CNN

It may give us some insight as to whether or not we are going to return to the borrow and spend policies of the Republcan or the more sensible tax and try to balance the budget Democrats.

I suspect that today's election results will reflect what is going on locally in the economy. It will have little or nothing to say about the current national issues. The impact of elections nationally will occur after more of the Obama projects are completed. Votes will demonstrate a pass or fail the stimulis,on the war, health care etc. There is little to go on right now.

It won't say much at all. President Obama's been in office 9 months and has done a pretty good job keeping things afloat despite the fact that Wall street nearly wrecked Main street. If you remember, President Obama did warn the public that there would be tough times ahead. People need to understand that we did'nt get into this mess overnite. It's going to take a little time to get out of this mess. The Republicans had total control over Congress for 6 years and spent our money like a drunken sailor on leave. Now they've become the party of "no". The only thing the Bush Administration did was lined their "pockets" at the tax payers expense. Can you say Haleburton? People should stick with President Obama and his agenda so that the "middle class" can finally feel some relief.

It's all over when the fat lady sings, right? Maybe this time it's a fat prosecuter who signals the beginning of the end of socialism in the US by flexing the golden pipes!!! Bye bye in '12...

people are fickle?

Jack, If Democrats win the 43rd in New York it would be a catastrophic loss for Republicans. It's the only race of significance this Tuesday.

Jerry Wilson

Very hopefullly that Obama and the liberals are through and people are seeing through the lies.

Jack,

It will probably only confirm that America is an instant gratification society.
There is a magic wand voting bloc that wants to be instantly put on the road to financial prosperity without lifting a finger. The politician offering the easiest roadmap to the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow will be elected.
What on earth happened to hard work and joint sacrifice ?

Not much.

Mountain Home ID

Dear Jack, the outcomes mean zero! The GOP is so far behind the times that they will claim they are ready for next election and brag about it. This is like a spring baseball game in March, it means zero.

nothing, the people of new york, Jersey and Virginia votes will not affect the rest of the nation.

It should be a big wake-up call for Democrats. You can’t win elections without exciting your core. The core of the Democratic Party is stupefied by the lack of spine showed by Democrats in office. It seems that Obama and company are more concerned with pleasing the “party of NO” than they are in passing meaningful legislation and solving the most pressing issues facing our nation. Obama seems to forget that he was elected on a platform promising us change. Too many policies implemented by Bush/Cheney are still in play. None of the evil-doers from the Bush/Cheney administration have been brought to justice. In fact, many of the deplorable policies that were the hallmark of Bush/Cheney have been openly embraced by Obama. Shame on him and shame on our Democrats in office. We, the people, can vote you out just as quickly as we voted you in.

I don't believe they will tell us much except that voters are tired of the status quo. The issues that are being addressed are extremely local. The only ones who will try and turn these elections into a national referendum will be the media who will probably dissect each race every way but the right way. You guys have already started so my question to you is "are you going to come and cover our local elections in May 2010" because I'm sure it has some national implication?

These races are likely to tell us more about the east coast than the nation. And I doubt they'll indicate anything toward the mid-terms – how many months has Mr. Obama had to disenfranchise the constituents in these elections? And how many until the 2010 mid-terms? I expect those to be an entirely different game.

jack, they probably will tell what the press thinks they should say. owever, A lot can happen between now and Nov. 2010. So don't read too much into them.

I think today's political races, the first since last year's national elections, will be an indicator that Obama and the congressional Democrats are failing to fulfill their campaign promises to the voters. Why? Because they are mostly corrupt, corporate shills just like the "party of no" and they, too, take every dollar of pay-off from corporate interests that is offered. There are a few exceptions but I for one am very dissappointed, again, especially in the President who ran on "change." Nothing has changed. It's business as usual in DC.

Today's races in New York, New Jersey and Virginia tell us what the people think, not what the talking heads on the networks think. If the democrats take a beating, it will indicate that people, the American people, are tired of the lies told by democrats in the white house and in congress. They will vote, and the spin will start, regardless. Liberal programs like MSNBC and CNN will say it's not a statement of distrust against Obama. But it will be obvious to the American people. And they will vote again in 2012 and 2012. It's time to get rid of the liars in charge

will the voter fraud in N.J. ( acorn – SCIU ) make a mockery of the american system? you be the judge. why are such shaky standards allowed. ?????!!!!!!

