The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee web page lists “races to watch” here. If one scrolls down to the entry for Maine, one sees that the web page discusses independent candidate Angus King in a positive manner, but does not discuss the Democratic nominee, Cynthia Dill. This story about that race says that Dill is unhappy with the Committee.
On July 20, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and some voters filed a lawsuit in state court to disqualify one of the party’s own legislative nominees, Bill DeWeese. He won the Democratic primary in April this year, but on primary day he was sentenced to between 30 months and 60 months in prison. If elected in November, he will not be able to serve, unless his conviction is reversed on appeal. See this story. If he is removed from the November ballot, the party is free to choose a new nominee. He could withdraw but he refuses to do that.
The California Assembly vote in the June 5 primary in the 6th district was: incumbent Republican Beth B. Gaines 38,827; Republican Andy Pugno 33,382; Democrat Regy Bronner 32,573. Because of California’s top-two open primary rules, the only two candidates who can run in November are the two Republicans. Both are conservative. See this story, focusing on the fact that Pugno had said before the primary that if the top two vote-getters were Gaines and himself, and that if Gaines received more votes, he would not campaign in November. Now it appears he will campaign.
Supporters of top-two would say this outcome is good for Democrats, because now they have the privilege of helping decide which Republican gets elected.
North Carolina held run-off primaries on July 17. Only 3.6% of the state’s registered voters participated. North Carolina only holds a runoff primary when no one get at least 40% of the vote in the original primary. North Carolina is one of only eight states that still holds partisan primary run-offs. See this editorial, calling on the state legislature to abolish run-off primaries. This year’s run-off primary cost between $6,000,000 and $7,000,000. Thanks to Rick Hasen for this news.
Two Republicans have now filed to run for the special election for Michigan’s U.S. House seat in the Eleventh District. See this story. Assuming both Republicans have enough valid signatures, now Michigan will be forced to hold a special primary on September 5, even though the November special election is only for a two-month term. Michigan also holds an August primary for all offices.
