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  OVERVIEW  

Democratic National Committee
For Immediate Release
June 4, 2014
 
Contact: DNC Press

DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s Statement on Tuesday’s Primary Elections

Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz issued the following statement today on Tuesday’s primaries in Alabama, California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota:
 
“Congratulations to the Democratic candidates who advanced to the general election in November. Once again, today’s primary results are indicative of the stark contrast between the priorities of the Democratic and Republican parties. While Democrats are focused on providing economic security for middle-class families, Republicans have nominated out-of-touch candidates beholden to wealthy special interests and a radical Tea Party ideology that embraces government shutdowns and obstructs progress.
 
“Democratic Rep. Bruce Braley has a proven history championing middle-class Iowans, helping create incentives for business to hire unemployed workers and veterans. The reality of Joni Ernst's record in the Iowa Senate couldn't be a greater contrast. While outside groups and national Republicans from Marco Rubio to Sarah Palin rallied behind Ernst, her positions raise serious concerns for a general election. Ernst could ask Mitt Romney how difficult it is to ‘etch-a-sketch’ away the radical positions taken to win, because it won’t be possible once Iowans get to know her record.
  
“In race after race, Republican candidates have been pulled so far to the right by the Tea Party that it is a distinction without a difference. The likely runoff in Mississippi caused by Tea Party candidate Chris McDaniel shows that the GOP is the Same Old Party, which has failed to learn its lessons from recent elections. Come November, voters will reject a Republican Party which opposes an increase in the minimum wage for hard working Americans, has blocked equal pay for women, and is obsessed with repealing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act for millions of Americans.
 
“While Democrats have nominated mainstream candidates focused on economic issues, like Gov. Jerry Brown and Sen. John Walsh, the policies of Republican candidates like Mike Rounds and Steve Daines are those of a Republican Party focused only on the interests of the few. The Democratic Party is committed to fighting for opportunity for all, providing voters a clear choice when they cast their ballot this November.”
 
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  ALABAMA  


Republican Lieutenant Governors Association

June 3, 2014

RLGA Congratulates Lieutentant Governor Kay Ivey

Washington, DC (June 3,2014) – Tonight Republican Lieutenant Governors Association (RLGA) Chairman, Tate Reeves (MS), issued the following statement congratulating Lieutenant Governor Kay Ivey on her victory in the Alabama Republican primary. 

“Kay Ivey is an exceptional Lieutenant Governor who is committed to the principles of lower taxes, less government and more personal freedoms and we congratulate her on her well-deserved victory tonight,” said Reeves.  “In addition to her service to the state of Alabama, we thank Kay for her national leadership for the Republican State Leadership Committee’s ‘Right Women, Right Now’ Initiative to recruit train and support 300 first time women to run for office across the nation.  On behalf of the RLGA we congratulate Kay and look forward to supporting her candidacy and vision for a stronger Alabama.”

  CALIFORNIA  
Republican Governors Association
June 3, 2014

RGA Congratulates Neel Kashkari on California Gubernatorial Primary Victory

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association issued the following statement on the outcome of today’s California gubernatorial primary election:

“It’s time for serious change in California, and Neel Kashkari is the one who can make it happen,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “Kashkari has his priorities straight; he knows jobs and education are the building blocks for a strong middle class and a vibrant economy. Given the opportunity to put his conservative message to work, Kashkari’s leadership would play a pivotal role in a true California comeback. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Neel Kashkari’s campaign for Governor of California.”

“Year after year, Jerry Brown’s policies continue to fail California,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “Businesses, jobs and job seekers are fleeing the state for greener pastures, suffocated by the state’s liberal model of high taxes and burdensome regulation, and the state is losing out on opportunities for economic growth as a result. Neel Kashkari knows the red state model works, and there is no doubt he will harness it to make California great – and competitive – once again.”

###

Republican Secretaries of State Committee
June 3, 2014

Republican Secretaries of State Committee Congratulates Pete Peterson

Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2014) - Today Republican Secretaries of State Committee (RSSC) Chairman, Secretary Brian Kemp (GA), issued the following statement congratulating Pete Peterson on moving to the general election for Secretary of State.

“Pete Peterson is a committed leader with a long history of supporting civic engagement at all levels,” said Kemp.  “We congratulate Pete on his well-deserved victory tonight.  The people of California would be lucky to have a person with Pete Peterson’s integrity and drive as their Secretary of State, and the RSSC looks forward to supporting his leadership and vision through Election Day.”

National Republican Congressional Committee
June 4, 2014

TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: JUNE 4, 2014
SUBJECT: CALIFORNIA PRIMARY RESULTS
 
National Democrats are playing defense in Nancy Pelosi’s home state of California. California Democrats need to hold a handful of very competitive seats running against an impressive list of Republican candidates. Democrat incumbents are on the run from their records thanks to ObamaCare’s failures and Nancy Pelosi’s reckless agenda. These Democrats will face voters unimpressed with their voting records and commitment to job crushing policies. Meanwhile, a dynamic and diverse field of Republican candidates are holding these Democrats accountable with impressive track records and an outside Washington message about jobs and the economy.
 
