2010 - U S Midterm Elections - opinions - results - what now?

[deep]

Voters from all 50 States and territories (will) have spoken.

Not only for their Congressperson, and perhaps their Senator and Governor.

In CA Proposition 19, also known as the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010,
It legalizes various marijuana-related activities, allows local governments to regulate these activities, permits local governments to impose and collect marijuana-related fees and taxes, is on the ballot.

This has been polling ahead, expected to pass, until the last few days.

Probably will not pass. That is a good thing.

As of last Thursday, GOP Gov candidate Meg Whitman’s campaign war chest had topped $163 million, almost all of it her own money.

Jerry Brown, the Dem candidate has raised $50 million, he will win.



What is happening in your state?


In Oklahoma, you can vote to ban >>>>>>>>>

Oklahoma to Vote Laws Prohibiting Islamic Sharia Laws

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

I just moved back to Iowa this past summer, so I've had to read up and catch up a bit on what's changed since I was last here.

Let's see...well, next week we'll get to vote on whether or not to retain the "activist judges" that helped allow gay marriage to become legal in this state . Interesting article about that:

Vander Plaats predicts 'clean sweep' of Iowa judges

I'm thinking (hoping) his prediction'll be wrong, 'cause so far I'm hearing that Iowa's setting some records in early/absentee voting, and that most of those votes are leaning Democratic. But who knows what next Tuesday will bring?

Former Republican governor Terry Branstad is running again to unseat Democrat Chet Culver, much to my mom's chagrin-my parents were never Branstad fans. I was too young to really notice when he was in office, but from what I've noticed about his stances when I've been looking up stuff on him, I'm not looking to vote for him, either. The libertarian candidate, Eric Cooper, does have some stances I do agree with, but his theory on education is...interesting...check it out:

Education - Cooper for Iowa Governor

He's not in my district, but Steve King is running again for re-election to Congress-everybody say yaaaaaaay. And Chuck Grassley's running for re-election for the Senate, too, but I think I'm going with Roxanne Conlin instead. She's been getting some pretty good support, sounds like it's a bit of a "stiff competition", according to some news articles. And I'm not exactly up to speed on the Secretary of Agriculture race, but I've been looking up a bit about them, and will investigate a little more this weekend.

Yesterday my family was watching the local news-swear to God, in 15 minutes worth of time, combining the Iowa and Minnesota races, I saw an estimated 20 political ads during the commercial breaks .

Angela

 

[deep]

Chuck Grassley is the GOP incumbent.

I think most polls expect him to win.

Good luck with your vote, I know the Dems and Obama need all the help in the Senate they can get.

 

[deep]

ha ha,
it's a banner ad on this page for me

thanks dopers, for helping to pay the freight here

 

[Canadiens1131]

I hope Prop 19 passes, as a small bright spot in an otherwise pretty depressing midterm election period for left-wingers.

If/when it passes, not much is going to change beyond individuals being able to grow a limited plot of weed on their own property (no huge-ass commercial grow ops will be allowed as I understand the situation).

I just want it to pass so it sets a small precedent, leading to a world where we won't be wasting fucking billions and billions of dollars trying to outlaw people sitting on their couches smoking up and eating Cheetos.

 

[kramwest1]

My local Minnesota races aren't overly competitive. Former Senator Mark Dayton (D) has a relatively comfortable lead for governor, mainly because there is a very credible 3rd Party candidate that is cutting into the Republican's voter base.

But, the other House races in Minnesota are very competitive and will be indicative of the rest of the country:

1st District has incumbent Walz (D) in a tight race against Demmer (R)
6th District has incumbent Bachmann (R) in a tight race against Clark (D)
8th District has incumbent Oberstar (D) in a tight race against Cravaack (R)

If Oberstar loses, that will be huge for the Republicans.
If Bachmann loses, that will be huge for the Democrats.
Walz's district is very evenly split, so a loss wouldn't be overly upsetting.

I don't expect any upsets here, but if there are any, it will echo a busy night.

 

[Canadiens1131]

Hahahahaha, Kramwest, no thanks to you for reminding me of Michelle Bachmann's existence. What a crazy bitch.

 

[kramwest1]

Hahahahaha, Kramwest, no thanks to you for reminding me of Michelle Bachmann's existence. What a crazy bitch.

At least the race is somewhat close. She's ahead, but she's the very visible incumbent. She should be stomping any competition, but she's not.

Actually, Bachmann should just follow the Juan Williams' model and drop out of Congress and sign a multimillion dollar contract with Fox News.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Hahahahaha, Kramwest, no thanks to you for reminding me of Michelle Bachmann's existence. What a crazy bitch.

*Nods* I'd actually forgotten about her, what with all the focus on O'Donnell and Angle as of late. Yeah. The Democrats will definitely have reason to cheer if she loses, no question.

I'll be curious to see if that Prop 19 passes, too. I have a feeling it quite likely could, I'd actually be rather surprised if it didn't.

