#Ben Muzzio

[benmuzzio]

How AI Revolutionizes Application Development

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized software development, altering how developers build applications from design to deployment. This paradigm shift stretches back to the dawn of programming - from Ada Lovelace's 1843 vision of utilizing punched cards for mathematical computations to today's sophisticated AI systems that interpret natural language into executable code.

AI in software development has brought unprecedented efficiency and ease of use. Up to 82 percent of developers already utilize AI tools to write code, manage debugging, complete documentation, and search for answers. Nearly half of the respondents had an interest in using AI to test code, while 40 percent had an interest in using it for code review, predictive analytics, and deployment monitoring.

These AI-powered tools tackle different functions in the development process. In code generation, systems like GitHub Copilot use large language models to translate natural language prompts into code in multiple programming languages. It automates redundant processes and allows developers to focus on more creative programming tasks.

Moreover, AI systems can recognize patterns and issues before code reaches deployment, transforming the debugging process. This proactive system significantly reduces the time traditionally spent on manual debugging and code reviews. In testing and quality assurance, AI automates repetitive test cases and helps QA specialists prioritize issue areas, making the process more efficient and effective.

Beyond its technical advantages, AI enhances project management by automating tasks, reducing workflows, and optimizing the allocation of resources. Predictive analytics enable teams to learn how users behave and prioritize features based on anticipated user demand. Natural language processing enables greater user personalization by better understanding feedback and developing sophisticated chatbots that understand the context and provide accurate responses.

Nevertheless, several myths about AI in software development exist. Contrary to popular belief, AI will not replace software engineers but help them improve their abilities and code quality. While AI can help with code generation, it does not generate flawless code on its own. Its capabilities rely on training data. Therefore, it produces code that humans must review.

AI-powered tools allow people to program using natural language rather than traditional programming languages. Developers can now type their prompts in a conversational form, and AI translates them into executable code. Low-code and no-code platforms like Microsoft Power Platform empower billions of people to build applications that solve their unique problems. New features like Power Apps use AI to convert drawings, images, and design files into working applications without requiring users to master advanced programming concepts.

The future of AI in software development is promising. Emerging tools will sanitize data, proof code for errors, debug programs and explain chunks of code in natural language. The goal is for AI to become an assistant that guides developers to solutions and allows anyone to translate ideas into functional software.

As the world becomes increasingly software-dependent, these AI-powered development tools will make coding more accessible, opening the developer community to more people from diverse backgrounds. They will also capture broader perspectives on problem-solving and creating prosperity through technology for engineers and others.

[newestbalance]

Control of U.S. Congress in play in votes in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitter New York matchup between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections to determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster gestures to the crowd, in front of U.S. President Donald Trump, at a rally in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S., June 25, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi are also selecting competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to take over the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to Congress, three years after he resigned after pleading guilty.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Representative Michael Grimm of New York is seen ahead of a news conference following his guilty plea at the Brooklyn federal court in New York, U.S., December 23, 2014. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith/File Photo

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has traded barns with incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, over who is a stauncher Trump supporter.

Both invoked the president in an effort to drive voter turnout on Tuesday.

“Let’s get this done! #MAGA,” Grimm said in a Twitter message, referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan. Donovan pointed out that the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., had recorded a promotional call to supporters.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

FILE PHOTO: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney speaks to members of the media after their meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the main clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., November 19, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term Representative John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Marguerita Choy

The post Control of U.S. Congress in play in votes in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2KaDuEy via Everyday News

[cleopatrarps]

Control of U.S. Congress in play in votes in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitter New York matchup between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections to determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster gestures to the crowd, in front of U.S. President Donald Trump, at a rally in Columbia, South Carolina, U.S., June 25, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi are also selecting competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to take over the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to Congress, three years after he resigned after pleading guilty.

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Representative Michael Grimm of New York is seen ahead of a news conference following his guilty plea at the Brooklyn federal court in New York, U.S., December 23, 2014. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith/File Photo

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has traded barns with incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, over who is a stauncher Trump supporter.

Both invoked the president in an effort to drive voter turnout on Tuesday.

