Is the anti-R backlash that strong?

[RallyJon]

I live in a Philly suburb that always has been completely run by republicans. The county, the boroughs, the townships--all R by a big margin. The areas that surround Philadelphia are as republican as the city itself is democrat. It's a machine of sorts--the "connected" businesses get the contracts, all the governing is done in back rooms with public debate and votes being mere formalities.

Until yesterday.

On our local township council, the seemingly permanent R majority was thrown out and Ds won 3 of 4 seats that were being contested. My specific district within the township put the D in by a 435-185 margin. I don't think anyone was more surprised than the democrat candidates themselves. So long the "loyal opposition", now they're in power.

[dhoward]

No levees out by you, are there?

[Par911]

and I thought this thread had something to do with Black Audi Wagons.......

[Flatbutt1]

Bush hates Black Audi wagons

[greglepore]

Jon-I think in the case of Philly suburbs (I'm in Montgomery County) its two things, neither of which have much to do with an anti R backlash. First, its the changing demographics of the burbs-look at voter registration in your county-in ours it was historically 3-1 R but is much closer to even now, due to urban flight over the years, among other factors. Second, the R machine in the burbs reacted very slowly to the demographic changes and was caught asleep at the switch.

Another factor in our county seems to be curbing developers, which is an issue w strong D support.

[Rodeo]

I think it unlikely that Bush's low popularity has a great impact on the local level. Locally, its usually about delivering services, not national politics.

The VA governor's race I think is a different story. The president put his reputation on the line and campaigned hard for the Republican candidate in a red pro-Bush state. Conventional wisdom is now that the president’s support hurt more than helped, and the Democrat won with an unexpected margin.

[RallyJon]

I doubt Bush had much to do with it, but the perception that Rs control everything and make up the rules to suit themselves mirrors nicely locally and federally. I'm a registered republican and it really bothered me what I was seeing locally.

Another factor in our county seems to be curbing developers, which is an issue w strong D support.

Good point. We had a situation in the last year where a developer was trying to build an assisted living facility in a residential neighborhood. The fix was in and they sailed through approvals despite vocal opposition from about 90% of the local residents. Lots of ill will generated on that one.

[gaijindabe]

Kind of like Nassau County, Long Island a couple of cycles ago. After a while the curruption gets too much.

BTW - How did Corzine ever get elected? Talk about being scripted and months of media images. His victory speach on the news - what a bore in real life.

Wait a minute - I know how - the equally boring Forrester who ran against him.

[Matt Holcomb]

Sounds encouraging.