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Republicans vie for Gabrielle Giffords seat in Arizona special election - live Republicans vie for Gabrielle Giffords seat in Arizona special election - live
(40 minutes later)
2.25pm: Both Obama and Romney are in heavy fundraising mode today.
Ah, politicos ... yap about being in touch w/regular Americans while fundraising at ur-elite spots. Romney at Tiger Woods' golf club today.
Patricia Zengerle of Reuters feels the irony: earlier today Mitt Romney was telling supporters that Obama was "out of touch".
Obama says at fundraiser of Romney: "You can pretty much put their campaign on a tweet and have some characters to spare."
Meanwhile, Mike Memoli of the LA Times hears Obama deliver a Twitter-themed zinger at his own fundraiser.
2.10pm: Polling update – Pennsylvania looks likely to stay blue, with Barack Obama leading Mitt Romney by 46% to 40% among Pennsylvania voters, according to a new poll from Quinnipiac.
But North Carolina is looking far less secure, according to PPP:
PPP's newest North Carolina poll finds Mitt Romney leading Barack Obama 48%-46%. It's a small lead but still significant in that it's the first time we've found Romney ahead in our monthly polling of the state since October.
Romney's gained 7 points on Obama in North Carolina since April, when the President led by a 49-44 margin. Since then Romney's erased what was a 51-38 lead for Obama with independents and taken a 42-41 lead with that voting group. He's also increased his share of the Democratic vote from 15% to 20%, suggesting he's convincing some more conservative voters within the party to cross over.
2pm: In case you missed it, the Associated Press's Kasie Hunt had an excellent piece on Mitt Romney's default tactic of secrecy and privacy in his presidential campaign:
Romney, whose views have been shaped both by his years in politics and his nearly three decades in private business, has made a keep-it-under-wraps approach a hallmark of his campaign. He's often broken precedent set by presidential candidates of both parties.
"He is reluctant to disclose information that is standard for disclosure and has become the norm," said Angela Canterbury, policy director for the Project on Government Oversight. And she and others say there's no reason to think that style would change if Romney becomes president.
1.49pm: Mitt Romney actually made some comments about what he would like to replace the Obama administration's healthcare reforms with. The details are still mainly vague but he did even go so far as say he wanted to keep some aspects of the current reforms – such as continued coverage for people with pre-existing conditions – in place, although without saying how exactly:1.49pm: Mitt Romney actually made some comments about what he would like to replace the Obama administration's healthcare reforms with. The details are still mainly vague but he did even go so far as say he wanted to keep some aspects of the current reforms – such as continued coverage for people with pre-existing conditions – in place, although without saying how exactly:
Let's say someone has been continuously insured and they develop a serious condition, and let's say they lose their job or they change jobs, they move and they go to a new place. I don't want them to be denied insurance because they've got some preexisting condition.Let's say someone has been continuously insured and they develop a serious condition, and let's say they lose their job or they change jobs, they move and they go to a new place. I don't want them to be denied insurance because they've got some preexisting condition.
Let's see what the fine print says. Romney also likened health insurance to "the tire, automobile and air-filter markets that he said keep costs down and quality up," the Washington Post's Philip Rucker reports from Orlando:Let's see what the fine print says. Romney also likened health insurance to "the tire, automobile and air-filter markets that he said keep costs down and quality up," the Washington Post's Philip Rucker reports from Orlando:
Romney said his top priority is to care for the nation's uninsured, but that he would make states responsible for providing that service. Romney said he would divert federal Medicaid dollars, as well as other funding, to state governments to help them cover uninsured residents.Romney said his top priority is to care for the nation's uninsured, but that he would make states responsible for providing that service. Romney said he would divert federal Medicaid dollars, as well as other funding, to state governments to help them cover uninsured residents.
1.22pm: After attracting much attention with his "Ronald Reagan is turning in his GOP-grave" remarks (I paraphrase) yesterday, Jeb Bush takes to Twitter today to explain what he was talking about in a series of tweets:1.22pm: After attracting much attention with his "Ronald Reagan is turning in his GOP-grave" remarks (I paraphrase) yesterday, Jeb Bush takes to Twitter today to explain what he was talking about in a series of tweets:
The point I was making yesterday is this: The political system today is hyperpartisan. Both sides are at fault.The point I was making yesterday is this: The political system today is hyperpartisan. Both sides are at fault.
A plague on both your houses? How very bipartisan.A plague on both your houses? How very bipartisan.
1.02pm: The Wisconsin recall election wasn't all bad news for the Democratic party. Racine County's Journal Times reports that the final vote tallies show the Democratic candidate won the final outstanding state senate recall vote – meaning that the Democrats briefly control the Wisconsin state senate:1.02pm: The Wisconsin recall election wasn't all bad news for the Democratic party. Racine County's Journal Times reports that the final vote tallies show the Democratic candidate won the final outstanding state senate recall vote – meaning that the Democrats briefly control the Wisconsin state senate:
The official results from last Tuesday's recall election show former state Senator John Lehman, D-Racine, defeated state Senator Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, by 834 votes.The official results from last Tuesday's recall election show former state Senator John Lehman, D-Racine, defeated state Senator Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, by 834 votes.
