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Florida Voting Issues, New Beto O’Rourke Ad and Scenes From the Final Day Before the Midterms Florida Voting Issues, New Beto O’Rourke Ad and Scenes From the Final Day Before the Midterms
(35 minutes later)
After all the debates, rallies, ads and barbs, it’s almost here: Election Day is Tuesday. Voters across the United States will choose the winning candidates for 435 seats in the House of Representatives and nearly three dozen seats in the Senate. Thirty-six states will elect governors, including in high-profile contests in Florida and Georgia.
New York Times journalists are reporting from around the country as candidates make their final pitches to the voters who will help reshape the United States for the next two years.New York Times journalists are reporting from around the country as candidates make their final pitches to the voters who will help reshape the United States for the next two years.
• Here’s a guide to how, when and where to vote on Tuesday.• Here’s a guide to how, when and where to vote on Tuesday.
• Make sense of the people and ideas shaping the election — and its aftermath — with our politics newsletter.• Make sense of the people and ideas shaping the election — and its aftermath — with our politics newsletter.
MIAMI — Voting machine glitches and ballot omissions in Florida made headlines on Monday after they were identified by local elections officials and a civil rights advocacy group.MIAMI — Voting machine glitches and ballot omissions in Florida made headlines on Monday after they were identified by local elections officials and a civil rights advocacy group.
A federal judge in Gainesville ruled that Duval County, home to the city of Jacksonville, should have posted sample ballots in Spanish at early polling stations, as mandated for 32 Florida counties by a court decision in September. Late Sunday, the advocacy group LatinoJustice PRLDEF sued after learning the samples had not been provided in Duval. A federal judge in Gainesville ruled that Duval County, home to Jacksonville, should have posted sample ballots in Spanish at early polling stations, as mandated for 32 Florida counties by a court decision in September. Late Sunday, the advocacy group LatinoJustice PRLDEF sued after learning the samples had not been provided in Duval.
By then, it was too late to make a difference — no early polls were open on Monday — but the county elections supervisor, Mike Hogan, plans to post the ballots in precincts on Election Day, according to court documents.By then, it was too late to make a difference — no early polls were open on Monday — but the county elections supervisor, Mike Hogan, plans to post the ballots in precincts on Election Day, according to court documents.
Meanwhile, in Miami-Dade County, some people waited in a long line during the final hours of early voting on Sunday after ballot-printing machines malfunctioned. At one point, pre-printed ballots ran out and more had to be driven in from elsewhere, according to the county elections department. Volunteers offered voters pizza. In Miami-Dade County, some people waited in a long line during the final hours of early voting on Sunday after ballot-printing machines malfunctioned. At one point, preprinted ballots ran out and more had to be driven in from elsewhere, according to the county elections department. Volunteers offered voters pizza.
[Here are six types of misinformation to be aware of on Election Day.][Here are six types of misinformation to be aware of on Election Day.]
Long lines in the 2012 election caused national embarrassment for Miami-Dade, which has since redrawn voting precincts and better-equipped sites to prepare for crowds. But the 2018 ballot is still some eight pages long. Long lines in the 2012 election caused national embarrassment for Miami-Dade, which has since redrawn voting precincts and equipped sites better to prepare for crowds. But the 2018 ballot is still some eight pages long.
Broward County is also on notice for Tuesday. State officials will monitor voting there following a court ruling in May that found the office of the county’s elections supervisor, Brenda Snipes, illegally destroyed some ballots from a 2016 congressional race. Broward County is also on notice for Tuesday. State officials will monitor voting there after a court ruling in May that found the office of the county’s elections supervisor, Brenda Snipes, illegally destroyed some ballots from a 2016 congressional race.
— Patricia Mazzei— Patricia Mazzei
SAN ANTONIO, Tex. — For all the talk about small government in Texas, it sure has a lot of them — 254 counties, the most of any state in the nation.SAN ANTONIO, Tex. — For all the talk about small government in Texas, it sure has a lot of them — 254 counties, the most of any state in the nation.