CHALLENGERS
 
CA-03: Dan Logue (R) v. John Garamendi (D)
 
In a swing district like California’s 3rd Congressional district, Democrat John Garamendi will find himself in a competitive race come November. Garamendi consistently supports his party’s failed domestic agenda, including ObamaCare, which will be at the forefront of the debate throughout the remainder of the election cycle. Garamendi is a career politician who is in Congress purely for the perks and not for the people. Whether it’s the two taxpayer-funded pensions he collects in addition to his $174,000 per year congressional salary or the hundreds of thousands of dollars in vacations Garamendi accepts from special interests, the evidence is clear Garamendi has to go. Republican Dan Logue is a tireless campaigner who has represented his community well in the State Assembly. Watch this race heat up over the summer.
 
Geography: PVI: D+3; Obama 54.3% - Romney 43.1%. California’s 3rd Congressional District is located in the north central portion of the state and includes Fairfield, Davis, and Yuma City. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Democratic and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Safe Democrat.
  
CA-07: Doug Ose (R) v. Ami Bera (D)
 
California’s 7th Congressional district is a tossup and rated EVEN by Cook Political Report. Democrat Congressman Ami Bera will have a difficult time running from his voting record in his first term in office. A supporter of ObamaCare, Bera has even gone so far as to not rule out bailing out insurance companies that have lost profits due to the President’s failed health care law. Unlike Bera, former Congressman Doug Ose was a consistent vote for fiscal responsibility and common sense policies and will continue standing up for California families in Congress.
 
Geography: PVI: EVEN; Obama 50.8% - Romney 46.8%. California’s 7th Congressional District is located in the north central portion of the state and includes the Sacramento suburbs. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Toss Up and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Lean Democrat. 
 
CA-16: Johnny Tacherra (R) v. Jim Costa (D)
 
Democrat Jim Costa faces a tough challenge from Republican Johnny Tacherra. Costa’s fake moderate rhetoric doesn’t match his liberal voting record in Congress. Costa has been a consistent vote, throughout his long political career, for Nancy Pelosi. Costa’s consistent support for higher taxes and spending, along with ObamaCare, will hurt him in the polls.
 
Geography: PVI: D+7; Obama 58.5% - Romney 39.3%. California’s 16th Congressional District is located in the Central Valley and includes Fresno and Merced. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Democrat and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Safe Democrat. 
 
CA-24: Chris Mitchum/Justin Fareed (R) v. Lois Capps (D)
 
Democrat Lois Capps will face a tough challenge from either Republican Chris Mitchum or Justin Fareed. Capps toes the Democrat party line every chance she gets. From ObamaCare to reckless spending and higher taxes, Capps’ voting record doesn’t fit her district. Capps has voted for trillions in new spending, debt, and taxes.
 
Geography: PVI: D+4; Obama 53.9% - Romney 43%. California’s 24th Congressional District is located on the central coast of the state and includes Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Democrat and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Safe Democrat. 
 
CA-26: Jeff Gorell (R) v. Julia Brownley (D)
 
In this election cycle there couldn’t be a bigger contrast between the two candidates in California’s 26th Congressional district. Democrat Julia Brownley is a staunch supporter of Nancy Pelosi and ObamaCare, despite the negative consequence the law has had on families and small businesses. Brownley always puts the interests of her party ahead of the needs of her constituents. Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, a veteran, teacher and criminal prosecutor, is an independent voice in the Republican Party and always votes for the interests of his constituents. Gorell’s experience and common sense policy proposals puts him in a strong position to win this district in November.
 
Geography: PVI: D+4; Obama 54% - Romney 43.7%. California’s 26th Congressional District is located in Ventura County. The Cook Political Report rates it as Lean Democrat and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Democrat Favored. 
 
CA-36: Brian Nestande (R) v. Raul Ruiz (D)
 
Raul Ruiz rode Barack Obama’s coattails to victory in 2012 and hasn’t realized his district leans Republican which will be a problem in a midterm election. Ruiz is out of touch with the needs of his constituents and has taken his cues from Democrat party leaders like Nancy Pelosi. Voters in this R + 1 district want a representative that believes in fiscal responsibility and common sense policies that focus on job creation and economic growth. That person is Republican Brian Nestande. Assemblyman Nestande has spent his time working on issues important to the district and will serve his constituents well in Washington.
 
Geography: PVI: R+1; Obama 50.7% - Romney 47.5%. California’s 36th Congressional District is located in eastern Riverside County and includes Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The Cook Political Report rates it as a Toss Up and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Democrat Favored. 
 
CA-52: Carl DeMaio (R) v. Scott Peters (D)
 
Democrat Congressman Scott Peters finds himself in the political fight of his life as he is challenged by former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio. As a city councilman, Peters oversaw the pension scandal that has bankrupted the city and forced potential cuts to benefits. Carl DeMaio spent his time on the city council cleaning up the mess left by Scott Peters. Peters’ fiscal irresponsibility might fit in well in Washington, but that’s not what California families want. Carl DeMaio will clean up Scott Peters’ mess in Washington once he’s elected in November.
 
