COUNCIL: FRONT & CENTER
An update on arms control, national security & politics from the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.
October 11-October 26WHAT’S NEW:
2014 Senate Election Contest
Back by popular demand, our biannual election contest has arrived! Think you can outsmart the pollsters before the 2014 midterm elections? We’re giving you the chance to prove it. It’s free to enter, and our top three winners will earn a cash prize. Check out the rules and resources page to get started. The deadline to enter is midnight (EST) on November 3rd, the night before the election. Don’t forget to do your homework and see what the pollsters are saying beforehand—and good luck! [10/22]
An Evening in Boston
Save the date: On the evening of November 6th, we’ll be in Boston for a night of expert analysis, substantive discussion, and fun! We’ve invited Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, among other notable speakers, to lead our Election Forum and Reception on the Future of National Security. Best part? It’s free! We hope you can join us. Space is limited, so RSVP today.
READ:
Growth in Pentagon Spending Since 2001
We’ll start with the good news: the overall trend for the U.S. defense budget is on a downward slope. That said, the U.S. is spending $7-10 million per day on its new war in the Middle East against the Islamic State, meaning Congress may decide to up the ante in Fiscal Year 2015. Check out our reporton the center site to learn more. [10/20]
Window of Opportunity to Change US Nuclear Spending:
“Folks are understandably confused by the juxtaposition of the exorbitant price tag attached to current plans to upgrade all three legs of the triad at once, and the waning U.S. budget,” writes Katie McCarthy on the Nukes of Hazard blog. That’s why, rather than modernize the triad, the time is now to reassess exactly what we need and what we can afford. [10/24]
But What About Grandma?
It’s a well-known fact that Western sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran were key in bringing the Iranians to the negotiating table. What’s less well-known is exactly how these sanctions have impacted your everyday Iranian citizen. Sarah Tully provides a few personal accounts of the effects of these sanctions and the domestic pressure that has arisen. Rouhani may have no choice but to stay at the table until a deal is reached. [10/21]
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:
”Grimy” Race in Kentucky
If you can look past the all-too-tempting pun, the race in Kentucky is really getting juicy. Just last week, the DSCC pulled out its funding for Alison Lundergan Grimes, the fundraising miracle who had the guts to challenge Mitch McConnell. But just as every pundit finished signaling the death knell for the Grimes campaign, the DSCC said it was back on, throwing another three-quarters of a million into the race. See John Isaacs tell it like it is on our blog. [10/23]
Our Latest Polling Update
It’s our last newsletter before the 2014 midterm elections, and the Senate may or may not be decided in ten days. Check out our most recent polling update. [10/22]
Help Our Candidates Get Out the Vote!
You’ve heard it before: in the last week before the election, it’s all up to the so-called ‘ground game,’ otherwise described as hitting the streets to get voters to the polls. That’s why we reached out to a number of our endorsed Senate candidates this week to see where our supporters could donate their time to help Get Out the Vote. Check out our GOTV guide to get in contact with the campaigns and find out how you can lend a hand to our candidates.
More for Political Junkies
If you haven’t checked out our Senate Election center by now, we assume you’ve been hiding under a rock. Just kidding! And with just over a week to go, now is the time to focus!
BE SOCIAL:
Infographic: Not Getting a Deal Won’t Make Us Any Safer
Remember BiBi’s infamous “red line?” Well, this week, one former US official put the kibosh on Israel’s “no deal is better than a bad deal” rhetoric. The highly respected former Under Secretary of State, Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat told the Jerusalem Post that failing to get an Iran deal should not be considered a success. We loved Eizenstat’s argument so much, we made an infographic. Don’t forget to share it on Facebook, Twitter, or by email! [10/24]
