Which Of The Media’s Favorite Candidates Actually Have A Chance Of Winning?

slideshow

by Steve Krakauer | 3:25 pm, October 19th, 2010

» 32 comments

We hear, and write, a lot about certain candidates during this 2010 election cycle, and its not just the ones who are in hotly contested races.

No, we like to hear about the characters – the fun ones. Which of these actually have a chance to win? We ranked them all, based on polls, momentum and more, using what we’re calling the “Minnesota Scale”.

Minnesota is a state with a history of electing these characters, from a former WWF wrestler as Governor to a former SNL comedian as Senator. 0 Minnesotas means no chance of winning – 10 Minnesotas means a definite victory.

Check it out:

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Zero Minnesotas - Alvin Greene

Unfortunately it doesn't look very good for Alvin Greene fans. The surprise Democratic Senate candidate from South Carolina is polling worse than the Green Party candidate among all voters, but also Democrats. So it looks like even a last-second Sen. Jim DeMint sex scandal...would only end up benefiting the Green Party's Tom Clements.

1 Minnesota - Krystal Ball

Krystal Ball is just a regular 20-something with a chuckle-inducing given name, who happened to pose for some sexually-suggestive pictures with her boyfriend back in college. But she's running in a heavily-GOP-leaning district of Virginia, and has no shot to win.

2 Minnesotas - Carl Paladino

Carl Paladino has made a wide variety of gaffe-like statements. But it's not looking very good for his chances at beating Andrew Cuomo in the New York state governor's race. With two weeks left, Paladino is polling between 26 and 35 points behind Cuomo.

4 Minnesotas - Alan Grayson

Rep. Alan Grayson is one of the few incumbents on this list, but that doesn't make him any less of a...character. His attack ad calling his opponent "Taliban Dan" drew wide criticism, and he is now sinking in the polls. He's down seven points - and continuing to drop.

5 Minnesotas - Rich Iott

No one knew much about Rich Iott until recently, when pictures of the GOP candidate surfaced of him in a nazi uniform (he was just reenacting, people, relax). Well he was criticized by his own party's leadership, and now is no longer the favorite. There are no polls available in his race, but his district does lean right.

5.5 Minnesotas - Christine O'Donnell

Which brings us to Christine O'Donnell. Everyone knows who she is now (she's you, of course), and her surprise candidacy is no longer a joke. She's now just 11 points behind Chris Coons, and is gaining traction as her memorable ads continue going viral. Her win will depend a lot on turnout. This could be your best bet, playing the odds.

6 Minnesotas - Ben Quayle

Ben Quayle (aka Brock Landers) had his race all wrapped up after beating nearly a dozen GOP contenders for the nomination, but he's sliding. He's now down two percent, with 10 percent still undecided.

6.5 Minnesotas - Joe Miller

Joe Miller beat Lisa Murkowski in one of the most blatant tea party GOP victories to get the Alaska nomination, and he had the race all but wrapped up. But now he's getting the press arrested, and while his campaign goes a little off the rails, Murkowski is gaining in polls. Since she's a write-in candidate, she still has a major hill to overcome and will need major turnout.

7 Minnesotas - Sharron Angle

Sharron Angle has made more gaffes than most candidates during this election cycle (Asians/Hispanics, for one), but she's running against Sen. Harry Reid who is disliked so much it may not matter. The race has been neck-and-neck for awhile, and it remains this way as Election Day approaches. Update: I forgot one thing about this race: the inclusion of the "none of the above" option! This will probably hurt both candidates. But if "none of the above" wins, it will be amazing, media-speaking.

8 Minnesotas - Jan Brewer

Jan Brewer may not be the best debater, but she still holds a comfortable lead in her Arizona governor's race.

9 Minnesotas - Rand Paul

Rand Paul won a hard-fought GOP primary race, and appeared on his way to an easy victory. He's still ahead in the polls, but with odd stories of Aqua Buddha and more remaining in the news (thanks to his opponent), his win is likely, but not guaranteed.

(Thanks to Hillary Busis and Ray Rahman for contributing to this.)

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2010 elections, Alan Grayson, Alvin Greene, Ben Quayle, Carl Paladino, Christine O'Donnell, Jan Brewer, Joe Miller, krystal ball, Minnesota, Rand Paul, Rich Iott, Sharron Angle

http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

“Which Of The Media’s FAVORITE Candidates Actually Have A Chance Of Winning?”

