Candidates You May Have Missed: Primary 2010

Today is primary day in New York, Maryland, Wisconsin, and a number of other States around the union. As such - I wanted to do a quick post reminding you of the three great candidates profiled here who are facing the voters in a primary today. Check them out and, if you're in those States, make sure to get out and vote!

• Jay Townsend - US Senate from New York - Profile, Official Website

• Jim Rutledge - US Senate from Maryland - Profile, Official Website

• Sean Duffy - US Congress from Wisconsin - Profile, Official Website

Final Hours: Christine O'Donnell For U.S. Senate!

Seven states and the District of Columbia will hold primary elections today. The most controversial race is that of conservative Christine O'Donnell vs. liberal Mike Castle in Delaware. You can read about the controversy elsewhere. Right now, I want to highlight some reasons why voters in Delaware should vote for Christine O'Donnell...

1. The most principled conservative in the U.S. Senate, Jim DeMint, has endorsed Christine O'Donnell. Here's DeMint's endorsement:

"In Delaware, Christine O’Donnell is fighting for her life against an establishment machine that is terrified by her rapid rise in the polls. Despite being massively outspent and ignored by Washington insiders, she’s now within only 9 points[*] of her opponent, according to one poll.

The choice in Delaware could not be more clear. Christine’s opponent, Rep. Mike Castle, supports a cap-and-trade energy tax, he opposes the repeal of ObamaCare, he supports earmarks, he’s pro-choice, and is anti-Second Amendment.

"Christine has earned the endorsement of conservative leaders like Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Sarah Palin. And just yesterday, she won the support of the National Rifle Association because she will fight to protect our Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms.

"If we’re willing to fight for Christine in the final hours of this race, she can and she will win this seat for conservatives."

*At this point, the race is too close to call, PPP puts Christine O'Donnell 3 points ahead of Mike Castle.

2. Christine O'Donnell is right on the issues. Here's a selection of her views taken from her campaign website:

Christine...

• Believes jobs are created when businesses are freed from endless taxes and bureaucratic red tape.
• Believes heaping trillions in debt on the backs of our grandchildren is immoral and that Congress is elected to make the hard choices to preserve our nation’s future prosperity.
• Believes unrestrained government spending is eroding our freedom, destroying our economy and ceding our sovereignty to foreign debt- holders like China.
• Believes our country was founded on core values of faith, family and freedom and will fight to defend those values. Will always fight for maximum choice for parents about where to educate their kids, including private, parochial and charter schools or in the home.
• Believes that the solution to the healthcare crisis is less government meddling in the doctor/patient relationship, more competition in the insurance market and more choice for families about their health plan.
• Christine’s strong support of 2nd Amendment rights has earned her an “A” rating from the NRA.

3. Christine is an articulate grassroots conservative whose voice is sorely needed in the U.S. Senate. I submit the following as evidence:

Quick Hits

• Kaboom: O’Donnell over Castle
• Why Christine O’Donnell Is Surging: Three Ads From Tea Party Express
• Governor Palin Robocall For Christine O'Donnell (Video)
• Rush Limbaugh on Christine O'Donnell (Audio)
• The Ruling Class Hits Christine O'Donnell
• Today, we are seeing the American people draw a line in the sand. They are tired not just of Obama and company, but gutless Republicans.
• Mike Castle: An Obama/Soros Republican.
• Castle: An Extreme Liberal
• Mike Castle voted with Democrats for a Bush impeachment resolution.
• Why No Interest In Mike Castle's Corrupt Lobbyist Problems?
• The Republican Establishment has dug a protective moat around Castle. The problem is, we can swim.

Cross-posted at Left Coast Rebel

America Needs Leaders Like Van Irion

Left: Van Irion with Steve King, Right: Irion with Michele Bachmann

Tomorrow, Thursday, August 5, is primary election day in Tennessee. I voted early, and I chose Van Irion (TN-3) to represent me in Congress. Van Irion is an exceptionally good candidate, and I think that if he goes to Congress, he will quickly be recognized as one of America's rising conservative stars.

Van Irion is right on the issues, and his proper stance stems from the fact that he understands that the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect the citizens from overbearing government. Irion knows that an unfettered Federal Government, free from the constraints of the Constitution, will become abusive and intolerable.

I first became interested in Van Irion's campaign not because I live in Tennessee, but because I have devoted the last two years of my life to stopping the radical Obama agenda, particularly Obamacare. Soon after Obamacare was passed, I discovered Obamacare Class Action.

Obamacare Class Action is a lawsuit designed to strike down the Democrats' health care bill by reversing "the incorrect interpretation by the Supreme Court of the Commerce clause that allows Congress to regulate essentially every American enterprise. This will restore the 10th Amendment and restrain Congress." Van Irion is litigating this case pro bono.

Irion's approach to Obamacare's encroachment on our liberty is a good example of his principled, proactive leadership style.

As a conservative Constitutional attorney, Van Irion's emphasis on the U.S. Constitution is not just a convenient meme to feed to Tea Party Conservatives and to right wing Republican primary voters. Irion's investsment in constitutionally-limited government is an enduring commitment that started when he was still a child.