Nothing, I think this is a state issue except for the fact that the worthless republican jerks would like to turn it into a national crisis for the democratic party. I'll worry about it in about three years.

Nothing. Up state New York has been in the GOP for years and they don't gain seat Virginia Obama has 57% approval rating the same in New Jersey. If I'm a Republican I'm not jumping for joy you just throw your nominee inNew York under the bus and have told everyone in America if you don't think like us your not wanted.

Jack,

Not much. Our political landscape is in a continual state of flux thanks to the non-stop campaigning and political commentary that we now must endure. These state races are not a referendum on Obama, despite how much some conservatives might want to think so.

Jim
Reno, Nevada

It might suggest that the mobs who swept B.O. into office are disengaged since they have not been given nirvana within the first year of office under the dems, and they just might go back to being politically apathetic.

It could give us a heads up on the political scene in the near future. I would say that Corzine has a weight problem-too much money in his pockets.

Nothing. States typically vote for the party out of power in off year elections due to them not living up to the hype and all their campaign promises.

As a resident of Virginia, I can tell you that this vote means nothing in the grand scheme of things. The two guys running for governor are awful and have run large smear campaigns with little focus on any issues. When they're not slinging mud, they're criticizing each other for slinging mud. The Democratic base has a hard time supporting Deeds because he has no ideas, and the Republican base has a hard time supporting McDonnell because he's a slimeball. So this won't be a referendum to either party so much as which random sound-bite the undecideds remember when they enter the booth. Personally, I followed Palin's advice of voting my values by choosing "other".

Hopefully that Americans are sick to death of hearing about politics. I would rather Jon & Kate get their own channel than continue to be bombarded like this. If my students paid half as much attention to their assignments as pundits do to CNN, every Comp I essay would be written at a doctoral level.

That we should split up into two separate countries. We can no longer get along. The melting pot has boiled over. Thanks, right wingers, for terrorizing your fellow neighbors and countrymen.

NOTHING. All politics is local, and in this case extreme-uber-local. These races applie to the states and local issues and particular unique makeup of voters in the region.

That the American People are fed up with the inaction of our elected officals. If you can't get the job gone, we won't vote for you again.

With the Republican leadership apparently embracing the conservative lunatic fringe now, it is going to say much more about the Republicans nationally then the Democrats. Could it indicate we might end up with a Sara Palin-Michelle Bachman ticket in 2012? I hope so. Go… Wing nuts!!!

Whatever you tools in the media say it's telling us. Can't wait to hear the anti-Obama spin.

Absolutely nothing. National issues always affect down-ballot races, but in the end these are local races about local issues. I'm a New Jerseyan who strongly supports Barack Obama, yet I am not voting for Jon Corzine. I am not alone; there are those like me in all these races. But of course the media will make too big a deal out of this, just like they always do.

The political landscape tells me an investment of capitol within the USA is a greater risk now than ever. I have down sized my retirement from a TDA account to a wallet account so I think I will try to hold that ground for now.

Jack, of the three, I think the NY race is the most telling. It's proof positive that there is no room in the Republican party for moderates. As for the other two, Corzine has had a bumpy ride in NJ for a while and the Virginia democrat is not an effective campaigner. You can't read anything into those races.

Although the Republicans will strut around and announce the Democrats demise if any Republicans win today, their party is still in so much trouble that one election days results won't make that much difference to the overall picture. They credit the right-wing fringe with turning the country against President Obama, but it is a very small percentage of tea baggers and birther proponents that are making all the noise. The entire country is not against what the president has done no matter how loudly the Republicans claim that it is.

These elections will say that the Obama presidency is effectively over one year after it began.

Obviously a race in 3 different states can't be applied to the national view. That's ridiculous! I do believe though it shows that the "Obama effect" isn't enough to win everything, but that does not mean that because of him, the Democrats are in trouble.

Whatever the news pundants want to tell us. They really do not know, but since when has lack of knowledge ever stopped them.