Geography: PVI: D+2; Obama 52.1% - Romney 45.7%. California’s 52nd Congressional District is located in Coastal Sand Diego and includes La Jolla. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as a Toss Up. 
 
OPEN SEATS
 
CA-25: Tony Strickland (R) v. Steve Knight (R)
 
In an embarrassing blow to National Democrats, no Democrat made the ballot in California’s 25th Congressional District. Mitt Romney won less than 50% of the vote in this district and only beat President Obama by less than 2 points, yet Democrats failed to get a candidate across the finish line and onto the general election ballot. Republican Tony Strickland and Steve Knight are both in a strong position to replace retiring House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon.
 
Geography: PVI: R+3; Romney 49.7% - Obama 47.8%. California’s 25th Congressional District is located in northern LA County and includes Santa Clarita and Palmdale. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Republican Favored. 
 
CA-31: Paul Chabot (R) v. Pete Aguilar (D) / Lesli Gooch (R) / Eloise Gomez Reyes (D)
 
California’s 31st Congressional District is too close to call with 100% of precincts reporting. Republican Paul Chabot has advanced to the general election in November but only a few hundred votes separates Democrat Pete Aguilar, Republican Lesli Gooch, and Democrat Eloise Gomez Reyes. A bloody Democrat primary may cost Democrats a spot on the ballot in November, repeating the same mistake they made in 2012.
 
Geography: PVI: D+5; Obama 57.2% - Romney 40.6%. California’s 31st Congressional District is located in the Inland Empire and includes San Bernardino and Rancho Cucamonga. Both the Cook Political Report  and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Lean Democrat. 
 
CA-45: Mimi Walters (R) v. Drew Leavens (D)
 
This solidly Republican district nearly ensures Mimi Walters will be the next Congresswoman from California’s 45th district. Congressman John Campbell’s shoes will be hard to fill but Mimi Walters has spent her career working for the people in California’s State Senate and General Assembly and is certainly up to the task of representing them in Washington.
 
Geography: PVI: R+7; Romney 54.8% - Obama 43%. California’s 45th Congressional District is located in Inland Orange County and includes Irvine and Mission Viejo. The Cook Political Report rates it as Solid Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Safe Republican. 
 
INCUMBENTS
 
CA-10: Jeff Denham (R) v. Michael Eggman (D)
 
Voters will have a clear choice in this race. Republican Jeff Denham has been a check and balance in Washington during his time in Congress and has stood up for his district. Democrat Michael Eggman would be nothing more than a rubber stamp for the Obama-Pelosi agenda. He’s on record supporting ObamaCare and all the failed policies that are hurting California families. While national Democrats may be eager for a loyal foot soldier, voters here are looking for a voice who will represent them, and Jeff Denham offers that.
 
Geography: PVI: R+1; Obama 50.5% - Romney 46.9%. California’s 10th Congressional District is located in the Central Valley and includes Modesto. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Republican Favored. 
 
CA-21: David Valadao (R) v. Amanda Renteria (D)
 
Democrats already had an uphill battle in this race to defeat Republican David Valadao, David Valadao is an incredibly strong candidate who has represented Central Valley well in his first term in Congress. Valadao, a dairy farmer, has been a pragmatic voice for his constituents, stands up for their interests and has strong crossover appeal to voters here. In comparison, Amanda Renteria has spent her career as a D.C. insider and Wall Street banker. Support for her in the district is so bad, it was reported that only one percent of her fundraising came from donors living in California’s 21st district. A staunch liberal, Amanda Renteria will be unable to garner support from voters in this moderate district.
 
Geography: PVI: D+2; Obama 54.6% - Romney 43.5%. California’s 21st Congressional District is located in the Central Valley and includes Hanford and parts of Bakersfield. The Cook Political Report rates it as Lean Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as a Toss-Up/Tilt Republican. 
 
 
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
 
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in California. These results are unofficial and incomplete.
 
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
 
CA-03
 
455 of 455 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
John Garamendi (D)*   55%
Dan Logue (R)*             45%
 
CA-07
 
558 of 558 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Ami Bera (D)*             47%
Doug Ose (R)*             27%
Igor Birman (R)           17%
Elizabeth Emken (R)    7%
 
CA-10
 
496 of 496 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Jeff Denham (R)*        57%
Michael Eggman (D)*  27%
Michael Barkley (D)    16%
 
CA-16
 
323 of 323 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Jim Costa (D)*               44%
Johnny Tacherra*           22%
Steve Crass (R)              16%
Mel Levey (R)                   8%
Joanna Garcia-Botelho     6%
Job Melton                       4%
 
CA-21
 
386 of 386 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
David Valadao (R)*       64%
Amanda Renteria (D)*    25%
John Hernandez (D)     11%
 
CA-24
 
373 of 373 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Lois Capps (D)*        45%
Chris Mitchum (R)     16%
Justin Fareed (R)      15%
Dale Francisco (R)    12%
Bradley Allen (R)       6%
 
CA-25
 
383 of 383 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Tony Strickland (R)*    29%
Steve Knight (R)*         28%
Lee Rogers (D)            22%
Ivan Thomas (D)         10%
Troy Castagna (R)       6%
Navraj Singh (R)          1%
 
