Almanac Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to last week's quiz:

1. Who represents the wealthiest congressional district?

• (b) Gerry Connolly (D-VA)

2. Who represents the congressional district with the highest percentage of Hispanics?

• (a) Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

3. Even though he won by six percentage points, this incumbent senator spent the most money in 2008. Name the senator.

• Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

4. How many women in Congress have given birth while in office? (Bonus question! How many can you name? Hint: five current members, three former.)

• Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
• Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD)
• Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
• Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Sen. Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR)
• former Rep. Susan Molinari (R-NY)
• former Rep. Enid Greene Waldholtz (R-UT)
• former Rep. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke (D-CA)

5. Which congressional race was closest percentage-wise?

• (b) Perriello vs. Goode - 727 votes

6. Which three former members of Congress were defeated in their party primaries in 2008?

• David Davis (R-TN)
• Chris Cannon (R-UT)
• Albert Wynn (D-MD)

7. Which U.S. representative is a former governor?

• Mike Castle (R-DE)

8. Which freshman senator became his state's senior senator in 2009 after spending just 16 days as junior senator?

• Mark Udall (D-CO)

9. Who is the youngest senator?

• 42-year-old Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)

10. Who is the longest-serving Republican senator?

• 33-year veteran Richard Lugar (R-IN)

11. Who are the two Buddhists in Congress?

• Hank Johnson (GA) and Mazie Hirono (HI).

How Big a Political Junkie are You?

The National Journal's 2010 Almanac of American Politics, is out and full of facts sure to satisfy every political junkie. Here's a quiz to sharpen your political acumen. Answers next week.

1. Who represents the wealthiest congressional district? (a) Steve Israel of New York. (b) Gerry Connolly of Virginia. (c) Anna G. Eshoo of California
2. Who represents the congressional district with the highest percentage of Hispanics? (a) Silvestre Reyes of Texas. (b) Ruben Hinojosa of Texas. (c) Lucille Roybal-Allard of California.
3. Even though he won by six percentage points, this incumbent senator spent the most money in 2008. Name the senator.
4. How many women in Congress have given birth while in office? (Bonus question! How many can you name? Hint: five current members, three former.)
5. Which congressional race was closest percentage-wise? (a) Fleming vs. Carmouche, Louisiana. (b) Perriello vs. Goode, Virginia. (c) McClintock vs. Brown, California.
6. Which three former members of Congress were defeated in their party primaries in 2008?
7. Which U.S. representative is a former governor?
8. Which freshman senator became his state's senior senator in 2009 after spending just 16 days as junior senator?
9. Who is the youngest senator?
10. Who is the longest-serving Republican senator?
11. Who are the two Buddhists in Congress?

2010: The Governors

Before we look at the Senate - which in one race took a dramatic turn this week, let's look at where we are with the gubernatorial races, two of which will be decided in November.

The two 2009 races are in Virginia and New Jersey. In the Garden State, it appears that Jon Corzine might be toast. Lord knows he has plenty of money to throw at this race, but one might want to get used to saying Governor Chris Christie. Christie is a United States Attorney and is benefiting from a bad economy that is pulling Corzine's numbers below a salvageable level.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, the selection of Creigh Deeds as the nominee for the Democrats has made the race a tossup. Deeds was the most unknown of the candidates in the democratic field. Bob McDonnell on the Republican side had no opposition and the race will very likely come down to the wire.

As to the 2010 races, here's the current thinking.

Switching Parties

• California - Schwarzenegger (R) is term limited and a Democratic victory is expected.
• Florida - Crist (R) is running for the Senate and the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee is likely to be redecorated in blue.
• Kansas - When Kathleen Sebelius (D) relocated to Washington, her Lt. Gov. stepped up. But he doesn't want the job. This one goes to the Republicans
• Hawaii - Linda Lingle (R) is term limited and the state is too democratic for a Republican to win.
• Oklahoma - Brad Henry (D) is out and it is surprising a Democrat made it two terms there.
  
• Rhode Island - See above, but substitute Don Carcieri (R) for Linda Lingle.
• Tennessee - Phil Bredesen (D) is popular, but not enough to save the governorship for his party.
• Wyoming - See Oklahoma. Dave Freudenthal (D) is term-limited.