Probably nothing. The president's party has lost the governor's house in Virginia the last eight times... New Jersey is having a hell of a time economically. Does either spell a revolt among voters over the President's policies. I don't think so.

Now, if a non-resident wins a Congressional seat in upstate New York... No. That doesn't mean anything either.

Frankly my dear I don't give a damn. Its just another rat race.
Just another three ring circus.
What is the race really about anyway? Is the goal just to get to the finish line first or is the goal to have someone elected that really gives a dam about this country.
Unfortunately the political lanscape is full of weeds that need to be plucked.
What it all comes down to is who is best going to fit in our club.

Why're people trying to connect this stuff to national politics? These are state politics. What happens in New Jersey, New York, and Virginia will and should only affect New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.

For those of us in Virginia I don't think it has anything to do with national politics. It does have to do with 2 really crappy candidates. Deeds isn't going to lose because of Obama, he only has himself to blame for a pitiful campaign. I really had to hold my nose when I voted today.

David
Gainesville, VA

What I think these elections may reflect is the FACT that Americans are fed-up POLITICS AS USUAL. By reaching out to so called "independents" we are simply sending THAT message. Whether a Dem or a Republican, you had better start taking care of those that elected you instead of TAKING CARE OF YOURSELVES. Thats what is being shouted from coast to coast. NO ONE is safe from defeat unless you put us first!

To me Jack it really says more about the voters than the crooks. We should vote out every current person who is holding the offices to send a message that we are sick and tired of the lousy job that they are doing. In other words, fire them.

That we syill have the best political system that money can buy. Just goes to show how much the value of the dollar has slipped!

I am a 22 year old Independent from NJ. I voted Republican this election because I feel that the Democrats have failed on a number of local issues that are important to me. I am an Obama supporter, but his supporting Jon Corzine had no influence positive or negative on my vote. I voted for the issues. If Corzine loses it is because of his poor performance and doesn't say anything about Obama's performance. But of coarse that won't stop Beck, Hannity, and Limbaugh from saying it's Obama's fault, just like everything else

Jack.....the short answer is: Nothing......who said “All politics are local”.....the only thing on the table is “perception”....but the reality is: Nothing.....

I became unsatisfied with our present Governor in NJ long before Obama was selected as the Democratic candidate for President. This election in NJ, for me, has nothing to do with national politics.

Here is the result,
Democrat in New York and Jersey
Republican in Virginia
What it means....don't run away from a Democrat President 8 months and a week in office,,,,

Gary Michigan

I live in Watertown, NY. As upstate as it can get! We are so sick and tired of the recorded phone calls from X president Bill Clinton, Charles Schumer, Vice-President Biden, and Rudy Guiliani, that we can't wait for this race to be over. What is sad is that the only really qualified candidate dropped out of the race and is now supporting Owens. Neither Owens or Hoffman are suited to this position, and no matter which one wins, it is a sad day for us in the Northern New York region!

Jack,

It will say nothing about the political landscape,most vote for whom they think will get the job done and help we the american people out of this current mess.
Dem or Republic I dont care, if they care about us more then war or the bailing out the banks and care about human rights.

Both partys will like to claim a victory and no matter who wins.

however these votes are about what the people want and not about who can check a box on there score board, and if that is the reason people vote then shame on them, it should be about the issues and not the party.

Mark M
San Francisco

Obama is brilliant as a campaigner but is inept as a leader. He has failed to produce what he promised and as the 'leader. or the Dems., he can't seem to control them. He has been a disappointment to me as I voted for him.

I predict the Reps will come back very strongly today and will take the House of Reps back in 2010.

He is an abysmal failure as a leader

That it's still dysfunctional and knee-jerky.

The races in NY VA and NJ tell us nothing about the national landscape. It is much ado about nothing. It's something to give you guys something to "analyze" and talk about.

To me, it will be an indicator about how bright the voters are in NY, NJ, and VA. I don't believe it'll show anything regarding how well Obama is doing.

All it will tell us is that Limbaugh's storm troopers hope to rally a strong enough minority to scare democrats into kow-towing to their demands. Then the right-wing wing-nuts will be able to to enforce a fascist Big-Lie dictatorship worthy of their Josef Goebbels type propaganda.