Van Irion will NEVER go against the founding principles of our country. Irion understands that we're slowly losing our freedom in America because "evil wins if you give even a little bit."

Irion also understands the importance of free markets, free enterprise and capitalism. He will not stand for bailouts, crony capitalism, or any program that interferes with economic liberty. He knows that "voting in Congress is like pulling a trigger on a gun." An otherwise exemplary voting record can be ruined by one stupid vote.

Here's a great point from one of Irion's speeches:

"If I'm at the range and I shoot 99 bullets and then I put one through someone's head, I can't say 'Oh, Gee, I'm sorry.' It doesn't put the bullet back in the gun. When you vote for the bailout, saying you're sorry the next week doesn't fix the $800 billion debt that our great-grandchildren will be paying for."

Van Irion is a conservative anti-establishment Tea Party Republican (my words, not his). His anti-establishment street cred is particularly important at this moment in history. Any congressman who really wants to take down Obama's statist agenda also needs to be prepared to lock horns with status quo statists on the Republican side of the aisle. Van Irion is ready.

I know where Van Irion stands on the issues because I sat down with Irion and discussed his views. Irion spoke at length and answered all my questions to my complete satisfaction. So I can tell you with 100% confidence that Van Irion is the real deal, and the whole nation would benefit from having a freedom fighter like Irion in Congress. His speeches on the floor of the House would be barn burners.

Van Irion is a media-savvy citizen statesman who is prepared to take a principled stand against the Democrats' agenda. His goal is not to satisfy lifelong career ambitions or to become a permanent fixture in Washington, D.C., but to help save this country for the benefit of our children and grandchildren.

There are suitable conventional milquetoast Republican candidates who might do a good enough job representing the third Congressional district of Tennessee. However, for those who believe in the importance of liberty and freedom; for those who understand the blessings of capitalism and free enterprise; for those who believe in American exceptionalism and who want that exceptionalism to be available to future generations... Van Irion is the only choice.

If you know anyone from TN-3 (Oak Ridge, Middle Valley, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge Chattanooga), please send a reminder to vote for Van Irion before the polls close on Thrusday at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Please visit Van Irion's website. It provides a wealth of information.

Update:

I just got this in an email from Van Irion:

"Jay 'The Jammer' Scott on WPLZ just recognized that we are leading this race. Earlier in the campaign, I have been dubbed the Dark Horse by the Knox News Sentinel, WNOX and others. The Democrats must be thinking the same thing because they've already started attacking me and our Constitutional message. Democratic Congressional candidate John Wolfe placed radio ads today that name me and attack my stance on the Constitution. All this just confirms what we've known for months: we’re about to win a huge victory in our fight to take back our government."

Note: As the general midterm elections draw closer, I will be endorsing other great patriots, but Van Irion is the first and only candidate to be officially and formally endorsed by RightKlik.

Upcoming Primary Schedule

Oklahoma holds primary elections on July 27. In August, 14 states have primary elections. States holding elections during the month of August include Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Vermont and Louisiana. In September, eight states, the Virgin Islands, Guam and D.C. wrap up the primary season.

More

2010 Primary Elections by Month

Generic Congressional Vote

Gallup caught lying about the generic ballot trend

Ten Buck Fridays

A great idea from Conscientiously Conservative:

Ten Buck Fridays started today for me. I donated $10 to Teresa Collett's campaign for 4th Congressional District in Minnesota. Many of us get paid on Fridays... if we bring a sack lunch a couple of times a week to work, right there is an extra tenner. What if conservatives donated $10 each and every week up through November to viable candidates and/or PAC's that are promoting a conservative agenda? If you can't afford every week, what about twice a month? Or once a month? Conservatives need to put their money where their mouth is. Commit to Ten Buck Fridays... it WILL make a difference come November!

Ten Buck Fridays is a great idea, and I think it's one that should really catch on.

I'd like to join with conservative bloggers and conservatives on twitter to focus attention on a different candidate each week. Each week, deserving candidates could be nominated. Polling through the next several days could determine the crowd favorite...and on Friday, a good conservative would be hit with a grassroots moneybomb!

Imagine what a thousand grassroots conservatives could accomplish in unison. Ten thousand dollars a week would grab a lot of attention and could help some candidates who really need it.

Who will join us?

This week: Sharon Angle.* Next week, you decide.

Please leave nominations in the comments section below.

Update: Mind Numbed Robot is on board!


*Suggestion: Please leave the note "Ten Buck Fridays" in one of the optional fields of the donation form. Label your donation!

The Toxicity of That “R.”

In the wake of the primary elections that have been held thus far this year, the Other McCain provides discerning halftime analysis:

Democrat candidates can fake being conservative a lot easier than Republican candidates can escape the toxicity of that “R.”

Notice, for example, that in the May 18 Arkansas primaries, the turnout on the Democratic side was more than 300,000 while the highly-contested GOP primary — with eight candidates — drew less than half that. In fact, Lincoln’s vote in Tuesday’s Democratic runoff (about 135,000) was nearly twice what John Boozman got (about 75,000) in the Republican primary.

