Thursday, December 07, 2006

Looking Ahead

Even though they are recounting the votes in Ohio's 15th congressional district, it is fair to say that we have learned a lot from the recent elections. Here is my list of what we've learned and what is ahead:

1. Even if Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce survives the recount, she would be vulnerable in the next election. With Pryce a Republican, and a Democratic majority in the House, Pryce is irrelevant and will block helpful legislation.
2. The New York Times has stated that Republican Rep. Ralph Regula (OH-16) does not have a bright future. According to the Times:

...Regula was held to 58 percent by upstart opponent Matt Miller in the May 2 Republican primary. And after winning with 67 percent of the district’s general election vote in 2004, he slipped to 59 percent in his race this year against Democrat Thomas Shaw — a challenger who raised so little money that he did not file reports with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Regula’s 2006 general election vote share was the smallest he has received in any re-election campaign.

The incumbent also will be facing a sharp diminution of status when he return to Washington in January for the 110th Congress....

3. Governor-Elect Ted Strickland is making a list and checking it twice. The Intelligencer and Wheeling Register is reporting the following:

...Ohio Gov.-elect Ted Strickland’s administration has asked each county to compile its wish list for development projects and submit them after the first of the year. Lt. Gov.-elect Lee Fisher is to serve the additional role of Ohio director of development....

4. When Americans want change, they vote for change. However, this administration may not necessarily be willing to change. With the Iraq Study Group's recent recommendations, Americans are waiting for change in Iraq. How will Bush respond?