Calif. Senate
Sen Dianne Feinstein (D) v.
Rep. Tom Campbell (R)
Los Angeles Times: "When the nation's most populous state has in its senator an experienced legislator who is in step with California on the major issues and who is known as a tough and effective representative, any opponent has to make an extraordinary case for change. Campbell hasn't made that case. ...What the people of California most need is a senator with a strong sense of leadership and the ability to set priorities in line with constituents and to be effective in Washington. Feinstein is such a senator." (Los Angeles, Calif., 10/25/00)
Sacramento Bee: "Firmly positioned in the political middle on a wide range of issues, she has earned her popular spot in the public eye. Over the course of her public service, Feinstein has matured into a responsive, centrist lawmaker with a growing legacy of service and legislative leadership. Given the often-fractious nature of the state's congressional delegation, she must often take the lead in shepherding California interests through Washington, a role she plays with increasing skill and influence." (Sacramento, Calif., 10/21/00)
San Jose Mercury News: "This is not an easy choice for us. But on balance we think California will be better served by sending Feinstein back to Washington. Feinstein has represented California from the center, working diligently over the years on projects such as the creation of national parks in the desert in Southern California and the purchase of the Headwaters redwood forest. ...California could be well represented by either of these candidates. Feinstein is a pragmatist who has proven her ability to get things done..." (San Jose, Calif., 10/27/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Calif. 15th District
Jim Cunneen (R) v. Mike Honda (D)
San Jose Mercury News: "In their increasingly negative TV ads and mailings, Honda and Cunneen have been drawing big differences from minor distinctions. You'd never know that in terms of most domestic issues, voters could flip a coin to choose between them. Both hold a similar commitment to abortion rights, gun control, health care and education. It is in the area of leadership—a demonstrated ability to get things done, a capacity to serve in Congress, and a willingness to take strong stands in opposition to party leadership—that the differences become plain, and the choice becomes clear. That is why we recommend Jim Cunneen's election." (San Jose, Calif., 10/13/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Calif. 27th District
Rep. James Rogan (R) v. Adam Schiff (D)
Los Angeles Times: "The (race) has drawn national attention and millions of campaign dollars, largely because of Rogan's bulldog role as one of the House managers of the impeachment case against President Clinton. Rogan insists he kept an open mind on the impeachment issue until just before the House vote, but he could have better used that time serving the needs of his district...Schiff, his opponent, has been an able leader in Sacramento as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is more in tune with the needs of this Pasadena-Glendale-area district. We urge a vote for Schiff." (Los Angeles, Calif., 10/22/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Del. Senate
Sen. Bill Roth (R) v. Gov. Tom Carper (D)
The Inquirer: "Mr. Roth's key argument for reelection, after 30 years in the Senate, seems to be that Delawarians can't afford to lose his clout as chairman of the Finance Committee. Trouble is, he uses that power to tilt the government the wrong way on fiscal policy—toward excessive tax cuts and away from debt reduction and overdue domestic investments (education, health care, etc.). ...Based on his glittering record as governor and as congressman, Mr. Carper would bring a bipartisan spark to the Senate." (Philadelphia, Pa., 10/27/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Fla. Senate
Rep. Bill McCollum (R) v. Bill Nelson (D)
Gainesville Sun: "In truth, this election isn't about Bill McCollum vs. Bill Clinton and the "Hollywood super rich." It's about which candidate will do a better job protecting the interests of Florida and Floridians in the U.S. Senate. On the basis of the public record alone, Nelson wins that contest hands down." (Gainesville, Fla., 10/21/00)
Miami Herald: "The two major parties have nominated worthy men to battle for the office. The differences between them on many issues are wide and clear. But of the two, Bill Nelson, currently Florida's insurance commissioner and a former 12-year veteran of Congress, is best suited by temperament and issues to represent all Floridians." (Miami, Fla., 10/22/00)
Orlando Sentinel: "Mr. Nelson easily discusses solutions to the most complex economic and financial issues facing this country. As one example, he supports limited tax cuts, preferring to pay down the federal debt and fix Social Security and Medicare. That's a sensible, minding-the-store approach that voters can appreciate in the Democrats' race for United States Senate." (Orlando, Fla., 10/22/00)
St. Petersburg Times: "...Democrat Bill Nelson fits the Florida mold of responsible moderation. Nelson brings to the race not only 12 competent prior years in Congress, but the six most recent years as Florida's treasurer and insurance commissioner, where he has proved himself in battle with special interests. His Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum, has been too doctrinaire throughout his 20 years in Congress—where he preached but did not practice term limits—and his conservatism has been less compassionate than cruel. He has been conspicuously indulgent toward special interests, especially banking and the gun lobby." (St. Petersburg, Fla., 10/18/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Fla. 8th District
Linda Chapin (D) v. Ric Keller (R)
Orlando Sentinel: "Mr. Keller, a lawyer, has served his community primarily as the head of a mentoring initiative. But he has focused too much of his campaign on ugly sniping. There's simply no need for such antics. ...Mr. Keller also is sharply partisan, which is no asset. Mrs. Chapin, by contrast, is a true leader. The first person to hold the job of county chairman, she molded it into the powerful, respected position it is today. Mrs. Chapin has promised to bring some much-needed civility into the national discourse. With her moderate views, she stands to succeed." (Gainesville, Fla., 10/21/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Ky. 6th District
Rep. Ernie Fletcher (R) v. Scotty Baesler (D)