 
CA-26
 
474 of 474 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Julia Brownley (D)*         46%
Jeff Gorell (R)*               44%
Rafael Dagnesses (R)     8%
 
CA-31
 
477 of 477 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Paul Chabot (R)*         27%
Pete Aguilar (D)           17%
Lesli Gooch (R)            17%
Eloise Gomez Reyes    16%
Joe Baca (D)                11%
 
CA-36
 
303 of 303 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Raul Ruiz (D)*              50%
Brian Nestande (R)*      35% 
Ray Haynes (R)           15%
 
CA-45
 
485 of 485 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Mimi Walters (R)*       45%
Drew Leavens (D)*      29%
Greg Raths (R)          24%
 
CA-52
 
397 of 397 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Scott Peters (D)*    42%
Carl DeMaio (R)*     36%
Kirk Jorgensen       18%
Fred Simon             4%


Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON CA-10

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding the primary in California’s 10th Congressional District:

“Michael Eggman is a problem-solver who would fight in our nation’s capital for the right priorities: creating opportunities and jobs for hardworking families in the district. We are confident that Michael will run an aggressive campaign that will hold Congressman Denham accountable for his reckless agenda.

“Congressman Denham has long put his political career ahead of the needs and priorities of the Central Valley: from opposing the California DREAM Act to repeatedly voting to shut down the government to supporting a budget that raises healthcare costs on seniors, it’s clear his agenda doesn’t reflect the values of the Valley.”


June 3, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON CA-17

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Mike Honda advancing to the general election in  California’s 17th Congressional District:
 
“I congratulate Representative Mike Honda on his decisive win tonight in California’s 17th district. Mike is the ideal leader for the Bay Area, and has an unparalleled record of delivering results in education, innovation and helping to rebuild the middle class. At a time when House Republicans will stop at nothing to stack the deck for special interests, we need Mike to continue fighting for the middle class – and I’m confident that Bay Area voters will strongly agree by re-electing him this November.” 


June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON CA-21

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Amanda Renteria advancing to the general election in California’s 21st Congressional District:

“Congratulations to Amanda Renteria for securing her spot in the general election to represent California’s 21st district. At a time when this House Republican Congress is putting special interests and the ultra-wealthy ahead of hardworking people, Amanda will stand up for the people of the Central Valley. She’ll provide a refreshing change from Congressman Valadao’s out-of-step agenda that is hurting small businesses and local farms. In our nation’s capital, Amanda will fight to make sure the Central Valley’s water is protected, its farms are thriving, and its schools are providing children with the tools they need to succeed.”

Background on CA-21:

President Obama won a strong majority of the vote in the district in 2008 (52.5 percent) and 2012 (55.7 percent);
The Cook Report’s Partisan Voting Index (PVI) score for the district is D+2.
Jerry Brown won this district in 2010 with 51.7 percent of the vote


June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON CA-31

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding the primary in California’s 31st Congressional District:

“As election officials continue to count the votes in CA-31, Pete Aguilar has already demonstrated his strength and appeal in a competitive environment and we are confident that Pete will advance to the general election, where voters in this Democratic district will embrace his agenda of putting the middle class first. Paul Chabot’s outside-the-mainstream views and plan to stack the deck for special interests at the expense of the middle class will be rejected by general election voters in this Democratic district.”

Background on CA-31:

President Obama won an overwhelming majority of the vote in the district in 2008 (57.1 percent) and 2012 (58.5 percent)
The Cook Report’s Partisan Voting Index (PVI) score for the district is D+5.


June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON TED LIEU PRIMARY WIN IN CA-33

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Ted Lieu’s Primary win in California’s 33rd Congressional District:
 
“I congratulate Ted Lieu on his primary election win in California’s 33rd district. With Lieu on the ballot, voters will have an opportunity to continue Henry Waxman’s strong tradition in this district and elect a commonsense Democrat who will stand up for the middle class. We’re confident Ted Lieu will hold Elan Carr accountable for his reckless agenda that stacks the deck for the ultra-wealthy and special interests.”
 
Background on CA-33:
 
President Obama received more than 60 percent of the vote in both 2012 and 2008.



  IOWA  
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
June 3, 2014

DSCC Statement On Joni Ernst & Tonight’s Iowa Primary

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Deputy Executive Director Matt Canter issued the following statement on Joni Ernst and the Republican primary in Iowa:

"When you peel back Joni Ernst’s unusual ads, you find a rigid, ideological partisan with an agenda that is bought and paid for by outside special interests and out of step with Iowans. Her rigid partisanship and support for the federal government shutdown not only won her the support of Sarah Palin, but proved that Joni Ernst is the Sarah Palin of Iowa who would bring more gridlock and dysfunction to Washington. Her hyper-partisan agenda is bought and paid for by outside special interests who support her efforts to privatize Social Security, end Medicare as we know it, deny reproductive choices even in cases of rape and incest, and eliminate the federal minimum wage. Washington special interests spent millions to help Joni Ernst secure the Republican nomination, even spending more than the candidate herself. A rigid partisan may have been the winning formula for this primary, but it is a recipe for defeat come November."

