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Politics 2002
Campaigns and Elections Archive
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Torricelli Quits Campaign
Democrats in New Jersey rushed to find a replacement for Senator Robert Torricelli after he dropped out of the race yesterday. Torricelli was "severely admonished" last summer by a senate committee for an ethics violation and has lost ground to his Republican opponent ever since. Republicans vow to fight against Democrat's plan to put a new name on the ballot...New Jersey law forbids the replacement of candidates within 51 days of an election. NPR's Mara Liasson reports.
October 1, 2002.
Bush and Race in Texas
NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports on President Bush's efforts to help a fellow Republican in the Texas Senate race. Republican nominee John Cornyn is running against former Dallas mayor Ron Kirk, a Democrat. Bush's second trip to his home state to help out Cornyn shows the election is tight.
Sept. 27, 2002.
New Jersey Senate Race
NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the challenges facing New Jersey Sen. Robert Torricelli's bid for re-election. His competitor, Republican candidate Doug Forrester, is doing better than expected. Torricelli's violation of Senate ethics rules could spell his downfall... and could cost the Democrats control of the Senate.
Sept. 24, 2002.
A Florida Election Debacle -- Again
NPR's Pam Fessler reports on two Florida counties that are yet again at the center of an election spectacle: Broward and Miami-Dade. Eighteen-hundred missing ballots were found in Miami-Dade County after results had been reported. Tampa attorney Bill McBride has claimed victory over Janet Reno in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, but Reno is not conceding defeat.
Sept. 14, 2002.
Florida Election Debacle
NPR's Pam Fessler reports on two Florida counties that are yet again at the center of an election spectacle: Broward and Miami-Dade. Eighteen-hundred missing ballots were found in Miami-Dade County after results had been reported. Tampa attorney Bill McBride has claimed victory over Janet Reno in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, but Reno is not conceding defeat. (5:21)
September 13, 2002
Florida Folly
Another election in Florida may be subject to a recount after new polling equipment malfunctioned and other election-day problems marred the governor's Democratic primary election there. Host Bob Edward's talks to NPR's Phillip Davis about the election, which is still undecided. (3:51)
September 12, 2002
Mr. Smith Leaves Washington
New Hampshire Public Radio's Trish Anderton reports on Tuesday's Republican primary for the Senate, where two-term incumbent Bob Smith was ousted by Congressman John Sununu. Smith's fate may have been sealed by his 1999 denunciation of and resignation from the GOP. The move was temporary, but it resulted in bad feelings, and it may have been what gave Sununu the win. Next for the Republicans: a tough general election contest against Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen. (3:00)
September 11, 2002
Florida Election Snafu
NPR's Phillip Davis reports on the still-disputed Democratic primary for governor of Florida, in which political newcomer Bill McBride currently holds a narrow lead over longtime frontrunner Janet Reno. But voting machine malfunctions and other problems led to a temporary cessation of counting last night in several South Florida counties -- considered Reno country. What happened is an embarrassment to Florida officials, who thought they had solved the problems that gave the state such headache two years ago during the presidential election. (4:15)
September 11, 2002
Election Roundup
NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the 12 elections that took place Tuesday. Incumbent Sen. Bob Smith was defeated in New Hampshire's primary by Rep. John Sununu for that state's Republican nomination. Florida's primary election for governor was marred by unsettling election booth malfunctions reminiscent of the 2000 presidential election. (6:54)
September 11, 2002
Florida Primary Voting
Host Jacki Lyden speaks to NPR's Phillip Davis about problems in today's Florida primary. The state, which was the center of attention for its election problems in the 2000 presidential race, spent millions of dollars revamping voting machines in time for 2002. But this morning, there were machines that failed to work, or took a long time to work. (3:30)
September 10, 2002
Mississippi River Politics
Guest Host Susan Stamberg talks with NPR's Senior Correspondent Juan Williams about the five Senate races that are taking place in states bordering the Mississippi River. The outcome of those races could determine which party controls the Senate next year. (4:58)
September 6, 2002
New Hampshire Senate Primary
New Hampshire Public Radio's Trish Anderton profiles Tuesday's crucial contest for the Republican Senate nomination in her state. Incumbent Bob Smith riled many in the party when he quit the GOP in 1999, blasting it as too willing to compromise away its conservative principles. Though he returned to the fold within several months, the move left bad feelings in the party, and spawned a primary challenge from Rep. John Sununu, son of the former governor and White House chief of staff. (4:30)
September 5, 2002
New Kennedy Generation
NPR's Brian Naylor reports on two members of the Kennedy family running for political office in Maryland. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, is the Democratic candidate for governor. Mark Kennedy Shriver, son of Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy, is competing to become the Democratic candidate to take on incumbent Republican Congresswoman Connie Morella. (4:41)
September 4, 2002
Andrew Cuomo
Andrea Bernstein of member station WNYC reports on Andrew Cuomo's withdrawal from the race for Governor of New York. The son of former New York State Governor, Mario Cuomo, dropped out weeks before the Democratic primary. (3:43)
