The union members of the 80’s respected Reagan who was fair in his dealing with him...many voted for him aka Reagan Democrats...as for unions, the biggest one is the government unions...so?
We are talking about the destruction of an entire region of the country (Mid West). Billions of lost wages, taxes etc. It’s being blamed on the GOP...although I believe Clinton is also culpable (NAFTA). The GOP can not just keep throwing away entire regions of the country and expect to have a meaningful role in American politics. I am a military brat (navy).
My Mom is from Virginia (Albermarle Country). I lived in Virginia and spent 10 years as an adult in Georgia. The sort of conservatism practiced in the South will not work in Ohio or many other Northern States...it just won’t. Thus there is a choice...become more of a big tent party and get some things done...or cede everything to the Dems.
I agree completely. I was raised in NW Ohio, but left right after high school (my parents recently retired to GA as well). I have lived in GA for almost 10 years now. So, I speak with some first-hand knowledge on this topic.
Because of the exodus of manufacturing jobs and the latest Automotive bailout fiasco, Ohio has been lost to the Democrats perhaps for a decade, or longer. Ohio elected one of the most liberal Senators in '06 (Brown) and has a solidly liberal Governor in Strickland. Although, Strickland is smart and stays away from the cultural divide issues and sticks to more bread and butter stuff. He's popular in Ohio and is (surprisingly) gaining in popularity since the economic melt-down last fall. Two years is a long time, but right now he seems a shoe-in for reelection.
The GOP has its work cut out for it. I think its right to oppose the Auto bailout and this latest "stimulus" package. But, there's going to be continual fall out for these positions in the midwest. Things are bleak.