Too Close to Call

• Arizona - When Janet Napolitano came to Washington, she left the state in the care of someone certifiable. It's unclear whether the Republican Brewer can be shoved aside.
• Minnesota - Tim Pawlenty (R) wants to be President. Then he shouldn't be from Minnesota.
• Michigan - Jennifer Granholm (D) is out and the scramble has not produced a clear favorite yet.
  
• Nevada - Governor Gibbons (R) is in a tough fight.
• Pennsylvania - Ed Rendell is leaving office and though the attention will be on the Senate race, this should be a doozy.

Razor Thin Margins

• Georgia - I suppose there is something to be said for a narrow Republican advantage in Georgia, but in the lack of a stronger Democratic candidate, the statehouse stays red.
• Ohio - The bellweather state has a good governor in Ted Strickland (D), and he should be able to hold on to the statehouse.
• Vermont - Jim Douglas (R) is running again and despite the Green Mountain's state blue trend, he should be able to pull it off.
• Wisconsin - Jim Doyle (D) recently announced he would not run for reelection, but the state should be able to produce a new Democratic governor.

Cruising to Victory

• Alabama - Bob Riley (R) is leaving the office, but (to quote "My Cousin Vinny") "Its Ala f***ing Bama.")
• Connecticut - In the Governor's race, anyway, Jodi Rell (R) is clear favorite
• Illinois - With Blago now a memory, Pat Quinn is doing a fine job and should get the job outright.
  
• Iowa - Chet Culver (D) is a lock (for now)
• Massachusetts - Deval Patrick (BFF of the President) should cruise to reelection
• New Mexico - If I lived there, I'd be voting for Val Kilmer - wouldn't that be cool?
  
• New York - Paterson (D) may be in trouble from Andrew Cuomo, but either way, the Governor should be a Democrat.
  
• South Carolina - surprisingly Mark Sanford is nearly out of a job (if that doesn't happen sooner than the election), and if he keeps talking, this race could become competitive.
• South Dakota - Mike Rounds (R) is term limited but it won't matter.
• Utah - no problem for the Republicans.

Not Worrying at All

• Alaska - Parnell (R), Sarah? Sarah who?
• Arkansas - Beebe (D)
• Idaho - Otter (R)
• Maryland - O'Malley (D)
• Nebraska - Heineman (R)
• New Hampshire - Lynch (D)
• Oregon - Kulongoski (D) is term limited, but safe for the Dems
• Texas - either Perry (R) or Hutchinson (R). These two will bloody themselves, but whoever emerges from the primary will win

2016: The Contenders

I know, I know. Let's not start down this road again, right? The never ending presidential campaign. Well something from the CNN Political Ticker caught my eye the other day. And with Sarah Palin in the race for 2012, who knows what could happen.

(CNN) – It appears that two high ranking members of the Obama administration haven't entirely ruled out seeking the presidency again.

First, Vice President Joe Biden said last month that a third White House bid in 2016 — when he would be 73 — is not something he has completely closed the door on.

"No, I won't. I won't rule that out. No," the vice president said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Now, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who battled President Obama for the 2008 Democratic nomination, told a Thai television station she doesn't know if she will have White House ambitions in the future, though quickly made clear it's not something she has given thought to.

"I don't know, but I doubt very much that anything like that will ever be part of my life," Clinton, who would be 68 in 2016, told the television station, according to the Associated Press.

"I tried to be the president and was not successful," she added.

George Bush on Facebook

found here:

George W. Bush Joins Facebook: Day One

George is now friends with Condi Rice, Karl Rove, Sean Hannity, Antonin Scalia and Tom DeLay

George W. Bush is sayin' howdy! My first post---wOOt! What's up? - 3:08pm February 23

Scooter Libby at 3:09pm February 23

Why didn't you pardon me, you prick?

Sarah Palin at 3:09pm February 23

Thanks but no thanks. I'd rather pal around with terrorists.

Mitch McConnell at 3:10pm February 23

Now I can say it---you really sucked.