That is up from the 779 vote difference before the official election canvass was held Tuesday morning at the Racine County Courthouse, 730 Wisconsin Ave.That is up from the 779 vote difference before the official election canvass was held Tuesday morning at the Racine County Courthouse, 730 Wisconsin Ave.
The final total was Lehman with 36,351 and Wanggaard with 35,517 votes, County Clerk Wendy Christensen read Tuesday after finishing the canvass for the 21st Senate District.The final total was Lehman with 36,351 and Wanggaard with 35,517 votes, County Clerk Wendy Christensen read Tuesday after finishing the canvass for the 21st Senate District.
There's a possible recount but it's thought unlikely to overturn the current margin. So that means the Wisconsin result was only 98% bad news for Democrats.There's a possible recount but it's thought unlikely to overturn the current margin. So that means the Wisconsin result was only 98% bad news for Democrats.
12.35pm: The Guardian's Ruth Spencer follows up on the recent Pew study that showed Americans to be more divided along partisan lines than at any point in the past 25 years:12.35pm: The Guardian's Ruth Spencer follows up on the recent Pew study that showed Americans to be more divided along partisan lines than at any point in the past 25 years:
As part of our people's panel, we asked you if bipartisan friendships or relationships can survive this increasingly divided American society and how this election is affecting your bipartisan relationships.As part of our people's panel, we asked you if bipartisan friendships or relationships can survive this increasingly divided American society and how this election is affecting your bipartisan relationships.
The answers are revealing and unexpected – such as this from Greg Staples, a retired teacher:The answers are revealing and unexpected – such as this from Greg Staples, a retired teacher:
I am a liberal living in the reddest county in the state of Wisconsin. "Stand with Walker" signs festooned with miniature flags were literally everywhere until the recall election was over. My neighbor is a Limbaugh/Tea Party advocate. Despite this, civility remains. These are mostly good and decent people. The Tea Party guy next door is an excellent neighbor.I am a liberal living in the reddest county in the state of Wisconsin. "Stand with Walker" signs festooned with miniature flags were literally everywhere until the recall election was over. My neighbor is a Limbaugh/Tea Party advocate. Despite this, civility remains. These are mostly good and decent people. The Tea Party guy next door is an excellent neighbor.
12.15pm: Matt Lewis of the Daily Caller says Jeb Bush's remarks yesterday about the GOP's immigration problem and Hispanic voters had the ring of truth:12.15pm: Matt Lewis of the Daily Caller says Jeb Bush's remarks yesterday about the GOP's immigration problem and Hispanic voters had the ring of truth:
Not all of Bush's advice has made as much sense. But on this, he is right. We should stress the fact that welcoming immigrants is consistent with our values. America isn't about building walls, but tearing them down. The fact that others want to come here is something Americans should note with pride.Not all of Bush's advice has made as much sense. But on this, he is right. We should stress the fact that welcoming immigrants is consistent with our values. America isn't about building walls, but tearing them down. The fact that others want to come here is something Americans should note with pride.
In many ways — such as religiosity, work ethic, industriousness, and the centrality of the family unit — Hispanics should be a natural Republican constituency. The fact that they're clearly not speaks to why Bush is right about changing the tone.In many ways — such as religiosity, work ethic, industriousness, and the centrality of the family unit — Hispanics should be a natural Republican constituency. The fact that they're clearly not speaks to why Bush is right about changing the tone.
12 noon: While all eyes are on Arizona and the special election taking place there today, let's not forget the other races taking place around the nation.12 noon: While all eyes are on Arizona and the special election taking place there today, let's not forget the other races taking place around the nation.
The congressional primary season is in full bloom today in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia, while Arkansas is holding run-off elections.The congressional primary season is in full bloom today in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina and Virginia, while Arkansas is holding run-off elections.
In Maine's biggest primary, six Republicans and four Democrats are running for nominations for the US Senate seat held by the retiring GOP moderate Olympia Snowe. But the winning candidates from both party will be up against Angus King, a popular independent candidate who was Maine's governor from 1995 to 2003.In Maine's biggest primary, six Republicans and four Democrats are running for nominations for the US Senate seat held by the retiring GOP moderate Olympia Snowe. But the winning candidates from both party will be up against Angus King, a popular independent candidate who was Maine's governor from 1995 to 2003.
