August 24 Primary Election: A Look At The Day's Hottest Races

Voters in five states are heading to the polls on Tuesday to decide the outcome of some of the most contentious and pricey primary elections and runoff fights so far this year.

In Florida, candidates have funneled a staggering $100 million into races taking place today, setting a new record for the most expensive primary campaign in state election history. In Arizona, the issue of illegal immigration has dominated the political discourse and has seeped into a host of races across the country. Meanwhile, Sarah Palin's shadow looms over the Republican primary showdowns unfolding in Alaska.

In Vermont, one of five gubernatorial candidates is poised to secure the state's Democratic nomination and advance to compete in gubernatorial general election considered to be a toss-up. And there's more political action taking place in Oklahoma too, including two congressional runoffs.

Here's everything you need to know about the hottest Aug. 24 primary races:

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Arizona: GOP Senate Primary

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Sen. John McCain is likely to fend off a challenge from former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth on Tuesday. The four-term incumbent has managed to run comfortably ahead of his Senate primary foe for much of the race, but if he wins, the victory will not have come cheap. The McCain campaign has burned an astounding $20 million on its political operation to date. "Do you think it takes that much to win?" Politics Daily's Jill Lawrence asked McCain last week. His reply: "Well, I don't know. But I've always done whatever's necessary to win." And the same could be said of his campaign's political strategy too. As Hayworth touted conservative principles and Tea Party ties, McCain seemed to shift to the right. From immigration reform to repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the longtime Republican lawmaker found himself walking back -- and in some cases flip-flopping -- on a host of issues.

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Sen. John McCain is likely to fend off a challenge from former U.S. Congressman J.D. Hayworth on Tuesday.

The four-term incumbent has managed to run comfortably ahead of his Senate primary foe for much of the race, but if he wins, the victory will not have come cheap.

The McCain campaign has burned an astounding $20 million on its political operation to date.

"Do you think it takes that much to win?" Politics Daily's Jill Lawrence asked McCain last week. His reply: "Well, I don't know. But I've always done whatever's necessary to win."

And the same could be said of his campaign's political strategy too.

As Hayworth touted conservative principles and Tea Party ties, McCain seemed to shift to the right. From immigration reform to repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the longtime Republican lawmaker found himself walking back -- and in some cases flip-flopping -- on a host of issues.

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RoboCafe said on 25 Wednesday 2010 am31 7:59 am: Very true. They are finally learning one of the first rules you learn as a kid. No take backs.

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Comments

[hgamerow]

11:16 PM on 08/29/2010

I’m still in shock over the August 24 primaries. Not who won or lost – c’mon, does anyone really believe there’s much difference between the Republicrats and the Democrans anymore? Nope, I was naively stunned by how much money each party spent on primaries. Primaries! In the midst of what looks to be a double dip recession, our politicians are dancing amidst the death throes of the doomed-from-the-start campaign spending reform bill and dropping $26 million here, $20 million there and let’s not forget that $99 million way over yonder. And for what? To make those nasty negative ads, that's what. Blasting their opponents for doing pretty much what they themselves have done or will do once they get into office. And when I say nasty, I’m talking production values. Yo, politicians! Reduce unemployment and hire a decent director or screenwriter. Put in a car race or some special effects. Aesthetics aside, if you’re really serious about doing "something" about the the national debt, I’ve a modest proposal for you. Quit blaming the other party and put your money where your mouth is ... literally. Donate the funds you raised for your campaign towards reducing the national debt. Every million helps!

[Le Facteur 99]

01:37 PM on 08/25/2010

I sure hope the Alaska primary gives Sarah the cajones or ovaries or whatever to come from behind her Facebook page, and out of her Fixed News kitchen/studio.

[BowlingForRevenge]

12:10 PM on 08/25/2010

Someone needs to bankroll some creative writers and filmmakers to do a video
or series of videos for YouTube showing America just what would happen if
Republicans take back the reins in Washington.

No 30's breadline footage nope, nothing of the past...ONLY the present.
2010 REALITY SHOTS...job fairs food bank lines,healthcare fairs, freebie back
to school haircuts,vaccines,supplies etc.unemployment lines with pretty middle
class white folks. THEN take it a step further and show what YEARS
of this will do to the country.Project to 2020...10 short years from
now if Republicans are returned the the helm.

No mini docu-dramas, no individual stories of woe, no words...
just slow, identified by location film of miserable reality is all 50 states.
Go alphabetically so everyone knows when their state will get
the kleg lights shining on it. Hold no prisoners.
America MUST be told in a way that resonates.

Hey, Will Ferrell...get on this. ;) Thanks!

[greenygenie]

01:44 AM on 08/26/2010

Sounds more like a Polanski film than a Will Ferrell one!

[maxwelldog]

11:17 AM on 08/25/2010

yeah...from 2008, and did these two guys ever chew up on labels and foo foo from both parties.
Been a big fan of their work for a long time.
Funny how it almost fits as well here, two years later. (four if you count the 2012s)

[maxwelldog]

11:14 AM on 08/25/2010

Republican'ts and Dumbocrats
all sitting in the high places where the big guy sat.
Oh, we're in charge, they were heard to say
Why, we've been in charge since the very first day.
Except, of course, when there was that trouble
when the other party tried to float their big bubble
But it blew up bad and we've been trying to clean
the biggest cottonpickin' mess you ever seen!

