This weekend’s dramatic turn of events up in NY-23 means that the teabaggers bagged a real scalp from the establishment Republicans and no matter the outcome, the Republican Party (at least the part that is serious about governing) has a real problem on its hands. The media will be repeating that this election is a referendum on Obama (while the only nationalized election is NY23) even though Obama is holding his own with approval ratings pretty close to his election winning numbers and these other races haven’t been nationalized in the way NY 23 has been.
So today multiple off-year elections will be held across the country. These seem to be the most watched, but you can add predictions for others if you like. Make your FINAL predictions complete with winning spreads in the comments below. Make sure to include your answer to the Bonus question. Predictions must be made before 5PM to count. Whoever has the most correct predictions, with the closest guess to the winning spread and closest guess to the Bonus Question wins a delightful prize. So tell us what you think about the winners (or winning conditions) for these races:
New Jersey Governor
- Jon Corzine -D
- Chris Christie – R
- Chris Daggett – I
Virgina Governor
- Creigh Deeds -D
- Bob McDonnell -R
NY-23 House of Representatives
- Doug Hoffman – C
- Bill Owens – D
- Dede Scozzofava -R
CA-10 House of Representatives
- John Garamendi – D
- David Harmer -R
Maine Question 1 seeks to repeal the new laws governing marriage equity.
- Yes–vetos the law
- No — keeps the law
Washington State Referendum 71 seeks to confirm a law which confers the same rights on same-sex couples as are conferred on other marriages.
- Yes — keeps the law
- No — vetos the law
Bonus Question!
Tell us the most brain-dead narrative the media will settle on to find larger meaning in these off year races. And since they’ve been doing this since summer — the option of a narrative that these races are a referendum on Obama’s policies is off of the table.