2012 U.S. SENATE OUTLOOK
Democrats are faced with numerous challenges in the upcoming cycle. Republicans will be defending just 10 seats in 2012, while Democrats will be trying to maintain control of 21 seats, with the final two seats up for election being held by Independents. With Democrats currently holding a 4 seat advantage (51 to 47 respectively), there is a strong possibility that the GOP could gain control of the Senate in 2012.
Political analysts are predicting that 5 to 6 of the 23 Democratic seats are seriously vulnerable to Republican takeover, while only 1 to 2 of the Republican seats has a significant chance of being assumed by Democrats. Through the first few months of the Senate cycle Republicans have outraised their Democratic counterparts $2.86 million to $2.63 million. Although the $2.63 million mark represents a January fundraising record for Senate Democrats, there is still significant work to be done in order to close the gap with Republicans.
SOLVING THE BUDGET DEFICIT
In the 2012 election cycle the balance of power in Washington will be re-calibrated, and the government’s course of action on our most important issues will be decided. Lately, the issue of budget deficits has been dominating our political discourse, and it is an argument that will undoubtedly carry in to 2012. The current solution the Republican’s have proposed remains unchanged since the election of George W. Bush: cut workers’ salaries, benefits, and social programs so that the top 1% of American wage earners will not have to sacrifice for the country’s well being. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the third ranking Senate Democrat, recently expressed the need for additional “revenue-raisers” and mandatory spending cuts. Republicans have ruled out supporting any bill that includes tax increases, whereas Democrats feel it is necessary if Congress is serious about balancing the budget. With the financial crisis still fresh in many voters minds, it is very likely that this issue will drive most of the discussion on campaigns leading up to November, 2012.
SENATE SPOTLIGHT: SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (D-NY)
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is up for re-election in 2012, and is considered to be a strong favorite to win. Although there is no clear challenger who has declared their candidacy as of yet, there is word of a possible campaign by former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey. Kirsten’s current approval rating is 54% according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll. Since assuming the seat of former New York Senator Hillary Clinton, Gillibrand has garnered a wide base of support due to her efforts to bring transparency to Washington and rebuild the American economy. In fact, the Senator quietly made history by becoming the first member of Congress to ever post her official public schedule, personal financial disclosure, and federal earmark requests online for anyone to see. Additionally, Senator Gillibrand has taken a prominent role in advancing many important social issues. She was a leader in the fight to repeal the policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, which discriminated against the sexual orientation of soldiers fighting for our country’s freedoms, and has been successful in gathering bi-partisan support for this cause. Senator Gillibrand also championed the 9/11 First Responders Health Care Bill amidst heavy Republican opposition, in order to protect the well-being of those who risked their lives in the line of duty. Going forward in her next term, Senator Gillibrand looks to continue her work on the Armed Services Committee to strengthen America’s Armed Forces and the Aging Committee to fight on behalf of seniors’ issues.
DINNER RECEPTION WITH SEN. BOB MENENDEZ (D-NJ)
On February 24, Bay Area Democrats had the honor of hosting Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) at the home of Lorna and Wade Randlett. As the head of the DSCC, Senator Menendez shared with BAD members his insights on the upcoming 2012 Senate races, and also delved into the topic of job creation amidst today’s difficult economic climate. Menendez is running for re-election and his seat is projected to be safe. A poll by Fairleigh Dickinson University released in January showed him up by ten points over the closest competitor.
DINNER RECEPTION WITH SEN. SHERROD BROWN (D-OH)
On February 23, Bay Area Democrat members had the opportunity to attend a dinner with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH). Senator Brown offered his thoughts on his 2012 re-election bid, as well as the impact of Democratic leadership on encouraging job growth.
There is no better time than right now to join Bay Area Democrats. For more information on our membership options, please visit our website at www.bayareadems.org.
Best regards,
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Marjan Philhour
Executive Director, Bay Area Democrats
381 Bush St., Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-692-3556
UPCOMING EVENTS
Reception with Senator Tom Carper (D-DE)
Date: March 21
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Location: San Francisco
Luncheon with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Date: March 23
Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location: San Francisco
Luncheon with Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
Date: March 24
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Location: San Francisco
Reception with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Date: April 29
Time: TBD
Location: San Francisco
For more information on these upcoming events, please contact Bay Area Democrats at (415) 692-3556.