Barack Obama!!!!!! Oh wait, he’s not running again for another two years…………
tgk

It really is a shame that getting the “folks” to concentrate on everything EXCEPT the issues is at all an effective strategy. That only assures us that it will remain a tactic in the future. I think the reality tv craze is partly to blame for this.
The Real Royal King

I have to say the slide show certainly is a great reminder of the terrible, terrible office holders/candidates we have out there.
NORBIT

A transparent, last-ditch effort to ostracize Republican candidates by dcelaring by media standards who “actually” has a chance of winning!

Yes, they did throw a few token Dems in the mix…but we all know what this exercise is all about!!

11-02-10 —– Two Weeks till the message is sent Loud & Clear to the Euro-Dems – We don’t want your Government Dependency and Banana-Republic Society here!!!!

Move to Venezuela!!!
http://mediaite.com Steve Krakauer

Hey Norbit do you seriously believe that? You think I wouldn’t love if EVERY single person on this list won their race?

If the answer is no, you don’t get what we do here at all.
Azarkhan

Krystal Ball should move to a Democratic district and maybe run for a state office next, then try for the House again.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

Brewer, Paul, Angle, and Miller will win. I’d still bet on Quayle winning, but with less certainty than previously. I think Lott loses, but I give him an outside shot. The rest of the bunch will lose.
TfT

Lott on will win; the first four (or was it five) will lose.

Given that Christine O’Donnel is in the news again, being slandered for being correct, and Coons is NOT in the news because he was wrong, I’m guessing O’Donnel chances will increase. Most people are smarter than the journo’s who are pushing the false story about her and it will backfire.
ConLoonPatrol

Your way off on Christinecook O’Donnell.. she’s down between 17-20 pts.. she hasn’t got a chance in hell

odd your post left out Sharron Angle and the nut in Alaska.. but alas, most posts on this site are completely half ass and poorly done.
NORBIT

Steve Krakauer said:
Hey Norbit do you seriously believe that? You think I wouldn’t love if EVERY single person on this list won their race? If the answer is no, you don’t get what we do here at all.

Steve, I find the MSM’s reportage in covering Conservative candidates to be palpably dismissive & condescending.
Just this morning, on msnbc, the host Jansing, showed just that when speaking of Angle – and this is routine for them, not an anomoly.

If you weren’t attempting that type of snickering innuendo campaign, then I stand apologetic and corrected.

My post was targeted more toward the MSM, in general, and I am aware of the difference in content and tone you exhibit compared to some of your more myopic, left-leaning colleagues..
Rusty Shackelford

Surprising Steve did’nt find a way to mention Olbermann beating CNN in the ratings.
Orion Antares

You didn’t include Bachmann in the list of “characters” from Minnesota? She’s a lot worse than Frankin and definitely as crazy in the head as Ventura.
http://twitter.com/SailRabbits Magister

@ConLoonPatrol: Both Angle and Miller are in the post.
http://mediaite.com Steve Krakauer

ConLoonPatrol said:
dd your post left out Sharron Angle and the nut in Alaska.. but alas, most posts on this site are completely half ass and poorly done.

If you’re referring to Joe Miller as the “nut in Alaska” then he and Angle are both included in the post. Solid work with that reading comprehension.
Azarkhan

Orion Antares said:
You didn’t include Bachmann in the list of “characters” from Minnesota?

Don’t talk about the next Speaker of the House that way! Just because Nancy Pelosi is crazy, that doesn’t mean they all are.
Big_F-ing_Deal

Where is Bristol Palin? I really think she has a good chance of winning with her solid teaturd support!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

Here’s another good one – which candidates/politicians are more kooky?

Group 1 – Lott, Quayle, Miller, Angle, Paul, O’Donnell, Paladino

Group 2 – Waters, Frank, Sanders, Franken, Burris, Pelosi, Kucinich

I vote for the group already in office over the group running for office, that is one very, very nutty gang of folks in Group #2
http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Lamb/1085325013 Andy Lamb

Orion Antares said:
You didn’t include Bachmann in the list of “characters” from Minnesota? She’s a lot worse than Frankin and definitely as crazy in the head as Ventura.

I suppose that depends on your meaning of “characters.” She’s decidedly different than Franken, but not nearly as entertaining. Bachmann is simply extremely conservative. Franken, with his falling asleep in Senate meetings, and making asinine goofy faces and hand gestures during the Kagan confirmation hearings, is far more disrespectful of the office he holds, and is far, far more entertaining.
sarainitaly

Steve Krakauer said:
Solid work with that reading comprehension

*eyeroll* He went off on me on some irrational tirade over a comment I left, where I quoted Obama – totally attacking me for the comments Obama made. LOL! Comprehension is NOT his strong suit.