Regardless of who wins the elections, the message that should be received by the Do-Nothing Democrats and the Let's Just Oppose Everything Republicans, is that we are fed up with the current political landscape.

We need real people who carry our best interests in public office.

I says whether the Republicans are gonna big the Big Tent Party.

What a joke .. Corzines advance people were in south jersey pulling up and covering over othef candidates signs all last night.. What a low life.. then today he is in the helicopter shared with the state .. doing campaign stops in Cherry Hill NJ ....

People are tired of Corzine and other Barrackoaholics completely screwing up our country and childrens future.

If the results of this race favor Republican and Conservative candidates it says a lot about how people feel now that the Obama administration has gotten comfortable. The novelty of Obama's campaign and early days in office is fading away and people are once again realizing the negative side of having the Democrats in control.

Drew
Marlton, NJ

It always amazes me how much the 24 hour news channels hypes any story they get their hands on. If I hear all politics is local except for this time or how this is one of the most important election in history I think I will scream. If it's true it just goes to show how ignorant voters are. Rather than consider which person is best for their state they will vote against Obama. Good luck America, nice to see how things never change.

Jack, as a new jersey resident who's about to go vote I can tell you local issues don't have too much pull for me. All 3 candidates with a chance of winning are all terrible choices for governor, yet i'm about to vote for Corzine because i'd rather a democrat keep the state. I personally would vote for Dagget if it was all about local issues, but his recent pollings show he's not going to be able to pull it off and I don't want to waste the only vote I get.

jack i went fishing i saw a snake following the fish i had hooked i cut the line i left and did not go back to that spot again . thats the same way i feel about the republicans (conservatives for sure)

It will say whether this Country is tired of listening to femme fatale Sarah Palin, or whether we are still ok with the euphemisms by the Republican Party that sounds like a speech one might hear at a KKK meeting. Plain and Simple

Jack,

I don't think it will mean a whole lot. Do you remember New Hampshire '08 between Hillary and Obama? Who was a ahead in the polls then and eventually won? Obama was ahead, but Hillary won. So, tell me who are president is now? The GOP better not get too cocky. They are the ones who created our country's mess.

Nothing , All politics are local !!!!!! There are NO national ramificaticons in any election this year. But it does give Wolf and Jack something to talk about and keep their jobs as talking heads!!

I think these races are about the Republicans and the lack of ideas that they have not come up with. They dont offer any counter solutions to what Obama & the Dems are doing (which i think they are doing a wonderful job). Republican need to offer some solution or ge out of the way.

The only thing it means is the Democrats won the White House last year. The Party not in the White House wins these things every cycle yet you guys keep trying to make more of it than it is.

Well considering that NJ and NY races are in districts that always vote Democrate and will be won by the GOP and the Virginia race will also go to the GOP spells volumes for what is going on. The real middle America is waking up to the non-sense and governments redistribution of wealth for those who dont work for it. Tax payers have seen what Obamanomics is and it aint American! Theres no incentive to chase the American dream its easier to lay around and hold your hand out!

To me it suggests that the partisan divide in this country is still as deep as ever. Party spin doctors are going to use this election to put a message of falsehoods and half-truths. It's not about issues anymore; it's about how to paint the other guy in the most negative light possible. Unfortunately, it seems to be working for both sides. It's high time for a third party to be established so the sensible people in this country, not many of us I'm afraid, finally have someone working for us – not special interest and fringe groups. Like they say, we get the government we deserve.

Jack:

I would say that all politics is loco. It is self serving (to the party not the people) , and obviously dangerous (two wars). This is one case where a generalization may finally be taken for truth...now if the people only wake up ! The outcome of those states will generate more painful hours of media analysis and beat us all into deeper apathy.

Election results today may not tell us much about the national political climate as most of the elections are in conservative red states anyway. My problem is this, Bush/Cheney lead this country around like bulls with a ring in our noses for two full terms and the Dems stood by without so much as a squeak. The GOP is constantly hammering President Obama and the Dems as if they still have control... and again the Dems barely let out a squeel. What the hell is wrong with this country? Do we just not care anymore? I'm ready to take my Social Security and move to some small village in Ireland, where there is no Internet and I don't have to think about how my beloved America becoming a shadow of its former self.

