Free Republic

...and becomes the laughing stock of Texas politics. He has nary a dime in the bank and now we find out he needs an entire tech support team to run a simple webcast. Dallas Morning News has the story. But the beginning is the best part: There he was, trying to attract Texans' attention by holding a Webcast town hall meeting to answer voter questions about his U.S. Senate race. Two minutes later, Democrat Rick Noriega's show turned to static. Lots of static. Then the camera tilted upside down. Then more static. The screen went to black. A few voters'...

Senator John Cornyn has forwarded a post commenting on John Hinderaker's "Democrats sucking wind on energy policy." Senator Cornyn writes: . . . Nancy Pelosi promised an effective new energy plan before the 2006 election -- that's about 809 days ago -- and we're still waiting. They're now postponing votes because some Democrats fear reality has finally set in -- and Congress may actually approve more domestic exploration for new energy. We've put ourselves in an irrational box. We've put 85 percent of our prime energy exploration lands off-limits. The U.S. is the only country in the world that refuses...

In a recent email blast done by Rick Noriega's campaign, Mark Bell (campaign manager) foolishly asserts that Noriega is within 2% pts of beating Cornyn!! ::giggles:: Bell writes: "Noriega just 2 points behind John Cornyn.1 The poll also shows Cornyn running at 38%, a shockingly low number for an incumbent..." This is according to the Texas Lyceum poll. Bell agrees that Cornyn does indeed have millions more in the bank but that can easily be overcome. Rasmussen Report says the following as of June 9th: "The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state find Cornyn leading Democratic state legislator...

And all for the sake of gaining the graces of...well who knows who? But that is beside the point. Senator John Cornyn released a press release urging Noriega to support the new and improved G.I. Bill that would grant "transferability of education benefits, allowing Armed Service members to transfer unused benefits to their spouse and/or children. It is an improvement long sought by Senator Cornyn and opposed by Noriega." Rick Noriega is way behind the curve on this bill, and apparently isn't getting the memos being sent from his own part leadership. The original bill, which made it nearly impossible...

In a sad attempt to get the party to rally behind Rick Noriega, the Texas Democratic Party made him the keynote speaker at their Convention this past week. Noriega who is "challenging" incumbent John Cornyn in November put on his best "please elect me, sympathy tie" and went before the flock of Texas Demos to rally support. Noriega must appear so desperate because he currently is 10 points behind Senator Cornyn in the polls and significantly behind Cornyn in fundraising...I'd be sad too (mas triste). This is sad attempt on behalf of the Texas Democratic Party...couldn't they have picked someone...

WASHINGTON — The Texas Department of Transportation, long viewed as hyperpartisan and arrogant by some members of the state's congressional delegation, has been trying to soften its image by reaching out to lawmakers of both parties in the nation's capital. But while state transportation officials are having some success in easing the personal animus, they still face a stiff challenge in selling their policy agenda to the state's elected officials in Washington. Many Texans on the Potomac cringe at the agency's embrace of toll roads, the controversies surrounding the Trans-Texas Corridor and TxDOT's resistance to many of the highway earmarks...

Is Rasmussen becoming the most incapable pollster next to American Research? Maybe. Just this morning, Rasmussen released a poll showing Texas GOP Senator John Cornyn ahead of his Democrat challenger by only 3 points. Possible? Sure. Likely? Not. Rasmussen made a similar mistake just last month in the Louisiana Senate race between incumbent Mary Landrieu and GOP State Treasurer John Kennedy. On April 14, Southern Media and Opinion Research correctly found Landrieu leading Kennedy by 12 points. That same morning Rasmussen and friends reported that Landrieu had a lead of 55 to 39. But on April 20, the Times Picayune...

Some Republicans groaned at Gov. Rick Perry's announcement that he plans to seek another term in 2010, but Mayor Bill White's camp reacted with glee. White has made no effort to hide the fact that he is looking to run for governor after being term-limited out of the mayor's office next year. And Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the biggest vote-getter in Texas history, has been more than hinting that she plans to "come home" to run for the same office. She outlined to Texas Monthly last November a plan to resign the Senate in 2009 to make the race, while...