Representative Beto O’Rourke, the El Paso Democrat trying to thwart Senator Ted Cruz’s re-election, has been to all 254, as everyone in Texas knows by now. It’s a staple of his speeches and the focus of a new campaign ad, titled “On The Road Again” and featuring Willie Nelson. Representative Beto O’Rourke, the El Paso Democrat trying to thwart Senator Ted Cruz’s re-election, has been to all 254, as everyone in Texas knows by now. It’s a staple of his speeches and the focus of a new campaign ad, titled “On the Road Again” and featuring Willie Nelson.
But it’s hard for non-Texans to appreciate the enormity of such a feat. The state consumes more than 260,000 square miles, making it twice the size of Germany. Most Texas politicians don’t even bother trying to visit all the counties because of the time, travel and cost, let alone the ratio between energy expended and votes won. But it’s hard for non-Texans to appreciate the enormity of such a feat. The state consumes more than 260,000 square miles, making it nearly twice the size of Germany. Most Texas politicians don’t even bother trying to visit all the counties because of the time, travel and cost, let alone the ratio between energy expended and votes won.
The congressman’s smallest town hall was likely the one near Lubbock in Dickens County. The population of Dickens County: about 2,200. The population of Mr. O’Rourke’s event at J & M Caprock Café: about 8. The congressman’s smallest town hall was probably the one in Dickens County, near Lubbock. The population of Dickens County: about 2,200. The population of Mr. O’Rourke’s event at J & M Caprock Cafe: about 8.
— Manny Fernandez— Manny Fernandez
CLEVELAND — Mike DeWine, the Republican nominee for governor in Ohio, has tried not to talk much about President Trump in the lead-up to the election.CLEVELAND — Mike DeWine, the Republican nominee for governor in Ohio, has tried not to talk much about President Trump in the lead-up to the election.
Although Mr. Trump carried this bellwether state in 2016 by eight points — after former President Barack Obama won the state twice — Mr. DeWine has focused much more on local issues like the expansion of Medicaid and the work force than on the president. On Friday, he campaigned with outgoing governor John Kasich, a Republican who has been outspoken about his distaste for Mr. Trump. Although Mr. Trump carried this bellwether state in 2016 by eight points — after former President Barack Obama won the state twice — Mr. DeWine has focused much more on local issues like the expansion of Medicaid and the work force than on the president. On Friday, he campaigned with the departing governor, John Kasich, a Republican who has been outspoken about his distaste for Mr. Trump.
But on Monday afternoon, Mr. Trump and Mr. DeWine appeared together on stage at rally here at the International Exposition Center, near the airport. (“I believe I’m going to win,” Mr. DeWine said in a brief interview on Sunday, by way of explanation. “And it would be important for me as governor to have a good relationship with the president.”)But on Monday afternoon, Mr. Trump and Mr. DeWine appeared together on stage at rally here at the International Exposition Center, near the airport. (“I believe I’m going to win,” Mr. DeWine said in a brief interview on Sunday, by way of explanation. “And it would be important for me as governor to have a good relationship with the president.”)
Whether Mr. Trump’s presence would actually carry Mr. DeWine to victory over Richard Cordray, a Democrat, is unclear. Political analysts still view the governor’s race in Ohio as a tossup.Whether Mr. Trump’s presence would actually carry Mr. DeWine to victory over Richard Cordray, a Democrat, is unclear. Political analysts still view the governor’s race in Ohio as a tossup.
In the hours before the rally, a mostly tranquil crowd of Trump supporters, wearing red hats and all manner of Trump pins, trickled into the hall.In the hours before the rally, a mostly tranquil crowd of Trump supporters, wearing red hats and all manner of Trump pins, trickled into the hall.
Sitting on the floor near the front was Jewel Kingsley, 35, sporting a lip ring and two pins with Mr. Trump’s face on them.Sitting on the floor near the front was Jewel Kingsley, 35, sporting a lip ring and two pins with Mr. Trump’s face on them.
“I don’t like Mike DeWine,” she said, as a rally volunteer shooed a reporter away from the aisle. “But I’m going to vote for him.” Although she called him “evil,” she described him as the lesser evil of the two candidates.“I don’t like Mike DeWine,” she said, as a rally volunteer shooed a reporter away from the aisle. “But I’m going to vote for him.” Although she called him “evil,” she described him as the lesser evil of the two candidates.
