Posted by
CJ Good on Monday, October 16, 2006 11:47:16 AM
In the history of American Political History there has always been a clear majority and minority party. They have understood their roles and were unapologetic about their role, and at times provided a clear choice and at other times provided a muddied view of the choice. At this time of a shift in the majority party which takes a full generation plus to complete, the Republicans are at a challenging stage.
The shift is almost complete as the Republicans have not lost either house of Congress in an election since 1992. While they had election cycles where they lost seats, or had an even Senate, they still controlled the message. They have controlled a majority of Governorships, and hold a number of important state houses. Yet they are doing their best to lose this election, even though in September they looked to be in a position to win a Senate seat or two. The question needs to be asked why are we in this position?
The answer is simple. We caved, and the Senate block of Warner, McCain, Hagel, and Graham are to blame for were we are today. While the House leadership has proven to be completely blind about the actions of their party, these Senators have sold us down the river. All four of these individuals have shown that they are camera hounds and want to be liked by the press. Look at what is happening in
Florida, and see the difference of a poorly ran Senate were we run on one thing and do another, and a State that produces what they run on.
I find it interesting that of all States Florida is the state that is showing the rest of the party how to do it right. This state has ran on a consistent message and then delivered it, and the electorate is responding. This is the same state, where Bush won by less than .5% and made Catherine Harris the poster child of ineptitude. Had the Republicans nominated a better Senatorial Candidate, this state may have gone completely Red and there will be no charge of voter fraud.
I think the election will still fall right for the Republicans. We have learned in the last two election cycles Republicans poll 3-4% points lower than what they actually receive. Will that happen again this year? I am not sure, but polling has not picked-up up on the GOP GOTV. Remember the special elections this past summer, where Democrats had the chance to pick up seats where they normally would not. The GOTV proved to make polling inaccurate and the Republicans won in seats they should have lost and polling showed they were closer than what they finished up. If the GOP money can get out the vote, this will confirm a new majority party and perhaps the final strike in the fractured Democratic party.