September 4, 2002
2002 Election Races
Robert Siegel talks with Marshall Wittmann, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, and with Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, about the election races to watch this fall. Both analysts agree this will be a vote about George W. Bush's presidency thus far. Some issues of importance: the economy and foreign policy. Various races of importance: senate races in South Dakota, Arkansas, New Jersey, and Missouri. An interesting Senate race is for Republican Phil Gramm's seat, which is showing signs of a possible Democratic resurgence in the president's backyard. (6:00)
September 3, 2002
NC Senate Race
NPR's Adam Hochberg reports on the contest to replace Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC), who is retiring after 30 years in office. On the Democratic side, Erskine Bowles, who was President Clinton's chief of staff, leads the field for Tuesday's primary. But because of the late date of the contest -- the primary was originally scheduled for May but delayed because of state redistricting problems -- there will be no runoff, contrary to North Carolina election law. And some think that a split between Bowles and another white candidate could benefit Dan Blue, who is African American. On the Republican side, Elizabeth Dole is a clear favorite to win the nomination. (5:00)
August 30, 2002
Louisiana Senate Race
In part five of Morning Edition's series on life and politics along the Mississippi River, NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams arrives in Louisiana. There, a tight Senate race hinges on the ability of five different candidates to navigate the unique political allegiances in the state. (7:33)
August 30, 2002
In Maryland, a New Way to Vote
The confusion of the 2000 presidential election led to calls for more reliable ways to vote -- but federal election reform remains stalled. With the 2002 elections only weeks away, Maryland isn't waiting for the feds to take the lead. NPR's Pam Fessler reports on the state's new high-tech voting machines -- see the machines in use, and view an online simulation. (7:31)
Expanded Coverage
August 29, 2002
North Carolina Judicial Elections
Julie Donnelly of North Carolina Public Radio reports on new legislation considered by the North Carolina legislature. If passed, it would set up the first public financing for state judicial elections in the country and make them non-partisan. Supporters say the bill will help restore public confidence in the impartiality and fairness of the judiciary by limiting campaign donations for judicial elections. Opponents say the measure will make special interests even more important in judicial elections by increasing the value of their endorsements. (4:06)
August 28, 2002
Vermont Dark Horse
Vermont Public Radio's John Dillon reports on the nascent presidential campaign of Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. Dark horse candidate Dean is already running hard in important primary states such as Iowa and New Hampshire. (5:12)
August 24, 2002
Arkansas Senate Race
NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams continues his series on political races along the Mississippi River with a look at the people and politics of Arkansas. (7:33)
August 23, 2002
Georgia Primary Results
John Ydstie talks with Michael Binford, associate professor of political science at Georgia State University in Atlanta about yesterday's primaries in Georgia -- who won, who lost and why. Binford says in both the Linder-Barr race and the McKinney-Majette race, voters seemed to react against aggressive and negative campaigns. (4:00)
August 21, 2002
Missouri Senate Race
In this week's installment of his series on critical U.S. Senate races in states along the Mississippi River, NPR's Juan Williams reports on the closely watched election campaign for the Missouri Senate seat currently held by Sen. Jean Carnahan. Sen. Carnahan was appointed to the seat after her late husband, Mel, won the 2000 election, even though he had died in a plane crash. Williams reports on the politics and people of Missouri, focusing on two cities: St. Louis and on Cape Girardeau. (8:40)
August 16, 2002
Washington Mayor Anthony Williams
James Jones of member station WAMU in Washington reports on D.C. mayor Anthony Williams' battle for re-election. Williams doesn't have a place on the September primary ballot, largely due to forgeries on his nominating petitions. Now he hopes to win as a write-in candidate. (3:16)
August 15, 2002
Primary Preview: Colorado, Georgia and Oklahoma
Guest host Steve Inskeep talks to Congressional Quarterly political editor Bob Benenson about the upcoming congressional primary races. Colorado, Georgia, and Oklahoma all have primaries in the next several weeks. (5:00)
August 10, 2002
Iowa Senate Race
This summer, NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams is traveling down the Mississippi river, profiling political races in the states along his route. This week he reports on races in some of the river cities in Iowa. (7:29)
August 9, 2002
Women Governors
NPR's Mara Liasson reports that with yesterday's primaries, two more women nominated for governor have serious chances of victory in November. There are a record five female governors now in office, a number that is likely to increase in this year's mid-term elections. (4:30)
August 7, 2002
Florida Ballot
With the memory of what happened election night in Florida still fresh in people's minds, NPR's Phillip Davis reports on yet another potential political foul up in the Sunshine State. The Sept. 10 ballot for governor instructs voters to "vote for one pair" -- meaning a gubernatorial candidate and his or her running mate. But because no candidate has yet named a running mate, some voters could mistakenly vote for two gubernatorial candidates. Florida Democrats are suing to get the wording changed. (4:00)
