With news Monday that yet another House Democrat, Rep. Tom Suozzi, is declining to run for reelection, there was a new onset of shivers down the spines of Democrats on Capitol Hill. The New York member, who represents a Democratic-leaning Long Island district, is the 18th Democrat to declare that […] Read more »
A Pollster’s Warning to Democrats: ‘We Have a Problem’
Brian Stryker, a Democratic pollster, didn’t work for Terry McAuliffe’s campaign in the Virginia governor’s race. But Mr. McAuliffe’s narrow defeat in a liberal-leaning state alarmed him and most every Democratic political professional. That defeat also prompted a centrist group, Third Way, to have Mr. Stryker convene focus groups to […] Read more »
As Biden repeats Obama’s mistakes, get ready for 2010 redux
… Political leaders have to address the priorities of the electorate. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Biden is not just off message with Build Back Better, he’s off policy priorities; and it’s showing in his numbers. Overall, his job rating in our Nov. 22-24 Winning the Issues survey was 42 […] Read more »
A Tale of Two Midwestern Gerrymanders: Illinois and Ohio
Key Points• Gerrymanders by Democrats in Illinois and Republicans in Ohio seek to build upon their dominance of their respective states.• The Ohio Supreme Court could intervene against the GOP gerrymander there, which perhaps helps explain why Republicans were not as aggressive as they could have been, even though Republicans […] Read more »
Liking our policy, but not our performance
… One of the few messages escaping from Washington in recent months is the ostentatious internecine battling among Democrats. I understand that legislating, especially with a tiny majority in polarized times, is arduous. I look at where we are and say, “Miraculous.” But no stranger to the process (a group […] Read more »
The Biggest Victim in 2021 Redistricting So Far: Competition
Heading into Thanksgiving, new congressional maps have either passed or are awaiting signature in 20 states — almost half of the 44 states with two or more seats. And although Republicans are poised for modest mapping gains, the most dramatic trend is anti-competitive. … Overall, competitive seats are on track […] Read more »