At Dallas event, Democratic strategist Carville takes aim at Cornyn08:18 AM CDT on Wednesday, March 26, 2008By DAVE MICHAELS / The Dallas Morning News dmichaels@dallasnews.com James Carville came to Dallas on Tuesday and deployed his sharp wit against Texas Sen. John Cornyn, taking the aim off fellow Democrats who don't support Hillary Rodham Clinton in the strident presidential contest. Mr. Carville, a political strategist and Clinton confidant, hasn't backed away from his comparison of Bill Richardson, former Bill Clinton Cabinet secretary, to Judas for endorsing Barack Obama. At a forum at SMU, he mocked criticism of Democratic infighting, boosted Democratic...

Last May, three U.S. troops were kidnapped in Iraq, south of Baghdad, by al Qaeda terrorists. The U.S. military immediately launched a search and rescue operation. What happened next is extremely disturbing. Within hours, a new source of information was discovered that required electronic surveillance of phone conversations. Then, a maze of complicated U.S. laws kicked in, stopping progress on the new lead for nearly 10 long hours. Weeks later, the body of one missing American was found in the Euphrates River. The terrorists claimed the other two had been executed. No one knows whether they would have been found...

AUSTIN — The ability of the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee to raise national party money for the general election campaign in Texas may be hindered if Hillary Rodham Clinton is the party's presidential nominee, one-time senatorial candidate Mikal Watts said Tuesday. "If Hillary is the nominee, that will have an effect on whether the national Democrats will play in Texas," Watts said. "The prevailing thought is the Republicans don't have anybody who will motivate their base to get out. There are some who think Hillary will do that," he said. Watts said he has seen Texas polling that shows "right-wing...

UPDATED: AUSTIN – San Antonio lawyer Mikal Watts today said he will not seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate because of the toll his effort already has taken on his family. Watts had been primed to face state Rep. Rick Noriega of Houston in the battle for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. “For the last five months I have been exploring a race for the United States Senate because I believe that our junior senator, John Cornyn, has let Texas down and is more concerned with his cronies and friends in Washington than with...

On his radio talk show last Friday, dittohead in chief Rush Limbaugh was working himself into quite a lather. The subject? Immigration reform, specifically the controversial immigration bill now before the Senate -- or, as Limbaugh dubbed it, the Comprehensive Destroy the Republican Party Act. Though Limbaugh pummeled his usual targets on the left, complaining that the current immigration reform proposal was yet another Ted Kennedy-led scheme to destroy America, Limbaugh was also unsparing toward national Republicans: At the end of the day here, what we're talking about is the marginalization, if not the destruction, of the Republican Party. Look,...

Will Congress pass it? Will America buy it? The immigration battle in our country has just begun that's for sure. But another battle getting less attention is the battle to make America's most powerful institutions more diverse. In many ways the immigration deal and the record breaking Census Bureau figures also released yesterday that say that America has become more diverse, with minorities topping 100 million for the first time in 2006, go hand in hand. So as Congress struggles with immigration reform, the population of the United States is growing increasingly darker. Our lawmakers and society at large need...

Preview and analysis for Weekend Talk Shows, 10-1-06 and 10-8-06 It's week five of the drive by media campaign to win back power in Washington for those who truly deserve it (in their minds), the Dhimmicrats.  This week the attention shifts away from President Bush, because their lame but continuous attacks were beginning to work for him.  Instead they are starting to point out to the ignorant boobs out there that the Republicans are really the party of homo values, kiddie porn, dirty talk and probably worse things, like drugs or even (horrors) rock and roll!  They fully expect all...

WASHINGTON - A Senate plan to build 700 miles of border fencing hit a snag Tuesday when Texas' senators said the Department of Homeland Security and border communities — not Congress — should decide where the fence is built. The objections by Republican Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn complicated plans by Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., to win passage this week of a bill intended to showcase to voters the GOP's commitment to border security. The House passed an identical fencing bill last week, with specific locations for the fence, such as a segment from Laredo to Brownsville....