August 6, 2002
Primary Races
Washington is quiet in August, but things are hopping elsewhere as states hold primary elections to pick candidates for this fall's congressional races. Host Joe Palca talks with NPR political editor Ken Rudin about what's at stake this fall. (5:00)
August 4, 2002
Dingell v. Rivers
NPR's David Welna previews Tuesday's Democratic primary in a reconfigured Michigan congressional district. The primary pits two incumbent members of Congress -- Lynn Rivers, a four-term Representative, and John Dingell, who is seeking his 24th term. Dingell is the senior member of the House, having first been elected in 1955 to succeed his late father. Seen as both brilliant and obnoxious, Dingell is running scared for the first time in decades, as Rivers is given a shot at an upset. (7:30)
August 2, 2002
Minnesota Senate Race
In the first of five-part series, NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams reports on life and politics along the Mississippi River. On Fridays in August he'll talk with people about the November elections and the issues that will determine the way they vote. Here he visits the mighty river's birthplace: the state of Minnesota. (7:48)
August 2, 2002
Democrats
NPR National political correspondent Mara Liasson reports on the meeting of the Democratic Leadership Council in New York this week. Democratic presidential hopefuls lined up in New York for a chance to take aim at President Bush's handling of the economy and corporate corruption. (4:41)
July 31, 2002
Democratic Leadership Council Meeting
The Democratic Leadership Council was founded by officeholders who wanted a more pro-growth image for the Democratic Party on economics. Since then, the group has claimed credit for moderating Democrats' views on business -- and for nominating presidential candidates who won the popular vote in each of the last three elections for the White House. But with public attitudes toward business turning sharply negative, does it make sense to court business? NPR's National Political Correspondent reports from the DLC's annual meeting, being held this year in New York City. (4:15)
July 29, 2002
Political Advertising
Guest host Brian Naylor speaks with political consultants Alex Castellanos and Peter Fenn to get a preview of what voters can expect to hear from congressional candidates as mid-term elections approach this fall. (8:42)
July 28, 2002
D.C. Mayor's Ballot Problems
Lisa Nurnberger of member station WAMU reports on a decision by the Washington, D.C. Elections Board to deny a spot on this fall's Democratic primary ballot to incumbent Mayor Anthony Williams. The mayor has enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, but many of those signatures were collected by campaign workers who may have violated city election laws. (2:45)
July 27, 2002
J.C. Watts Declines to Run Again
Oklahoma Congressman J.C. Watts recently announced that he will not seek re-election to a fifth term. The decision has House Republicans scrambling to replace him as chairman of the House Republican Caucus - the party's fourth highest-ranking post. But Watts' pending departure also focuses attention on his role as the only black Republican in Congress. NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams spoke with Watts in his Capitol Hill office. (7:31)
July 22, 2002
Janet Reno's Dance Party
NPR's Phillip Davis reports that Florida gubernatorial candidate Janet Reno held a dance party fundraiser last night in South Beach. (4:00)
July 20, 2002
Latino Gubernatorial Candidates
Latino candidates are poised to take over governors' mansions in Texas and New Mexico this fall. Jacki Lyden talks to Dallas Morning News columnist Ruben Navarette about the growing power of Hispanic voters. (6:31)
July 20, 2002
Republican Reactions
As the Republican National Committee meets in San Francisco, Scott Shafer of member station KQED reports on GOP reaction to this year's corporate scandals and the impact they may have on November's elections. (3:39)
July 19, 2002
New Hampshire Senate Race
NPR national political correspondent Mara Liasson reports on a New Hampshire primary race. Incumbent Sen. Bob Smith, who left the Republican party and then returned, is being challenged by Congressman John Sununu, the son of former President Bush's chief of staff. (7:21)
July 17, 2002
Controversial Congressional Race in Michigan
Quinn Klinefelter of member station WDET reports on the controversy surrounding Michigan's 12th district congressional race. Michigan state lawmaker William Callahan is in hot water after saying he'd be a better choice to represent the heavily Catholic district, because his opponent is Jewish. (3:30)
July 13, 2002
House Elections
Host Bob Edwards talks to U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) and U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) about the fall House elections. Davis and Lowey chair their respective parties' House campaign committees, which dispense funds and advice to candidates. Across the country, candidates from both parties are back in their districts for the July 4 holiday, campaigning. To retake control of the House from the Republicans, Democrats would need a net gain of seven seats. As many as three dozen of the 435 contests are considered close. (7:30)
July 4, 2002
Alabama's Hilliard Defeated
NPR's Kathy Lohr reports on the defeat of black Congressman Earl Hilliard of Alabama in his bid for renomination. Though some say that the Middle East conflict is responsible, that may not be the full explanation. (3:35)
Expanded Coverage
July 2, 2002
J.C. Watts
Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts, the only black Republican in Congress, announces his retirement. Watts will not seek re-election. Bob Edwards talks with NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams about this and other major political events of the week.
