Nathan’s (Mostly) Political One-Liners: Push Polls, Endorsement Misses and CAVA
What’s running through my head on tax day, April 17

Arkansas’ 2nd District: Congratulations to Democrat Clarke Tucker’s campaign for using the term “robocalls” in a press release even though the local media referred to them as a “push poll,” which it most likely wasn’t since push polls don’t exist.
Colorado Governor: State Attorney General Cynthia Coffman, recent ex-wife to GOP Rep. Mike Coffman, received a dismal 6 percent of delegates at the Republican state assembly over the weekend, well short of the 30 percent threshold needed to make the GOP primary ballot for governor.
Fast-Casual Fantasy: It’s possible that Mediterranean restaurant chain CAVA laces its food with an illegal substance that facilitates addiction, but is it possible to offer half the portion for half the price?
Michigan’s 11th District: Former Treasury Department official Haley Stevens has received plenty of national attention, but don’t be surprised if former state House Minority Leader Tim Greimel surprises in the Aug. 7 Democratic primary, according to a local source.
Watch: Democrats Have At Least 20 House Takeover Opportunities in These 4 States
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Minnesota’s 8th District (a): Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Leah Phifer fought former state Rep. Joe Radinovich, a former campaign manager for outgoing Rep. Rick Nolan, to a draw for the Democratic-Farmer-Labor endorsement after a 10-hour battle at the party convention Saturday, even though Radinovich had Nolan’s support and is the favored candidate of Democrats in Washington.
Minnesota’s 8th District (b): While Phifer and Radinovich face off in the Aug. 14 primary, likely GOP nominee Pete Stauber, a St. Louis County commissioner and retired Duluth police officer, can focus on preparing for the general election in a rare takeover opportunity for Republicans nationwide.
Minnesota’s 8th District (c): Stauber (who we met with in February) is regarded as one of the GOP’s top candidates in the country and raised $270,000 in the first quarter of the year, while most top-tier Democratic candidates raised at least $500,000 through the same time period.
Mississippi Senate: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s new TV ad, “Effective Conservative,” supporting appointed Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is a good example of what a positive ad looks like from an outside group, without being able to coordinate with the candidate.
New York Governor: Actress Cynthia Nixon earned the endorsement of the Working Families Party, which means she could lose the Democratic primary to Gov. Andrew Cuomo and still have a line on the November ballot.
Tennessee Governor: If you’re looking for GOP candidates trying to sound like President Donald Trump, here’s gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Diane Black with a call to “build that wall” in her ad “Border.”
Washington Capitals: With forward Brett Connolly’s effort to get a young fan a souvenir puck, at least the team is winning at something.
West Virginia Governor: A positive ad from an outside group — Senate Majority PAC’s “Miners” boosting Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III — is recognizable for its lack of video footage of the candidate because of the prohibition on coordination.