So, what happened? How or why did a little known local politician with scant political resources take Edward Kennedy's seat from the Democrats?
- Special Elections often Create special/memorable results
True to its moniker, special elections emerge via special circumstances. Typically, an incumbent resigns or passes away while in office. While these circumstances might well alter the political environment, the comparative brevity is the real equalizer in special elections. For example, This campaign had a six week election cycle. Normal election cycles run 9-10 months and even longer for big races.
Basically, Scott Brown had enough money and momentum to thrive for six weeks. Additionally, this time-frame limited the effectiveness of TV ads while also simply reducing available air-time. A candidate with less name recognition like Brown also benefits from the short cycle since the favored candidate's campaign has less time to conduct opposition research.
- The National Political Context
Bottom line, moderate voters are worried about the economy, health care, Iraq and the corrupt banking system. People simply do not think President Obama is moving in the right direction on these issues.
- The Blame Game
What Happens Now?
The results from Tuesday create endless questions and numrerour blogging opportunites for me. The following questions flow from last nights head shaker:
- What happens to Congress in November? Can the GOP re-gain control of both chambers?
- Do rank and file Republicans truly desire a new majority?
- How does this affect our expectations for 2012?
- What must the Democrats do to get out of this rut?
- What must Republicans do to keep them in the rut?
This is exactly why politics are interesting, better yet when the outcome is unpredictable. I note your comment about Scott Brown being the next Republican nominee. From anonymity to the front runner?... and he has not done anything yet. A few years of being lost in the political system will address that, for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened in MA is unexpected, but if there is anything about President Obama is his ability to listen, and adjust. I think that everyone in Congress needs to take heed. They must start looking at the real numbers, jobs, national debt, whether red or blue, team up across party lines because it has not been done in the past 100 years and the country is growing weaker by the day.
Richard Lefrancois
Richard,
ReplyDeleteGood comments. I noticed your dismissal of Brown's national potential in 2012. While I was merely positing the question, maybe we should take a look at his resume for insight.
Prior to winning the election, Scott Brown was a state senator. He was a member of the Massachusetts state senate, representing the districts of Norfolk, Middlesex and Bristol.
Guess who else held the title of state senator as late as 2004? That would be Barack Obama. Anything can happen if a candidate is able to ride the wave if financial support from party power brokers.
As for taking heed, I believe everyone should be on watch including the president. However, many people fear Wall Street is the only folks who have Washington's ears.