Ray, it is not too much for me to ask that you read the post before commenting on it. We try not to act in impulsive ways here, but reasoned and deliberate ones.
I don't understand why the Dem establishment and Janet Mills can't throw their weight behind a newer candidate... does Maine really want a freshman 77 year old senator. Is that the only way we can win in Maine? (that's a real question" -- because it looks like Schumer is again hoping to stay in power himself, to not make change, to continue to look backwards. But, then, I am not a Maine voter.
Hard agree…I came to the comments to specifically express what you have said. I am tired of the Dem gerontology, and I’m going on 73 myself. We need new blood and if Platner had the full support of the Dem party leadership he’d do well. The Dems are cutting their noses to spite their faces by not mentoring and supporting new younger leadership. The Republicans are way ahead on this.
I'm following closely Fred Wellman's run for MO-2; idk his age but must be in his 60's. he has quite a bio. in addition to military service, West Point 1987, Harvard, post military service many things including set up covid field hospital, and tragedy - lost his first wife and child in car accident, he is so dynamic. is he 'old'? here's his website
https://www.wellmanformo.com/meet-fred. what I'm saying is judge on a candidate by candidate basis. and p.s. I did not like the texts Platner sent me, if anyone wants to ask me personally what I didn't like, happy to let you know - usually I enjoy hearing from candidates, their bios and their photos [looking forward to May Peltola's sled dogs!]
All I can say as someone whose state lost a pick up thanks to Chuck Schumer recruiting someone when we already had an excellent candidate in a statewide election (See them endorsing Cherie Beasley instead of Jeff Jackson here in NC in 2022) is that I am going to continue to send money to the younger, more exciting candidate. I don't want him to feel the same pressure that Jeff did to drop out.
I worked like a dog for the Beasley campaign in 2022 once Jeff dropped out and I saw no excitement here for for her on the ground in any of my canvassing. I want Mainers to have a shot at fresh blood and fresh ideas. If they decide in their primary that they want a septogenarian, that's their call. Let's let the primary sort it out and keep Graham going to make sure they get the best candidate.
Hi Gerri - I absolutely love that Gov Mills stood up to Trump n the Oval and beat him in court. But her age stands out to me too - and I'm 70 myself, so I'm not ageist, just looking for the best candidates that can have some longevity in Congress for our cause.
Fully agree. Graham Platner is an exciting populist candidate that has broad appeal and reflects the next iteration of Democratic identity needed to win back our party's appeal.
Schumer and the DNC has been steadily moving in the wrong direction as reflected by the Democrats enormous unpopularity. Promoting older, institutionalists, leaves little distinction or excitement to dislodge Collins
I want to address this sentiment, recognizing that Hopium is staying neutral in the race. There just is no reason at this point, no data, to believe that Platner is a stronger candidate than Mills. He may be, and we will see how the primary unfolds, but at this point the polling we have shows that she is more likely to beat Collins; she has won statewide in Maine while Platner has never won an election. I would suggest people be open minded here and let it play out before casting judgement. The DSCC only cares about one thing - winning. Getting Cooper in pushed Tillis out. We got Sherrod Brown in Ohio, now Mills in Maine. Mills getting in may push Collins out or at the very least will make it more likely she starts more convincingly breaking from Trump. If the DSCC's research suggested that Platner was more likely to win they would have rallied to him. There is also just a hard reality here that any party committee is likely to go with a proven winner than a first time candidate who has never won anything. That's not age bias, or gerontocracy. It's just practical.
I will add one more thing - it would be nuts for a political party NOT to encourage the most successful statewide Dem in recent years, one who received 56% of the vote the last time she ran, to get into the race.
The last Democrat to win a Senate race in Maine was George Mitchell in 1988.
The last Democrat to win a Governor's race before her 2018 and 2022 wins as in 2006.
So to be clear Janet Mills is the ONLY Democrat elected either to Governor or Senate in the last 20 years.
