Voter anger may not help Democrats on Election Day

RAW STORY
Published: Wednesday September 13, 2006

Irate Democrats and anti-incumbents could be in for a disappointing Election Day, writes Louis Jacobson in today's issue of Roll Call.

Increasing voter frustration with Republican leadership as indicated in national surveys may not translate into an anti-GOP tidal wave come November, if an "unscientific poll" of political reporters by Out There is any indication.

Factors that may weigh against a Democratic victory, as Jacobson quotes respondents, include too many unopposed races, a lack of "good candidates," focus on local as opposed to national issues, and—remarkably—general satisfaction with incumbents.

Excerpts from the registration-restricted article follow...

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[I]n Out There’s second unscientific poll this year of state capitol reporters from around the country, we find surprisingly few indications that voter anger is translating into a national anti-Republican — or even an anti-incumbent — wave.

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"There is clearly a feeling against incumbents, but not much chance to vote against them in state legislative races — too many are unopposed — and very little opportunity in Congressional races," said one Florida reporter.

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"There’s strong dissatisfaction with Congress, but it’s that old, 'We hate them as a group — but don’t touch my local guy,'" the Florida reporter said.

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Then again, the poll suggests that if you don’t like the findings, just wait a few weeks. Said one Georgia journalist during the August recess, "I get the strong sense that people are not thinking about politics at all."

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