I expect those identifying as Republican are decreasing because supporting Republicans and electing Republicans has proven to make no real difference in the past three national elections, even after giving Republicans control of both houses of Congress.
I would be one of them.
I called the national GOP headquarters, left my name and telephone number and told them exactly why I was through with the GOP. (it was due to a couple of GOP reps discussing raising gasoline taxes, only they called it a “usage fee”) As I said in my message, these idiots shouldn’t even be talking about a tax increase.
I then sent in the paperwork and had my name removed from GOP voter registration.
Realistically, I should have done it years ago.
I am not sure there’s been no real difference. If anything, there’s been more of that fabulous bipartisanship our President loves so much.
DING DING DING!!!! First correct answer!! today’s big winner.
That was true in 2006 and in 2008 (the bad economy didn't help Republicans any in 2006, either).
But Republicans were able to make something of a comeback in 2010 and were doing pretty well earlier this year.
What I suspect happened is that the press spun the the gay marriage decision as such a victory for the president and a cause for celebration that enough swing voters figured that was the way the wind was blowing and they had to be Democrats now.
Certainly all the hoopla helped drive other issues which might be more troublesome for the Democrats off the TV screen for a while.