“I hate him,” she said, “but I hate Democrats more.”“I hate him,” she said, “but I hate Democrats more.”
As Mr. Trump began his remarks, he lamented the fact that there were thousands of people waiting outside the exposition center. “Should we invite them in,” he asked the large crowd inside, who yelled their approval. As Mr. Trump began his remarks, he lamented the fact that thousands of people were waiting outside the exposition center. “Should we invite them in?” he asked the large crowd inside, which yelled its approval.
The problem, he told them, was that there is no more room inside. The problem, he said, was that there is no more room inside.
But in fact, the large, cavernous room that Mr. Trump delivered his remarks in was only part of the exposition center, closed off and made smaller by black curtains. It could have been expanded if the campaign had wanted it. But in fact, the large, cavernous room where Mr. Trump delivered his remarks was only part of the exposition center, closed off and made smaller by black curtains. It could have been expanded if the campaign had wanted it.
And in fact, even as Mr. Trump spoke, an area at the back of the room, behind the press, was largely empty.And in fact, even as Mr. Trump spoke, an area at the back of the room, behind the press, was largely empty.
During the rally, Mr. Trump called out a number of Republican candidates in Ohio, including Representative Jim Jordan and Jim Renacci, the G.O.P. nominee for Senate. He even introduced his daughter Ivanka, who spoke briefly on stage. Mr. Trump then attacked Mr. Cordray, calling him a “far-left radical socialist” and a “disciple of Elizabeth Warren,” before urging the crowd to vote for Mr. DeWine. During the rally, Mr. Trump called out a number of Republican candidates in Ohio, including Representative Jim Jordan and Jim Renacci, the G.O.P. nominee for Senate. He even introduced his daughter Ivanka, who spoke briefly on stage. Mr. Trump then attacked Mr. Cordray, calling him a “far-left radical socialist” and a “disciple of Elizabeth Warren” before urging the crowd to vote for Mr. DeWine.
When Mr. DeWine took the stage, he was comparatively tepid, thanking Mr. Trump for “being back in Ohio” before pivoting to a fairly non-incendiary topic: conservative judges.When Mr. DeWine took the stage, he was comparatively tepid, thanking Mr. Trump for “being back in Ohio” before pivoting to a fairly non-incendiary topic: conservative judges.
”I am very grateful for your support,” Mr. DeWine said, “and I am also very grateful, as we all are, for 82 conservative federal judges that are now on the bench.” “I am very grateful for your support,” Mr. DeWine said, “and I am also very grateful, as we all are, for 82 conservative federal judges that are now on the bench.”
— Sydney Ember and Michael Shear— Sydney Ember and Michael Shear
BISMARCK, N.D. — With less than 48 hours to go, Senator Heidi Heitkamp, considered the most endangered red-state Democrat senator, is leaving it all in the middle of the road. BISMARCK, N.D. — With less than 48 hours to go, Senator Heidi Heitkamp, considered the most endangered red-state Democratic senator, is leaving it all in the middle of the road.
Ms. Heitkamp has been crisscrossing the plains and valleys of North Dakota on a rigorous five-rally-a-day campaign push that began Thursday. She is using what’s left of her hoarse voice to sell voters on her brand of centrist politics and warn against the partisanship her challenger, Representative Kevin Cramer, has embraced.Ms. Heitkamp has been crisscrossing the plains and valleys of North Dakota on a rigorous five-rally-a-day campaign push that began Thursday. She is using what’s left of her hoarse voice to sell voters on her brand of centrist politics and warn against the partisanship her challenger, Representative Kevin Cramer, has embraced.
“I believe in my heart this is the single most important election of my lifetime,” Ms. Heitkamp told supporters gathered here on an icy Monday morning at the A.F.L. office,“because it is a calibrating election.” “I believe in my heart this is the single most important election of my lifetime,” Ms. Heitkamp told supporters gathered here on an icy Monday morning at the A.F.L. office, “because it is a calibrating election.”
