Wednesday, November 04, 2009

HORSERACE

In the End, the Voters Get to Decide Which Issues Matter Most

One of the spins we'll be hearing quite a bit in the coming days is that because neither Bob McDonnell nor Chris Christie spent a lot of time talking about social issues, it means social conservatism is dead or dying, and only a libertarian-ish economically conservative, socially liberal approach can bring victories to the GOP.

Balderdash, of course. Neither Bob McDonnell or Chris Christie spent a lot of time talking about social issues because they had the good sense to recognize that their states were in deep recession and that unemployment was rising. In addition, McDonnell recognized that northern Virginians were fed up with long commutes and endless promises of improving roads with no real action, while Christie recognized that ever-rising property taxes and a runaway and rampant culture of corruption were driving New Jerseyans to look for better lives elsewhere.

The Democrats, Jon Corzine and Creigh Deeds, did everything they could to spotlight their opponents' views on social issues, in particular abortion and guns — ads, speeches, surrogates, attack web sites . . .

And in the end, it got them diddly-squat. As noted below, a staunchly pro-life attorney general did exceptionally well in northern Virginia.

The lesson is, pay attention to what's worrying voters the most. The vast majority of voters in both states said in exit polls last night that they're very worried about the economy.

The GOP message in the coming weeks, months, and probably year is going to be JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS JOBS . . . .

11/04 12:56 PMShare