Tom DeLay invited you to join the Bitter Aging Texans Group

George is now friends with Dana Perino, Tony Blair and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Grover Norquist at 3:11pm February 23

I told you to reduce the size of the government so you could drown it in the bathtub. You grew the size of the government, toweled it off, then blew up the bathtub. Your dad's right--you got hit with a special kind of dumbstick.

Scooter Libby, Sarah Palin and Mitch McConnell like this comment

Condi Rice at 3:12pm February 23

Friends 4evuh!!! {{{Mr. President}}}

Dick Cheney at 3:13pm February 23

Why didn’t you pardon Scooter you prick???

Scooter Libby likes this comment

General Colin Powell (Ret.) sent you a bucket of virtual maggots.

Elizabeth Dole at 3:14pm February 23

Here---have a hot cuppa STFU

Bob Dole likes this comment

Michael Steele at 3:15pm February 23

Facebook is the only party in town, baby. Mainly because you KILLED OURS!!!

John McCain wants to send you a virtual can of coal slag and a bag of rusty nails

Norm Coleman just threw a shoe at you.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at 3:35pm February 23

Where is the Scrabble page? I wish to play Scrabble now.

Scooter Libby likes this comment

President Obama Does Late Night with Jay

Last night, President Obama became the first sitting president to appear on the Tonight Show, pushing his economic package.

Republicans in Hiding

The Republicans insist they will be back in power soon. I won't hold my breath. For the 2010 election, several Republican Senators are picking up their marbles and going home, making the slate another uphill climb for the RSCC.

Here's a list of the 2010 races.

• Alabama: Richard Shelby will be reelected unless he decides to retire - GOP Hold
• Alaska: Lisa Murkowski should also be reelected, unless Spunky goes after her, either way it's a GOP Hold
• Arizona: John McCain could have been beaten by Janet Napolitano, but she's gone to Washington, so he'll be back, unless his health problems change his mind for him - GOP Hold
• Arkansas: Blanche Lincoln will be back easily - DEM Hold
• California: Barbara Boxer may have to fend off Ahnuld, but she's safe - DEM Hold
• Colorado: Special election to replace Ken Salazar. His successor, Michael Bennet, will have to show some results to keep the seat, or not, as Colorado is trending blue. DEM Hold
• Connecticut: Chris Dodd is not inclined to leave the Senate, even if faced with a challenge from Republican Governor Jodi Rell - DEM Hold
• Delaware: This is Joe Biden's seat, which went to former Biden Chief of Staff, Ted Kaufman. Kaufman has announced that he will not run in 2010 and it is expected that Biden's son Beau will run. If he does, he'll win easily - DEM Hold
• Florida: With Republican Mel Martinez retiring, this seat is ripe for flipping. Jebby is contemplating a run, but if the Democrats can find a top-tier candidate, it won't matter - Toss-up / DEM Pickup
• Georgia: Johnny Isakson keeps under the radar and should easily be reelected in this conservative state - GOP Hold
• Hawaii: Daniel Inouye will be 86 in 2010 but is expected to run. He is likely to face a stiff challenge from Governor Linda Lingle, which will make this a marquee race. Inouye should have the edge, though - DEM Hold
• Idaho: Mike Crapo is expected to run, but has had some health problems. Even if he retires, the GOP has this seat locked up - GOP Hold
• Iowa: Chuck Grassley is a mean old man, but he's not going anywhere - GOP Hold
• Illinois: Blago appointee Burris has not said if he intends to run on his own. He has never won an election despite several attempts. If he runs, he will likely face a primary challenge making it harder to hold the seat, possibly. Toss-up / DEM Hold
• Indiana: Evan Bayh will return to the Senate for a third term - DEM Hold
• Kansas: Sam Brownback is retiring from the Senate, likely to run for Governor. The current Governor, Kathleen Sebelius may run for the Senate. If she doesn't run, another Democrat would have a tough time flipping this seat, for now - Toss-up
• Kentucky: Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning may not run again, if he doesn't there is a good chance the right Democrat can pick off this seat, also - Toss-up
• Louisiana: David Vitter has had some troubles of late, perhaps you remember? No, don't worry, his opponent will bring it up . . . a lot. Toss-up to DEM Favored
• Maryland: Barbara Mikulski is not interested in leaving the Senate and based on her recent contests, no one is going to make her - DEM Hold
• Missouri: Kit Bond has opted to call it a career in the Senate. Russ Carnahan (D), the Secretary of State and son of Senators Mel and Jeanne is in the race. All bets are off - Toss-up, but more likely DEM favored.
  