But, we're still in charge, so don't you worry none.
If you have money we'll get you fixt right up, son!
And the Republican'ts and the Dumbocrats went
putt-putting down their road, money well spent.
'Cept that they're the only ones left with cars.
Can't fret about that now, though, pass out those fine cigars!
The Republican'ts and Dumbocrats are birds of a feather
When it comes to money, their spines turn to jello,
In this crazy system, it don't matter the weather
You got to raise huge sums, or you lose to the other fellow.

So when your donors come a-calling after the election
Hat in hand, they respectfully ask for returns,
On the investment they made, to help in your selection
No matter that your decisions, the electorate now burns
(jamminjames & boneman)
(http://www.humortimes.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=47)

[nancychatter]

11:10 AM on 08/25/2010

3rd time a charm? Follow the money.....
http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/24/billionaire-brothers-buy-the-tea-party-sarah-palin-and-alaskas-joe-miller/
Covert Operations
The billionaire brothers who are waging a war against Obama.
by Jane Mayer

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer#ixzz0xd5kMCC5

[nancychatter]

11:06 AM on 08/25/2010

http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/24/billionaire-brothers-buy-the-tea-party-sarah-palin-and-alaskas-joe-miller/

Covert Operations
The billionaire brothers who are waging a war against Obama.
by Jane Mayer

Read more http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer#ixzz0xd5kMCC5
here is who is grassroots (HA!) Tea Party.....
(if this posts twice sorry first one disappeared)

[nancychatter]

11:00 AM on 08/25/2010

http://www.themudflats.net/2010/08/24/billionaire-brothers-buy-the-tea-party-sarah-palin-and-alaskas-joe-miller/

A Reporter at Large
Covert Operations
The billionaire brothers who are waging a war against Obama.
by Jane Mayer
Read more http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/30/100830fa_fact_mayer#ixzz0xd5kMCC5

Here are a couple of interesting articles about the Tea Party...
a grass roots organization.... my A_S_S

[daultman463]

11:38 AM on 08/25/2010

cc

[Helloise]

10:31 AM on 08/25/2010

“I don’t like either of them,” said Blanche Kinsley, 84, a retiree, who voted for Mr. McCain without much enthusiasm. “But I used to hear J. D. Hayworth on the radio and he annoyed me.” NYT

Out of the mouths of the elderly. And yet, she voted. It's essential that we get youthful Dems to emulate that kind of social responsibility.

[heapOtrouble]

10:21 AM on 08/25/2010

Yesterday Boehner was addressing a cleveland audience, talking about the tax cuts again and how jobs will be lost and no new ones created if we allow them to expire.

Then why are we in this mess if that's the ticket out? The tax cuts are effective this year so why are people being layed off?
Since when does personal finance create jobs?

And by the by, if anyone saw the clips of his address, how many of you noticed the nice new-fangled teleprompters the dr unk needed to use to keep his train of thought from running to Jack Daniels?

[McFlipFlop]

10:13 AM on 08/25/2010

It's going to be awhile before we know who won in Alaska.

With 98 percent of election day precincts counted, Murkowski trailed political newcomer Joe Miller by 1,960 votes out of more than 91,000 counted. The race was too close to call, with as many as 16,000 absentee votes and an undetermined number of provisional or questioned ballots, remaining to be counted starting on Aug. 31, with subsequent counts on Sept. 3 and 8.

[Annintexas]

10:23 AM on 08/25/2010

I heard this morning that Lisa would need over 60% of the absentee ballots.

That's pretty steep.

[McFlipFlop]

01:01 PM on 08/25/2010

I did the math. If there really are 16,000 absentee ballots, she would need 56.125% of them to close the gap.

The problem is that we don't know how many absentee ballots were turned in, nor how many provisions and questioned ballots there are.

[gsmp]

10:24 AM on 08/25/2010

Thanks for the update, Mc.

[McFlipFlop]

12:57 PM on 08/25/2010

Welcome, my friend.

[ThunderclapNewman]

10:11 AM on 08/25/2010

A note to the TroIIery:

Of the seven incumbents who have lost their primaries, four are Republicans.

The supposed "anti-incumbent" furor seems to be primarily a conservative phenomenon, which means that more far-right candidates will drive more independents back tot he Democratic party.

The latest generic ballot polling favors Democrats, too.

There is little doubt that the GOP will pick up a few seats in the mid-terms---that is the norm and not a big deal.
But their hopes of taking over the Congress are fading almost daily at this point.

It's going to be a very interesting election season.

[q1w2e3]

10:09 AM on 08/25/2010

Right-wing dvmfvckery.

The right wing shat the USA down a hole. Now they insist that we pour lime on it.

Right-wingers have Stockholm Syndrome.

[namdlogd]

07:27 PM on 08/25/2010

hear hear

[Parylinedummy]

10:06 AM on 08/25/2010

Honest Ob's approval rating will continue to slide into the 30's. He deserves it, right libs?

[Lilly-G]

10:11 AM on 08/25/2010

NO

[thatsitfortheotherwon]

10:40 AM on 08/25/2010

Didn't find the T yet, didja?

[avshanbh]

10:06 AM on 08/25/2010

The comments are more screwed up than Pary after her 2nd box of wine.