“This is an election on where are we going to go, how are we going to speak as the American people to solve problems,” she continued. “And I believe at the end of the day when you have someone who promised you one thing — and that is to be 100 percent with one side — that is not somebody who is going to solve that problem.”“This is an election on where are we going to go, how are we going to speak as the American people to solve problems,” she continued. “And I believe at the end of the day when you have someone who promised you one thing — and that is to be 100 percent with one side — that is not somebody who is going to solve that problem.”
Here in North Dakota, Ms. Heitkamp’s supporters proudly say, voters have traditionally eschewed demands for blind partisan adherence in favor of a careful individual vetting of candidates.Here in North Dakota, Ms. Heitkamp’s supporters proudly say, voters have traditionally eschewed demands for blind partisan adherence in favor of a careful individual vetting of candidates.
Are they certain that will remain true come Tuesday?Are they certain that will remain true come Tuesday?
“Well,” one supporter said, “We certainly hope so.”“Well,” one supporter said, “We certainly hope so.”
— Catie Edmonson— Catie Edmonson
ORLANDO, Fla. — Nancy Batista is a 32-year-old Guatemalan immigrant with a file full of voters to contact and a message for President Trump.ORLANDO, Fla. — Nancy Batista is a 32-year-old Guatemalan immigrant with a file full of voters to contact and a message for President Trump.
“How many more things can we tolerate?” she said, canvassing with a half-dozen Latinos on a sleepy cul-de-sac. “We all feel like we have been targeted.”“How many more things can we tolerate?” she said, canvassing with a half-dozen Latinos on a sleepy cul-de-sac. “We all feel like we have been targeted.”
Ms. Batista oversees the Florida operation for Mi Familia Vota, a Latino civic group that says it has registered some 30,000 new voters in the state this cycle, about half of them Puerto Ricans.Ms. Batista oversees the Florida operation for Mi Familia Vota, a Latino civic group that says it has registered some 30,000 new voters in the state this cycle, about half of them Puerto Ricans.
[Read more: Who are we talking about when we talk about Latino voters?][Read more: Who are we talking about when we talk about Latino voters?]
While Ms. Batista said the group takes care to avoid partisan advocacy for individual candidates when engaging with voters, it has not been subtle about its feelings toward Mr. Trump. Most recently, it released an advertisement featuring a dramatization of Mr. Trump slapping Latinos across the face. Its title, “Trumpadas,” is a play on the Spanish word “trompada,” which is a punch.While Ms. Batista said the group takes care to avoid partisan advocacy for individual candidates when engaging with voters, it has not been subtle about its feelings toward Mr. Trump. Most recently, it released an advertisement featuring a dramatization of Mr. Trump slapping Latinos across the face. Its title, “Trumpadas,” is a play on the Spanish word “trompada,” which is a punch.
“We are very anxious,” Yadhira Barrios, 39, a canvass organizer, said in Spanish, after a mostly unsuccessful door-knocking swing.“We are very anxious,” Yadhira Barrios, 39, a canvass organizer, said in Spanish, after a mostly unsuccessful door-knocking swing.
But “good work,” she added, “is never in vain.”But “good work,” she added, “is never in vain.”
— Matt Flegenheimer— Matt Flegenheimer
Handshakes. Rallies. A “tax ax.” The New York Times has 16 photographers fanned out across the country covering the final days of campaigning for the midterm elections. Keep up with the latest images here. Handshakes. Rallies. A “tax ax.” The New York Times has 16 photographers fanned out across the country covering the end of the campaign for the midterm elections. Keep up with the latest images here.
LAS VEGAS — Nearly three hundred members of the Culinary Workers Union gathered at headquarters over coffee, granola and breakfast burritos Monday to kick off their election eve canvass, the penultimate push after months of grueling door-knocking across the state on behalf of two Democrats: Jacky Rosen, who is running for Senate, and Steve Sisolak, who is running for governor.LAS VEGAS — Nearly three hundred members of the Culinary Workers Union gathered at headquarters over coffee, granola and breakfast burritos Monday to kick off their election eve canvass, the penultimate push after months of grueling door-knocking across the state on behalf of two Democrats: Jacky Rosen, who is running for Senate, and Steve Sisolak, who is running for governor.
“We vote, we win! We vote, we win,” the members chanted repeatedly throughout the kickoff event, which featured Ms. Rosen and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat elected in 2016 with union help.“We vote, we win! We vote, we win,” the members chanted repeatedly throughout the kickoff event, which featured Ms. Rosen and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat elected in 2016 with union help.
