Those that know me understand that I hate any turn of the phrase “permanent majority”. I almost always believe that there are larger, mostly uncontrollable, factors at play such as the state of the economy for national elections that have a greater influence in determining the outcome. Therefore, I pretty […] Read more »
About last night (in Virginia and New Jersey) . . .
… Lost in the rush by most in the media to impose their pre-conceived narrative of “conservatives bad, moderates good” on last night’s result is the fact that a close race in Virginia is hugely good news for Republicans. Cuccinelli probably did as poorly as a Republican can do in terms of […] Read more »
How Obamacare mattered in Virginia – but not in the final outcome
The day after Terry McAuliffe’s (D) closer-than-expected gubernatorial victory in Virginia, Republicans are arguing that Ken Cuccinelli’s (R) campaign to emphasize President Barack Obama’s health-care law narrowed the race. And, they add, that should frighten Democrats heading into the 2014 midterms. … Did Obamacare play a role in last night’s […] Read more »
New Race Politics and the Virginia Election
Virginia’s election results were a deep disappointment for Republicans who have long been competitive—even dominant—in this Southern state. Terry McAuliffe defeated Ken Cuccinelli 48%-45%, and the margin was greater in the Lt. Governor’s race. A closely contested Attorney General’s race is too close to call. … While the exit polls […] Read more »
Terry McAuliffe: Three Reasons Why He Is the New Governor-Elect of Virginia
On paper, Terry McAuliffe has a number of significant negatives that should have dragged down his campaign. He has never held elective office; his entrepreneurial career raised some ethical red flags; his platform could be described charitably as broad, or less charitably as vague; and his appeal to Independents and […] Read more »
Virginia, New Jersey results highlight Republican Party’s divisions, problems
Tuesday’s elections, which produced a resounding Republican victory in New Jersey and a dispiriting loss for the GOP in Virginia, highlighted the challenges ahead for a badly divided party — and will probably intensify an internal debate about how to win back the White House in 2016. … The outcomes […] Read more »