It says that we the people are fedup with both parties and their reckless spending and how they handle our Federal government. In addition there are many disappointed, young, first time voters that now see what a politican says during the campaign is not what a politican will do after getting voted into office. Its a shame.

Democrats did not even brag when they won the White House. Why would they want to brag about a local race? This is not a reflection on the President if a particular candidate does not win. The President is interested in moving America forward , not in bragging about who won . Being a Democrat myself, I wish all the Dems would win but more than that I wish all parties will recognize the needs of the American people and work together to execute them. That is all that really matters in the end.
Ms. Lee

It will tell us much about what Americas are thinking today, but sadly it will change next month. Just wait for the protesters to show up.

Adam Knight,
Port Charlotte, Florida

....in order for these races to tell us anything..you will have to disect the demographics of the voters....if the 'pubs win all 3....it does not mean that the majority of the country is dissatisifed with the Big "O"....and if the 'crats win all 3......it will not in any way give the Big "O" a mandate........you guys are trying to read way too much into a local races....as you always do....there is no secret message in the ring....sometimes...its just a ring.....

Off year elections have a mixed record of determining national mood. Special U.S. House elections were held leading up to 2006 midterms such as in California's 50th and Ohio's 2nd where the Republican won, but surprise, 2006 was the year of the Dem takeover.

They can win an election or 2 or even a few. A wise man once said, “we have lost the south for a generation.” The Democratic Party is moving towards a more Liberal direction so that it may gain the approval of most all Americans. The conservative party is not conservative at all. They seek exclusion by hate of any that speaks against their polices of claiming their god and fearmongering. Parents are going to get sick of the far right trying to put fear in The Elderly and The Children and even the middle aged. That is not family values, that is wicked. A wise man says today, “the so-called conservative party is going to lose Independents for a generation” Education is The Key.

Jack,
The results today will demonstrate how the majority of We the People feel about incumbents - running or not.

We the People are reconsidering whether any of these bums are worth keeping. We are reconsidering term limits, spending limits, and "nation building" limits. And, We are reaching the conclusion that companies are not part of We the People.

Good riddence to them all.

A once proud R that is now (and forever more) an I.

Jack, This is getting ridiculous! If the strategy the media and the Republicans are following, to associate every election to Obama, what's the probability that only Democrats will be elected? I think the focus of this conversation is wrong. Do we even know what each candidate's position is? No one's interested in that. The only news worthy story is will Obama will get blamed for every race lost. Its getting sad to watch.

What can all these votes really tell us? I know they're going to be analyzed to death, but really; when you look at the problems the current Obama Administration has been required to address (two wars, a tanked economy, the environment, energy, health care, the Middle East, the extremist element (small) in the Muslim community world-wide, etc.) – name me one that lends itself to solutions in the 9 months they've so far had to work on them.

The 23rd Congressional is the one to watch...I can hardly wait to hear the spin from both sides on it, however the outcome...It could make for a very entertaining year.."OH GOODY"

Voters that vote to protest something deserve the government they get. Voters for personalities and looks is a good move too. Come on quit the drama and reality TV stuff. Issues and out future is where its at..... please THINK before you push the button.

Jack,
Wasn't this asked when special elections were in NY before and other places? First it was about stimulus fatigue now it's all about against Obama policies. Let's be REAL! Elections will happen and results will be based upon will people come out to support their candidate!

The tide is changing Jack, America voted just barely for change and the only change is been how the money is distributed. No one wants to have to go without as if they are entitled or something. Obama is teaching the masses to not worry he`ll take care of them and take as much from the middle and upper class as it takes to achieve that goal! Its SOCALISM period and its the beginning of the end! I`m not sure why the poor thinks its ok to take from me as if I owe them something. I`ve worked damn hard for everything I have only to see it being taken by Obama to feed his voters!

These races,and any race, will tell us that we still languish in a society of ideological bunk.