GOPAC
June 4, 2014

Joni Ernst Proves Candidates and Their Ideas Matter

GOPAC-Endorsed Federal Candidates Undefeated in Primary Elections

Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2014) – GOPAC Chairman Frank Donatelli shared the following statement on Iowa State Senator Joni Ernst’s commanding victory to earn the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate:

“Joni Ernst’s commanding victory is directly attributable to her background and the ideas she is championing.  She will bring a much needed voice to the U.S. Senate.  In addition to bringing her experience as a solider, mother and state legislator, she will use the common-sense ideas that she is touting to lift the burden DC is putting on Americans with its excessive spending.  Plus, Joni Ernst understands the value of the Senate Judiciary Committee being run by an Iowa farmer and not another trial lawyer. 

 

Doubling down on our earlier financial support, GOPAC is pleased to invest the maximum allowable federal contribution for her general election campaign.  In addition, GOPAC members and followers will be encouraged to donate directly to Senator Ernst.  We will also look to bolster her through independent expenditures that will exclusively tout her biography and ideas for addressing the challenges facing America.

 

With Barbara Comstock earning the GOP nomination for Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District, Thom Tillis earning the nomination for North Carolina Senate and now Joni Ernst, GOPAC endorsed candidates are undefeated.  It’s a testament to the deep bench of talented conservative leaders who are state-tested and ready to lead in Washington.  Our Republican Party’s success in 2014 is dependent upon advancing leaders who get results and promoting the conservative ideas they are championing.  It’s the key to showing voters that the GOP brand has value and our ideas will improve their lives.  This is why our Called-Up program is focused on supporting leaders who we can attest have shown leadership and gotten results for economic opportunity and an effective, efficient government.”



ABOUT GOPAC:  GOPAC is the Republican Party’s premier center for educating and electing a new generation of Republican leaders.  It’s a force in American politics as it ensures a healthy roster of prepared and tested state leaders are ready to lead in their legislatures and/or run for higher office.
National Republican Congressional Committee
June 4, 2014

TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: JUNE 4, 2014
SUBJECT: IOWA PRIMARY RESULTS
 
Democrats are in a tough position to hold two congressional seats in Iowa and will have a very difficult time picking up a third. Iowa’s 1st Congressional District will be very competitive due to Democrat Rep. Bruce Braley’s decision to run for U.S. Senate. Rep. Dave Loebsack in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District continues to support Democrat policies, like ObamaCare, that have hurt Iowa families. In Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, the Democrats’ anointed candidate, Staci Appel, has struggled to gain any traction and will face voter backlash for her support for the Obama-Pelosi agenda. Republicans are poised to hold Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District and have a great opportunity to win the 1st and 2nd districts.
 
CHALLENGERS
 
IA-02: Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) v. Dave Loebsack (D)
 
Mariannettte Miller-Meeks’ background as a doctor and Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health make her uniquely qualified to represent Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in Congress. In contrast, Rep. Dave Loebsack’s reckless record of supporting ObamaCare, higher taxes and spending, and anti-energy policies that hurt Iowa families will be front and center over the coming months. The choice could not be clearer. Loebsack fell asleep during an ObamaCare hearing in Congress and Miller-Meeks is a doctor with a track record of finding solutions to problems and she will do the same in Congress.
 
Geography: PVI: D+4; Obama 55.5% - Romney 42.5%. Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District is located in the southeast portion of the state and includes Davenport and Iowa City. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as Solid/Safe Democrat. 
  
OPEN SEATS
 
IA-01: Rod Blum (R) v. Pat Murphy (D)
 
With Bruce Braley’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate, Iowa’s 1st Congressional District is ripe for a Republican pickup opportunity. Businessman Rod Blum is in a solid position to beat state Rep. Pat Murphy. A career politician, Murphy pursued the same reckless agenda in the Iowa House as Washington Democrats have pushed in Congress. Simply put, a vote for Pat Murphy is a vote for Nancy Pelosi, and voters in Iowa’s 1st district won’t be fooled into electing Pelosi as Speaker of the House twice.
 
Geography: PVI: D+5; Obama 55.9% - Romney 42.3%. Iowa’s 1st Congressional District is located in the northeast portion of the state and includes Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Dubuque. The Cook Political Report rates it as Likely Democratic and the Rothenberg Report rate it as a Safe Democrat. 
 
IA-03: Robert Cramer/ Matt Schultz/ Monte Shaw/ David Young/ Brad Zaun (R) v. Staci Appel (D)
 
Regardless of which Republican is nominated later this month, Republicans are poised to hold Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District being vacated by Rep. Tom Latham. Former state Senator Staci Appel, recruited by Washington Democrats, is a former financial consultant to Wall Street banks and lost her reelection bid in 2010. It will be a tough for Appel to sell her radical views in a district that reelected Republican Tom Latham by over former Rep. Leonard Boswell by 8 points.
 
Geography: PVI: EVEN; Obama 51.2% - Romney 46.9%. Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District is located in the southwest portion of the state and includes Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as a Toss-Up. 
 
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
 
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in Iowa. These results are unofficial and incomplete.
 