• Nevada: I'm not a fan of Harry Reid, but he's not going anywhere - DEM Hold
• New Hampshire: In a state that is turning more blue by the day, Judd Gregg stepped into the political poo and has now decided not to run in 2010. This seat should flip - DEM Pickup
• New York: Both Senator Schumer and Hillary Clinton's replacement, Kristen Gillibrand, will be up for reelection. Both should win easily - DEM Holds
• North Carolina: You think Richard Burr is worried? He should be. Elizabeth Dole got beat by Kay Hagan. Somebody's coming for him, too. DEM Favored
• North Dakota: The red state keeps electing Democratic Senators. That shouldn't change and Byron Dorgan should return - DEM Hold
• Ohio: George Voinovich is not very popular in the Buckeye state. He's packing it in making the race a definite Toss-up
• Oklahoma - Would there were a good Democrat to run against Tom Coburn. But there's not, so he will be back. REP Hold.
• Oregon - Ron Wyden is a quiet Senator and sure to win reelection. DEM Hold
• Pennsylvania - Arlen Specter should retire, but he says he's still in it to win. This will be a marquee race - Toss-up.
• South Carolina - In this state, Democrats are hard to come by. Jim DeMint should cruise to reelection - REP Hold
• South Dakota - John Thune has been running around the Senate with a big target on his back ever since he unseated Tom Daschle. Can the Democrats hit the bullseye this time? Toss-up to REP favored.
• Utah - Robert Bennett is the other Senator from Utah (after the singing Orrin Hatch). A conservative conservative, he won't lose here. REP Hold
• Vermont - Patrick Leahy is entrenched in the Senate. He can stay as long as he likes. DEM Hold.
• Washington - Patty Murray, the Senator Mom in tennis shoes, has slowly risen through the ranks of the Democratic leadership. She should be easily reelected - DEM hold.
• Wisconsin - Russ Feingold (D) should easily be sent back to the Senate from the fine folks living in America's Dairyland. DEM Hold.

So You Want to be Governor?

In 2008 there were gubernatorial contests. Really. there will be a number of contests in 2009 and 2010 as well. It was recently noted the Republicans have pinned their comeback hopes on capturing state houses in the next set of elections. Good luck with that.

Here's a rundown.

• Alabama - Bob Riley (R) is term-limited, but another Republican is certain to come along and keep the red streak going.
• Alaska - Governor Spunky will be up for reelection in 2010. Does she stay there or can she see the Senate from her house?
  
• Arizona - The new Governor of Arizona is crazy. Right-wing Fundamentalist Republican crazy. Let's hope for a switch back to blue.
• Arkansas - Mike Beebe (D) is doing just fine in a Southern state that likes to elect Democrats.
  
• California - The Guvahnator is term-limited. Expect a Democrat in Sacramento, possibly Senator Diane Feinstein.
• Colorado - Bill Ritter is happy in the Governor's mansion in the Mile High state.
  
• Connecticut - sure there's some issues there. But Jodi Rell (R) is not going anywhere.
• Florida - Charlie Crist (R) got passed over for VP, is he thinking Senate or another term in Tallahassee?
  
• Georgia - Sonny Perdue (R) is also heading for the exit, but like its neighbor, Alabama, no chance for a Democratic pickup.
  
• Hawaii - Linda Lingle (R) has been a fair to middling Governor for the Aloha state. But let's note this is our new President's home state. She can't run again and the state's going Democratic.
• Idaho - Butch Otter (one of the best named Governors around) is safe in Republican-rich Potato land.
  
• Illinois - Know who the new governor of Illinois is? His name is Pat Quinn (D) and he is doing just fine. And he surely doesn't swear as much as his predecessor.
• Iowa - Chet Culver (a close second for great name governors) is doing fine as a Democrat in a state that went purple in 2008.
  
