The big issue is the economy -- how will this impact the fall elections at state and federal levels

[becxx]

Because unemployment is so high and so many are losing their homes and being forced into poverty, I think there is widespread anti-incumbent sentiments and I rather expect incumbents from both parties to take a bath. The main issue on the mind of most is the economy. The bottom line issue is jobs, jobs, jobs. And the politicians have not delivered jobs and prosperity. Distrust of politicians is high and voters seem to be looking to get even. Kelliher lost because she has a lousy personality but also because she didn't deliver for ordinary citizens.

I think that is why we saw the Dayton win. Because of the seriousness of economic issues, Dayton's anti-establishment tax-the-rich pledge resonated with a lot of voters. As long as Dayton can continue to play the outsider, he will do okay.

I wouldn't be surprised to see either Congressmen Paulson and Kline take a bath. Unemployment is high in their districts and a lot of voters are mad.

In the legislature, I think we will see some both Republicans and Democrats lose their seats as their elitism and support of the corporatocracy come back to haunt them.

This recession is now the Democrat's recession too and voters seem set to blame incumbents. As this recession drags on and on, the approval ratings for Obama and his wife are falling fast. What can the Republicans do? Most wedge issues such as abortion and gay marriage are not going to work in this environment. Instead, Republicans can play an immigration card and try to stir up some hate around the public's general dislike of immigration and the perceived impact of immigration on the severe shortage of jobs.

That's my take. How are others seeing it? Why do our politicians keep talking about a zillion issues when the voters care mainly about the economy? I think if politicians really want to do something about peace, the environment etc., they need to solve the economic problems so people feel generous again. As it is, folks are scared half to death and do not want to hear about problems a half a world or hundreds of years away.

[becxx]

1. Typos

Dang, don't you hate it when you type things too late and night and make writing errors?

I should have typed:

"I think there are widespread anti-incumbent sentiments"