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
 
IA-01 – Republican Primary
 
436 of 436 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Rod Blum*         55%
Steve Rathje      37%
Gail Boliver        8%
 
IA-01 – Democrat Primary
 
436 of 436 Precincts Reporting (100%)
 
Pat Murphy*             37%
Swati Dandekar       18%
Monica Vernon        24%
Anesa Kajtazovic     15%
Dave O’Brien            7%
 
IA-02 – Republican Primary
 
419 of 425 Precincts Reporting
 
Mariannette Miller-Meeks*  49%
Mark Lofgren                        38%
Matthew Waldren                 12%
 
IA-03 – Republican Primary
 
379 of 392 Precincts Reporting (97%)
 
Brad Zaun*          25%
Matt Schultz         20%
Monte Shaw        16%
Robert Cramer     21%
David Young       16%
Joe Grandanette  2%

Democractic Congressional Campaign Committee
June 3, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON IA-01

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Pat Murphy’s primary win in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District:

“I want to congratulate Pat Murphy on running a strong campaign. Pat Murphy has run a campaign dedicated to protecting the middle class, and he will offer a strong contrast with Rod Blum whose push to privatize Social Security and opposition to raising the minimum wage make it clear he is on the side of the ultra-wealthy and special interests. I’m confident that this seat will remain Democratic in November.”

Background on IA-01:

Held by Democrats since the 2006 election, Iowa’s first Congressional District was also won by President Obama in both 2008 (59.2 percent) and 2012 (56.9 percent).

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON IA-03

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding the primary in Iowa’s 3rd  Congressional District:

“After hundreds of thousands of dollars in TV ads and months campaigning, only one thing is clear about whoever will be the Republicans’ nominee in this district - he will put the ultra-wealthy and special interests over middle class Iowans. The bruising convention fight ahead will only drive the Republicans further outside the mainstream, while Staci Appel continues to show that she is a proven fighter for the middle class and has led the way in Iowa to ensure equal pay for equal work, raise the minimum wage, and slash millions of dollars in state spending during a government reorganization.”


Republican Party of Iowa
For Immediate Release:          Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Contact:                                   Republican Party of Iowa

Iowa GOP 3rd District Nominee to be Decided June 21st

Delegates from 3rd District will Decide Iowa's Republican Congressional Candidate

DES MOINES, Iowa- This morning Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Danny Carroll announced that the Republican nominee for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District will be decided at a special nominating convention held on Saturday, June 21st. The nominating convention will be held at Creston High School at 601 W. Townline St. Creston, IA 50801. 513 delegates will represent the 3rd District at the State Convention on June 14th, and these same delegates will reconvene one week later to select the GOP's 3rd Congressional District candidate.

"As no candidate received the necessary 35% share of the vote in the primary election, rules state that the party's nominee will be selected at a convention whose date and location is set by the Chairman," said Carroll. "I've listened to feedback from 3rd District Republicans and selected Saturday, June 21st as the date and Creston as the location."

The state party will be sending out notice to delegates and alternates, informing them of additional details for the June 21st special nominating convention. Delegates will credential in between 8:30am-9:45am with the convention being called to order at 10:00am.

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   MISSISSIPPI  
Club for Growth PAC
June 4, 2014

Club for Growth PAC Urges Cochran To Drop Out Of Runoff With McDaniel

Club for Growth President Chris Chocola: “Senator Cochran has served honorably, but the rationale for his candidacy ended yesterday. He said he didn’t want to run again, but everyone asked him to. Well, a plurality of Mississippi Republican voters just proved that they don’t want him to.”

Washington, DC - The Club for Growth PAC issued the following statement on Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race:

“Yesterday’s historic vote makes it clear that Mississippians are ready to turn the page to a new generation of bold, conservative leadership. Senator Cochran has served honorably, but the rationale for his candidacy ended yesterday. He said he didn’t want to run again, but everyone asked him to. Well, a plurality of Mississippi Republican voters just proved that they don’t want him to,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “Senator Cochran has had five decades in Washington and it’s clear that six more years of the same won’t have any impact on the direction of our country. He should do the honorable thing and decline to contest the runoff. Should he choose to persist, the Club for Growth PAC and conservatives throughout Mississippi will vigorously pursue this race to its conclusion, and we will look forward to the election of Senator Chris McDaniel.”

MONTANA  
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
June 3, 2014

DSCC Statement On Steve Daines & Tonight’s Montana Primary

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Executive Director Guy Cecil issued the following statement on Steve Daines and the Republican primary in Montana:

"With a record of putting his own ambitions ahead of Montana, Steve Daines is exactly what’s wrong with Washington. Daines has voted against seniors, women, jobs, and students – siding instead with the millionaire and corporate interests. Steve Daines voted to end Medicare as we know it while giving tax breaks to companies that send jobs to China. He supports Personhood, has protected big tax breaks for companies that set up factories overseas, and backs cuts for student loan funding. Daines even led the effort to shut down the government last fall which hurt Montanans across the state. Come November, Montanans will reject Steve Daines’ reckless and irresponsible political agenda and elect Senator John Walsh, a decorated combat veteran whose courageous service and deep Montana roots make him the best candidate to represent Montana values in Washington."

