Forward Highlights Dems to Watch in 2010

David Streeter — February 18, 2010 – 10:32 am | Democrats | Election 2010 | Republicans Comments (0) Add a comment

The Forward released its annual list of 10 Jewish politicians to watch throughout the year. This year, they’ve highlighted six Democrats and four Republicans.

Jewish Democrats and races to watch:

• Florida State Senator Ted Deutch is running to fill the vacancy left by Representative Robert Wexler’s (D-FL) retirement in FL-19.
• Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is running to fill the vacancy left by Senator Chris Dodd’s (D-CT) retirement.
• Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher is running to fill the vacancy left by Senator George Voinovich’s (R-OH) retirement.
• Representative Paul Hodes (D-NH) is running to represent New Hampshire in the Senate.
• Irvine, CA City Council Member Beth Krom is running to represent CA-48 in the House of Representatives.
• Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz is running for Governor of Vermont.

2010 appears to be the year of Jewish Democrats. Deutch and Blumenthal are considered to be heavy favorites in their races while the others are running strong campaigns. Other Jewish Democrats are running throughout the country as well, including Senator John McCain’s potential challenger, Tucson City Council Member Rodney Glassman (D-AZ).

In stark contrast, Jewish Republicans appear unable to say the same. None of their four highlighted candidates are running for federal office.

• California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner is trailing in his brutal primary race for California’s Governorship.
• Businessman Doug Turner is seeking New Mexico’s Governorship. However he faces formidable candidates in his primary race in a state that is projected to remain Democratic.
• Alaska State Representative Jay Ramras is running for Alaska Lieutenant Governor.
• Ohio State Representative Josh Mandel is running for Ohio State Treasurer.

It is understandable that The Forward would want to assemble a bipartisan list when highlighting up and coming Jewish elected officials. But the lopsided partisan preference of the Jewish community in favor of the Democratic Party is overwhelmingly clear. All of the Democratic candidates profiled by The Forward are serious candidates vying for high profile offices. The Republicans on the list—not so much.

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