• Kansas - Kathleen Sebelius (D), for the moment, may have missed out on a new job in the Obama Administration and she can't run again. This is a state the Republicans may be able to pick up, although scary Sam Brownback is running so anything's possible.
• Maine - John Baldacci is out. It's unclear as to who will fill the void in Augusta.
  
• Maryland - With Michael Steele having been elected chair of the RNC and former Governor Bob Ehrlich declaring he doesn't want a rematch with Martin O'Malley (D), O'Malley should cruise to a second term.
  
• Massachusetts - Deval Patrick (D) is doing a fine job in the Bay State. He's not going anywhere (except maybe Washington if his friend the President calls)
  
• Michigan - Jennifer Granholm (D) has been a popular governor in Michigan. But she can't run again and the Democratic field is slim. Tossup.
  
• Minnesota - Does Tim Pawlenty (R) want to be President? Many think he should have been the vice presidential nominee for John McCain. If he wants to stay on the national stage, he is going to need to win reelection.
• Nebraska - Dave Heineman (R) got his current job when Mike Johanns went to work for [former] President Bush. In this red state, he will cruise to reelection.
  
• Nevada - Jim Gibbons is a Republican in a state that is turning purple. This race is a tossup even before he has an opponent.
• New Hampshire - New Hampshire governors only serve two terms. For now, Jon Lynch is safe.
  
• New Jersey - Jon Corzine (D) has lots of money to burn. But his approval ratings are in the toilet in the Garden State. I think he might take his marbles and go home. A 2009 race.
  
• New Mexico - Bill Richardson had to withdraw as Commerce Secretary-designate after some wrongdoings surfaced. He is term-limited, but would have trouble winning anyway.
  
• New York - David Patterson moved into the Governor's Mansion after Eliot Spitzer had a little personal trouble. He is likely to win election in his own right.
  
• Ohio - Ted Strickland was considered for Obama's running mate. He was left behind in the Buckeye State and is likely to win reelection.
  
• Oklahoma - It's the reddest state in the country. Brad Henry (D) is out after two terms and a Democrat will likely not be selected.
• Oregon - Ted Kulongoski (D) is term limited but the state should stay blue at the state level.
  
• Pennsylvania - Ask most Pennsylvanians and they will tell you that Ed Rendell (D) bought his way to Harrisburg. That may hurt democratic chances to hold this governorship (he's also term-limited).
  
• Rhode Island - Another state that has no business having a Republican in the governor's mansion - especially when its Don Carcieri. He's done and its a Democratic pickup.
• South Carolina - Mark Sanford (R) is term-limited, but the party should keep control of the state house.
  
• South Dakota - Mike Rounds (R) is out after two terms. Another tossup.
• Tennessee - Phil Bredesen is another rare Democrat in a red state and heading for the door. This race is also a tossup.
• Texas - Rick Perry (R) has no intention of vacating the premises. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) may have something to say about that.
  
• Vermont - Jim Douglas (R) can run again for Governor, where the governors only serve two year terms. But can he win in a state turning more and more purple/blue?
  
• Virginia - In the marquee race of 2009, Tim Kaine (D) is leaving Richmond after only one term (that's all Virginia governors are allowed - it's ridiculous). I think Democrats can hold it, but it will be tough as the current Democratic candidate is Terry McAuliffe, who has all that Clinton baggage with him.
• Wisconsin - Jim Doyle (D) is likely to win a second term in America's Dairyland.
  
• Wyoming - Another Democrat in a sea of Red. Dave Freudenthal is term limited and this state should revert back to the GOP.

Are You In This Picture?

I was supposed to be. But that didn't work out so well.

This picture is a composite of 220 different images. There is full zoom potential so you can see that Clarence Thomas was evidently not moved by the event. He's sleeping. Maybe that was Roberts' problem, maybe he was still waking up and therefore messed up the most important lines of the day.

Is Obama President?

Yes. And this website will help you keep track.

And now that the oath has been re-administered - it's all good.

In case you can't get here . . .

The Obama Inauguration in Legos . . . from the Guardian (UK)

And if you want a bit of history to see what Obama will be compared to on Tuesday at about 12:05pm . . . Hulu has some recent inaugural speeches here.