The 2006 midterms
I realize that people who read political blogs tend towards activism as it is. But I’d like to make sure that you don’t just think about volunteering a few hours to whoever your Democratic candidate is, but that you actually do it.. Whatever your local elections may be, please realize that ten hours of your work could make 250 votes’ difference. The 2000 election was decided by just 537.
And we’ve got quite an election coming up. The tighter the Republicans clench their fist, the more voters slip through their fingers. If you want proof, look a the 2005 gubernatorial elections. In both Virginia and New Jersey (the two states elections were held in) Democratic Governors were elected. This is particularly significant when you consider that Virginia’s State House and Senate are both Republican controlled, and that of 13 Senators and Representatives, Virginia only sends three Democrats to Washington.
Virginia, however, is only one example of how normally conservative states are starting to see the light. Approval ratings for Bush nationally are below 40%, so we know we’ve got a strong base. The only thing we need to do is make sure they register their opinions on election day. Asked whether they would choose a Democrat or a Republican (not specific Democrats or Republicans, just some member of each party) the Democrat was more popular.
The upcoming elections will not be a battle of support for the Democratic or Republican parties, the Democrats are winning that. The only fight for us is to get out the vote. And with 37-40% of the country approving of President Bush’s performance, it should be a relatively easy task.
This is only a warning to my Democratic readers-don’t get comfortable. We can gain at least one house of Congress, as long as you don’t get complacent.
