November 8, 2002

EVEN MORE ASTONISHING FACTOID:

Republican gains extend down to local level (ASSOCIATED PRESS, November 7, 2002)
Reflecting the national picture, Republicans racked up victories in statehouses across the country, taking control of Democratic-dominated chambers and likely giving the Republican Party a majority of seats for the first time in half a century.

"It was a banner night for the GOP," said Tim Storey, an elections analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, who said Republicans will have a net gain of about 200 seats and control of 21 statehouses.

That contrasts with a traditional midterm election, he said, in which the party in the White House typically loses about 350 seats.


If I recall correctly, which is highly improbable, the story we posted last month said that no party had gained seats in state legislatures in a president's first mid-term since FDR. Posted by Orrin Judd at November 8, 2002 12:33 PM
Comments

1. Control of state legislatures is key if for no other reason than to control redistricting.



2. The NYPost is reporting that WJC is defending Terry Mac and that, so far, other Dems are unwilling to challenge him.

Posted by: David Cohen at November 8, 2002 12:14 PM

In Hawaii, we elected the first Republican gov in 40 years, and a Republican who lost 4 years ago beat the Democratic mayor. (Officially, the race is non-partisan, though in fact it's not.)



Another Republican won the other mayor's race.



The reasons? Well, it was very noticeable that the Democratic losers were executives or their designated heirs. Democratic legislators got exactly as many votes as in past victories.



Conclusion: folks were disgusted with traffic, services and stuff like that, at least on the local level.

Posted by: Harry at November 8, 2002 1:56 PM

Legislatures are also the feeder systems for higher office.

Posted by: oj at November 8, 2002 2:26 PM

Republicans swept the major offices here - Gv, LtGV, AG, Comptroller, US Senate - and have control of both the State House and Senate for the first time in 130 years.

Posted by: Chris Kerstiens at November 8, 2002 4:25 PM

Ditto in FL.

Posted by: oj at November 8, 2002 4:48 PM
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