2008 races
August 04, 2007
In 2006, the Secretary of State Project raised over $500,000 and helped elect five reformers to the chief elections office in key battleground states. Dollar for dollar, our model proved to be one of the most effective political investments of the cycle.
We continue this work in 2008 and beyond as opportunities arise to employ partisan fundraising and independent expenditures in the service of election transparency and reform.
There are two states with open races for Secretary of State in 2008: Oregon and West Virginia. Three state senators are running for the democratic nomination in Oregon: Kate Brown, Vicki Walker, and Rick Metsger. The winner will be determined in the primary on May 20. West Virginia’s primary is May 13 and three candidates are vying for the democratic nomination: Billy Wayne Bailey, Joe DeLong, and Natalie Tennant
In two states there will be challenges to a sitting incumbent republican Secretary of State. In Montana, Democrat Linda McCulloch is trying to unseat ultra-conservative Brad Johnson. In Washington, candidates have until June 6 to file to take on Republican Sam Reed.
In Missouri, Democrat Robin Carnahan should easily win reelection to her chief election officer position. However, given the importance of a fair election in Missouri, we need to be vigilant in this state.
We are also looking to elect reform minded democrats in key counties of 2008 battleground states. Given the winner take all electoral college system, removing a Republican operative from running the election in two or three key counties could have a profound effect on the election.
If you have suggestions for 2008 targeting email us at secstateproject - at - gmail - dot - com.