Democrats are better prepared this time around for the mid-term elections than they were in 1994 when they lost control of congress and a sitting house speaker was defeated, The New York Times informs readers in a piece that is replete with wishful thinking and cheerleading.
“Unlike 1994, when Republicans shocked Democrats by capturing dozens of seats held by complacent incumbents, there will be no sneak attacks this year,” the report observes. “Democrats have sensed trouble for more than a year, with the unrest from town-hall-style meetings last August providing indisputable evidence for any disbelievers. The result has been to goad many Democrats into better preparation: more fund-raising, earlier advertising, lots of time on the campaign trail.”
This is partially true in that President Obama’s declining poll numbers have not translated over into public enthusiasm for the Republican Party. Special elections held earlier this year demonstrate that Democrats who hold out against overspending can prevail over uninspiring Republicans. Rep. Ike Skelton, a Missouri Democrat, is very attuned to the policy preferences of his conservative district and voted against several Obama initiatives. He is cited as an example here of someone who Republicans will find difficult to dislodge. Fair enough.
However, there is no escaping the growing danger to incumbent Democrats who have been complicit in advancing unpopular public policy measures.
The Cook Political report, for instance, has seen an uptick in the number of House seats now leaning Republican. It also envisions a scenario in which Republicans could actually capture control of the Senate; something that was unthinkable to most analysts at outset of 2009.
Get full story here.
No comments:
Post a Comment