Anti-Incumbency?

Even though the AP is spinning heck out of this particular news story, mentioning Republicans as often as possible, I think it indicates something different. They note that a lot of people are very unhappy with Congress and incumbents in general.

NEW CASTLE, Ky. - Dissatisfied with Congress, voters would probably hang a "Help Wanted" sign on the U.S. Capitol if given the chance. "They're not doing their job," says Scott Newland, 39, an independent voter who backed President Bush in 2004.

The factory worker had harsh words for congressional Republicans and Democrats as he helped close his sister's New Castle deli one recent evening. "You need people that care. They don't care."

Such angry sentiments echo up and down the Ohio River Valley as it cuts through Republican-held congressional districts in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio — politically pivotal House seats in an election year in which Democrats hope to end 12 years in the minority.

At lunch counters, post offices, city parks and downtown streets, voters in this region and nationally are quick to voice their frustration with the GOP-controlled Congress, and their desire for more responsive replacements for the current crop of lawmakers.

It's a general disgust that may lead to firings of some politicians on Nov. 7. People already have hinted as much in Republican and Democratic primaries.

Keep in mind that several incumbents have been turned out of office in primaries, from both parties. This is one reason I cautioned against trying a "throw the bums out" strategy. No matter how much the press tries to mention the phrase "Republican controlled Congress", it does not change the fact that voters are getting roundly sick of both parties not being able to work together effectively. There was a poll over the weekend that voters expected gridlock if one house went to a Democratic majority. I also note that several supposedly safe seats are suddenly in play.

That's really not a good indication for either party, I suspect.

Other Links to this Post

1. Blue Crab Boulevard » Blog Archive » Ahem. — Monday, 11 September , 2006 @ 9:55 pm