Election '05: Referendum on Bush?

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

I've been hearing and reading in the news today about how the elections yesterday, especially the Governor races in VA and NJ, were referendums on GWB. Maybe it's me, but I don't see it.

For one, the Democrats already held both offices. Not only that, but it wasn't a clean sweep statewide here in VA. Kaine, the Democrat, may be the Governor-elect, but the GOP candidate for Lt. Governor won and it's a 50.1-49.9 result for Attorney General with the GOP candidate in the lead that's sure to lead to a recount.

For another, GWB was not a factor that I noticed used by either side. Sure, Bush paid a visit on Monday at a rally for Kilgore, the GOP candidate, but other than that I don't remember any mention of him by either the Dems or the GOP.

Kaine won largely on the popularity of Mark Warner, the outgoing Governor who would have easily won re-election if he could have run (stupid one-term limit).

What does everyone else think?

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm from Virginia, too. We always elect governors who are from the party opposing the sitting President. We're just contrary that way. And I LIKE the one term limit, doesn't let 'em get too comfortable.

 

[DawnCt1]

I don't think it was a referendum and I think that the turn out was low. In our town Republicans swept almost all of the offices taking the majority for selectman, town council, school board, etc. In fact, the Republican candidate is a 27 year old attorney who grew up in town. Very dedicated to the town and will no doubt do a good job. His opponent is a wonderful woman,Democrat, 55 years old with local government experience, former college administrator and professor, a good volunteer, very civic minded. We had very good candidates (good people) on both sides. She was well known in town and everyone who knows her likes her. She lost. Taxes are high. People are voting their wallets.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

All I know is that I am glad the election is over. The ads were ugly on both sides.

Kaine is the only person on the Richmond City Council who ever made any sense. He did a good job there. He's done a good job as Lt. Gov. and it sure helps that Mark Warner has done a VERY good job with VA.

I'm all for expanding the term to 6 years. People might actually be able to get something done.

 

[eclectics]

I don't think it was a referendum and I think that the turn out was low. In our town Republicans swept almost all of the offices taking the majority for selectman, town council, school board, etc. In fact, the Republican candidate is a 27 year old attorney who grew up in town. Very dedicated to the town and will no doubt do a good job. His opponent is a wonderful woman,Democrat, 55 years old with local government experience, former college administrator and professor, a good volunteer, very civic minded. We had very good candidates (good people) on both sides. She was well known in town and everyone who knows her likes her. She lost. Taxes are high. People are voting their wallets.

The exact opposite happened on Long Island where I live. Democrats now control both counties with county executives and legislatures. Nassau even booted out a Republican DA that held the job since 1974! Republicans here are speechless. Long Island has been a GOP bastion since the beginning of time. One can only wonder about the other counties across America that won't make national news. If I was a Republican, I might just have a little chill about now. Of course 2006 will be the big test.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

The election of a Governor and other state representatives can rarely be linked to a referendum on a President. However, the election of Senators and US House members are quite often representative of a backlash against the President...especially when both candidates are equally qualified for the position.

We didn't have a midterm election here, so I had nothing to vote for...but I would have voted a straight Democratic slate because that's how I always vote.

 

[Laz]

It actually could be a good thing for the Republican party. Its better to adjust to the situation now as opposed to when the big elections come around. It could be a good wake up call for them! If their our problems, solve them now!

 

[DawnCt1]

It actually could be a good thing for the Republican party. Its better to adjust to the situation now as opposed to when the big elections come around. It could be a good wake up call for them! If their our problems, solve them now!

ITA. If Republican see it that way then they have time to adjust. As we know, the American electorate have the memory of a goldfish.

 

[JennyMominRI]

The election of a Governor and other state representatives can rarely be linked to a referendum on a President. However, the election of Senators and US House members are quite often representative of a backlash against the President...especially when both candidates are equally qualified for the position.

We didn't have a midterm election here, so I had nothing to vote for...but I would have voted a straight Democratic slate because that's how I always vote.

I have voted democrat..I actually voted for Bush in 2000..I vted,since 1988,Bush, CLinton , Clinton,Bush,Kerry..
I very much like the Moderate republican senator here in RI Lincoln Chafee...I wasn't here when he was elected,but I would consider voting for him... Not yet ready to call this a referendum.

