It’s Crunch Time, Your Vote Matters!

From national perspective, the Midterm elections of 2010 are far more complex than the pundits may understand themselves. However, after looking at the polling numbers from the PEW Research Center for September 30^th to October 3^{rd (see link)}, victory may not be as easy as the Republicans think. For instance, in the category of less likely to vote for category, a survey of 1002 adults, 46 percent stated that they would not vote for a candidate that supported the bank bailouts.

What is even more fascinating in this category is the Palin and Obama’s effect on their respective parties and independents when campaigning for them. Overall 42 percent stated that they less likely to vote for a candidate that was campaigned for by Sarah Palin, while the overall number for Barack Obama 33 percent. As one might suspect, the partisan divide marginalizes the difference, but it is independent (unaffiliated) adults that makeup the margins 43 percent less likely for Palin, while 32 percent less likely for Obama. Even more interesting, inside the numbers reveal that Republicans do not see Palin’s support as significant, 45 percent stated that it made no difference.

Even more significant is how the Tea Party support plays a role among Republicans. Although overall 32 percent would less likely vote for a Tea Party supported candidate, 42 percent of Republicans would, while 54 percent of Democratic supporters would not. This is a twelve-point gap and should be used to inspire Democratic Party members to go out and vote. The support splits among independent voters 29 percent would not, while 22 percent were more likely to vote for, with an indifference factor of 43 percent. In other words, there is still time for Democratic canvassers to make a difference with independent voters.

In other polling by Pew, Latino voters do not seem as energized for the 2010 elections. 51 percent of registered Latino voters said that they were “absolutely certain to vote, while 70 percent of all registered voters “certain” they will. My response to this is shame on them, or, any traditionally marginalized or disenfranchised group that cannot get enthused about the 2010 Midterms. Remember it took eight years of screws up by President Bush and the Republicans to foul up the economy. It will take more than 18 months to fix our economy.

Admittedly, the behemoth that is the United States’ economy needs to be attended to—and according to the polling any candidate that supported “bringing home the bacon” was overwhelmingly supported. In the less likely to be supported category the highest number was among Republicans at 19 percent, 14 percent for independents, and 3 percent for Democratic supporters. Meanwhile 42 percent of Republicans, 68 percent Democratic supporters, and 51 independents stated that they would support a candidate that helps bring home government money. In essence, if they supported bringing home jobs they were in. This is where the Democratic Party has to frame the debate to demonstrate that Republican are not out for the best interests of the country with especially independent voters. In the Senate especially, the filibuster has been used to kill job creation over and over. A message needs to be sent to the blue dog democratic representatives as well.

On November 2^nd vote! Remember to vote no on Colorado Amendments 60, 61, 62, 63, and Proposition 101. These bills and measures will put our state in reverse with Republicans and continue to drive us forward with Democratic support!