Angela

 

[kramwest1]

*Nods* I'd actually forgotten about her, what with all the focus on O'Donnell and Angle as of late. Yeah. The Democrats will definitely have reason to cheer if she loses, no question.

Bachmann has had to campaign because her challenge is real. The woman is so arrogant, she had not agreed to any debates until a couple of weeks ago--even then, she only agreed to 2 or 3 debates all within a week of the election and with many restrictions.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Bachmann has had to campaign because her challenge is real. The woman is so arrogant, she had not agreed to any debates until a couple of weeks ago--even then, she only agreed to 2 or 3 debates all within a week of the election and with many restrictions.

I know why they want to avoid these groups of people (because then they'd have to try answering questions and attempt to come up with a legitimate platform/solution, which they can't do because they clearly don't have one). But what a strange common theme, all the female Republican candidates avoiding most of the public/press like the plague. Seriously, you gals are aware of the line of work you're getting into, right? What are they going to do if any of them win, hide forever? And how do they expect to win if they don't show their faces?

I'm glad she's essentially being forced into doing the campaign thing. Hopefully more people will realize just how nuts she is as a result. "Arrogant" is a polite word to describe her.

Angela

 

[kramwest1]

I'm glad she's essentially being forced into doing the campaign thing. Hopefully more people will realize just how nuts she is as a result. "Arrogant" is a polite word to describe her.

Angela

Ha! I used arrogant because she is a sitting Congresswoman.

Now, O'Donnell...

 

[Canadiens1131]

Actually, Bachmann should just follow the Juan Williams' model and drop out of Congress and sign a multimillion dollar contract with Fox News.

O'Donnell is going to lose by a decent margin and sign a Fox deal, mark my words.

 

[Mrs. Garrison]

I dont think i can vote for any republicans this time around and be able to live with myself. Im not a racist, bigot, homophobe, or anything like that. I don't believe Obama is a socialist or a muslim, nor do i believe that the Democratic party is as bad as "they" say it is. While they do suck badly, they are better than the alternative. The tea party has hijacked what used to be a decent and respectable GOP, and as i have said before, fuck them and the horse they rode in on. If it weren't looking like such a blowout i might vote 3rd party or something else, but to be clear, straight Democrat voting for me this time around. And that is certainly a first...

 

[Canadiens1131]

I dont think i can vote for any republicans this time around and be able to live with myself. Im not a racist, bigot, homophobe, or anything like that. I don't believe Obama is a socialist or a muslim, nor do i believe that the Democratic party is as bad as "they" say it is. While they do suck badly, they are better than the alternative. The tea party has hijacked what used to be a decent and respectable GOP, and as i have said before, fuck them and the horse they rode in on. If it weren't looking like such a blowout i might vote 3rd party or something else, but to be clear, straight Democrat voting for me this time around. And that is certainly a first...

Yeah, it's kind of a sad voting situation. I don't agree with some Democratic policies form this very hard last two years (economically), but it's like, fuck me, look at the alternative?

What is there to look forward to from Republican control of the House and/or Senate? Two years running up to 2012 of them forming committees to investigate things? Two years trying to give the rich their tax cuts back? Two years of "cutting back big gov'r'ment" and ignoring a crumbling national infrastructure?

And I still want my fucking high speed rail, assholes.

 

[Liesje]

If Amash wins, I might just have to move. Justin Amash for Congress


I've been using his campaign mailers to clean up dog poo. I loathe his platform so much that in our primary I voted Republican just so I could be sure to vote for someone other than him (in MI the primaries are straight-ticket).

 

[BonosSaint]

In Pennsylvania

Polls are showing Toomey with anywhere from a 3 to 7 pt lead over Democrat Sestak.

Also showing Republican Barletta with a similar lead over 13 term incumbent Paul
Kanjorski in a democrat district.(The big guns were out this week trying to protect
Kanjorski's seat. Bill Clinton spoke at my old high school. Would have gone if I didn't
have work) Barletta made national news recently with his anti-illegal immigration
legislation in his town. So far the courts are saying "uh-uh" so his town is about
to face huge legal costs in this one.

Democrat Onorato is trailing Republican Corbett, but has been moving up. Don't know
if there is enough time to close gap, but it has narrowed considerably.

Neighboring district for Congress shows the democrat slightly in the lead over challenger
in a Republican district.

 

[kramwest1]

In Pennsylvania

Polls are showing Toomey with anywhere from a 3 to 7 pt lead over Democrat Sestak.

I love Sestak. In the few interviews I've heard with him, he just seems so smart and calm, but committed.

 

[BonosSaint]

I wavered in the primary between Sestak and Specter (voted for Specter, but was not heartbroken when Sestak won). The more I see of Sestak the more I like him.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Sestak-I know I've heard about him and heard him speak before, but it's been some time. I'll have to refresh myself on him, it seems-if he's the way you say he is, that sounds quite promising.