 

[eclectics]

ITA. If Republican see it that way then they have time to adjust. As we know, the American electorate have the memory of a goldfish.

Dawn, first you said there was no referendum, now you are agreeing the Republicans have time to adjust to the wake up call. Don't you think that's a bit confusing?

 

[punkin]

The exact opposite happened on Long Island where I live. Democrats now control both counties with county executives and legislatures. Nassau even booted out a Republican DA that held the job since 1974! Republicans here are speechless. Long Island has been a GOP bastion since the beginning of time. One can only wonder about the other counties across America that won't make national news. If I was a Republican, I might just have a little chill about now. Of course 2006 will be the big test.

Nassau is a different kettle of fish altogether. The republican machine there was corrupt beyond description and managed to run a huge deficit at a time when the rest of the country was swimming in money. They were voted out, not because they were republican but because they were incompetent, corrupt, and arrogant about it.

 

[HOGFAN]

HA!! Kaine presided over one of the most scandalous city councils we have ever had. One councilwoman couldnt keep her hands off the local police(literally) and 2 other councilpeople both in jail. I really wonder why Doug Wilder supported him. Wilder has done nothing but complain over the "mess" he had to clean up after Kaine.

 

[DawnCt1]

Dawn, first you said there was no referendum, now you are agreeing the Republicans have time to adjust to the wake up call. Don't you think that's a bit confusing?

No, I think that if they see it that way, if they feel the shoe fits, then they can make adjustments. Perception is reality, especially in politics. A year from now, these elections will be but a fleeting memory. Much will depend upon the agenda going forward.

 

[eclectics]

Nassau is a different kettle of fish altogether. The republican machine there was corrupt beyond description and managed to run a huge deficit at a time when the rest of the country was swimming in money. They were voted out, not because they were republican but because they were incompetent, corrupt, and arrogant about it.

The Republican voters here knew this ages ago and still voted for them. It really had to reach crisis status before they kicked them out. Actually Suffolk was the bigger stunner last night. Again corruption and patronage tainted, but again, tolerated for many, many years. It certainly wasn't at crisis status there so it can't be excused as getting rid of corruption. I believe it's a slow and steady changing of the guard to the Democrats, island wide.

 

[caitycaity]

Kaine won largely on the popularity of Mark Warner, the outgoing Governor who would have easily won re-election if he could have run (stupid one-term limit).

i completely agree. in va anyways, i think it had very little to do with bush.

i'm against term limits too, but that's a different thread.

 

[punkin]

The Republican voters here knew this ages ago and still voted for them. It really had to reach crisis status before they kicked them out. Actually Suffolk was the bigger stunner last night. Again corruption and patronage tainted, but again, tolerated for many, many years. It certainly wasn't at crisis status there so it can't be excused as getting rid of corruption. I believe it's a slow and steady changing of the guard to the Democrats, island wide.

Well I can only hope you are right.

When I lived in Nassau (3 long years ago ) the Republicans were already up in arms about "the machine" but they were still solid bush supporters booing Hillary whenever the opportunity presented itself.

 

[Independent]

From what I understand, the referendum remarks are not pointed at the two governor races, but the fact that California voted down all four of their Republican Governor's ballot issues.

That is being touted as the "sign" that the republicans are losing their power to get things passed.

It is a make or break time for both parties.

 

[Missy1961]

The exact opposite happened on Long Island where I live. Democrats now control both counties with county executives and legislatures. Nassau even booted out a Republican DA that held the job since 1974! Republicans here are speechless. Long Island has been a GOP bastion since the beginning of time. One can only wonder about the other counties across America that won't make national news. If I was a Republican, I might just have a little chill about now. Of course 2006 will be the big test.

I'm not sure that this was a referendum on Bush. Dillon (the DA) may have lost due to his pro-life stance. And Suffolk County has been dealing with a lot of corruption, and voters might have been reacting to that. But you're right, if I was a Republican on LI I'd be worried!

 

[eclectics]

Well I can only hope you are right.

When I lived in Nassau (3 long years ago ) the Republicans were already up in arms about "the machine" but they were still solid bush supporters booing Hillary whenever the opportunity presented itself.

They still do, only less and less voters are listening! Even rock solid Republican towns won by a ever shrinking margin. One popular GOP legislator almost lost. Unheard of! They are not happy campers today.

 

[tar heel]

Dawn -- Do you really have partisan school board races?