“Let’s get this done! #MAGA,” Grimm said in a Twitter message, referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan. Donovan pointed out that the president’s son, Donald Trump Jr., had recorded a promotional call to supporters.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

FILE PHOTO: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney speaks to members of the media after their meeting with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at the main clubhouse at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, U.S., November 19, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term Representative John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Marguerita Choy

The post Control of U.S. Congress in play in votes in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2KaDuEy via News of World

[dragnews]

Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitterly personal matchup in New York between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of key races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections that will determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: A woman wears a sticker in multiple languages after voting in the primary election at a polling station in Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi will also select competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to his old seat in Congress, three years after he resigned following his guilty plea.

The race has seen the candidates trade personal insults and accusations of lying, with Trump’s presence looming above it all.

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has attacked incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, for not sufficiently supporting Trump.

Donovan, who earned Trump’s endorsement in May, has responded by calling attention to Grimm’s criminal conviction.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term incumbent John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Peter Cooney

The post Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2MjGwCU via Today News

[dani-qrt]

Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitterly personal matchup in New York between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of key races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections that will determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: A woman wears a sticker in multiple languages after voting in the primary election at a polling station in Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi will also select competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to his old seat in Congress, three years after he resigned following his guilty plea.

The race has seen the candidates trade personal insults and accusations of lying, with Trump’s presence looming above it all.

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has attacked incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, for not sufficiently supporting Trump.

Donovan, who earned Trump’s endorsement in May, has responded by calling attention to Grimm’s criminal conviction.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term incumbent John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Peter Cooney

The post Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2MjGwCU via Online News

[benmuzzio]

Artificial Intelligence Transforms Application Development

In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful catalyst for innovation in application development. AI reshapes how developers conceptualize, create, design, and maintain software applications across multiple dimensions.

The journey of AI in application development begins with code generation. Traditionally, developers spent countless hours writing repetitive code segments, but AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot are revolutionizing this process. These intelligent systems can generate code snippets by analyzing existing codebases and understanding natural language descriptions, dramatically reducing development time and minimizing human errors. This automation doesn't just speed up development; it ensures greater consistency and allows developers to focus on more strategic, creative aspects of their work.

Beyond code generation, AI provides powerful predictive analytics that transforms project management. By analyzing historical project data, AI can forecast potential risks, optimize resource allocation, and help teams create more realistic project timelines. Companies like Salesforce have already integrated such predictive capabilities, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions that enhance overall project efficiency.

User experience represents another critical domain where AI is making substantial impacts. Machine learning algorithms can now analyze vast volumes of user behavior data to craft personalized, intuitive interfaces. Netflix's recommendation system offers a prime example of this capability: by understanding individual user preferences, AI can create highly tailored experiences that boost engagement and satisfaction.

Natural language processing (NLP) further extends AI's capabilities by bridging communication gaps in application development. NLP tools can translate complex requirements into actionable development tasks, facilitating better understanding between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Virtual assistants like Alexa demonstrate how NLP can understand context and nuance, making human-computer interactions increasingly sophisticated.

AI has also transformed the testing phase of application development. Intelligent testing tools can simulate diverse user scenarios, detect potential vulnerabilities early, and provide comprehensive test coverage that would be challenging to achieve through manual methods. Companies like Uber leverage AI-driven testing to evaluate app performance across various devices and network conditions, ensuring robust, reliable software.

Security emerges as another crucial area where AI is making significant strides. By analyzing extensive datasets in real time, AI algorithms can detect anomalies and potential security threats that might escape traditional monitoring systems. Companies like Darktrace showcase how AI can provide proactive, adaptive security measures that evolve alongside emerging cyber threats.

AI is reimagining talent acquisition and team composition. Machine learning algorithms can assess candidate profiles, match skills to project requirements, and help create well-rounded development teams. IBM and Turing are pioneering approaches that use AI to streamline recruitment and optimize team dynamics.

Nevertheless, AI is not the ultimate solution to app development problems. Developers must carefully consider their decisions when incorporating AI in their work. Privacy concerns, the risk of bias in AI models, and the need for high-quality training data are ongoing considerations that developers must navigate.

