It's hard to get a handle on such things, but several studies say that turned off, conservative Republicans who sat it out in 2008 were the biggest factor, costing Republicans 2% or more of their normal share of the total vote . And the minority turnout won't always be as high when Obama isn't on the ballot.
I agree.
Without the Messiah hisself on the 010 ballot, Dems are more vulnerable.
Fight and pray for gridlock.