McCAIN QUICKLY SHIFTS ON GAY ADOPTION; GA, AL PRIMARY RESULTS; MN FILING CLOSES; PREZ, US SEN & GOV POLLS.

P2008. Speaking over the weekend to the New York Times, John McCain (R) said "I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of a family so, no, I don't believe in gay adoption." On Tuesday, McCain's campaign spokesperson issued a formal statement clarifying (i.e., changing) the candidate's position. The new stance: "McCain could have been clearer in the interview in stating that his position on gay adoption is that it is a state issue, just as he made it clear in the interview that marriage is a state issue. He was not endorsing any federal legislation. McCain's expressed his personal preference for children to be raised by a mother and a father wherever possible. However, as an adoptive father himself, McCain believes children deserve loving and caring home environments, and he recognizes that there are many abandoned children who have yet to find homes. McCain believes that in those situations that caring parental figures are better for the child than the alternative." In other P2008 news, the Wall Street Journal reports that the McCain campaign has not asked Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) for any financial records or documents -- seemingly discrediting the rumors that Pawlenty is near the top of McCain's VP short list.

P2008 - DAILY POLLING UPDATE. Here is our daily update of the latest independent polls from swing states (and states that appear to be evolving into swing states):
NORTH CAROLINA (SurveyUSA): McCain - 50%, Obama - 45%, Others - 2%.
SOUTH CAROLINA (PPP-D): McCain - 45%, Obama - 39%, Barr - 5%.

GEORGIA. Tuesday was primary day in Georgia. DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones captured 41% in the five-way Democratic primary for US Senate primary, placing first. Former State Representative Jim Martin was second with 34% and will face Jones in the August 5 run-off. The winner will face incumbent Saxby Chambliss (R) in November. In a big surprise in CD-10, freshman Congressman Paul Broun (R) -- the self-proclaimed ally of libertarian Congressman Ron Paul -- won a landslide 71-29 victory over social conservative military veteran and State Representative Barry Fleming. The local GOP establishment had strongly backed Fleming, but they clearly had little influence over rank-and-file voters as the maverick Broun won easily. Democratic Congressmen John Lewis, John Barrow and David Scott all won their respective renomination races by landslide margins. Click here to view all of the Georgia nominees.

ALABAMA. In CD-2, State Representative Jay Love defeated State Senator Harri Ann Smith by a 53% to 47% vote, following in a bruising GOP run-off race. After initially remaining neutral, the NRCC had lined up behind Love in the run-off. Rate Love as a slight favorite over Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright (D) in November for this open seat. In CD-5, advertising executive and '94/'96 nominee Wayne Parker won the GOP run-off contest by a very lopsided margin. Parker is rated an underdog against State Senator Parker Griffith (D) in general election for the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Bud Cramer (D).

MINNESOTA. Candidate filing closed on Tuesday. Click here to view the Minnesota US Senate and Congressional candidates. A whopping 18 challengers filed to run against US Senator Norm Coleman (R), including many of the colorful frequent candidates who run for office every two years. As for US House races, voters in CD-1, CD-3 and CD-6 will see competitive contests.

US SENATE. The latest independent polls for US Senate races.
IOWA (Rasmussen): US Senator Tom Harkin (D) - 52%, businessman Chris Reed (R) - 36%.
MICHIGAN (Rasmussen): US Senator Carl Levin (D) - 54%, State Representative Jack Hoogendyk (R) - 33%.
MINNESOTA (SurveyUSA): US Senator Norm Coleman (R) - 52%, humorist Al Franken (D) - 39%.
MINNESOTA (Rasmussen): Franken (D) - 44%, Coleman (R) - 42%.
SOUTH CAROLINA (PPP-D): US Senator Lindsey Graham (R) - 52%, engineer Bob Conley (D) - 21%, former Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride (Independent) - 10%.

GOVERNOR. The new independent polls for the gubernatorial contests.
NORTH CAROLINA (SurveyUSA): Lt. Governor Bev Perdue (D) - 47%, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory (R) - 46%, college professor Mike Munger (Libertarian) - 3%.

Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 07.16.08