I certainly hope we’re not losing MS and that is a place where Obama’s liberalism can really hurt the downticket. And no I am intentionally ignoring the “conventional wisdom” of the special races. None of those races had anything close to the full story of Obama’s liberalism. But if Wicker loses I blame Barbour and Lott.
Lott created the domino effect, Barbour had to deal that was dropped in his lap. Problem is that Wicker was just about the weakest choice for us. Chip Pickering and Amy Tuck were the two top choices for the seat, but both took a pass. Pickering is apparently fed up with Congress.
Actually, it's McCain's liberalism that will kill the R downticket. A small percent of Conservatives will stay home because of McCain. Not me. I'll hold my nose, pray for forgiveness, and vote for him. A larger percent will not walk precincts because of McCain. That includes me. About the only sign going in my yard this year would be a sign that said "Voting Against Obama." I really can't bring myself to say I am "for" John McCain. Mainly because I'm not.
Lecture all you want. I probably agree with you that McCain is less damaging by a hair and that's why I'll vote for him. But that won't change that 1-3% of conservatives who just can't bring themselves to pull the lever for a democrat and stay home. A good portion of McCain's independents will vote D downticket.
Thus, McCain is and has always been the predictable kiss of death for the R down ticket for that reason. It's all about John and always has been.
OTOH, Obama is going to turn out a huge black vote and the adoring college Bambi's who like, think he's awesome and will, like, bring world peace and hope. That is going to swing some down ticket elections. BO will lose the south. But he will take some down ticket seats for the bad guys there because of the black vote.
So it's a double whammy this year. Ain't gonna be pretty.