US Midterm Elections 2014

[Sanji Himura]

A bit late to the party considering that the elections are a little over a month away, but mid term elections are here. Here is what is up for grabs this year:


Federal Elections: US House
Currently controlled by the Republicans by a 234-199 majority.

Up for Reelection: 435
Republican Seats: 234
Democrat Seats: 199
Open Seats: 2

Federal Elections: US Senate
Currently controlled by the Democrats by a 55 (includes 2 independents)-45 majority.

Up for Reelection: 33
Republican seats: 13
Democrat seats: 20

State Elections: Governor
Republicans control the most states 29-21

Up for reelection: 28
Republican: 19
Democrat: 9
Open States: 9* (5 Democrats and 3 Republicans)
*An open seat is defined as a sitting governor retiring from office at the end of term or being forced out of office due to term limits.
Note: Hawaii's sitting governor was defeated in a primary, thus the seat became open.[/SIZE]

 

[JMoney]

This will be the first time I vote in a major election. I'll be voting for Mitch McConnell, and it probably won't be the last time I vote for him.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

I'm not looking forward to Michigan's election for Governor because I hate both the incumbent and the challenger. Snyder is a textbook corporate ass kisser that didn't do much for job creation despite saying otherwise (but I will at least give him some credit for somewhat turning around the economy). On the other hand, challenger Mark Schauer will forever go down as the man who helped destroy Michigan. I might vote for third party if there is one, but I'll probably vote for Snyder if I can only choose between those two.

 

[Sanji Himura]

The two races that I'll be watching closely are Wisconsin's Governor and Texas (my home state) Governor races. In WI, Scott Walker is fighting against the unions again for the third time in four years, and could be a serious 2016 candidate if he holds on, presuming that he runs.

In Texas, on the other hand, it's between Greg Abbott (the current AG in the state) and Democrat Wendy Davis. To be honest with you, Davis is clearly running for political gain, as she has stated that she would repeal the abortion reform bill that was passed here in Texas not too long ago. Meanwhile Abbott would maintain status quo and continue to allow Texas to lead the nation in job growth. Coryn's Senate seat is also up for grabs here, and he could be in trouble if Democrat turnout is much higher than anticipated.

 

[Keef]

I just moved to a new city and I don't have local TV channels. I should probably do some research. Otherwise I'm not a good libertarian but just an asshole.

 

[Johnnypenso]

I'm not looking forward to Michigan's election for Governor because I hate both the incumbent and the challenger. Snyder is a textbook corporate ass kisser that didn't do much for job creation despite saying otherwise (but I will at least give him some credit for somewhat turning around the economy). On the other hand, challenger Mark Schauer will forever go down as the man who helped destroy Michigan. I might vote for third party if there is one, but I'll probably vote for Snyder if I can only choose between those two.

What exactly is a corporate ass kisser vs. someone that supports business without ass kissing? I live across the river from Michigan and I'm following this race a little even though I'm not an American.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

What exactly is a corporate ass kisser vs. someone that supports business without ass kissing? I live across the river from Michigan and I'm following this race a little even though I'm not an American.

By ass kisser, I mean he is essentially a puppet for big business, and you could argue that his campaign was paid for by big business. He's a known Koch affiliate, and Koch and company fund many PACs that I hate (and there are plenty of PACs that I cannot stand).

I can't stand people from either party who are basically bought to serve the interests of a few powerful PACs and corporations (which, to be frank, is virtually every single politician in the USA). But to be honest, I'd rather vote for Snyder because Schauer's track record is terrible.

That being said, I'd vote for someone who actually is truly independent, but I doubt that someone like that would actually run in this state or any state. As far as I'm aware, my mom probably will vote for Snyder too because she doesn't want to vote for Schauer either- that's important to note because I come from a family that typically votes for Democroats.

 

[Johnnypenso]

By ass kisser, I mean he is essentially a puppet for big business, and you could argue that his campaign was paid for by big business. He's a known Koch affiliate, and Koch and company fund many PACs that I hate (and there are plenty of PACs that I cannot stand).

I can't stand people from either party who are basically bought to serve the interests of a few powerful PACs and corporations (which, to be frank, is virtually every single politician in the USA). But to be honest, I'd rather vote for Snyder because Schauer's track record is terrible.

That being said, I'd vote for someone who actually is truly independent, but I doubt that someone like that would actually run in this state or any state. As far as I'm aware, my mom probably will vote for Snyder too because she doesn't want to vote for Schauer either- that's important to note because I come from a family that typically votes for Democroats.

As far as I can tell from across the river, your entire political system is funded on both sides in large part, by large corporate interests, sometimes the same interests on 2 different sides. All that changes from one side to the other is which causes come to the fore after the election. A truly independent candidate who is grassroots funded by small donations likely will never be able to raise enough money to get elected.

I'd vote for Snyder too. Big turnaround in the budget from significant deficit to a surplus, unemployment down significantly, right to work brought in, institued some novel programs for educational funding and a number of other things. One can argue philosophy and some of the details, but it's hard to argue with the bigger numbers.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

Snyder has turned the state around, and for that, I have to give him credit. Right to work was one I didn't see coming, but I should have expected that after the vote to go full union didn't pass.