WASHINGTON – With Congress at a stalemate over immigration, Texas' two senators took different tacks this week in hopes of breaking the logjam and getting a bill to President Bush's desk. Sen. John Cornyn and fellow Republican Jon Kyl of Arizona on Monday urged the president to make a bold move and demand that Congress immediately free up nearly $4 billion for hundreds of Border Patrol agents, immigration inspectors and border fencing. Doing so, they said, will convince Americans that the federal government is serious about enforcing immigration law – and could increase support for a broader bill that includes...

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has quietly introduced a bill to create a "North American Investment Fund" that would tap U.S. and Canadian taxpayers for the development of public works projects in Mexico. Despite assurances this week from White House press secretary Tony Snow that President Bush opposes the idea of a European Union superstate for North America, the effort, by one of the president's loyal supporters in the Senate, is sure to spark new questions about negotiations between the leaders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on issues ranging from security to the economy. "Currently, a significant development...

<p>WASHINGTON – Now that she's left the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor has a few things to get off her chest. One of the first was to warn that the nation could slide into dictatorship if harsh critiques of the judiciary – from the likes of Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Rep. Tom DeLay – go unanswered.</p>

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, flanked by pilots and flight personnel, stepped onto the U.S. Customs and Border Protections surveillance plane Saturday afternoon and asked what he can do to help beef up the agency's equipment and technology. "If you were king, how would you make this mission more effective?" Cornyn asked pilot Tim Decelle. Decelle quickly replied that Customs and Border Protections needs money ideally for new aircraft and additional technology. "In the meantime, we need the funding to take care of maintenance issues and for technology upgrades," Decelle said. Cornyn, in the city touring the U.S. Customs and Border...

FREDERICKSBURG TEXAS — Another Hill Country native leading his troops into battle halfway around the world spoke this weekend to mark the 60th anniversary of Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz’s homecoming at the end of World War II. U.S. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Michael W. Hagee told the crowd of nearly 200 at the National Museum of the Pacific War that the same leadership traits that made Nimitz a successful commander could be found today in the men and women fighting in the streets of Bagdad. “The world has changed because of advanced communication, and often young Marines cannot wait to...

This week marks a historic occasion, not only for the U.S. Supreme Court, but for America -- the retirement announcement of our nation's first female Supreme Court justice. The process in the U.S. Senate for considering her successor should reflect the best of the American judiciary -- not the worst of American politics. Justice O'Connor has provided a voice of judicial restraint on a number of important issues on which the court was closely divided. Throughout her 24 years on the nation's highest court, Sandra Day O'Connor worked to restore common sense to our criminal justice system and foster due...

Hutchison choice softens intensity of GOP primary ASSOCIATED PRESS AUSTIN (AP) - With Gov. Rick Perry and Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn now strapping up for what promises to be a fiery gubernatorial campaign, expectations of shifting across the Republican primary have all but fizzled out. The GOP holds every statewide elected office in Texas and party leaders had been gearing up for a grand game of political musical chairs in case U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison jumped into the 2006 governor's race. Instead, Hutchison opted for another run at the Senate, leaving most GOP office holders sitting right where they...

Conservatives have good reason to be unhappy with the agreement announced last night concerning the Senate’s judicial-confirmation process. The agreement does not guarantee up-or-down votes on all of President Bush’s judicial nominees, nor does it restore the Senate’s unswerving 214-year tradition of majority vote for all judicial nominees. In addition, the agreement attempts to rewrite Article II of the Constitution, by giving the Senate an advise-and-consent role in the nomination, as well as the appointment, of judges (see here and here for more). Our objectives are still within reach, however. As one of the signatories to the agreement made clear...

t was appalling when the House majority leader threatened political retribution against judges who did not toe his extremist political line. But when a second important Republican stands up and excuses murderous violence against judges as an understandable reaction to their decisions, then it is time to get really scared. It happened on Monday, in a moment that was horrifying even by the rock-bottom standards of the campaign that Republican zealots are conducting against the nation's judiciary. Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, rose in the chamber and dared to argue that recent courthouse violence might be explained by distress...

