State lawmaker John Cavanaugh, despite his record and the backing of the Progressive Caucus, represents the local party establishment. Meanwhile, Democratic activist Denise Powell, the self-styled outsider, is rapidly becoming the favored candidate of many in the national party’s donor and operative class.
Austin Ahlman
Austin Ahlman is a reporter and researcher with the Open Markets Institute’s Center for Journalism & Liberty, where he writes about the intersection of corporate power, public policy, and politics.
Posted inPolitics
Maine’s Populist Senate Candidate Thinks We Are in a New Gilded Age
Graham Platner’s challenge to Susan Collins and the Democratic establishment could remake a bruised and aimless Democratic coalition.
Posted inPolitics
In Search of the Trump-Osborn Voters
Dan Osborn is forging a new path through red states with anti-corporate populism and working-class identity politics.
Posted inEconomic Policy
Intel’s $3.5 Billion Boondoggle
The microchip giant’s ‘secure enclave’ project will take nearly 10 percent of a CHIPS Act manufacturing fund that is already stretched thin.
Posted inMoney, Politics, and Power
Unmasking the Local TV Station Monopolies
Deregulation has rendered station ownership caps meaningless. But a federal antitrust case and a new FCC majority offer one last chance to unwind broadcast consolidation.
Posted inPolitics
Democrats Rediscover Populism—and Not a Moment Too Soon
As Republicans took a radical turn, Democrats learned to talk to normal people again.
Posted inPolitics
In Oregon, a Rural Populist Pushes the Grassroots to Its Limits
Jamie McLeod-Skinner ousted a seven-term incumbent—now comes the hard part.
Posted inPolitics
AIPAC Echoes Republicans’ Crime Messaging in Pennsylvania
After failing to stop Democrat Summer Lee’s primary bid, the pro-Israel group is now helping Republicans put the seat into play.
Posted inPolitics
Republicans’ Secret Swing-Seat Weapon? Dozens of Rich Nominees.
Over half of the Republican nominees in competitive House races have dipped into personal fortunes to fund their campaigns.
Posted inPolitics
Progressive Orgs Jump In for Jamie McLeod-Skinner
Led by Fight Corporate Monopolies’ new super PAC, progressive groups are making a late bid to support the populist House candidate running against a wealthy health care executive.