The one odd thing is that my family benefited from the state's collapse and US recession because my dad got more work with the low value of the dollar. The corporation he works for (Wacker Chemical, DOW's main rival) brought production to the states because it was cheaper here. He works in maintenance and saw a huge boom in his hours because Wacker wanted to get machines installed and running as fast as possible here. He still has that boom today because Wacker is still increasing production at their main plant (the plant my dad works at). It has gotten to the point where Wacker has forced people to work 12s in the past just few years to keep up with demand.

 

[Sanji Himura]

As far as I can tell from across the river, your entire political system is funded on both sides in large part, by large corporate interests, sometimes the same interests on 2 different sides. All that changes from one side to the other is which causes come to the fore after the election. A truly independent candidate who is grassroots funded by small donations likely will never be able to raise enough money to get elected.

I'd vote for Snyder too. Big turnaround in the budget from significant deficit to a surplus, unemployment down significantly, right to work brought in, institued some novel programs for educational funding and a number of other things. One can argue philosophy and some of the details, but it's hard to argue with the bigger numbers.

You have the Koch brothers on the right, those two who entered business legitimately and earned their millions, and then you have George Soros on the Left, the man who manipulated the downfall of the British Pound, "just because he can".

 

[JMoney]

I'm predicting that the Republicans will take the senate by a two-seat margin.

 

[Adamgp]

I'm predicting that the Republicans will take the senate by a two-seat margin.

That would be great.

As for Illinois, going to try to kick Durbin out of the Senate, but it doesn't look likely.

For State Rep, I'll likely vote for a local guy Ramiro Juarez. Mainly because he hasn't flooded my answering machine with robocalls like the others. Only called me once, and it was actually him on the phone, not a robocall.

Oh, and Rauner for Governor. So far the race is pretty tight.

 

[JMoney]

For State Rep, I'll likely vote for a local guy Ramiro Juarez. Mainly because he hasn't flooded my answering machine with robocalls like the others. Only called me once, and it was actually him on the phone, not a robocall.

That's impressive, I've never gotten that here.

 

[Adamgp]

That's impressive, I've never gotten that here.

I was really impressed, really wasn't expecting that.

He even gave me his cell # in case I had any more questions.

 

[GBO Possum]

As we consider our vote and our preferred direction of US policy, both domestic and international, here is a good read about where the US excels and where it does not.

Color me cynical, but while we have obscene amounts of money being spent on "lobbying" (a euphemism for "bribery and corruption"), I can't see us getting leadership which will work for the common good of Americans, let alone of the people of this planet.

The forces for destruction just have too much money to spend on buying politicians.

For a while, I had hope that our President would be a voice of reason and lead us towards prioritizing constructive and positive works, rather than continuing to feed the military industrial sector and gaining support from the electorate by fear-monging.

 

[Omnis]

Hopefully Harry Reid goes. The guy is the worst majority leader ever. The Senate doesn't even get to vote on anything or function unless it's some Obama bullcrap that they try to run through. They won't debate anything.

 

[GBO Possum]

Hopefully Harry Reid goes. The guy is the worst majority leader ever. The Senate doesn't even get to vote on anything or function unless it's some Obama bullcrap that they try to run through. They won't debate anything.

And his counterpart Mitch McConnell, one of the more powerful Koch brothers puppets, who has consistently avoided having a plan to do some good for America. His objectives are always to serve his billionaire masters. Remember back to when he stated that the key aim of the GOP was to ensure the President would not get a second term. Not health, education, road infrastructure, middle class recovery etc but simply a self-serving goal.

Well he's consistent! Read on to see where he's up to his old tricks while he licks the Koch's boots.

http://m.thenation.com/article/1813...mplained-about-roomful-billionaires-exclusive

 

[Omnis]

Please don't bring that kochtopus screwball stuff in here. McConnell is hardly good, but whatever. They all suck. As long as there is partisan bullsquat, there will always be national unrest and stupid bickering over the dumbest things.

If you don't want lobbying, and you want the common good for everyone, then take all the power away from washington. Once you can't legally plunder the masses, everyone will stop fighting for everyone else's money.

 

[AnthonyD1993]

I don't know if I'll even vote because it seems to be "vote for a partisan moron" or "vote for another partisan moron." If I wind up voting, I'll sit there and go third party or maybe vote for some moderates that can actually work together. You know, the people that made this country run semi decent for a while?

 

[GBO Possum]

Please don't bring that kochtopus screwball stuff in here. McConnell is hardly good, but whatever. They all suck. As long as there is partisan bullsquat, there will always be national unrest and stupid bickering over the dumbest things.

If you don't want lobbying, and you want the common good for everyone, then take all the power away from washington. Once you can't legally plunder the masses, everyone will stop fighting for everyone else's money.

Please don't associate my name with "screwball". It's unwarranted and insulting.

 

[Omnis]

Bro, did I call you a screwball? I just said to be careful about some of these writers who are obsessed with Koch.

