House GOP studies 3 recent election losses, finds Democrats got more votes
Some real sharp arrows in the Republican quiver there in Washington.
GOP members of the House of Representatives, worried over a growing fundraising gap with Democratic members of Congress, commissioned a study to figure out why they had unexpectedly lost three recent special House elections, including the suburban Chicago seat held so long by former speaker R. Dennis Hastert.
One reason: The Democratic candidates got more votes. Check.
A second reason: Customary Republican campaign themes did not resonate with local voters this time. Check.
And third: The candidates could not overcome "the negative perception of the national party" in the three special elections in once-safe Republican districts in Illinois, Mississippi and Louisiana. Ouch.
The report suggested Republican candidates this fall demonstrate "deep empathy towards the voters" and rely more on local issues than national ones. Imagine that, local voters more concerned about local issues than national ones far away.
According to the report by Associated Press Special Correspondent David Espo, GOP members are also worried over fundraising numbers, which show the National Republican Congressional Committee has $6.7 million in the bank, compared to $47.2 million for the Democrats.
Other than that, a historically unpopular president, the continuing Iraq war, excitement generated by the long Democratic presidential primary struggle, millions of new voters, high gas prices, a sagging economy and declining numbers admitting to be Republican, things look really pretty good for the party of Lincoln come Nov. 4.
--Andrew Malcolm
No wonder fewer and fewer people tell pollsters that they are Republicans. Nobody likes a loser...or a Party that has caused as much damage to the reputation of the U.S. and its economy as has the GOP over the last 71/2 years.
McCain is going to lose. On a list of a (baker's) dozen reasons why he will lose, #1 and #2:
1. The McBush factor. McCain’s support of the Iraq War will make it impossible for him to break from Bush, the most unpopular president in living memory. The photo/video of McCain hugging and being kissed by Bush will become increasingly embedded in the collective consciousness of the American people as the months roll on.
2. The Republican factor. Yes, McCain is a Republican. He will not be able to deny this fact. Currently, this is not the best party to have behind you in a push to the White House. Witness the recent loss of three traditionally Republican congressional seats and the declining number of Americans willing to identify themselves as Republicans. And then there are the comments of Congressman Tom Davis. “The political atmosphere facing House Republicans this November is the worst since Watergate and is far more toxic than it was in 2006” (NY Times, May 15th, 2008).
“A Dozen Reasons Why McCain Won’t Win: Money-Back Guarantee”
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Posted by: Mitchell in NY | June 28, 2008 at 10:19 AM