WP: Analysis - For GOP, 2006 Now Looms Much Larger

[Pirate Smile]

Analysis
For GOP, 2006 Now Looms Much Larger

By Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, November 10, 2005; Page A01

In a season of discontent for the White House, Tuesday's election results intensified Republican anxiety that next year's midterm contests could bring serious losses unless George W. Bush finds a way to turn around his presidency and shore up support among disaffected, moderate swing voters.

-snip-
"It's not just that they lost these elections," said Democratic pollster Geoffrey Garin, "but that none of their old tricks worked that they've relied on to give them the edge in close contests."

Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.) said the GOP's reliance on cultural issues, popular with rural voters, "are just blowing up" in suburban and exurban communities. "You play to your rural base, you pay a price," he said.

For Bush, the results from Tuesday and a succession of new polls showing him at the lowest point of his presidency mean further tensions with congressional Republicans. "It creates an environment where individual members start looking out for themselves rather than the whole team," Republican pollster Bill McInturff said.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/09/AR2005110902276.html

[deadparrot]

1. In the words of Stewie Griffin: "Dance, puppets, dance!" nt

[fearnobush]

2. Divide, then Conquer. Anonymous Course of Action.

They have been doing that to us for years by wedging race over Unions and affirmative action, Gays over religion, And now, war over Peace. It's splinter time. The plan of course is anonymous.

[Skittles]

3. and here is an analysis of why a comeback ain't happening

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/bushs-approval-ratings_b_10291.html

[Erika]

4. We have serious economic problems plus Iraq

The GOP thinks all they have to do is dance to the fiddle of Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell with a dash of Ann Coulter and Hannity thrown in to the mix.

The election showed they are turning off moderates and independents big time. I hope they keep it up.