The mobile app development ecosystem further illustrates the complexity of AI mechanisms. With multiple platforms, such as Android and iOS, and cross-platform frameworks, like React Native and Flutter, developers must strategically choose frameworks that align with their project requirements, team skills, and target platforms.

The key for developers and organizations is to view AI not as a replacement for human expertise but as a powerful collaborative tool. By embracing AI's capabilities while maintaining human creativity, critical thinking, and strategic vision, development teams can unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation, and quality in their software applications.

[newestbalance]

Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitterly personal matchup in New York between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of key races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections that will determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: A woman wears a sticker in multiple languages after voting in the primary election at a polling station in Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi will also select competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to his old seat in Congress, three years after he resigned following his guilty plea.

The race has seen the candidates trade personal insults and accusations of lying, with Trump’s presence looming above it all.

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has attacked incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, for not sufficiently supporting Trump.

Donovan, who earned Trump’s endorsement in May, has responded by calling attention to Grimm’s criminal conviction.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term incumbent John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Peter Cooney

The post Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2MjGwCU via Everyday News

[cleopatrarps]

Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states

NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bitterly personal matchup in New York between a convicted felon seeking to reclaim his congressional seat from a former prosecutor is among dozens of key races in seven U.S. states on Tuesday, as voters pick candidates for November elections that will determine control of Congress.

FILE PHOTO: A woman wears a sticker in multiple languages after voting in the primary election at a polling station in Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 5, 2018. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Voters in Colorado, Maryland, South Carolina, Utah, Oklahoma and Mississippi will also select competitors for the Nov. 6 elections, when Democrats will seek to wrest control of Congress from U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party.

Democrats need to flip 23 of 435 seats to gain control of the House of Representatives, which would stymie much of Trump’s agenda while opening up new avenues of investigation into his administration. They would have to net two seats to take the Senate, but face longer odds there, according to analysts.

Residents of New York City’s Staten Island borough will decide whether to give Republican Michael Grimm, fresh off a prison term for tax fraud, a chance to return to his old seat in Congress, three years after he resigned following his guilty plea.

The race has seen the candidates trade personal insults and accusations of lying, with Trump’s presence looming above it all.

Grimm, a bombastic former FBI agent known for once threatening to toss a television reporter off a balcony, has attacked incumbent Republican Representative Dan Donovan, the borough’s former district attorney, for not sufficiently supporting Trump.

Donovan, who earned Trump’s endorsement in May, has responded by calling attention to Grimm’s criminal conviction.

The district is considered within reach for Democrats in November.

“They should have a reality show: ‘The Real Candidates of Staten Island,’” said Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College. “It’s nasty, it’s personal – and it’s enjoyable to watch.”

DEMOCRATIC BATTLES

Voters in upstate New York will pick among seven Democrats in one of this year’s most expensive House campaigns. Republican first-term incumbent John Faso is considered vulnerable in November, and his potential challengers have collectively raised more than $7 million.

In Colorado, an establishment-backed Democrat and a liberal insurgent are vying to take on incumbent Republican Representative Mike Coffman, whose district favored Democrat Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Jason Crow, an Iraq war veteran backed by the national party, is facing Levi Tillemann, who was endorsed by Our Revolution, a group born out of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential bid. Tillemann earned attention this month with an anti-gun violence video in which he blasted himself in the face with pepper spray.

South Carolina’s Republican contest for governor is the latest test of Trump’s sway among party voters. The president campaigned on Monday alongside Governor Henry McMaster, who is in a tight nominating battle with businessman John Warren. The winner is likely to prevail in November.

Voters will also pick Senate candidates in states including Utah and Maryland. Analysts say Democrats face a steep climb trying to take that chamber, as they are defending seats in states like Indiana, Montana and North Dakota that supported Trump two years ago.

Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is expected to earn his party’s Senate nomination in Utah, while Chelsea Manning, who served seven years in military prison for leaking classified data, is a long shot in Maryland’s Democratic nominating contest against incumbent Senator Ben Cardin.

Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone and Peter Cooney

The post Battle for control of U.S. Congress advances in seven states appeared first on World The News.

from World The News https://ift.tt/2MjGwCU via News of World