July 1, 2002
Schorr Commentary on Alabama Race
NPR Senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr contributes his thoughts about the primary loss of incumbent Rep. Earl Hilliard of Alabama, where the Middle East conflict played a part in the election.
June 30, 2002
John Edwards Profile
NPR's Mara Liasson reports on the potential presidential candidacy of John Edwards, a North Carolina Democrat who is still in his first term in the Senate. Edwards is rich, handsome, and ambitious. With two years to go before the next presidential election, Edwards is doing what he should be doing -- raising money, getting exposure, and meeting party activists in crucial states like New Hampshire.
June 28, 2002
Providence Mayor Convicted
A jury convicts Providence, R.I., Mayor Vincent "Buddy" Cianci Jr. of racketeering and conspiracy. Despite a poll showing that most people in Providence think he's guilty, Cianci's popularity and approval rating remain high. He plans to run for re-election. Martha Beninger of member station WRNI reports.
June 25, 2002
Alabama Congressional Race
NPR's Kathy Lohr previews the Democratic runoff in Alabama between Rep. Earl Hilliard and Artur Davis. Both candidates are black, and the district is majority African-American. Yet, the race has centered on the improbable issues of the war in the Middle East, money from Jewish organizations, and charges of anti-Semitism.
June 24, 2002
Ventura Won't Run
Gov. Jesse Ventura makes the surprise announcement that he will not seek a second term. The news comes one day after a Minneapolis newspaper reported that Ventura's 22-year-old son had been using the governor's official residence for parties. Mark Zdechlik of Minnesota Public Radio reports.
June 18, 2002
The Controversial Cynthia McKinney
NPR's Joshua Levs reports from Atlanta on a congressional campaign that has sparks flying. Incumbent Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney has always been a controversial figure, but this year she rocked the political world with public statements suggesting that President Bush knew in advance about Sept 11, but did nothing to stop it because people close to him would benefit financially from the attacks. McKinney has wide support in her district, but her challenger this year is another African-American woman, who may be giving her a tough run.
June 16, 2002
New Jersey Primary
In Republican Senate primary in New Jersey three candidates compete for the nomination to run against incumbent Democrat Robert Torricelli. New Jersey Republicans, who haven't won a Senate seat in 30 years, are trying to capitalize on questions about campaign contributions Torricelli accepted in the past. NPR's David Welna reports.
June 3, 2002
Jesse Ventura Wears Thin with Many
Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura is wearing thin with many voters, and his relationship with the state legislature is at an all-time low. But he remains optimistic, even while contenders for the office use his wrestling and football forays as political cannon fodder. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
May 21, 2002
Pennsylvania Primary
NPR's Brian Naylor previews a bitter Democratic primary in southwestern Pennsylvania between two incumbent congressmen. The candidates -- John Murtha and Frank Mascara -- were thrown together in the same district by Republicans who control the state legislature and governorship. It's another example of how redistricting may play a bg part in deciding who controls the U.S. House in the next Congress.
May 20, 2002
Pennsylvania Dems
Jenn Rehill of Pennsylvania Public Radio reports that the state's Democratic Party is gearing up to take back the governorship after eight years of Republican rule. But first, the party must decide who will represent it.
May 19, 2002
Newark Mayor's Race
David Cruz of member station WBGO has a report on this year's bruising Newark, N.J., mayoral race. Incumbent Sharpe James is running neck-and-neck with challenger Cory Booker, his first serious opponent in almost 16 years as mayor.
May 11, 2002
Southern Demographic Shifts
Scott Simon talks with Earl Black and Merle Black, authors of The Rise of Southern Republicans, about changing demographics in the South. They also eaxamine some upcoming political races.
May 11, 2002
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