Platner, as impressive as he is, has NEVER WON AN ELECTION.
well I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that someone added her - my guess, is she agreed to/ wanted to run and Maine party may have recruited her, idk. but Simon posted above that she is polling above Platner, so why not? voters will become more informed as it plays out and Mainers will decide whom they support. why short circuit the process that helps visibility for Democratic supported issues and platforms? On the general issue, there are some absolutely outstanding young ppl nationwide - how about the Justins in Tenn!!! James Talarico!! Jasmine Crockett! but we also have the tried and true. should be judged on candidate by candidate basis.
and let me add, when the primary process appears to be short circuited I am / have been very annoyed. does not affect my vote but does affect how much I contribute to the campaign.
She's certainly allowed to run; a functioning democracy should bring all qualified candidates. I don't like the DNC annointing her on Day 1 though. We can have strong primaries and let the best person win, but the DNC should not be putting its finger on the scale.
The voters of Maine will decide. Mills entering the race could give Collins food for thought about running again. She has made no announcement that she is seeking re-election. Perhaps she'll finally retired as she promised when she first ran for office.
I think Collins, if she runs again, will say whatever she needs to say to help her chances of staying in office. Then, she will vote with the republicans unless her vote doesn't count. She will, of course, be very concerned each time.
"At this point I don’t intend to endorse candidates in the IA, ME and TX Senate primaries as our strategy is support the state parties and get them ready for when we do have a general election candidate next year." I'm in strong support of this particular approach! Thanks, Simon! And when we DO have candidates for the US House, I'd love it if Jamie Ager (https://agerforcongress.com/) would be willing to come talk to us. He's the top Dem. candidate right now running against Chuck Edwards in the NC-11 race (Western NC, where Hurricane Helene last Sept. caused such tragic damage. The primary is in early March of '26. Some of you probably saw clips of Edwards in the early disastrous town hall in Asheville NC. There's a real chance of flipping this seat. https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2025-03-14/at-raucous-town-hall-in-asheville-rep-chuck-edwards-fields-questions-from-an-angry-crowd
As a resident of NYC, it strikes me that the institutional party is slow to understand the messages that resonate with the voting public. I'm concerned about Mills's age...but that's not the end of it. After all, one of the most popular politicians (net favorability) in America is 84.
But the Bernie comparison is relevant for a different reason. Polling seems to systemically underestimate the appeal of populism. Before the June primary here, the question was whether Mamdani might gain enough 2nd and 3rd-choice RCVs to catch Andrew Cuomo; he beat Andrew decisively in the first round and on the basis of 1st-choice votes, dramatically outperforming all available polling. And I suspect Platner would be the same thing.
Mills wins the head-to-head now because she is the sitting Governor. She's stood up to Trump and been a good governor. Almost everyone in Maine knows who she is. Until a few weeks ago, by contrast, only terminally online people knew who Platner was. But if he continues to run on affordability, his campaign will have more salience. The worst thing the party could do now would be to try to preordain a winner.
I did as well. I don't think I've ever seen that much in one day from one candidate and that says a lot. I usually don't complain about texts, knowing that Citizen's United got us here, but...man.
Nonetheless, it sounds like there are real positives to her entering the race. I hope it's a great, positive primary, and the winner comes out strong.
I heard the state Dem chair, Charlie Dingman, say clearly that they are rigidly neutral in the primary. I’ll fully support whoever comes out of the primary. We have to win in ‘26, but if Mills’ entry now makes Collins think twice about some of her critical votes before then, I’ll take that win.
Yeah, I'm of a similar opinion. It's not that Mills isn't capable, and she'd probably be a great Senator if she wins. It's just that the DSCC shouldn't throw its weight behind a primary candidate. Let the primary unfold with each candidate running on his/her own merits, and then throw all of the support behind the primary winner, no matter who it is.
"Political strategists and commentators have criticized the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee over a recent Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing that indicates the organization’s support for Maine Governor Janet Mills’ Senate run."
