By-election defeat could signal disaster for Bush

[Jemmons]

A US by-election tomorrow to replace a jailed Congressman in a traditionally safe Republican seat is too close to call, an alarming sign for President Bush and his party ahead of November’s mid-term elections.

Republicans fear that a Democrat victory in the unexpectedly close contest to replace Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the disgraced Congressman who pleaded guilty last year to accepting $2.4 million (£1.3 million) in bribes, could signal a national trend against them and the loss of Republican control on Capitol Hill in November.

Source:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2211268,00.html

[saltpoint]

1. Go, Francine!

[proReality]

2. Why?

Why, over the last several years, are all political races said to be "too close to call"?

Hmmm.

[eppur_se_muova]

3. To provide that pulse-pounding, edge-of-the-seat, come-from-behind win!

(only applies to Republicans.)

[keopeli]

4. They're framing the story again. The truth is already there.

It doesn't matter who wins the election. Even if it's close (as it appears to be), the trend against Republicans is dramatic. This is a district gerrymandered to protect the seat of a corrupt Republican. Like Tom Delay, the district is very heavily Republican.

For the election to be close is enough of a sign that the Republicans are in serious trouble. If the Republican candidate squeeks by to victory tomorrow, the trend will remain the same.

"Republicans fear that a Democrat victory in the unexpectedly close contest could signal a national trend..."

That's called 'framing the debate'.