If Republican primary turnout is so low in Arkansas — not exactly a bastion of liberalism — it’s obvious the GOP still has a lot of work to do in order to rid itself of the toxic taint of Bushism.

And that’s why we have the Tea Party. The Tea Party is an easily recognized and accessible antidote for GOP establishment toxicity. Tea Party candidates are running against the nasty, corrupt, incompetent, and unprincipled Republican good ol' boy network.

Nikki Haley is as good an example as any other…when Tea Party principles are sincerely embraced, conservative Republicans can enjoy great success, even in the most toxic GOP environments. (Scott Brown reminds us that this is not just a "red state" phenomenon). And that's why the Tea Party scares people on both sides of the aisle.

More

Recovering from Republican Brand Damage is a Process:

Lipstick ain’t enough

The Other McCain: Don’t Bet Your Hopes

Discussion at Memeorandum

Today's Elections

Remember November! Today is another big day for conservative victory in 2010. Alabama, Mississippi and New Mexico all hold June 1 primaries this year. Keep an eye on these elections:

In Mississippi's 1st district, Republican voters face a hotly contested primary between three candidates: state Sen. Alan Nunnelee; former Eupora Mayor Henry Ross; and former Fox News analyst Angela McGlowan.

In New Mexico, Susana Martinez seems to have the momentum headed into the GOP gubernatorial primary. She was endorsed by Sarah Palin, and she was ahead last week in two statewide polls.

Conservative Tea Party favorites in Alabama include Rick Barber (AL-2), and Les Philip (AL-5).

Good luck to all principled conservatives!

More

Mississippi Primaries: Voters choose June 1

Alabama's Secretary of State is predicting just 35% to 38% voter turnout for the primary.

The Justice Department will monitor primary elections in New Mexico to ensure compliance with minority language requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Intrade: GOP gains 35 seats in the House

Via the AP:

House Republican leader John Boehner recently said the GOP could pick up 100 seats this November. Now, the Republican National Committee's political director says the party has its eye on 130.

"Our scoring as of today has us looking at about 130 House seats as potentially competitive," Gentry Collins said Tuesday. He hastened to add: "Just to be clear, I'm making no claim that we are going to pick up 130 House seats."

Republicans see the potential for significant gains this November as support for President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats slide. The GOP needs to win 40 seats to reclaim control of the House. Currently, Democrats hold 254 seats and Republicans 177 with four vacancies.

Via electoralmap.net:

The chart above depicts a prediction of the outcome of the 2010 US Congressional races based on betting data from Intrade.com

Each bar represents an individual Intrade contract in which wagers are placed on the likelihood that the Republican party will pick up that number of seats.

Current prediction: Republican gain 35 seats (Updated 5-12-2010)

Contracts which are trading below the 50/50 mark are shaded a lighter red. Contracts above that mark are shaded dark red. This shading helps visualize the threshold between events that are not forecasted to happen and events that are. Historically the party in power loses seats during mid-term elections, and 2010 looks to be no exception. Intrade is in concurrence with major polls which forecast a Republican gain in seats ― but in a prediction market, traders aren't just answering a pollster's questions; they are putting their money where their mouth is.

The Senate...

The map above depicts a prediction of the outcome of the 2010 US Senate Races based on betting data from Intrade.com

States where there is no 2010 Senate race are colored gray. States where the Democrat is leading the Republican are colored blue, and red states indicate a Republican lead.

Net pickup: +8 (R)

Primary Elections in May

Keep Your Eye on The Ball

Three states have already had primary elections this month. Seven more states have primary elections between now and the end of May. Next up: Nebraska and West Virgina on May 11.

Find out who is running… here and here.

Ace frames the issue of the 2010 primary elections with characteristic colorful language:

...get your intolerant, hobo-beating ass to the polls. Please call your fellow teabagging racists to make sure they do the same.

Even if you don't live in one of the states holding primary elections this month, you can still do your part. Research the candidates. Blog and tweet about your favorites. Make financial contributions. Call friends in other states to remind them to vote.

Support conservatives in every state. All Politics is National Now.

More

Special elections this month.

Federal / State / Local Elections: Simply click on your state to see who is running for office.

Primary Night: Coats wins in IN, turnout light in OH & NC

Dem Turnout Falls Off A Cliff

Democrats start retiring, and elections start getting real.

Quatro de Mayo

May 4 is an important day in three states: Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina. Statewide primary elections will determine whether November will be a month to remember, or a time to stay home and wish that there were better candidates to vote for. In districts in which one party is dominant, the primary (or the runoff) will be the most important election of the year.

Don't wait until November to choose your favorite candidates. Pay attention to the primary elections!

More

Primary Primer: Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio (Wall Street Journal)

What to Watch Tuesday in Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina

In some places, the primary is the election

Elections in Ohio Today! Excellent site with links to the candidates' websites.

Elections in North Carolina Today! Excellent site with links to the candidates' websites.

Elections in Indiana Today! Excellent site with links to the candidates' websites.

Cowardly Blue Dog switched to YES on ObamaCare. Ohio voters choose his replacement TOMORROW!

Go Marlin! Today is the big day.

Breaking... Times Square Bomb: Pakistani arrested

Update: Special Elections in May