Calls are in to WI members of congress. I will be attending a protest on the 18th I’m just deciding if it’s better to go to a big one or a smaller local one. I continue to write postcards for Sherrill and judicial retention in PA
Simon, thank you for showing us Gina Hinojosa's ad. It's great! You never know, she could win.
Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that BWI, Maryland's biggest airport, won't be showing Kristi Noem's propaganda. I'm contacting Governor Moore's office to say happy birthday and thank you.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to thank them for what they've been doing and to urge them to stand strong in the budget talks. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
Simon, I am hoping you can clear something up for me. My sister-in-law is a Virginia resident and sent me an email yesterday indicating that because of Jay Jones' problematic comments, Abagail Spanburger may have some difficulty. I take no stock in anything that the Washington Post or WSJ says, so since you are in that same area, can you tell me what is actually happening there?
as we wind down we are hearing rumblings about both camps in va and nj; yesterday apparently the philly inquirer went full panic mode on mikie in nj, saying polling was tight and dem leaders were fretting. i saw only the summary as it was paywalled, it was on dkos. hoping to see better info on this. it's the reason i come here.
Here's the polling in VA. Spangberger is ahead in high single digits in every independent poll - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/virginia-governor-election-polls-2025.html. Both Sherrill and Spanberger have much more money than their opponents, and the national GOP HAS NOT GOTTEN INTO EITHER RACE YET. Yes people are going to be nervous; there is going to be chatter; but we just need to keep working hard on both races and bring them home.
thanks for setting that straight; looks like the poll i saw is different. thanks for the clarification and better news. people need to know just what a jack c will mean if he wins; i believe it will mean national guard troops in newark and camden, because he will go along with trump. as rick wilson said recently, the goal for all elections now should be to elect people who will say no to trump, full stop. due to the confusion about the ppp polls, i took my original post down. i'm not sure why the other site has a poll the same date from ppp that is different, unless they had a different sponsor or its an error.
MTG stating she is just going to "live in reality from here on out" is probably the biggest news of that snippet! Insane when she is the voice of reason in the GQP!!
I think it is a mistake for Janet Mills to get into this race. She has been a good governor and stood up to Trump, but she is way too old, and her presence will just lend more credence to the point of view that Democrats are the party of the gerontocracy. I myself am 75 years old. I wouldn't want ME in government -- let alone Donald Trump, Chuck Schumer, Susan Collins, and Janet Mills (who I like very much). (See Dan Pfeiffer's recent Message Box on this issue.)
I am also a committed moderate Democrat and live in rural Maine from May to October (NJ in autumn to spring - I already voted for Mikie Sherrill). There are two very good candidates, Graham Platner (the oyster farmer you mentioned) and Dan Kleban (businessman, brewery owner) who have begun to gain some good publicity and have good reputations here. I would be happy with either one as the candidate and I think they both (Platner is not radical or "left wing") would serve Maine very well. There are a number of lesser-known candidates that could be great as well. A robust primary with no DSCC thumbs on the scale is the best vehicle to help the Democrats succeed in gaining this crucial seat.
i spend a few weeks near messalonskee and tacoma lakes each summer and live in nj too. if not for the lack of access to good hospitals and the long winters, i'd live there; an angler's paradise, as opposed to the overfished sewer waters of nj....and trust me, i'm on the water a lot and that is an accurate description.....
fish at dusk with perch rigs and you will catch monster sized white perch. anglers in maine are obsessed with large and smallmouth bass; but if you want action, perch is the way to go. and no size or bag limits either. my bil lives in sydney. he's a full on gun totin trumper. he's 80 now and slowing down. in fact, when i go on morning walks up there, i am mindful of the 'security by smith and wesson" signs on yards. also, people seem to not tie up their dogs there....had a few close calls.
Yes, I read that he suspended his campaign and endorsed her. I will write asking him to reconsider. Janet Mills should throw her weight behind Kleban if she really wants to help Maine.