On March 15, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and his liberal associates held a press conference and vowed to shut down the federal government if necessary to maintain the Democrat’s filibuster tactic against President Bush’s judicial nominees. According to Reid, Democrats will stop all Senate activities except essential operations and national defense. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) responded to Reid’s press conference: “Senator Reid’s threat may inspire the Michael Moore wing of his party, but it will anger and confuse mainstream Americans.” Sean Rushton, executive director of the Committee for Justice noted that Reid’s media event was “kabuki theater for...

In response to a question by Republican Senator John Cornyn, the Pentagon reports that detainees have provided valuable information in the War on Terror — including the locations of terrorist training compounds and safe houses, as well as routes used for smuggling men and equipment. Detainees have also identified numerous Al Qaeda operatives, provided insight into training techniques, and helped decode the terrorist financing network. What's more, the Pentagon says one Guantanamo Bay detainee told interrogators, "The people who died on 9/11, 2001 were not innocent." Another said, "There is no need to ask for forgiveness for killing a Jew."...

Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I will spend a few minutes correcting the record in response to a question of press availability on Tuesday about whether Democrats were opposing as a caucus all of the renominated judges that previously were denied an opportunity for an up-or-down vote when a bipartisan majority stood ready to confirm them last year. The Senate minority leader said, "Renomination is not the key. I think the question is, those judges that have already been turned down in the Senate" -- in other words, he said these judges, even though they commanded the support of a bipartisan...

MARSHALL – Sen. John Cornyn told a group of Republicans on Saturday that January's elections in Iraq were just the beginning of the benefits of democracy and freedom in that country. The elections “served as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the long road ahead,” Cornyn said. Cornyn addressed the Republican Party of Harrison County on Saturday night in downtown Marshall as part of his weekend visit to East Texas. Today, he'll take part in a roundtable discussion with "first responder" law enforcement and emergency response officials at the Gregg County Courthouse in Longview. "We've just come through...

WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- As a vote draws near for the confirmation of White House Counsel Alberto Gonzales to succeed Attorney General John Ashcroft, Democrats in the Senate floated the idea of mounting a filibuster to the nomination. Talk of a possible filibuster drew quick rebuke from Gonzales supporters. RNC Deputy Communications Director Danny Diaz commented on a potential Democrat filibuster of Judge Alberto Gonzales' nomination. Gonzales would succeed Attorney General John Ashcroft. "Democrats should understand that filibustering America's first Hispanic nominee for attorney general is neither good policy nor good politics." Diaz said. "Numerous Senators on both sides of...

Cornyn says he wants to revive ways to reform immigration problems 03:15 PM MST on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 By ERNESTO LONDOÑO / Al Día Hours after being named chairman of the Senate subcommittee on immigration, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he would work on immigration reform that would help legitimize the millions of illegal immigrant workers in the United States. As head of the Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, Mr. Cornyn will be responsible for advancing President Bush's immigration reform proposals. In recent years, dozens of immigration bills have been mired in controversy. Mr....

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Cornyn on Wednesday was named chairman of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on immigration, which will oversee legislative efforts to reform and streamline current laws being sought by President Bush. Cornyn, R-Texas, received the chairmanship after lawmakers with more seniority opted for other committee assignments in the 109th Congress. He immediately called for a revision of immigration laws to meet new challenges in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "Reform is long overdue and, in a post 9-11 world, one of our most urgent responsibilities," Cornyn said. Sens. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and Saxby Chambliss,...

The holidays mark a time to celebrate and take delight in the company of family and old friends. It is also a fitting time to take note of the peace we enjoy together, and those who have secured it for us. Most Americans are celebrating the holidays in comfort at home. From that perspective, the world seems safe, and so it should. We must remember, though, that this peace is earned by the brave men and women of our Armed Forces , many of whom are overseas defending our homeland against America's enemies. They are sons and daughters, fathers and...

One important lesson learned during this past election year is that the American people want a return to basic American values, and an end to vicious, Michael Moore-style politics. Certainly the last thing Americans want is yet another year of incessant, baseless, and venomous attacks.But if liberal special-interest groups in Washington have their way, more vicious politics is exactly what the American people will get, particularly in the likely event of a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.The American people want judges and justices on the bench who will dutifully interpret the law — distinguished legal minds and devoted...

