Todays big three races

Self | 11/6/2001 | self

[shoedog]

The reality of the races in New York and New Jersey, while iteresting shouldn't be held as a litnus test for 2002. Yes its nice to own the govenorship of state, however these two states will not go Republican in 2004, their is no senate race in 2002 in NY and I cannot remeber if Tocrh is up in 2004 in NY. Also in NY you hardly have a great choice of two candidates. Neither candidate is widely loved by their own party!!

Virginia is a little more influential because it is a conservative state in the Presidential elections. However if you look at the Democratic Candidate, Warner is taking conservative stances on a couple key issues. Running more as (yikes) moderate Democrate vs Liberal.

Finally I think for the most part, even within these states these elections just aren't important to the middle layer of voters that swing elections.

Just be prepared that the news services will turn this into a tide turning, repudiation of 2000 election. I actually think Bush was smart to hold off using clout in these two elections. I know the addage is to play for today. However I think by staying out of politics at this juncture in highly unremarkable races, He will have more strength the rest of this year and even more clout in throwing his weight in 2002. Just thoughts.

[shoedog]

Flame Away if you like.

[Coolidge75]

I agree. It's best to stay out of it at this point.

[LS]

I'll split the difference with you guys. Joe is right that the Torch is probably stalling for a Dem governor, which means a DEM senator.

I think Bush SHOULD have appeared early and often in these races, but on the other hand, Early was in deep trouble from the get-go, and Schundler polled far down at the beginning. Thus, Bush would have risked getting tagged with a "two-time loser" image if both these guys lost with his full support.

I don't think nearly enough FR discussion has gone on about the WEAKNESSES of Schundler and Early as candidates. It's one thing to blame the media or the "moderate Republicans" (as Rush does), but the fact is that Whitman WON on tax cuts; and that Schundler should have been able to count on more black votes than ANY Republican. So what happened? I'm anxious to see some analysis that doesn't involve "Bush-bashing."

[Cosmo]

Virginia is a little more influential because it is a conservative state in the Presidential elections. However if you look at the Democratic Candidate, Warner is taking conservative stances on a couple key issues. Running more as (yikes) moderate Democrate vs Liberal.

The really scary part of this election is that here we have Warner --a liberal (forget what he says) getting the confederate flag wavers' (I forget the organization's name -- sorry)endorsement, while Earley is (or was) a member of the NAACP. Strike you as odd? Watch the returns and look for data on the black vote when it's all over. This should be interesting.

[Movemout]

We voted early for Early today. Having said that, I believe Early was an uninspiring candidate for Governor. He may be solid in the experience block but he didn't effectively parlay that into an issue that us average people could identify with. Warner is all flash and cash. His smarmy approach turned me off but will undoubtedly appeal to the clintonistas. I think Early still may pull this out but if he does it will be close.

[hchutch]

DiFrancesco clearly knifed Bret in the back. I'm sorry, but there is no other word for it. The establishment of NJ's GOP decided they'd take a loss, and to heck with what it did to Bush or us.

Virginia was ineptness by Earley's campaign for the most part, plus Warner's a good double-talker.

Note: Warner had been campaigning since 1996, and McGreevey since he lost to Whitman in 1997. Plus, both showed a clear disregard for the truth. Guess sleaze beats decency again.