While I acknowledge there are enclaves where one party or the other dominates. And, there is a large percentage of the population that are independents or minor party members. But when it comes down to the popular vote in many elections nationwide, the vote splits almost 50/50 all to often. Seems unnatural to me.
I could give you a long winded answer, but, this will suffice. Just check the Primary returns from Alaska & Wyoming last week and look at the both the Republican and Democrat turn outs. And then, next Tuesday evening review the primary results from the State of Florida. Maybe you will feel a bit better...I do.
And...remember...never look for patterns in “Special Elections”....they are all strange, individual, events where turn out is all. Follow that trail and you will do just fine.
As for pollsters, pundits, Media morons...forget them,..they ain’t got a clue. Final: The Trumpies will hold both the House & Senate, this coming November election!!! Case closed!!! Secret, Simple....get out and vote, get everyone out to vote that you know, on election day. End of story.
The most efficient way to control people is to have people divided into two parties and organized into districts that are almost 50/50 and to make the election issues of the day, issues that poll 50/50 so you can more easily steer the election to the guy you know is going to play ball.
Any other method requires more effort and planning.
From what I understand the Rep candidate was not a very good candidate...DJT basically dragged him over the line. The Dem candidate was running a campaign away from the liberal/socialist wing of the Dem party and appealed to many middle of the road Repubs and Dems in Ohio. This is not a lock in November, but the outcome should be the same given the circumstances.