A conservative member of the Senate Judiciary Committee said he could support Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) as chairman of the committee if Specter issued a public statement saying he would not try to block a Supreme Court nominee who opposes abortion rights. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) said Specter assured him in a conversation Tuesday he would push for swift up-or-down votes on nominees without regard to their positions on abortion. Cornyn indicated he was satisfied by Specter's comments but wanted them expressed in an official statement. Asked if he thought Specter would get the chairmanship, Cornyn said, "Today, yes, I...

TEHRAN, 26 July 2004 — Iran’s Foreign Ministry yesterday branded as “daydreamers” US senators who have sponsored a bill aimed at toppling Tehran’s Islamic government by supporting opposition groups inside and outside the country. Republican senators Rick Santorum, representing Pennsylvania, and John Cornyn of Texas introduced the “Iran Freedom and Support Act of 2004” earlier this month. The bill authorizes the US president to provide $10 million to foreign and domestic Iranian “pro-democracy” groups such as radio and television networks in order to promote regime change in the Islamic state. “Those who draft such plans lag behind the times, they...

Commentary: Dave McNeely Comptrollers count office as rung up Thursday, April 22, 2004 The three Texas comptrollers since 1975 have wanted to be governor. Carole Keeton Strayhorn is no exception. The first two — the late Bob Bullock and John Sharp, both Democrats — eventually settled for a run at lieutenant governor. Bullock won; Sharp didn't. Strayhorn, one loud grandma, has yet to announce her plans. Though she's a Republican like Gov. Rick Perry, Strayhorn has been slapping Perry every time he turns around. She says he: is an ineffective leader, should put more money into the Children's Health Insurance...

Cornyn accused of 'homophobic' agendaGay rights backers say his hearing is biased; he dismisses criticism08:27 PM CST on Tuesday, March 2, 2004By TODD J. GILLMAN / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON – Gay rights activists denounced Texas Sen. John. Cornyn on Tuesday, accusing him of pushing a "homophobic" agenda by stacking a hearing on same-sex marriage with witnesses who favor a constitutional ban. The Texas Republican has emerged as a key player in the fight for the ban. He will head a Senate judiciary subcommittee today on the ban issue. "This is something that is now a clear and present...

Aid package to help border hospitals cover cost of illegal immigrants BROWNSVILLE (AP) — Border hospitals lose millions of dollars annually caring for sick or injured illegal immigrants, but a $1 billion federal aide package promises relief. "The federal government finally realized that there is a huge burden placed on the border hospitals to pay for the cost of the illegal aliens," said Dr. Lorenzo Pelly, a trauma surgeon at Valley Regional Medical Center. "It's a national issue because it is the federal government that has to stop the flow of the illegal aliens and they cannot do it." A...

WASHINGTON — Texas lawmakers are calling on the Department of Homeland Security to give Mexicans the same freedoms Canadians get when traveling through the United States. Mexicans can stay up to 72 hours in the United States, but must have a border crossing card, also known as a laser visa, from a U.S. consulate when traveling to the United States for tourism, visits with relatives or to do business. Their travel is restricted to up to 25 miles from the border, except at certain ports of entry on the Arizona-Mexico border. Canadians can stay in the United States up to...

WASHINGTON - The Senate will investigate whether new laws should be passed to strengthen the federal definition of marriage as a man-woman union when it returns from its summer recess, a Texas Republican said Friday. "I believe that we must take care to do whatever it takes to ensure that the principles defined in the Defense of Marriage Act remain the law of land," said Sen. John Cornyn, who will lead the Senate Judiciary subcommittee effort. Some politicians, including President Bush, have been concerned that American courts might overturn the federal law that defines marriage as being between a man...

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate will investigate whether new laws should be passed to strengthen the federal definition of marriage as a man-woman union when it returns from its summer recess, a Republican said Friday. "I believe that we must take care to do whatever it takes to ensure that the principles defined in the Defense of Marriage Act remain the law of land," said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who will lead the Senate Judiciary subcommittee effort.Some politicians, including President Bush, have been concerned that American courts might overturn the federal law that defines marriage as being between a...