 

[GBO Possum]

Bro, did I call you a screwball? I just said to be careful about some of these writers who are obsessed with Koch.

No I didn't say you called me a screwball, and no you didn't say I had to be careful about "some of those writers".

Please re-read the posts.

Maybe you'd like to actually defend your Koch friends with evidence and facts.

 

[Tornado]

Kinda hard to take the "please re-read the posts" appeal seriously when you immediately follow it up with "Maybe you'd like to actually defend your Koch friends". That's infinitely more of a strawman than anything Omnis said to you.

 

[FoolKiller]

The more stuff I am seeing that attacks candidates based on their party affiliations, rather than their actual policy positions, the more I wish we could get away from political parties altogether. I picture a world where candidates are only judged by their own statements and actions. Of course, I know that wouldn't happen but however it played out would be better than the "War on Women" vs "War on Coal" issue that we have here. It is annoying.

This will be the first time I vote in a major election. I'll be voting for Mitch McConnell, and it probably won't be the last time I vote for him.

I don't really see a true difference in the two. This is a race about Senate power, not the issues.

Have you looked into David Patterson?

 

[Tornado]

The more stuff I am seeing that attacks candidates based on their party affiliations, rather than their actual policy positions, the more I wish we could get away from political parties altogether.

I had one pop up the other day on a YouTube video, of all places. For a California Senate seat to boot.

 

[TenEightyOne]

Just saw the anti-Landrieu advert... it starts with "She doesn't represent you, she represents OBAMA!" and then launches into him instead.

Whatever the politics it seems that campaigns are the same the world over, fighting the person not the issue. I'm with @FoolKiller on this one but sadly the change will never happen.

 

[Swagger897]

Out of all the few years I can remember adverts on tv, this has to be one of the worst for Georgia. I myself am not chained to a particular party, but rather who will hopefully get the job done without acting like a Hollywood idiot (ehm... Mitt).

Anyways, the race between David Purdue and Michelle Nun is vicious down here. I liked David's brother when he was governor, but David is a piece of trash what he is doing to Michelle. I think it is quite hilarious how he is paying some of the women actors on his all women commercials to act as if all women of Georgia are on his side.

It will be hard for Michelle I think to get in since the general consensus down here is we are all republican. But people down here sway more than the Tacoma Narrows bridge.. and with the outsourcing ads she is putting out, I don't think David really has a chance when those people look up what he has done..

I don't know what Michelle has against her really. All Purdue has to say is "She's for Obama, not for you," and "She will help ISIS, not you," and.... "She wants ebola here, and not in Africa." ..... . I don't understand how someone can watch Fox News and pick every topic they have and throw it at the Democrats to solve.

 

[TenEightyOne]

I don't know what Michelle has against her really. All Purdue has to say is "She's for Obama, not for you," and "She will help ISIS, not you," and.... "She wants ebola here, and not in Africa." ..... . I don't understand how someone can watch Fox News and pick every topic they have and throw it at the Democrats to solve.

Was it Fox who were running the "Low fuel prices bad for economy?" line the other day?

And back on-topic; some interesting Nunn/Purdue statting.

 

[Swagger897]

Was it Fox who were running the "Low fuel prices bad for economy?" line the other day?

And back on-topic; some interesting Nunn/Purdue statting.

Oh my God, that one in particular (if it has the same wording) where they blame rising gas costs and utilities, and a rise in food on democrats is absurd... If I'm correct, gas is under three dollars, the lowest for a couple years the last I remember..

EDIT:

Here was something that I totally forgot about until I YouTube'd (surprised that's a word) "David Purdue Advert"
I don't agree with Fox on much, as they're all crazy, but this was just sad..

EDIT:
Here was the rebuttal by my local news..

EDIT:
And here is TYT... I could only stand two minutes of watching it as it is quite obvious this guy is clueless towards the race. Claiming that she only wants money to keep for herself and to boost her rating.

Unlike how Purdue, the infatuous CEO of multiple companies, has some deep pockets to ask from..



It's all ridiculous down here...

 

[Joey D]

I don't know if I'll even vote because it seems to be "vote for a partisan moron" or "vote for another partisan moron." If I wind up voting, I'll sit there and go third party or maybe vote for some moderates that can actually work together. You know, the people that made this country run semi decent for a while?

This is about where I am with the Michigan elections. I hate Synder and his little anti-Tesla thing really put him over the top for me, not sure how someone who claims to be pro-free market and anti government regulations wants to limit a genuinely good company that is providing several jobs in the US...unlike the Big 3 who keep moving their manufacturing to Canada or Mexico. I also don't like how he wants to force his moral agenda onto the state, but that almost always seems like what Republicans want to do.

I don't know a ton about the other guy considering he's done very little, if any, campaigning in Grand Rapids. The only thing I really know about him is that he was nearly found guilty of campaign finance fraud and he wears double denim...neither of those are good qualities.

I think I'm going to go third party as well, I don't like the Libertarian candidate all that much but the Green Party candidate, while a bit out there, at least feels like the Great Lakes are important that Asian carp are causing a problem.