By now, most journalists, handicappers, and party operatives are trained to restrain themselves when applying special election results to future general election forecasts.
But the redo election in North Carolina’s 9th District provides a unique opportunity to learn about the present political environment and how it’s changed since November.
Instead of simply analyzing trends in President Donald Trump’s job approval rating or the generic ballot, or a special election in a state legislative race, the Tar Heel State race gives us a chance to make as close to an apples-to-apples comparison from last cycle to now. CONT.
Nathan L. Gonzales, Roll Call