These are not battles between candidates, but a battle of an absolute ideology, where ego and instant gratification are put before integrity, and blinded one sided belief is put before consciousness.

The irony is, is we create great hopelessness in the building of these ideological and absolute walls. And the result will always be we will continue to waste our time condemning one another instead of changing ourselves.

If the Democrats lose these races, it will show a definite change in the landscape. It will not necessarily be a bad thing for the Dems. It should serve as a wake up call. It is time for the Dems to pay attention to what the voters are saying and what they said last November.

As I see it – since you provide this open overview form , we should cut to the chase and stop acting like children with one sandbox on the playground. The elections being contested should be complicated and concern themselves about the many issues of your state, city, nation, world. When voters mature and demand potential elected office holders address the issues instead on under cutting their adversaries and can communicate the many issues facing the needs. If 90 percent of a candidates information put forth undercuts the (supposedly worthy) opponent – as it seems advance by both parties then there need be a box for the voters to select demanding void election until we get better candidates!!!

Confusion: We don't know what we want. It's like a baby crying for milk while trying to suck on a bottle of water...that is how we are as americans

Nothing , But being a Independent I'LL get the blame from one party and the credit from the other for whatever happens. A Pox on both of their house's!!!

Jack,

The only race of importance on the national level will be the NJ race. When considering the long history of both VA and the NY 23rd to be right leaning regions, even if their votes swing hard right, it doesn't provide an overall national viewpoint on how the country is responding to the Obama admin. Although, if the votes do go left, it would appear the GOP is still struggling internally. On the other hand, NJ has been, historically speaking, a state willing to react against any party that hasn't pulled their weight: the old "what have you done for me lately" mentality. Thus, dependent on where the state finally leans in their Governor's race will undoubtedly be a prime indicator for both the left and right in terms of how successful their policies and agendas have been over the past year and how much work they will need to do in order to either keep or reverse control of the Congress come next year.

Jack, if moderate Republicans fail to control these radical reactionaries within their Party, it will compel many of them to realize they must become Democrats. The bottom line, as long as Democrats don’t scare the moderates away by moving too far to the left, it will be the end of swing voters deciding elections because Democrats will have a clear majority.

During the real depression there were no free cell phones or free college. There was a soup line and people were damn glad there was one. The poor today have cell phones, internet, computers, ipods, plasma screen tv`s, Nike shoes, the list goes on. People today in this country have no idea what its like to truly go without, and its time they do! The majority take things for granted and feel a sense of entitlement that just isnt there! I say to these people go without the things mentions above and then see if you cant afford your own health insurance!

It means absolutely nothing to me... and I dont think it should cause any big "happy dance" by any political party...

Hello Jack. It will say that people are fed up with the politics as usual. The republicans will say that their back from the political abyss and the democrats will say they never really expected to win those seats anyways. But what both parties better hear loud and clear is that Americans are fed up with ultra liberal and ultra conservative politics. We want and deserve Politician's committed to solving real problems facing American's

NOTHING, ZERO, NADA, ZILCH!
It just gives the pundits, strategists and know it alls something to justify their speculative tomfoolery existence...and to plant poison in the minds of average Americans.

Jack,
It will say little or nothing. The National Political Landscape will not be affected. People love Obama and this will have nothing to do with his popularity. It will just mean scared Republicans will turn out big to make up for some of their losses.
Carol from Philly

Jack, there are too many local, personal and individual factors in play to apply the results of today's races to the national picture. Perhaps the only applicable dynamic is the conservative civil war going on in upstate New York. A victory for the conservative candidate there will encourage the fanatical nationalism we're seeing from the far right. Both liberals and responsible conservatives alike can only hope for a Democratic victory.

Also, tell Wolf and your producers to include some breakout questions in the approval polls. Just stating Approval vs. Disapproval doesn't capture the political reality. You need a follow-up, something like "If you disapprove of President Obama (or his handling of a specific issue), why do you disapprove?", with options like "He's too Liberal / He's not Liberal enough" as possible responses. Knowing that some percentage of people disapprove is not as valuable or insightful as knowing why they disapprove.

Wasn't Corzine the one who got all busted up when he didn't wear his seatbelts?

