The Midterm Microscope

Since my last discussion on the midterm elections a few weeks ago, there have been some significant developments throughout the country. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable examples.

Texas– Arguably the most noteworthy development on the road to 2010 in the past month was the Republican primary in the Texas gubernatorial race.  Pitting incumbent Governor Rick Perry against Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, the primary was an ugly contest between two Texas heavyweights. Despite much skepticism of Perry’s ultraconservatism (he once advocated for Texas to withdraw from the United States) combined with the fact he has already served two-terms as governor (no governor has served longer than two terms in Texas’ history), he was able to defeat “KBH” by branding her as a Washington insider. Playing off of the current skepticism and fear that many have for our nation’s capitol, Perry’s campaign will likely serve as a playbook for Republicans this election season…

Florida– Speaking of interesting Republican primaries, the race for the GOP’s nomination in Florida’s senatorial election is one of the most high-profile elections of the season. Featuring incumbent Governor Charlie Christ, a moderate, squaring off against the former Speaker of the Florida House and conservative, Marco Rubio, the race has garnered widespread awareness. While entering the primary months ago, nearly everyone assumed that Christ, a popular governor, would cruise to victory. Meanwhile, the young and handsome Rubio was able to attract national attention from conservative media outlets before staging a surprise comeback and now leads by more than 30 points in a poll released last week. By hammering Christ for his support of President Obama’s agenda, Rubio’s campaign has also illustrated the distaste many Americans are feeling for Washington. If Rubio wins, keep his name in mind for future office someday…

Arkansas – In the same vein as the above-mentioned primaries that are positioning Republicans against Republicans, Arkansas is doing the same thing – but, the Democrats are dueling.  Following months of considering whether or not he should throw his name into the ring, Lt. Governor Bill Halter announced his plans to challenge incumbent Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AK) in the senatorial primary.  Lincoln’s poll numbers are way down, and she is seen as vulnerable.  Supported by many liberal groups, Halter is seeking to provide an alternative to voters who increasingly view Lincoln as an “inside the beltway” candidate…

California– And then there’s the Golden State where if the GOP had their way, 2010 could be the “year of women.” In both the state’s gubernatorial and senatorial races powerful women are seen as the frontrunners. First, Meg Whitman, a widely respected former CEO of E-Bay, is seeking the role of Governor. She wants to resolve the state’s fiscal crisis. Against Whitman?  An icon of California politics, the former Governor Jerry Brown, who holds high name recognition.  Then, in the Senate race, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina, will likely be paired against incumbent Senator Barbara Boxer.  Though Boxer currently polls ahead of Fiorina, the California race is a great example of women playing a more prominent role in American politics.

Kevin Fickenscher, MD

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