That Gina Hinojosa ad was just amazing. She hit on everything that is wrong with Abbott and the Texas R's. She tied each instance of his corruption directly into how it harmed TX residents. She made the fight against corporations and billionaires (i.e., against the system), instead of being a fight about left vs right. Whether she wins or not, she has introduced herself to TX at large, and will start making her case, which is why I agree with Ken Martin that Dems/Indie's should run in every district, no matter the odds.
Simon, I attended a Democrats Abroad gathering yesterday and one of the main topics was Janet Mills joining the race for Maine. This meeting is not a gathering of youngsters. These are ALL people from 50+ to ???. The principal point of discussion was her age coupled with the fact that we need younger candidates in these races. There were some viable Dem candidates in Maine so her announcement was not received with joy in our household. Chuck S and others are making it difficult to put our faith and confidence plus money in the Dem Party when they continue to defy the age odds and continue with the reward for longevity system so prevalent at this moment. Dems have GOT to start learning to get with the program and jump in the fray. I am so frustrated by the party at this moment. Decisions like this could cost us 2026 and if so, game effin over!
30 second spot with the farmer? The video up is 5min+. Would love to see the political ad they're running instead. Thought the candidate for TX governor's spot is strong.
Governor Mills announcement and endorsement by Schumer is NOT good news. At 77 years old, Mills would be the oldest freshman Maine senator if elected. When the DNC dumped $70 million into Sara Gideon's campaign against Collins in the last election, Mainers were suspicious of outside money.
Currently, Graham Platner is an exciting and engaged candidate that reflects the real needs of Maine's common folks and speaks to populist causes across the board. He has a much better chance of defeating Collins.
Gideon candidacy was unfortunate. At one point I heard [from voters there] but don't recall what the credibility problems were. I'll have an opportunity to ask again in the next weeks and report back so y'all can judge for yourselves.
I live in NH on the southern border of Maine and follow their politics closely. I am not aware of any controversy regarding Gideon. Maine has the southern gold coast and the rest of the state that is poorer and working class. There is a close split between Republican and Democrat. Common man (and woman) advocacy and perceived integrity are strong factors in political success in New England.
Although the soul of Democrats has always been aligned with working class advancement, our overly cautious deliveries, overly scripted framing, and detached policy over heart messaging leave the electorate unimpressed.
Graham Platner bring a powerful energy and message to the people of Maine. He speaks from the heart, has strength in his convictions, and lives the reality of the common man. He will attract a broad range of Mainers.
Governor Mills is a fine person and has served the people of Maine well. However, her age and her institutional optics leave less separation between she and Senator Collins.
I don't think it's a good idea to get behind yet another politician in her mid 70s. We need new blood. That said, I do worry about Platner being another Fetterman. So I hope it is a sharply contested and issue driven primary.
i believe simon is not endorsing anyone yet. wait til the primary is over.
Hopium is supporting Democrats, period.
Simon explicitly said that he's not endorsing in the primary.
I literally wrote that we are not endorsing. Please, do better.
Ray, it is not too much for me to ask that you read the post before commenting on it. We try not to act in impulsive ways here, but reasoned and deliberate ones.
see Simon's response to comment above
I don't understand why the Dem establishment and Janet Mills can't throw their weight behind a newer candidate... does Maine really want a freshman 77 year old senator. Is that the only way we can win in Maine? (that's a real question" -- because it looks like Schumer is again hoping to stay in power himself, to not make change, to continue to look backwards. But, then, I am not a Maine voter.
Hard agree…I came to the comments to specifically express what you have said. I am tired of the Dem gerontology, and I’m going on 73 myself. We need new blood and if Platner had the full support of the Dem party leadership he’d do well. The Dems are cutting their noses to spite their faces by not mentoring and supporting new younger leadership. The Republicans are way ahead on this.
I'm following closely Fred Wellman's run for MO-2; idk his age but must be in his 60's. he has quite a bio. in addition to military service, West Point 1987, Harvard, post military service many things including set up covid field hospital, and tragedy - lost his first wife and child in car accident, he is so dynamic. is he 'old'? here's his website
https://www.wellmanformo.com/meet-fred. what I'm saying is judge on a candidate by candidate basis. and p.s. I did not like the texts Platner sent me, if anyone wants to ask me personally what I didn't like, happy to let you know - usually I enjoy hearing from candidates, their bios and their photos [looking forward to May Peltola's sled dogs!]