“I’m running to repeal and replace Dean Heller,” quipped Ms. Rosen, cribbing a popular political slogan used by Republicans. Her campaign has hammered incumbent Senator Dean Heller, a Republican, over his vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. “I’m running to repeal and replace Dean Heller,” quipped Ms. Rosen, cribbing a popular political slogan used by Republicans. Her campaign has hammered the incumbent senator, Dean Heller, a Republican, over his vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
“I’m excited, really excited, and a little nervous,” she told reporters. She avoided commenting on the national stakes of the Senate race in Nevada. “I’m not a pundit, and we’ll leave that to the pollsters. But I believe we’re going to win.”“I’m excited, really excited, and a little nervous,” she told reporters. She avoided commenting on the national stakes of the Senate race in Nevada. “I’m not a pundit, and we’ll leave that to the pollsters. But I believe we’re going to win.”
— Jose A. Del Real— Jose A. Del Real
LOWELL, Ind. — Predictions of a Democratic wave are hard to find in northern Indiana. At a get-out-the-vote rally in a barn here this past weekend, hundreds of Republicans celebrated over brats and cornbread.LOWELL, Ind. — Predictions of a Democratic wave are hard to find in northern Indiana. At a get-out-the-vote rally in a barn here this past weekend, hundreds of Republicans celebrated over brats and cornbread.
“The blue wave everyone is talking about will be the tears of the Democrats,” said Mark Paul John, a painter who describes himself as a “freedom artist.”“The blue wave everyone is talking about will be the tears of the Democrats,” said Mark Paul John, a painter who describes himself as a “freedom artist.”
“The Democrats, they are not listening,” he said as he displayed a painting of soldiers he had given police officers in Ferguson, Mo., after the killing of Michael Brown, a black, unarmed teenager who was shot by an officer. “They are just complaining.” “The Democrats, they are not listening,” he said as he displayed a painting of soldiers he had given police officers in Ferguson, Mo., after the killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager who was shot by an officer. “They are just complaining.”
Adam Sedia, 34, a lawyer, said the crowd was larger than at the same event two years ago.Adam Sedia, 34, a lawyer, said the crowd was larger than at the same event two years ago.
“A lot of people want to keep the momentum going,” he said, one foot up on a hay bale. “I’d like to see more justices like Justices Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh.”“A lot of people want to keep the momentum going,” he said, one foot up on a hay bale. “I’d like to see more justices like Justices Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh.”
Republican confidence was also high outside Indianapolis, at the final stop on Sunday night of the state G.O.P.’s bus tour. David Klingerman, 72, a retired contractor, said he “wasn’t feeling” a blue wave. “I think we’ll hold steady,” he said.Republican confidence was also high outside Indianapolis, at the final stop on Sunday night of the state G.O.P.’s bus tour. David Klingerman, 72, a retired contractor, said he “wasn’t feeling” a blue wave. “I think we’ll hold steady,” he said.
And up in Tippecanoe County, Bea Smith, the president of the local Republican women’s club, predicted a G.O.P. House and Senate.And up in Tippecanoe County, Bea Smith, the president of the local Republican women’s club, predicted a G.O.P. House and Senate.
The surprise on Wednesday, she said, will be “just like when Trump came in.”The surprise on Wednesday, she said, will be “just like when Trump came in.”
— Elizabeth Dias— Elizabeth Dias
TUCKER, Ga. — “Will you give me a hug like you kind of like me?” Stacey Abrams asked a child.TUCKER, Ga. — “Will you give me a hug like you kind of like me?” Stacey Abrams asked a child.
“Tell me your name,” the Democratic nominee for Georgia governor said to person after person.“Tell me your name,” the Democratic nominee for Georgia governor said to person after person.
“Do you think I’m going to share?” she said with a grin after a Nothing Bundt Cakes employee asked how many forks she wanted for the lemon and white chocolate confections. “That’s so cute.”“Do you think I’m going to share?” she said with a grin after a Nothing Bundt Cakes employee asked how many forks she wanted for the lemon and white chocolate confections. “That’s so cute.”