“I can’t read the rest of this drivel. there’s no such thing as a ‘god’ except in your fantasies and “who we love” should be “whom we love”.. You should spend more time in grammar class and less in a brainwashing cult.”

I love that he is correcting Obama’s grammar….

http://www.mediaite.com/online/ken-buck-on-mtp-homosexuality-is-a-choice-similar-to-alcoholism/#comment-179564
lazzzlo

If you’re referring to Joe Miller as the “nut in Alaska” then he and Angle are both included in the post. Solid work with that reading comprehension.

Getting a wee bit touchy?

Miller’s security did handcuff a reporter from the Alaska Dispatch.
Patrick Henry

The Real Royal King said:
I have to say the slide show certainly is a great reminder of the terrible, terrible office holders/candidates we have out there.

Only if you are a liberal and afraid of a swing to a more conservative government.
Patrick Henry

Andy Lamb said:
Brewer, Paul, Angle, and Miller will win. I’d still bet on Quayle winning, but with less certainty than previously. I think Lott loses, but I give him an outside shot. The rest of the bunch will lose.

Andy, I agree, except for Miller. I am afraid Murkowski may hurt him, but I hope that is not the case. I also believe O’Donnell has a very good chance, even though the polls show otherwise. Her opponent after all is Harry Reid’s “pet” and Harry is anathema to most citizens.
Patrick Henry

Andy Lamb said:
I vote for the group already in office over the group running for office, that is one very, very nutty gang of folks in Group #2

Agreed, Andy!
jrcmi

Steve Krakauer said:
Hey Norbit do you seriously believe that? You think I wouldn’t love if EVERY single person on this list won their race?

If the answer is no, you don’t get what we do here at all.

NORBUTT is almost certainly a paid blogger . . . or seriously ill. In either case, don’t encourage him.

I don’t see much value in this article, though if it gets people thinking about the horrific possibility that some of the wackier candidates listed might actually WIN it serves a purpose.

I retain a soft spot for Alan Grayson. Like him or not, he says what he thinks – an increasing rare trait among politicians. If Christine O’Donnell said what she thinks, she’d be mute.
TeaPartyPatriot

“Which Of The Media’s Favorite Candidates Actually Have A Chance Of Winning?”
The FAVORITES of the lamestream socialist fake-news media are ALL lunatic-left d-crat socialists. And they will ALL LOSE.
fallenchicken

None of the above should really win in Nevada.
the real john t

Patrick Henry said:
I also believe O’Donnell has a very good chance,

HAHAHAHAHA! You should really go into comedy.
Patrick Henry

the real john t said:
HAHAHAHAHA! You should really go into comedy.

I’ll be here all week. Try the veal……
the real john t

Patrick Henry said:
Patrick Henry

You must not have heard her latest gaffe about nothing about religion being in the First Amendment of the Constitution. She had all those law students laughing at her. She seriously needs to stay out of anyplace of higher learning.
sarainitaly

the real john t said:
You must not have heard her latest gaffe about nothing about religion being in the First Amendment of the Constitution. She had all those law students laughing at her. She seriously needs to stay out of anyplace of higher learning.

You obviously didn’t hear the actual comment.

“Where in the Constitution is separation of church and state?” ~O’Donnell

First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

“Nowhere in the Constitution will you find the words “separation of church and state,” and nowhere in the Constitution will you find anything written to convey the meaning that religion is not permitted to be part of government. … All the Founders said was that the state shall not establish an official religion. It does not say that people in government shall not practice or cannot practice a religion. The Senate opens with a prayer every day, as does the House. The House has a chaplain, for crying out loud!

The Constitution doesn’t say it. Christine O’Donnell was right. Chris Coons couldn’t name the five freedoms enumerated in the First Amendment.”
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_101910/content/01125113.guest.html

The phrase ‘separation of church and state’ came from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1802, well after the Constitution was written and ratified.
sarainitaly

the real john t said:
You must not have heard her latest gaffe about nothing about religion being in the First Amendment of the Constitution. She had all those law students laughing at her. She seriously needs to stay out of anyplace of higher learning.

You must have heard about this:

Leftist dullards mock Palin for correctly referencing Boston Tea Party
http://hotair.com/archives/2010/10/19/leftist-dullards-mock-palin-for-correctly-referencing-boston-tea-party/
http://perfunction.typepad.com/perfunction/2010/10/historic-illiteracy-idiot-sarah-palin-party-like-its-1773-after-the-election.html
Snidely

I haven’t supported a Democratic candidate since I got snookered by the nuclear submariner Jimmy Carter in 1976, but I would vote for Ben Quayle’s opponent just to not see his visage on TV ever again. And I thought his father was repulsive!