GOPers say "typical" non-presidential congress elections are gains for minority party -

[old mark]

But congressional elections are not really "typical" any more than was the last few Presidential elections.

I believe that if we get back together in the strength we had in '08, there is NO WAY IN HELL the GOP can win any seats in congress. We must realize the source of this propaganda and the intent - to talk the Democratic Party into defeating itself.

The Republicans have NOTHING at all to offer this nation, and even many previous Republicans now understand that. We must begin buildign votes and a strong support base for EVERY Democratic candidate int he 2010 election.

We can complain amongst ourselves aboput everything, but we must not let the Republicans talk us out of winning heavily in the next election - or the one after that. Remember, all they have is lies and hate, but they have a lot of both. We must get together to beat them again.

mark

[Andy823]

1. I agree.

I don't think the republicans can take back congress, they don't have a plan except to just say NO, to everything.

The problem I see is if the democrats in congress don't bet a spine and start working for the people who put them in office, there may be a lot of democrats sitting out the next election, and that is what could do some damage.

[Gman]

2. GOP'ers are historically correct with

2006 being the most current example. I think the GOP will pick up a few seats, maybe even 10-15 predominantly blue dog seats. Possibly a seat or two in the Senate (how much worse can it get for the GOP?). Overall Democrats maintain control.

[OHdem10]

3. Tell that the Democrats on the Hill. They are the ones who have

given the people the image of ineffectiveness by not
getting on TV and giving as strong a case for Health Care Reform
as the opposition goes against it.

Instead they left a chasm a mile wide and ten feet deep for
the GOP to fill with lies.

Guess what --the GOP have succeeded in spreading serious doubt.

I am sorry to say this but President Obama has not been as
effective as I had hoped. However, it is now different from
when Clinton was in office--Clinton knew he could never trust
Republicans so he was more willing to show some fight.
We still ended up with Republican Lite Governance.

I have watched Liberals (rank and file) drop by the wayside
and not even vote anymore. Who stands for us--no one.

It is time for those in Congress to stand up and show their
colors.

[Ozymanithrax]

4. They are right, if you look at it statisticly...

In 2006, voter dissatisfaction with W led to an upset and Democrats captured the House and Senate.

In 2002, it was said that although a first-term president’s party had not gained ground in midterm elections since 1934, Republicans widened their majority in the house by a few seats and recaptured the Senate.

The evidence does seem to support that.

For other midterms back to 1966.
Year President's Gain/Loss Gain/Loss
Party House Senate
2006 R R-30 R-6
2002 R R+8 R+2
1998 D D+5 0
1994 D D-54 D-8
1990 R R-8 R-1
1986 R R-5 R-8
1982 R R-26 0
1978 D D-15 D-3
1974 R R-48 R-4
1970 R R-12 R+1
1966 D D-48 D-3
1962 D D-4 D+2

But statistics aren't history. There are a few things that I think bear watching.
(1) Repubicans are at historic lows. Their message at this time has been for party purity rather than attempting to expand their voter base. (Remember Dean's work to rebuild the party in 50 states. Wath Repulican Party building efforts. They havn't done it yet, but if they do this could be some trouble.)

(2) Health-Care: If Obama looses the health-care debate and nothing is passed, there will be a lot of disillusioned Democrats and independents who will not vote for his party. Republicans will get their base out through a combination of race baiting and lies. Republicans will win seats. Whichever party gets out the msot voters will have success.

Republicans will tell us that if the win even 1 extra seat in the midterm, that the public has repudiated Obama. If the status quo is maintain, they have stopped Obama from socializing the United States. If they loose seasts, even 1, they will blame it on Acorn.

Start now. Talk to everyone you can. Plan an election Party for the midterms, take a vacation day, and invite everybody to come and party after they vote.

[LiberalAndProud]

5. I will vote for my dem.

But I will be damned if I campaign or contribute to the blue dog's reelection.

[old mark]

6. My Rep is a blue dog, too...he gets my vote and a lot of my opinion via

email every few weeks.

My cash goes to Democratic organizations other than his campaign.

I know how you feel.


mark

[treestar]

7. Repukes have marginalized themselves so much this time

The Blue Dogs show that the conservatives are moving into the Democratic party. At least they are the more moderate, sensible conservatives. The Repukes will fade as having only the wild eyed nutcases.