Clear away the weekend’s high-wattage rallies and blizzard of advertisements, and you’ll find that most candidates spent the final days of their campaigns practicing their very personal art of retail politicking, which has always been about more than a simple handshake. Clear away the weekend’s high-wattage rallies and blizzard of advertisements, and you’ll find that most candidates spent the final days of their campaigns practicing the very personal art of retail politicking, which has always been about more than a simple handshake.
It is also a blend of anecdote-summoning, child-noticing, clothing-complimenting, conversation-starting, conversation-ending, and, in 2018, selfie-taking. It is also a blend of anecdote-summoning, child-noticing, clothing-complimenting, conversation-starting, conversation-ending and, in 2018, selfie-taking.
“Your goal is to make contact with any voter that’s open to making contact with you,” said Steve Dettelbach, a candidate for Ohio attorney general. “You put your hand out to somebody and the vast majority of people will shake your hand.”“Your goal is to make contact with any voter that’s open to making contact with you,” said Steve Dettelbach, a candidate for Ohio attorney general. “You put your hand out to somebody and the vast majority of people will shake your hand.”
Even seasoned politicians acknowledge that glad-handing can be something of an acquired skill — for the wooer and the wooed.Even seasoned politicians acknowledge that glad-handing can be something of an acquired skill — for the wooer and the wooed.
“I talk to everyone, but you can usually see micro-signals with people who do not want strangers coming up to them while they’re eating,” Ms. Abrams said with a chuckle. “I’m an introvert by nature, so I know what to look for.”“I talk to everyone, but you can usually see micro-signals with people who do not want strangers coming up to them while they’re eating,” Ms. Abrams said with a chuckle. “I’m an introvert by nature, so I know what to look for.”
Mr. Dettelbach was more blunt about the challenge: “It’s not a normal thing to engage total strangers.”Mr. Dettelbach was more blunt about the challenge: “It’s not a normal thing to engage total strangers.”
Most candidates will shake more hands at Tuesday’s election watch parties. That will bring another test: remembering the names of people from campaign stops long ago.Most candidates will shake more hands at Tuesday’s election watch parties. That will bring another test: remembering the names of people from campaign stops long ago.
— Alan Blinder and Sydney Ember— Alan Blinder and Sydney Ember
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Locked in an extremely tight Senate race here, Josh Hawley has not been shy about comparing his Democratic opponent, Senator Claire McCaskill, to Hillary Clinton.JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Locked in an extremely tight Senate race here, Josh Hawley has not been shy about comparing his Democratic opponent, Senator Claire McCaskill, to Hillary Clinton.
“I’ve got to say the longer I listen to Senator McCaskill, the more she reminds me of the person she wanted to be president,” he said Monday morning at a rally here in the state capital. “You know, Senator McCaskill has been in politics for a lifetime. I am 38. She has been running for office just about as long as I have been alive, just like Hillary.” “I’ve got to say, the longer I listen to Senator McCaskill, the more she reminds me of the person she wanted to be president,” he said Monday morning at a rally here in the state capital. “You know, Senator McCaskill has been in politics for a lifetime. I am 38. She has been running for office just about as long as I have been alive, just like Hillary.”
The line was a winner, drawing a soft chorus of boos. But that’s not where the comparisons stop. Mr. Hawley has pulled himself close to Mr. Trump and as the candidate jetted around the state, the two men were all but rhyming. The line was a winner, drawing a soft chorus of boos. But that’s not where the comparisons stop. Mr. Hawley has pulled himself close to Mr. Trump, and as the candidate jetted around the state, the two men were all but rhyming.
“They have never accepted that the election was legitimate,” he said of Democrats. “They have never accepted that Donald Trump was elected president.”“They have never accepted that the election was legitimate,” he said of Democrats. “They have never accepted that Donald Trump was elected president.”
Mr. Hawley talked through the reaction to Mr. Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, warned of insecurity at the border, and even trotted out one of Mr. Trump’s signature lines. “I say to Senator McCaskill, tomorrow we are going to say to her, ‘You are fired,’” he said.Mr. Hawley talked through the reaction to Mr. Trump’s Supreme Court nominees, warned of insecurity at the border, and even trotted out one of Mr. Trump’s signature lines. “I say to Senator McCaskill, tomorrow we are going to say to her, ‘You are fired,’” he said.
