Jackson Free Press

Speaking of—who the hell the Mississippi Dems got running against Pickering? Have I missed the big announcement?

In an ominous election-year sign for Republicans, Americans are leaning sharply toward wanting Democrats to take control of Congress, an AP-Ipsos poll finds. Democrats are favored 49 percent to 36 percent. The poll was taken this week as Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to tax evasion, fraud and corruption charges and agreed to aid a federal investigation of members of Congress and other government officials.

President Bush's job approval remains low - 40 percent in the AP-Ipsos poll. About as many approve of his handling of Iraq, where violence against Iraqis and U.S. troops has been surging.
"I don't think anyone is hitting the panic button," said Rich Bond, a former Republican National Committee chairman. "But there is an acute recognition of the grim environment that both parties are operating in."

"If the Democrats had any leadership or any message, they could be poised for a good year," Bond said. "But in the absence of that, they have not been able to capitalize on Republican woes. Because of the size of the GOP majority, Democrats have to run the board, and I don't see that happening."
The public's unease with Republican leadership in the White House and Congress creates a favorable environment for Democrats, said Democratic consultant Dane Strother.

"The problem is you don't vote for a party," Strother said. "You're voting for a member of Congress. And we're a year away."

Previous Comments

ID

104212

Comment

Good question. Pickering is tough to beat in this district, but I wouldn't think he'd be impossible. A sharp blue dog Democrat might be able to pull it off. If we could just draw Mike Parker back to the D column... Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-01-07T03:22:26-06:00

ID

104213

Comment

*snicker* That'd be the day. Who think Democrats would be better, anyway? Oh wait, people have such short memories....

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-01-09T14:31:31-06:00