[southernnorthcarolina]

The result was being blamed largely on Mr Schroeder's unpopular reforms, which include cutting some welfare benefits.

Now, why do I have the instinctive reaction of disagreeing with the BBC's spin here?

I'm no expert on German politics, but I don't think people who want more "welfare benefits" are likely to switch over to the generally more conservative Christian Democratic Party. Could the real issue have been... taxes?

[SunkenCiv]

I think you're onto something. The Greens picked up votes from the SD. The CD picked up voters who are completely tinkled off at Schroeder for his anti-Americanism.