11.28am: Mitt Romney popped up on Fox & Friends for a holds-barred discussion and was given the opportunity to explain his own gaffe-tastic statement from last week – "[Obama] says we need more firemen, more policemen, more teachers. Did he not get the message in Wisconsin?" – which he promptly got tangled up in:11.28am: Mitt Romney popped up on Fox & Friends for a holds-barred discussion and was given the opportunity to explain his own gaffe-tastic statement from last week – "[Obama] says we need more firemen, more policemen, more teachers. Did he not get the message in Wisconsin?" – which he promptly got tangled up in:
Well, that's a very strange accusation. Of course teachers and fireman and policemen are hired at the local level and also by states. The federal government doesn't pay for teachers, firefighters or policemen. So obviously that is completely absurd, but [Obama]'s got a new idea though and that is to have another stimulus and to have the federal government to try and bail out cities and states. It didn't work the first time. It certainly wouldn't work the second time.Well, that's a very strange accusation. Of course teachers and fireman and policemen are hired at the local level and also by states. The federal government doesn't pay for teachers, firefighters or policemen. So obviously that is completely absurd, but [Obama]'s got a new idea though and that is to have another stimulus and to have the federal government to try and bail out cities and states. It didn't work the first time. It certainly wouldn't work the second time.
Is it really so strange? Paul Krugman thinks not.Is it really so strange? Paul Krugman thinks not.
11am: Here's the Guardian's artisanal, hand-curated Top 50 Twitter accounts to follow for the 2012 US election campaign:11am: Here's the Guardian's artisanal, hand-curated Top 50 Twitter accounts to follow for the 2012 US election campaign:
With the 2012 US presidential election heating up, we've selected the top 50 Twitter accounts for following the latest news and analysis, so you can keep up with all the talking points, attack ads, surprises and polling throughout the 2012 campaign as they happen.With the 2012 US presidential election heating up, we've selected the top 50 Twitter accounts for following the latest news and analysis, so you can keep up with all the talking points, attack ads, surprises and polling throughout the 2012 campaign as they happen.
This list is constructed entirely from Fair Trade, organic, locally-sourced Twitter ingredients foraged from the internet. It will soon open retail outlets in Park Slope, NYC, and 14th Street in DC, before being sold to Unilever.This list is constructed entirely from Fair Trade, organic, locally-sourced Twitter ingredients foraged from the internet. It will soon open retail outlets in Park Slope, NYC, and 14th Street in DC, before being sold to Unilever.
10.46am: Guys! Politicians sometimes take their opponents words out of context, and the New York Times is ON IT:10.46am: Guys! Politicians sometimes take their opponents words out of context, and the New York Times is ON IT:
By the time November rolls around, it's possible that the dueling moments on Friday will have been forgotten amid the hype over national political conventions, Mr Romney's vice-presidential pick, three debates and the final run-up to Election Day.By the time November rolls around, it's possible that the dueling moments on Friday will have been forgotten amid the hype over national political conventions, Mr Romney's vice-presidential pick, three debates and the final run-up to Election Day.
Or, one — or both — of the phrases may becoming a significant moment in the effort to define the two candidates.Or, one — or both — of the phrases may becoming a significant moment in the effort to define the two candidates.
Only time will tell.Only time will tell.
Now there's a conclusion no one has ever used before: "Only time will tell."Now there's a conclusion no one has ever used before: "Only time will tell."
[Hat-tip to @NYTOnIt for the meme.][Hat-tip to @NYTOnIt for the meme.]
10.25am: The Romney campaign, via press secretary Andrea Saul, has responded to the latest attack ad on Romney's record as governor:10.25am: The Romney campaign, via press secretary Andrea Saul, has responded to the latest attack ad on Romney's record as governor:
President Obama has overseen trillion-dollar deficits, soaring national debt and the first credit downgrade in history. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, closed a $3bn budget shortfall, balanced four budgets, left a $2bn rainy day fund and received a credit rating upgrade. President Obama will do anything to distract from his abysmal economic record and – despite that record – the fact that he thinks the private sector is 'doing fine.' Mitt Romney knows our country can do better and, under his leadership, it will do better.President Obama has overseen trillion-dollar deficits, soaring national debt and the first credit downgrade in history. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, closed a $3bn budget shortfall, balanced four budgets, left a $2bn rainy day fund and received a credit rating upgrade. President Obama will do anything to distract from his abysmal economic record and – despite that record – the fact that he thinks the private sector is 'doing fine.' Mitt Romney knows our country can do better and, under his leadership, it will do better.
The ad is scheduled to run in the battleground states of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.The ad is scheduled to run in the battleground states of Colorado, Florida, Iowa, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
10.13am: Here's a scary story, via reporting and research done by ProPublica, on how Microsoft and Yahoo sell political campaigns "the ability to target voters online with tailored ads using names, zip codes and other registration information that users provide" when they sign up for web services.10.13am: Here's a scary story, via reporting and research done by ProPublica, on how Microsoft and Yahoo sell political campaigns "the ability to target voters online with tailored ads using names, zip codes and other registration information that users provide" when they sign up for web services.