I do not see Fred as old. He has a great background.
All I can say as someone whose state lost a pick up thanks to Chuck Schumer recruiting someone when we already had an excellent candidate in a statewide election (See them endorsing Cherie Beasley instead of Jeff Jackson here in NC in 2022) is that I am going to continue to send money to the younger, more exciting candidate. I don't want him to feel the same pressure that Jeff did to drop out.
I worked like a dog for the Beasley campaign in 2022 once Jeff dropped out and I saw no excitement here for for her on the ground in any of my canvassing. I want Mainers to have a shot at fresh blood and fresh ideas. If they decide in their primary that they want a septogenarian, that's their call. Let's let the primary sort it out and keep Graham going to make sure they get the best candidate.
Hi Gerri - I absolutely love that Gov Mills stood up to Trump n the Oval and beat him in court. But her age stands out to me too - and I'm 70 myself, so I'm not ageist, just looking for the best candidates that can have some longevity in Congress for our cause.
And, I am 82...so
Fully agree. Graham Platner is an exciting populist candidate that has broad appeal and reflects the next iteration of Democratic identity needed to win back our party's appeal.
Schumer and the DNC has been steadily moving in the wrong direction as reflected by the Democrats enormous unpopularity. Promoting older, institutionalists, leaves little distinction or excitement to dislodge Collins
I want to address this sentiment, recognizing that Hopium is staying neutral in the race. There just is no reason at this point, no data, to believe that Platner is a stronger candidate than Mills. He may be, and we will see how the primary unfolds, but at this point the polling we have shows that she is more likely to beat Collins; she has won statewide in Maine while Platner has never won an election. I would suggest people be open minded here and let it play out before casting judgement. The DSCC only cares about one thing - winning. Getting Cooper in pushed Tillis out. We got Sherrod Brown in Ohio, now Mills in Maine. Mills getting in may push Collins out or at the very least will make it more likely she starts more convincingly breaking from Trump. If the DSCC's research suggested that Platner was more likely to win they would have rallied to him. There is also just a hard reality here that any party committee is likely to go with a proven winner than a first time candidate who has never won anything. That's not age bias, or gerontocracy. It's just practical.
I will add one more thing - it would be nuts for a political party NOT to encourage the most successful statewide Dem in recent years, one who received 56% of the vote the last time she ran, to get into the race.
The last Democrat to win a Senate race in Maine was George Mitchell in 1988.
The last Democrat to win a Governor's race before her 2018 and 2022 wins as in 2006.
So to be clear Janet Mills is the ONLY Democrat elected either to Governor or Senate in the last 20 years.
Platner, as impressive as he is, has NEVER WON AN ELECTION.
I endorse a strong primary field and let the voters of Maine decide. That's democracy at its finest. Let the best candidate win!
agree completely
My question is: was it necessary to add janet mills to the Democratic primary. Was it?
well I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that someone added her - my guess, is she agreed to/ wanted to run and Maine party may have recruited her, idk. but Simon posted above that she is polling above Platner, so why not? voters will become more informed as it plays out and Mainers will decide whom they support. why short circuit the process that helps visibility for Democratic supported issues and platforms? On the general issue, there are some absolutely outstanding young ppl nationwide - how about the Justins in Tenn!!! James Talarico!! Jasmine Crockett! but we also have the tried and true. should be judged on candidate by candidate basis.
and let me add, when the primary process appears to be short circuited I am / have been very annoyed. does not affect my vote but does affect how much I contribute to the campaign.
The decision for Janet Mills to run was made by Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine. She made the call, and obviously believes she can win.
Thank you!
She's certainly allowed to run; a functioning democracy should bring all qualified candidates. I don't like the DNC annointing her on Day 1 though. We can have strong primaries and let the best person win, but the DNC should not be putting its finger on the scale.