Lexington Herald-Leader: "Rep. Ernie Fletcher, in his first term of office, has worked hard for the district and has begun building a reputation as a reasonable moderate in the Republican Congress. ...But Baesler, the former Lexington mayor who served three terms in the House before narrowly losing a Senate bid, is far more experienced. Not just in the number of years, but in the quality of his service. With changes expected in health care and Social Security, Kentucky could use him in Washington, especially if the Democrats regain control of the House." (San Jose, Calif., 10/13/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Mich. Senate
Sen. Spencer Abraham (R) v. Debbie Stabenow (D)
The Detroit News: "There's not much flashy about Mr. Abraham. He is not often in the Senate spotlight. But he is a tireless worker on behalf of Michigan residents and the nation, burrowing into important issues and providing common sense solutions to divisive problems. ...Sen. Spencer Abraham clearly has the better record on issues important to Michigan, and for that reason he receives our endorsement for re-election to the U.S. Senate." (Detroit, Mich., 10/15/00)
Detroit Free Press: "If they were to be judged solely by campaign commercials, neither Spencer Abraham nor Debbie Stabenow would seem particularly worthy of a seat in the U.S. Senate. It has been nasty and negative from the get-go between these two. ...The result has been one giant distortion. ...That said, we believe Michigan voters would be better served by the election of Debbie Stabenow to the U.S. Senate. It's a close call. Abraham is hitting stride after one term and becoming increasingly effective for Michigan, but we side with Stabenow on more issues." (Detroit, Mich., 10/24/00)
Lansing State Journal: "[V]oters must make their choice without benefit of ... [knowing] what the federal surplus will be in the next five to 10 years. ...Voters are left, then, to choose candidates who will best represent their interest regardless of projected surplus. ...We endorse Debbie Stabenow and urge her election. ... Stabenow would be more hands-on, would be in Michigan more often, dealing directly with constituents concerns." (Lansing, Mich., 10/24/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Minn. Senate
Sen. Rod Grams (R) v. Mark Dayton (D)
St. Paul Pioneer Press: "Rarely has this newspaper chosen not to offer a recommendation in a major political contest facing Minnesota voters. This fall, we are making an exception. The vagaries of politics and the awkward position of being a plaintiff in a lawsuit against one of the candidates have combined to convince us that 'no endorsement' in Minnesota's U.S. Senate race is the only decision we can make." (St. Paul, Minn., 10/22/00)
Fargo Forum: "Minnesotans should re-elect Sen. Rod Grams to another term. The Republican lawmaker’s conservative approach to most issues offers the state a needed counter-weight to the left wing occupied by Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn. Grams tends to think in terms of less government; Wellstone wants more. But the Democratic senator aside, Grams has matured in office. He’s become a more thoughtful, more engaged senator. While we don’t agree with everything he espouses, he is more in step with the needs of Minnesota and the nation than his opponent, department store heir Mark Dayton." (Fargo, N.D., 10/22/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
N.H. Governor
Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) v. Gordon Humphrey (R)
The Boston Globe: "Jeanne Shaheen's four years as governor of New Hampshire have been marked by economic growth, greater access to public kindergarten, and expanded health-insurance coverage for childen. Her signal failure has been the weak leadership she has provided on improving the state's unfair system of financing public schools...With Jeanne Shaheen, voters are more sure of what they are getting: a down-to-earth, pragmatic problem-solver...(She) deserves another term in Concord." (Boston, Mass., 10/22/00)
The Union Leader: "This election is about whether we will have a huge new tax, most likely an income tax, which is certain to happen under Gov. Shaheen; or whether we will put New Hampshire back on track, under an experienced, no-nonsense governor like Gordon Humphrey, who isn’t afraid to lead...It is your choice, New Hampshire. It is also your last chance." (Manchester, N.H., 10/22/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
N.J. Senate
Jon Corzine (D) v. Rep. Bob Franks (R)
The New York Times: "If political philosophy were the only consideration, we would be for Mr. Corzine. But the more responsible way that Mr. Franks has conducted his campaign, in combination with an acceptably moderate record, has earned our endorsement. We believe Bob Franks is a candidate with greater experience and an unquestioned commitment to financial openness and to diminishing, by legislation and personal example, the influence of money in politics." (New York, N.Y., 10/25/00)
New York Daily News: "Truly a man of and for the 21st century, Corzine would be a strong voice in the Senate on the importance of the New Economy in productivity, wealth creation and job growth. After all, he's an expert. His brilliant Wall Street career brought him to the top of Goldman Sachs, and in 1997, Time magazine called him one of America's top 50 technology executives. ...People lament that individuals who are highly successful in the private sector are too often unwilling to transfer their efforts to the public arena. Corzine is a refreshing departure from that." (New York, N.Y., 10/26/00)
Trenton Times: "Mr. Corzine has the courage to campaign as a liberal, although he prefers the less loaded term 'activist.' He believes government is part of the solution, not part of the problem. He believes also that, in a time of unprecedented prosperity—a prosperity for which government surely can take some of the credit—the country can afford to spend some of its surplus funds to address its most troubling social ills." (Trenton, N.J., 10/25/00)
The Inquirer: "If he wins, Mr. Corzine would enter the Senate without ever having run for a seat on a planning board, school board, county office or legislative seat. Often, he hasn't bothered to vote in such elections. No voter can know whether he will have the savvy or tenaciousness to get any of his programs through the laborious Senate process. You just have to trust that millionaires can do anything. ...New Jersey voters, who get to decide one of the most watched Senate races in recent history, should go with experience. They should elect Bob Franks." (Philadelphia, Pa., 10/34/00)
For more coverage from The Post and Congressional Quarterly, click here.
Early Returns Archive
