Independents Turn Out Big Time for the GOP

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Holly Bailey

Katie Connolly

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Another Reason 2010 Isn't Exactly Like 1994

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Earlier this week Holly wrote a really interesting piece about the electoral parallels between now and 1993—and the fact that the GOP is hoping for a dramatic Democratic defeat in next year's midterms, similar to what happened in 1994. Holly points out...

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Holly Bailey

A major story tonight is how independent voters turned out strongly for Republicans this Election Day, a not-so-encouraging sign that Democrats have lost touch with a voting bloc considered pivotal to Barack Obama’s win in 2008 and the party’s recapture of Congress in 2006. If exit polls are to be believed—and we know sometimes they aren’t—Republican Chris Christie trounced Gov. Jon Corzine in New Jersey 58 percent to 33 percent among independent voters. Ditto in Virginia, where Republican Bob McDonnell’s gubernatorial victory tonight appears to have been fueled in part by swing voters. According to exit polls there, McDonnell led Democrat Creigh Deeds among self-described independent voters 65 percent to 34 percent. It is a fluke? Not exactly. For months, national polls have been showing independents moving to the right. A recent Gallup Poll found Republicans leading Dems 46 percent to 36 percent among independents. One reason, according to a recent Pew Research survey, is that independents are increasingly unhappy with the Democratic-led Congress. And their single biggest issue appears to be the one driving election results today and likely in 2010: worries about the economy.

Tag(s): Barack Obama, Republicans, Democrats, 2010 Elections, 2009 Elections

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Member Comments

Posted By: Davole (November 4, 2009 at 11:05 AM)

Yesterday's election results constitute a shake-up call to the national Republican Party that Conservatism is the way for it to defeat entrenched democrats in 2010 and 2012.

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Posted By: Pia81 (November 3, 2009 at 10:59 PM)

Although I voted for Pres. Obama, tonight I voted Jon Corzine out! Yes for Chris Christie!

My property taxes have almost doubled since Mr.Corzine has been gov.