Democratic Congressional Congressional Commiittee
June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON MT-AL

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding John Lewis advancing to the general election in Montana’s At-Large Congressional District:

“As a fourth-generation Montanan, John Lewis has made it clear he will always put Montana first, and has dedicated himself to protecting Medicare and Montana’s middle class families, while Ryan Zinke has made it clear that he will sell out those hardworking families to stack the deck for the ultra-wealthy and special interests.”

NEW JERSEY  

National Republican Congressional Committee
June 3, 2014

TO: INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: NRCC POLITICAL AND NRCC COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: June 3, 2014
SUBJECT: NEW JERSEY PRIMARY RESULTS
 
The strength of the Republican Party in New Jersey will be on display this November in both the 2nd and 3rd Congressional Districts. In the 2nd District, Republican nominee and Congressman Frank LoBiondo will continue his exemplary representation of working families in South Jersey, while in the 3rd District Tom MacArthur will have an excellent opportunity to carry on the example set by outgoing Congressman Jon Runyan. One thing is very clear as we move past the primary and into the general election – the 2nd and 3rd Congressional districts will stay in Republican hands.
 
INCUMBENT
 
NJ-02: Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R) vs. Bill Hughes Jr. (D)
 
Congressman LoBiondo has shown time and time again what it means to be a representative of the people. LoBiondo has always put working families before Washington politics and continually delivers results, whether it is fighting on behalf of Hurricane Sandy victims or working to ensure that veterans have the freedom to receive health care at their hospital of choice. LoBiondo’s ability to bring together diverse coalitions and get results for South Jersey has brought him recognition and support from both the business community and organized labor.
 
While LoBiondo has been working on behalf of South Jersey families and has even been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, his opponent Bill Hughes Jr. has spent the past decade making big money defending some of the worst criminals in New Jersey. According to his firm’s website, Hughes Jr. specialized in getting convicted criminals’ sentences reduced and, among those he has represented, are a child pornographer, a corrupt public official, and a notorious mafia member. Hughes Jr. is also one of the few Democrats running for Congress that proudly claimed that he is “not afraid” to run on ObamaCare.
 
Hughes Jr.’s campaign and fundraising have failed to impress national Democrats, causing national Democrats to abandon Hughes. Neither the House Majority PAC nor the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have reserved television airtime for the fall leaving Hughes Jr. to complain to one news sources that he’s had to run his campaign “on [his] own.”
 
Geography: PVI: D+1; Obama 53.9% - Romney 45%. New Jersey's 2nd Congressional District is located in the southern portion of the state and includes the counties of Salem, Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic and portions of Gloucester, Camden, Burlington and Ocean counties. The Cook Political Report rates this seat as Likely Republican and the Rothenberg Report rates it as Safe Republican.
 
OPEN SEAT  
 
NJ-03: Tom MacArthur (R) vs. Aimee Belgard (D)
 
Tom MacArthur is a self-made businessman who created and preserved thousands of jobs in the private sector and then brought his experience to public service, where he served as a local mayor and helped his town remain 1 of only 19 municipalities in New Jersey – and one of only 213 in the entire U.S. – to earn a AAA bond rating, while maintaining one of the lowest per capita tax burdens in the region.
 
MacArthur has the resources necessary to win this seat and follow in Congressman Runyan’s footsteps in Congress by fighting for real healthcare reform instead of ObamaCare, protecting funding for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and refusing to back down on getting Hurricane Sandy relief.
 
Known in New Jersey as the “Accidental Freeholder,” Aimee Belgard’s claim to fame comes from the manner in which she rode the coattails of Barack Obama to victory in her 2012 freeholder’s race. Unfortunately for Belgard – and fortunately for families in the 3rd District – Belgard will have no such luck in 2014 where those Obama coattails are worn, tattered, and tainted with the disaster that is ObamaCare.
 
Along those lines, since declaring her candidacy for Congress, Belgard has done little to show why she should be a Congresswoman for hard working New Jersey families. She fully supports ObamaCare and was unable to name anything about the law that she would fix or change. She also declined to speak to her local paper for an article profiling the race, choosing instead to email the reporter generic talking points that offered little in the way of substantive positions on issues that are important to voters.
 
It is clear that Belgard is hoping to win an election without discussing her liberal views, but unlike her accidental win in her 2012 freeholder race, she is now running in a major Congressional race in a year where her support for ObamaCare will doom her prospects.
 
Geography: PVI: R+1; Obama 51.2% - Romney 47.3%. New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District is located in the south-central portion of the state and includes most of Burlington County and portions of Ocean County. Both the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Report rate it as a Toss-Up. 
 
STATEWIDE ROUNDUP
 
The following are the unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election in New Jersey. These results are unofficial and incomplete.
 