Users get no notification that their information is being used for political targeting – and the two companies can maintain they have clean hands because the matching is done elsewhere:Users get no notification that their information is being used for political targeting – and the two companies can maintain they have clean hands because the matching is done elsewhere:
Microsoft and Yahoo said they safeguard the privacy of their users and do not share their users' personal information directly with the campaigns. Both companies also said they do not see the campaigns' political data, because the match of voter names and registration data is done by a third company. They say the matching is done to target groups of similar voters, and not named individuals.Microsoft and Yahoo said they safeguard the privacy of their users and do not share their users' personal information directly with the campaigns. Both companies also said they do not see the campaigns' political data, because the match of voter names and registration data is done by a third company. They say the matching is done to target groups of similar voters, and not named individuals.
ProPublica reports that Google and Facebook do not sell similar services.ProPublica reports that Google and Facebook do not sell similar services.
9.47am: The special election today in Arizona may see another victory for the Republican party, despite the unhappy circumstances that lead to Gabrielle Giffords relinquishing it earlier this year:9.47am: The special election today in Arizona may see another victory for the Republican party, despite the unhappy circumstances that lead to Gabrielle Giffords relinquishing it earlier this year:
The names on the ballot will be Ron Barber as the Democrat and Jesse Kelly as the Republican. But perhaps the two more important names in the race are those of Giffords and President Obama – the former still invoking significant goodwill here, the latter far less so.The names on the ballot will be Ron Barber as the Democrat and Jesse Kelly as the Republican. But perhaps the two more important names in the race are those of Giffords and President Obama – the former still invoking significant goodwill here, the latter far less so.
Mr Barber is a former top aide of Ms Giffords and is her hand-picked successor and was also injured in the January 2011 Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13 at the congresswoman's meet-and-greet event outside a grocery store. In the final hours leading to the special election, Giffords, who rarely appears in public, stumped for Barber at a weekend get-out-the-vote concert in Tucson.Mr Barber is a former top aide of Ms Giffords and is her hand-picked successor and was also injured in the January 2011 Tucson shooting that killed six people and injured 13 at the congresswoman's meet-and-greet event outside a grocery store. In the final hours leading to the special election, Giffords, who rarely appears in public, stumped for Barber at a weekend get-out-the-vote concert in Tucson.
9.30am: Political battles over the state of the US economy continue – with new figures showing the net worth of American families falling to levels last seen in 1992 – as voters in Arizona go to the polls in a special election to replace Gabrielle Giffords, the Democratic congresswoman who survived being shot in the head last year.9.30am: Political battles over the state of the US economy continue – with new figures showing the net worth of American families falling to levels last seen in 1992 – as voters in Arizona go to the polls in a special election to replace Gabrielle Giffords, the Democratic congresswoman who survived being shot in the head last year.
There are primary elections in several states today but the special election in Arizona's eighth congressional district will be the focus, as Republicans seek to make it about national issues, including the economy and healthcare.There are primary elections in several states today but the special election in Arizona's eighth congressional district will be the focus, as Republicans seek to make it about national issues, including the economy and healthcare.
Here's a summary of the latest news:Here's a summary of the latest news:
• American families suffered a record decline in household wealth between 2007 and 2010 because home values tumbled, according to a new Federal Reserve report that highlighted the severity of the recession. The median family's net worth dropped 39% from 2007 and in 2010 was at levels last seen in 1992. The median net worth – which is the value of assets minus debt – fell to $77,300 in 2010 from $126,400 in 2007.• American families suffered a record decline in household wealth between 2007 and 2010 because home values tumbled, according to a new Federal Reserve report that highlighted the severity of the recession. The median family's net worth dropped 39% from 2007 and in 2010 was at levels last seen in 1992. The median net worth – which is the value of assets minus debt – fell to $77,300 in 2010 from $126,400 in 2007.
• The Obama campaign unveiled yet another attack ad aimed at Mitt Romney's record as governor of Massachusetts.• The Obama campaign unveiled yet another attack ad aimed at Mitt Romney's record as governor of Massachusetts.
• Barack Obama is going to take another swing at selling his economic message after last week's "the private sector is doing fine" gaffe. The president will use a campaign policy speech on Thursday "to contrast his preferred approach for the country's economic future with ideas proposed by his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney," the Wall Street Journal reported. The speech isn't expected to include major new proposals.• Barack Obama is going to take another swing at selling his economic message after last week's "the private sector is doing fine" gaffe. The president will use a campaign policy speech on Thursday "to contrast his preferred approach for the country's economic future with ideas proposed by his likely Republican opponent, Mitt Romney," the Wall Street Journal reported. The speech isn't expected to include major new proposals.