Posted on 01/02/2006 5:28:38 AM PST by johnny7
Volatile Issues - Iraq, Bush's Standing, Economy - Could Steer Election
WASHINGTON -- Keep an eye on gasoline prices, President Bush's popularity and progress in Iraq. Each could jolt this fall's congressional contests in what looks like one of the most unpredictable nonpresidential elections in a long time.
In recent mid-terms, incumbents usually coasted - 98 percent of House members were re-elected in 1998, and 96 percent won in 2002. This year, though, Democrats see the rare chance to make the election a nationwide referendum on Bush, the Republican-led Congress and the war, and they have been relentless in pushing that agenda. "The Republican Congress has spent all of its time and energy catering to special interests, not seeing to the priorities of the American people," said Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "The 2006 elections will be about the American people choosing change over the status quo and choosing a new direction over the same old special interest-driven agenda that has gotten us to where we are today."
(Excerpt) Read more at courant.com ...
It seems that just before every election we are treated to the same prediction - "The nation is turning to the left" or "The times they are a-changing." Just wishful thinking for the Dems!
Democrats will be sending memos to the NYT's to print how high gas prices could hurt Republican campaigns... The stories should hit the news stands in late September, giving the terrorists, Iran, and Venezuela time to adjust their output or to attack oil infrastructure to reduce output in order to raiser prices.
If the election is, as the MSM says, "unpredictable," you can bet the Republicans are going to pick up seats. Again.
They DO love their circle-jerks!
You have to wonder why Shays doesn't just resign and move to Quebec.
You hit the nail on the head. The real challenge will be the media. Note how Bush gets bad marks for a strong economy.
I don't like that the phrase "domestic spying" is allowed to go unchallenged. We need to start calling it "terrorist spying."
The media is the major enemy.
His manner is more suited for Brokeback Mountain.
Dodd is a fighter... Shays is a milquetoast.
I'll bet Rahm just can't see the irony in this statement.
I agree 100%! Every election cycle is the same. Dems going to do well Republicans in trouble. Conservatives too far to the right in trouble. The morning after the election the MSM can only say not again I thought we spun everything perfect for the Dems too. Republicans gain seats.
You can read these types of junk stories almost any day of the year. I say "almost" because the only exception is the day after election day when the Pubbies gain once again and the Rats lose as usual.
Well, if the Nation is about to turn left, RINO Shays has certainly positioned himself for the change. I used to think he was one of the dumbest members of Congress, though there is so much competition today, that may no longer be the case. In any event, both his IQ and his politics will fit well on the other side of the aisle.
I get tired of things like this "The Republican Congress has spent all of its time and energy catering to special interests." There are no interests other than special interests, and my interests are the most special to me.
Shays has run out of 'wigglin-room in CT... it's electorate has become even more liberal and he will get the boot come election time.
There is this WOT and Iraq that will dog Democrats in the voting booth - it is a well documented fact that Democrats would rather run than fight. It is also a well documented fact that Democrats/Socialists are anti-American. Some how I don't think those two (there are others) values will stand them in a good light, too many Americans love their country and support the WOT.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.