*Indicates Winner determined by AP
 
NJ-02 – GOP Primary   
 
467 of 528 Precincts Reporting (39%)
              
Frank Lobiondo*             79%
Mike Assad                      21%
        
NJ-02 – DEM Primary   
 
201 of 522 Precincts Reporting (39%)
              
Bill Hughes Jr.*             79%
Dave Cole                      21%
    
NJ-03 – GOP Primary   
 
384 of 571 Precincts Reporting (67%)
              
Tom MacArthur*          60%
Steve Lonegan            40%
        
NJ-03 – DEM Primary   
 
384 of 571 Precincts Reporting (67%)
              
Aimee Belgard*            82%
Bruce Todd                  12%
Howard Kleinhendler    6%

Democractic Congressional Campaign Committee
June 3, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON NJ-01

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Donald Norcross advancing to the general election in New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District:

“Congratulations to Donald Norcross on his victory tonight. Donald Norcross is committed to working together to grow the region’s economy, create new jobs, and grow the middle class. Voters in this safe Democratic district are eager to send Donald Norcross to Congress because he will put New Jersey families first and will be a voice for the middle class and seniors.

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON NJ-02

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Bill Hughes advancing to the general election in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District:

“Congratulations to Bill Hughes on his victory in tonight’s primary. Bill Hughes is a common sense problem solver who will work to find solutions that grow South Jersey’s middle class and create more jobs. I’m confident Bill Hughes will run an aggressive campaign to hold Congressman LoBiondo accountable for the record-high unemployment in South Jersey and he will put middle class families first instead of the special interests.”

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON NJ-03

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Aimee Belgard advancing to the general election in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District:
 
“I congratulate Aimee Belgard on her primary victory. Aimee Belgard will put New Jersey’s middle class families first and is committed to working together to find solutions that grow the region’s economy and create more jobs. She will stand up for the families and small businesses who are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and will fight to get them the resources they need.
 
“On the other hand, Tom MacArthur’s agenda is clear: stack the deck for special interests and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of the middle class – and nothing could be further from the values of this district that went for President Obama in 2008 and 2012.”

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON NJ-12

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Bonnie Watson Coleman advancing to the general election in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District:

“Congratulations to Bonnie Watson Coleman on her well-deserved victory in tonight’s primary. Bonnie Watson Coleman will be a tireless fighter for middle class families and seniors in Washington. While Republicans in Congress continue their mission to sell out the middle class in order to help billionaires and the special interests, New Jersey voters in this strong Democratic district are eager to send Bonnie Watson Coleman to Washington to fight for working families and seniors.”


  NEW MEXICO  
Republican Governors Association
June 3, 2014

RGA Statement on the New Mexico Gubernatorial Primary

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association issued the following statement on the outcome of today’s New Mexico gubernatorial primary election:

“Governor Susana Martinez is focused on moving New Mexico forward by diversifying the economy, balancing the budget and reforming education,” said RGA Chairman Chris Christie. “The results she has achieved provide a solid foundation for New Mexico’s future.  Governor Martinez eliminated the largest structural deficit in state history without raising taxes, enacted much-needed classroom reforms to provide children with a quality education and cut taxes 24 times to make New Mexico business friendly. The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Governor Martinez’s re-election campaign.”

“Governor Martinez is fighting every day to make the tough decisions to move New Mexico forward. Too much progress has been made to turn back now,” said RGA Executive Director Phil Cox. “Gary King, on the other hand, lacks any record of leadership. His tenure as attorney general has been marred by shortcoming and failure. Four years ago, New Mexico voters chose a new path under Governor Martinez, and they will continue moving New Mexico forward this November.”
 
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Democratic Congressional Campaign Commiittee
June 4, 2014

DCCC CHAIRMAN STEVE ISRAEL STATEMENT ON NM-02

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel released the following statement regarding Rocky Lara advancing to the general election in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District:

“I congratulate Rocky Lara on her victory tonight in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary election. As a local community leader, Rocky Lara has balanced budgets and fought for good jobs in southern New Mexico, and she has built a well-deserved reputation as a problem-solver.  Middle class families are tired of Congressman Steve Pearce’s reckless record that shut down the federal government, blocked bipartisan immigration reform and stacks the deck for special interests and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of middle class families. We’re confident Rocky will run an aggressive campaign that holds Congressman Pearce accountable for his wrong priorities that have put his privileges and perks above the needs of southern New Mexicans.”

   SOUTH DAKOTA  

South Dakota Democratic Party

Knecht Statement on Democratic Primary Election for Governor

Sioux Falls (June 3, 2014) — South Dakota Democratic Party Chairwoman Deb Knecht released the following statement after Rep. Susan Wismer (D-Britton) was declared the winner of the Democratic primary election for Governor: 

“South Dakota Democrats and Independents have decided it’s time to send the first woman to the governor’s office. Congratulations to Rep. Susan Wismer for earning the Democratic nomination for Governor. She is the first woman ever in South Dakota history to be nominated by a major party for Governor. We couldn’t be more proud of her as she stands up against Gov. Dennis Daugaard this November. It’s long past time South Dakotans had a voice in Pierre who’ll fight to raise the minimum wage, expand Medicaid, and invest in high quality education for our kids. 
 
“We extend our gratitude to former state fire chief Joe Lowe, whose passion and enthusiasm will be an asset for Democrats in South Dakota for years to come. Rest assured this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Joe and his efforts to bring fairness and integrity to Pierre.
 
“Together, Democrats are going to win this November!”