Tuesday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

It's primary day in seven states and D.C. Yes, we have a very hotly contest mayor's race going on here.

There are several key races to watch. Once again, GOP Senate primaries are hogging the attention. In Delaware, there's an ugly battle underway between the teabaggers and the GOP. They're at war in the Senate primary between Rep. Mike Castle and wingnut Christine O'Donnell. I'm really pulling for O'Donnell. She's a sure loser in November.

In New Hampshire, it's a battle between two far right candidates: Kelly Ayotte and Ovide Lamontagne. Ayotte has been leading for most of the race, but Lamontagne has been surging. Both are pretty extreme. They both oppose gay adoptions.

Also, in New Hampshire, there's a Democratic primary battle under in the Second CD between progressive Annie Kuster and Blue Dog Katrina Swett. I really want Swett to lose.

There are several primaries for State Senate seats in New York today, too. You recall that we lost the marriage vote in NY's State Senate last December. Senators, including Bill Stachowski from the Buffalo area and Ruben Diaz from the Bronx, who voted against marriage equality have faced aggressive challenges. Incumbents really hate primaries. So, kudos to Fight Back NY for taking up this fight.

There are more, of course. For up-to-the minute results, go directly to Swing State Project tonight.

The House is back in session today. And, in the Senate, the parties will hold their caucus lunches this afternoon. Both Reid and McConnell will talk to the media after these meetings and will give us a sense of how the next few weeks will play out. As we reported yesterday, Reid has made a commitment to bring up the Defense Authorization bill, which includes the compromise DADT language. Expect a vote to end McCain's filibuster early next week.

Obama will be in Philadelphia to give his "Back-to-School" speech today.

That's a lot....