— Nicholas Fandos— Nicholas Fandos
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Standing on a small podium set up in a shopping mall food court, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona had a message for the hundreds of thousands of people who have moved into his state during his time in office.PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Standing on a small podium set up in a shopping mall food court, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona had a message for the hundreds of thousands of people who have moved into his state during his time in office.
“Are you ready to keep the state of Arizona red?” he asked the audience of Republican retirees in Prescott. “Welcome back to America, and remember why you left California.”“Are you ready to keep the state of Arizona red?” he asked the audience of Republican retirees in Prescott. “Welcome back to America, and remember why you left California.”
Republican candidates here are appealing to their state’s moderate to conservative voting history, reminding audiences that despite all the demographic changes, Arizona is not that liberal bastion to the west. Republican candidates here are appealing to their state’s moderate-to-conservative voting history, reminding audiences that despite all the demographic changes, Arizona is not that liberal bastion to the west.
At least not yet. Strategists on both sides say the state’s early voting numbers show strong support for Democrats. That’s unlikely to affect Mr. Ducey, who has a broad lead in the polls, but it has made Democrats more confident about the chances of Representative Kyrsten Sinema, the party’s Senate nominee.At least not yet. Strategists on both sides say the state’s early voting numbers show strong support for Democrats. That’s unlikely to affect Mr. Ducey, who has a broad lead in the polls, but it has made Democrats more confident about the chances of Representative Kyrsten Sinema, the party’s Senate nominee.
— Lisa Lerer— Lisa Lerer
WASHINGTON — Super PACs and party organizations with money left in the bank used the final days before the election to make a few last bets.WASHINGTON — Super PACs and party organizations with money left in the bank used the final days before the election to make a few last bets.
In the first 4 days of November, these outside groups disclosed nearly $8.5 million in new spending to the Federal Election Commission, in races ranging from the most competitive Senate contests to House races that have seen little spending thus far. In the first four days of November, these outside groups disclosed nearly $8.5 million in new spending to the Federal Election Commission, in races ranging from the most competitive Senate contests to House races that have seen little spending thus far.
The biggest investment of the weekend was $670,000 from Integrity NJ, a super PAC opposing Senator Robert Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat who faced bribery and fraud charges that the Justice Department later dropped. The Senate races seen as likely to determine control of the chamber — Missouri, Florida, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana — also drew significant spending.The biggest investment of the weekend was $670,000 from Integrity NJ, a super PAC opposing Senator Robert Menendez, the New Jersey Democrat who faced bribery and fraud charges that the Justice Department later dropped. The Senate races seen as likely to determine control of the chamber — Missouri, Florida, Arizona, Nevada and Indiana — also drew significant spending.
But some money went to races that aren’t on the national radar. Michael Bloomberg’s super PAC, Independence USA, spent more than $400,000 on T.V. ads boosting Kendra Horn, a Democrat, in Oklahoma’s 5th District, a race that saw its first significant super PAC spending during the last week of October. And Maine Liberty PAC, a group whose biggest donors come from Texas, Nevada and California, spent $225,000. The group has been supporting Republican Eric Brakey’s challenge of Maine’s independent senator, Angus King. Polls show King leading the race by double digits. But some money went to races that aren’t on the national radar. Michael Bloomberg’s super PAC, Independence USA, spent more than $400,000 on TV ads boosting Kendra Horn, a Democrat, in Oklahoma’s Fifth District, a race that saw its first significant super PAC spending during the last week of October. And Maine Liberty PAC, a group whose biggest donors come from Texas, Nevada and California, spent $225,000. The group has been supporting Eric Brakey’s Republican challenge to Maine’s independent senator, Angus King. Polls show Mr. King leading the race by double digits.
Even with Election Day less than 24 hours away, the spending continues. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political spending, $7.7 million in spending was reported on Election Day and the day before it in 2016.Even with Election Day less than 24 hours away, the spending continues. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political spending, $7.7 million in spending was reported on Election Day and the day before it in 2016.
— Rachel Shorey— Rachel Shorey