Yes, I agree; but, her "recruitment" by the party is a finger on the scales to me... but, again, I am not a Maine voter...
so, no, she stepped up (see Simon's comment above)
There will be a crowded Democratic primary election, so the people will decide. Here's a gift article about it published today. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/us/politics/janet-mills-senate-race-maine-susan-collins.html?unlocked_article_code=1.tk8.kCRV.7Uq-2_z4LUnF&smid=url-share and Politico's analysis https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2025-10-15/gov-janet-mills-shakes-up-maine-senate-race-as-dan-kleban-drops-out
The voters of Maine will decide. Mills entering the race could give Collins food for thought about running again. She has made no announcement that she is seeking re-election. Perhaps she'll finally retired as she promised when she first ran for office.
I think Collins, if she runs again, will say whatever she needs to say to help her chances of staying in office. Then, she will vote with the republicans unless her vote doesn't count. She will, of course, be very concerned each time.
"At this point I don’t intend to endorse candidates in the IA, ME and TX Senate primaries as our strategy is support the state parties and get them ready for when we do have a general election candidate next year." I'm in strong support of this particular approach! Thanks, Simon! And when we DO have candidates for the US House, I'd love it if Jamie Ager (https://agerforcongress.com/) would be willing to come talk to us. He's the top Dem. candidate right now running against Chuck Edwards in the NC-11 race (Western NC, where Hurricane Helene last Sept. caused such tragic damage. The primary is in early March of '26. Some of you probably saw clips of Edwards in the early disastrous town hall in Asheville NC. There's a real chance of flipping this seat. https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2025-03-14/at-raucous-town-hall-in-asheville-rep-chuck-edwards-fields-questions-from-an-angry-crowd
As a resident of NYC, it strikes me that the institutional party is slow to understand the messages that resonate with the voting public. I'm concerned about Mills's age...but that's not the end of it. After all, one of the most popular politicians (net favorability) in America is 84.
But the Bernie comparison is relevant for a different reason. Polling seems to systemically underestimate the appeal of populism. Before the June primary here, the question was whether Mamdani might gain enough 2nd and 3rd-choice RCVs to catch Andrew Cuomo; he beat Andrew decisively in the first round and on the basis of 1st-choice votes, dramatically outperforming all available polling. And I suspect Platner would be the same thing.
Mills wins the head-to-head now because she is the sitting Governor. She's stood up to Trump and been a good governor. Almost everyone in Maine knows who she is. Until a few weeks ago, by contrast, only terminally online people knew who Platner was. But if he continues to run on affordability, his campaign will have more salience. The worst thing the party could do now would be to try to preordain a winner.
I got, I am not kidding, a dozen texts from Mills yesterday. Deleted and blocked each one and more kept coming. Not amused.
Me too, ridiculous and kinda insulting.
I did as well. I don't think I've ever seen that much in one day from one candidate and that says a lot. I usually don't complain about texts, knowing that Citizen's United got us here, but...man.
Nonetheless, it sounds like there are real positives to her entering the race. I hope it's a great, positive primary, and the winner comes out strong.
I got four from Mills and blocked them all. I also contributed $40 to the Platner campaign in response.
I heard the state Dem chair, Charlie Dingman, say clearly that they are rigidly neutral in the primary. I’ll fully support whoever comes out of the primary. We have to win in ‘26, but if Mills’ entry now makes Collins think twice about some of her critical votes before then, I’ll take that win.
Yeah, I'm of a similar opinion. It's not that Mills isn't capable, and she'd probably be a great Senator if she wins. It's just that the DSCC shouldn't throw its weight behind a primary candidate. Let the primary unfold with each candidate running on his/her own merits, and then throw all of the support behind the primary winner, no matter who it is.
am I missing something? has the DSCC supported a primary candidate?
"Political strategists and commentators have criticized the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee over a recent Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing that indicates the organization’s support for Maine Governor Janet Mills’ Senate run."