          The first step in a major crusade to resolve the problem of undocumented workers was taken today by Senator John Cornyn.  The most significant part of the program is that Senator Cornyn is a Republican representing Texas, and is a close ally of President Bush.           The legislature he is proposing has enough votes on both sides of the aisle to pass easily and will enhance the stature of the Republican Party with small business, big business, the unions and the Hispanic vote.  But most important, it will pave the way for better Homeland Security and more...

Cornyn predicts that U.S. will be in Iraq for yearsSenator lauds effort to build democracy, warns situation still volatile07/06/2003By TOYA LYNN STEWART / The Dallas Morning News Just days after returning from a visit to Iraq, Republican Sen. John Cornyn said it's likely that the United States will be a presence in Iraq for possibly five years or more. "No one truthfully knows ... it will be years, not months," he told reporters Saturday during a stop in Dallas. "I think it's important that we don't forfeit the tremendous victory by leaving too soon. "Clearly, we have done the...

Nine members of the Senate's committees on Armed Services and Intelligence will travel to Iraq and the surrounding region next week to assess U.S. operations amid concerns of growing Iraqi resistance to the occupation. Sen. John Warner, a Virginia Republican who chairs the Armed Services Committee, in a statement on Thursday, said the trip will focus on U.S. military and reconstruction missions after the war that ousted Saddam Hussein. It is to include the threats forces are facing from Iraqi resistance and the ongoing search for weapons of mass destruction. Also going on the trip are Intelligence Committee Chairman Pat...

Federal judge hopeful closer to post Panel OKs Junell for Midland; 5th Circuit has a new candidate 02/07/2003 By MICHELLE MITTELSTADT / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday approved the nomination of former Texas House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rob Junell for a federal judgeship in Midland. The endorsement of the San Angelo lawyer came the same day the White House announced it wants to elevate U.S. District Judge Edward Prado of San Antonio to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Prado nomination is President Bush's third to the New Orleans-based 5th...

Cornyn gets seat on judiciary panel Texas senator had campaigned for more conservative judges 01/07/2003 By TODD J. GILLMAN / The Dallas Morning News During the fall Senate campaign, John Cornyn vowed to fight for more conservative federal judges. On Monday, GOP leaders granted the former attorney general and Texas Supreme Court justice his wish for a seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. One of the first orders of business may be to reconsider his former colleague, Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen, to a federal appeals bench - a nomination the committee shot down when Democrats controlled the...

Cornyn takes Gramm's post, starting days on Capitol Hill Ex-Texas AG gets head start establishing new role as senator 12/03/2002 By ROBERT DODGE / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON - John Cornyn swapped jobs Monday, leaving his post as Texas attorney general to become the state's junior U.S. senator. The Republican was officially sworn into office Monday. For the next month, he will serve out the remaining term of former Sen. Phil Gramm, who resigned Nov. 30. "It is pretty unbelievable. I am pinching myself," Mr. Cornyn told reporters after taking the oath of office. He will be sworn...

Cornyn ready for challenges, including housing New senator gets eye-opener on prices, discusses priorities 11/15/2002 By DAVID JACKSON / The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON - Texas' newest senator says he is eager to get to work on national security and confirming judges, but first he needs an office and a house. Congressional leaders haven't assigned workspace to John Cornyn and other freshman lawmakers, and he and his wife are finding Washington's real estate market steep, the state attorney general said Thursday in his first news conference as senator-elect. "Even for a fairly modest hovel here in the district, it's...

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2 — State polls showing that more than half a dozen Senate seats were still within either party's grasp prompted Republicans and Democrats today to intensify their feverish campaigns for control of the chamber. Seeking to influence the truly undecided voters — and to make sure those who have made up their minds go to the polls — both parties marshaled volunteers to ring doorbells and hand out leaflets. They also paraded big-name politicians and star-quality supporters before the cameras and drowned out commercials for consumer goods with advertisements extolling their candidates and assailing their opponents. Politicians and...