Well said, Mrs. Garrison. It's definitely going to be a Democrat/independent ticket for me next week. If, IF I see any Republican on our ballot that looks decent and reasonable, I'll vote for them, but so far from my observations that's not looking very likely. I truly do feel really sorry for those who belong to the Republican/conservative mindset that are reasonable and decent and willing to work with the other side and stuff. It absolutely sucks that your party, your beliefs, have been hijacked by the O'Donnells, Palins, Becks, etc. of the world. I hope you're able to eventually overpower the crazy fringe and bring the party back to a more moderate, calm setup. You deserve it.

Angela

 

[deep]

In Pennsylvania

Polls are showing Toomey with anywhere from a 3 to 7 pt lead over Democrat Sestak.

Also showing Republican Barletta with a similar lead over 13 term incumbent Paul
Kanjorski in a democrat district.(The big guns were out this week trying to protect
Kanjorski's seat. Bill Clinton spoke at my old high school. Would have gone if I didn't
have work) Barletta made national news recently with his anti-illegal immigration
legislation in his town. So far the courts are saying "uh-uh" so his town is about
to face huge legal costs in this one.

Democrat Onorato is trailing Republican Corbett, but has been moving up. Don't know
if there is enough time to close gap, but it has narrowed considerably.

Neighboring district for Congress shows the democrat slightly in the lead over challenger
in a Republican district.

In PA the Dems have a decent advantage in registration.
But, all the polls I am seeing indicate that the GOP will take away many Dem seats. Some will be close elections. I wonder if Specter were in the race, if Toomey would have beat him.
Lack of enthusiasm from the Dem voters, will take a toll.

Of Pennsylvania's 19 Congressional seats, instead of two or three being competitive, the analysts say a full 10 seats are in play. Up for grabs are eight Democrat seats and two Republican seats.

 

[BonosSaint]

Yeah, we're reading the same polls. Part of the reason I voted for Specter was I figured he had a better chance in the general election against Toomey, although Toomey would have likely have won the primary if Specter hadn't switched.

I don't have any sense of this election season at all. I can't tell who's got the momentum on my home turf, let alone elsewhere. but the numbers got to be depressing for the Dems particularly in their strongholds. Don't think much is going to get done the next two years. It was a short window of opportunity.

 

[kramwest1]

Don't think much is going to get done the next two years. It was a short window of opportunity.

No doubt. I think I may bury my head in the sand for the next year and a half.

 

[the iron horse]

I hope freedom rings November 2.

I'm not a fan of the Democrats or the Republicans.

I just hope that both parties get the message that
it's time to follow the U.S. Constitution.

 

[BVS]

I just hope that both parties get the message that
it's time to follow the U.S. Constitution.

Who hasn't been following the Constitution?

 

[maycocksean]

Well, I've voted already (absentee, since I haven't registered in Franklin Co. since moving from Dayton).

Not sending any Republicans to Washington if I can help it. Anyone who uses the phrase "ObamaCare" or uses "Pelosi" as a slur has neither my vote nor my respect. I feel the Republican party has truly been a disappointment since Obama's election.

Locally, however, it's a different story. I'm about evenly split, with perhaps an edge to the Republicans for various state offices here in Ohio. I even ended up voting for Kasich though it galled me to do so. It's just that our current governor really squandered to an opportunity to show real leadership during a tough time in Ohio, and I think we need someone different in the governors mansion right now. Hopefully I won't come to regret that vote.

I even voted for a Libertarian! The Dem and GOP candidates for State Treasurer are just awful. I was so disgusted with both that I actually researched the Libertarian candidate, a guy named Matthew Cantrell. I liked what I saw! Granted if the mainstream candidates weren't such losers I probably would never have given Cantrell as second glance, but he actually sounds really good. (He looks like he's about 12 years old, but all three candidates are quite young).

 

[BonosSaint]

Well, I've voted already (absentee, since I haven't registered in Franklin Co. since moving from Dayton).

Not sending any Republicans to Washington if I can help it. Anyone who uses the phrase "ObamaCare" or uses "Pelosi" as a slur has neither my vote nor my respect. I feel the Republican party has truly been a disappointment since Obama's election.

Locally, however, it's a different story. .

Same here. Right now, the Democrats are in such a corruption scandal locally, there needs to be a change. Not that I believe the Republicans won't be as corrupt, just that it will take a little while to organize the corruption.

Obamacare, Pelosi, Constitution, death tax. Not that I'm thrilled with the Democrats nationally either. The message I get from the Republicans is "We are so going to fuck you over." The message I get from the Democrats is "We are so going to fuck you over, but we're going to kiss you first." So I have to hope that that kiss is a change I want.

 

[kramwest1]

The main thing to consider on a local/state level is redistricting from the new 2010 Census data.

Several states are going to lose or gain seats in the House of Reps., so expect plenty of bullshit surrounding redrawing the district lines.

 

[BonosSaint]

^It's always fun to see how the lines look after redrawing.

 

[BEAL]

Who hasn't been following the Constitution?

Exactly. Quit using that bullshit talking point, and provide real examples.

Obama has done nothing to my knowledge that infringes on my rights.