Full article
https://www.newsweek.com/democratic-senate-leaders-spark-fury-backing-janet-mills-maine-10883646
thank you for link!
Calls are in to WI members of congress. I will be attending a protest on the 18th I’m just deciding if it’s better to go to a big one or a smaller local one. I continue to write postcards for Sherrill and judicial retention in PA
Simon, thank you for showing us Gina Hinojosa's ad. It's great! You never know, she could win.
Yesterday afternoon, it was announced that BWI, Maryland's biggest airport, won't be showing Kristi Noem's propaganda. I'm contacting Governor Moore's office to say happy birthday and thank you.
I called Congressman Raskin and Senators Alsobrooks and Van Hollen to thank them for what they've been doing and to urge them to stand strong in the budget talks. I'm writing postcards to Virginia voters today.
I also contacted Gov Moore about BWI showing the Noem propaganda.
Simon, I am hoping you can clear something up for me. My sister-in-law is a Virginia resident and sent me an email yesterday indicating that because of Jay Jones' problematic comments, Abagail Spanburger may have some difficulty. I take no stock in anything that the Washington Post or WSJ says, so since you are in that same area, can you tell me what is actually happening there?
https://projects.statenavigate.com/25-26/states/va/forecast-sw.html#gov
as we wind down we are hearing rumblings about both camps in va and nj; yesterday apparently the philly inquirer went full panic mode on mikie in nj, saying polling was tight and dem leaders were fretting. i saw only the summary as it was paywalled, it was on dkos. hoping to see better info on this. it's the reason i come here.
I read the article. It is clickbait, although I have always felt NJ is going to be tight this year.
Here's the NYT summary of polling in NJ. Every independent poll taken in the race has Sherrill up 6 or more. Every one - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/new-jersey-governor-election-polls-2025.html. PPP is +6 Sherrill, not within the margin.
Here's the polling in VA. Spangberger is ahead in high single digits in every independent poll - https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/virginia-governor-election-polls-2025.html. Both Sherrill and Spanberger have much more money than their opponents, and the national GOP HAS NOT GOTTEN INTO EITHER RACE YET. Yes people are going to be nervous; there is going to be chatter; but we just need to keep working hard on both races and bring them home.
thanks for setting that straight; looks like the poll i saw is different. thanks for the clarification and better news. people need to know just what a jack c will mean if he wins; i believe it will mean national guard troops in newark and camden, because he will go along with trump. as rick wilson said recently, the goal for all elections now should be to elect people who will say no to trump, full stop. due to the confusion about the ppp polls, i took my original post down. i'm not sure why the other site has a poll the same date from ppp that is different, unless they had a different sponsor or its an error.
Go, Massachusetts! Calling out tyrants for 250 years and counting.
MTG stating she is just going to "live in reality from here on out" is probably the biggest news of that snippet! Insane when she is the voice of reason in the GQP!!
I think it is a mistake for Janet Mills to get into this race. She has been a good governor and stood up to Trump, but she is way too old, and her presence will just lend more credence to the point of view that Democrats are the party of the gerontocracy. I myself am 75 years old. I wouldn't want ME in government -- let alone Donald Trump, Chuck Schumer, Susan Collins, and Janet Mills (who I like very much). (See Dan Pfeiffer's recent Message Box on this issue.)
I am also a committed moderate Democrat and live in rural Maine from May to October (NJ in autumn to spring - I already voted for Mikie Sherrill). There are two very good candidates, Graham Platner (the oyster farmer you mentioned) and Dan Kleban (businessman, brewery owner) who have begun to gain some good publicity and have good reputations here. I would be happy with either one as the candidate and I think they both (Platner is not radical or "left wing") would serve Maine very well. There are a number of lesser-known candidates that could be great as well. A robust primary with no DSCC thumbs on the scale is the best vehicle to help the Democrats succeed in gaining this crucial seat.
i spend a few weeks near messalonskee and tacoma lakes each summer and live in nj too. if not for the lack of access to good hospitals and the long winters, i'd live there; an angler's paradise, as opposed to the overfished sewer waters of nj....and trust me, i'm on the water a lot and that is an accurate description.....
