Countdown to Election Series: Races to Watch in 2014

The Pulse’s Countdown to Election Series serves as an overview of critical 2014 races and referendums across America. This series aims to inform and spark conversation around issues and candidates important to the 2014 Midterm Elections. These discussions not only determine our future trajectory as a nation but also reflect current divides in public opinion. To tap into the national debate, our writers will delve into the issues of the legalization of marijuana, persuasive language in campaigns, and the state of contraceptive insurance coverage through the course of the final week before the election, starting Wednesday, October 29^th and ending Tuesday, November 4^th, 2014.

Let’s kickoff the series by highlighting contested races in 2014 and the political and policy lessons that they impart.

1. The Colorado Senate Race

Republican challenger Cory Gardner is in a dead heat with Democratic incumbent Senator Mark Udall. With the partisan control of the United States Senate in the balance, Gardner is focusing all of his energy on associating Sen. Udall with President Obama’s perceived failures in policy. Meanwhile, Udall and the Democratic Party have a strong “War on Women” campaign that highlights how Gardner’s pro-life stance and statewide personhood measures fail to meet the social and political needs of women in Colorado. Both candidates hope to target the growing Hispanic electorate and estimate their support, in what may be a micro-experiment ahead of the 2016 Presidential Election.

Colorado Senator Candidate Key Issues:

• Federal Spending for Economic Growth – Gardner Opposes, Udall Supports
• Same Sex Marriage – Gardner Opposes, Udall Supports
• Economic Sanctions and Military Involvement in Iran – Gardner Opposes, Udall Supports
• Prioritizing Green Energy – Gardner Opposes, Udall Supports
• Restrictive Gun Control Legislation – Gardner Opposes, Udall Supports

2. The Florida Gubernatorial Race

In the 4^th largest state, we witness the current Governor Rick Scott (R) being challenged by former Republican Governor Charlie Crist, who served from 2007 to 2011. Crist renounced his Republican affiliation and declared himself a Democrat in 2012. As recent polls suggest a close race, Floridians have a tough choice to make between the two candidates as they face off over minimum wage increases, same sex marriage, climate change, medical marijuana, and high-stakes testing. The question on everyone’s mind: how much does political affiliation matter in a toss up state like Florida?

Florida Gubernatorial Candidate Key Issues:

• Minimum wage increase to $10.10 – Scott opposes, Crist supports
• Same-sex marriage – Scott opposes, Crist supports
• Medical marijuana – Scott opposes, Crist supports
• Climate change – Scott denies it is man-made, Crist wants to address it
• High-stakes testing – Scott supports, Crist wants to reduce

3. Texas Gubernatorial Race

In Texas Democrats have, since Governor Ann Richards (D) in the early 1990s, waited with baited breath for the state to swing towards being Democrat or a partisan toss up. In light of Governor Rick Perry’s decision to not seek re-election, the growing Hispanic electorate, and the wide press coverage of State Senator Wendy Davis’ stand on abortion rights, many predicted a possible swing in Texas politics. However, the polls don’t look promising for Davis (D-San Antonio), who at last count in the polls was 16 points behind opponent State Attorney Greg Abbott (R). We are excited to see the post-race research on how the Republican Party has effectively shifted its message and principles to hold on to the great state of Texas.

Texas Gubernatorial Candidate Key Issues:

• Abortion Policies – Abbott Pro-Life, Davis Pro-Choice
• Texas In-state Tuition for the Undocumented – Abbott Considers the Law “flawed,” Davis Supports
• Medicaid Expansion – Abbott Opposes, Davis Supports
• Raising the Minimum Wage to $10 – Abbott Opposes, Davis Supports

Feature Photo: cc/(nshepard)