We have a camp on Long Pond in Belgrade Lakes. Fishing is not so great in the heat of summer but it's beautiful here!
fish at dusk with perch rigs and you will catch monster sized white perch. anglers in maine are obsessed with large and smallmouth bass; but if you want action, perch is the way to go. and no size or bag limits either. my bil lives in sydney. he's a full on gun totin trumper. he's 80 now and slowing down. in fact, when i go on morning walks up there, i am mindful of the 'security by smith and wesson" signs on yards. also, people seem to not tie up their dogs there....had a few close calls.
I know nothing about Kleban, but if he's a brewery owner, I hope he wins :-)
Dan Kleban endorsed Mills yesterday.
Yes, I read that he suspended his campaign and endorsed her. I will write asking him to reconsider. Janet Mills should throw her weight behind Kleban if she really wants to help Maine.
That Gina Hinojosa ad was just amazing. She hit on everything that is wrong with Abbott and the Texas R's. She tied each instance of his corruption directly into how it harmed TX residents. She made the fight against corporations and billionaires (i.e., against the system), instead of being a fight about left vs right. Whether she wins or not, she has introduced herself to TX at large, and will start making her case, which is why I agree with Ken Martin that Dems/Indie's should run in every district, no matter the odds.
Simon, I attended a Democrats Abroad gathering yesterday and one of the main topics was Janet Mills joining the race for Maine. This meeting is not a gathering of youngsters. These are ALL people from 50+ to ???. The principal point of discussion was her age coupled with the fact that we need younger candidates in these races. There were some viable Dem candidates in Maine so her announcement was not received with joy in our household. Chuck S and others are making it difficult to put our faith and confidence plus money in the Dem Party when they continue to defy the age odds and continue with the reward for longevity system so prevalent at this moment. Dems have GOT to start learning to get with the program and jump in the fray. I am so frustrated by the party at this moment. Decisions like this could cost us 2026 and if so, game effin over!
30 second spot with the farmer? The video up is 5min+. Would love to see the political ad they're running instead. Thought the candidate for TX governor's spot is strong.
Thanks as always, for keeping us all connected.
Governor Mills announcement and endorsement by Schumer is NOT good news. At 77 years old, Mills would be the oldest freshman Maine senator if elected. When the DNC dumped $70 million into Sara Gideon's campaign against Collins in the last election, Mainers were suspicious of outside money.
Currently, Graham Platner is an exciting and engaged candidate that reflects the real needs of Maine's common folks and speaks to populist causes across the board. He has a much better chance of defeating Collins.
Gideon candidacy was unfortunate. At one point I heard [from voters there] but don't recall what the credibility problems were. I'll have an opportunity to ask again in the next weeks and report back so y'all can judge for yourselves.
I live in NH on the southern border of Maine and follow their politics closely. I am not aware of any controversy regarding Gideon. Maine has the southern gold coast and the rest of the state that is poorer and working class. There is a close split between Republican and Democrat. Common man (and woman) advocacy and perceived integrity are strong factors in political success in New England.
Although the soul of Democrats has always been aligned with working class advancement, our overly cautious deliveries, overly scripted framing, and detached policy over heart messaging leave the electorate unimpressed.
Graham Platner bring a powerful energy and message to the people of Maine. He speaks from the heart, has strength in his convictions, and lives the reality of the common man. He will attract a broad range of Mainers.
Governor Mills is a fine person and has served the people of Maine well. However, her age and her institutional optics leave less separation between she and Senator Collins.
If Janet Mills threw her support vigorously behind Platner, we'd have a shot at the Senate race and at Maine Democrats' future.
I don't think it's a good idea to get behind yet another politician in her mid 70s. We need new blood. That said, I do worry about Platner being another Fetterman. So I hope it is a sharply contested and issue driven primary.