The fact that Corzine has any chance of winning, is a testament to Obama's popularity.

Hey Jack, I live in southern New Jersey which is largely rural farming. I have seen this state go through tough times as was growing up. For the last 20 years the people have chosen leaders to run this state and the leaders have failed. Now New Jersey has some of the highest taxes in the nation, businesses aren't opening here due to high taxation and high cost of living. The governor has made state employees take furlough days to help close the gaps in the budget. The politicians have lost the trust of the people and when the polls close it will send a shock waves though the Democratic Party. Grant it I don't have all the answers, but the people voting today know one thing if any and it is that we need change. The agenda the government has set out is going to end in disaster for the for the American people, we the people are the ones who bear the the hardships in this nation not the politicians.

Who cares? This is a politcal distraction; a non-issue. Mid term elections are a year away, but I'm sure there won't be any changes in the political atmosphere between now and then...

Jack, the GOP Spoiled Childrens party just walked off the job AGAIN! Climate change this time. Do you have anything to say about that?

Without a good number of Republicans and certainly a very large number of Independents got Obama elected and the liberals have forgotten this fact and believe the skies the limit but not so fast! these same voters if they choose to go the other way will swing things in favor of the GO and thats whats happening!

Tucson,AZ – Simply, not much. Neither Virginia nor New Jersey are representative of the nation as a whole. Governors have no impact whatsoever on Federal lawmaking and administration. The 23d Congressional District is only one of 435 House seats. If one examines the campaigns in detail, it is clear that there are strong local effects that obscure the extent to which the actual voters in the actual jurisdictions (as opposed to pundits and partisans) are responding to national versus local issues. Note that the President's party still does not have 60 reliable votes in the Senate, where Repubican opposition coninues to slow the pace of change and water down the Pesident's proposals. Blaming Obama for the current state of the nation is like blaming the fire department instead of the arsonist for the house burning down.

Absolutely NOTHING Jack,,,,NY's electon is a sad sad set of affairs....

The Republicans destroyed a loyal and proud Republican (Scozzafava)...harrasment, cruelty, and down right viciousness
on the party of the Republicans ...as far as the landscape for the
future....I hope that people see that the Republican Party in the
23rd district is not what people want...We want EVERYONE'
and their different beliefs and opinions in a party.........

THIS DISTRICT HAS DISAPPOINTED ME IN THEIR TACTICS

I WILL VOTE DEMOCRAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 30 YEARS

It will say that the people who ran did not please their state and will not mean that Obama is a failure......he tried to save some but if the people are not happy with what they did for the state....Obama can do nothing about that..However, he will take the heat for it.

Nothing.

As simple as they are either happy or unhappy with the direction the current majority party is taking us in. When your government basically hands you a credit card to get all kinds of great "stuff" but no instructions on how to manage money and pay for it, of course, it's going to seem great. That is until the bill arrives in a few years...... I was always wearing of those credit card offers in the mail.

The election results from today will tell us that the American people know they elected an "incompetent" to the Presidency just because of his skin color. How about them apples?

Today's elections will only add to the political civil war that is taking over our counrty. I for one have grown tired of the banality that has become our political system.

It will mean the Republican stink but the Democrats stink worse.
No difference in the smell of a skunk that has been dead for 3 days or 4, they both stink and we are not going to take it anymore.
melvin harper
colorado springs, co

People are just being fooled from the time spent from the opposition focusing on the steps taken from government while private sector are not taking enough steps...it is the private sector waiting for government to give them incentives in these times: priceless how our confused is our definition of living free in a free market away from government in our lives...while private sector spends a lot of money influencing government!

No - and, yes.

I am an Independent which makes me a member of NJ's largest voting block. I'm voting for Jon Corzine; we really believe in him.

BUT, yes, I said BUT
– in the state and local races we are voting against Democrats to protest the disenfranchising grip of the party boss in our county.

We want to have our voices heard, and we want the ballot box back..

Today's elections - like so many other factors - will be but one of dozens of indicators of the larger elections in 2010 and 2012.

If the GOP does win big tonight, not even the best Democratic spin doctors will be able to put a positive spin on it with the only real question being how much (a little or a lot) should the Democrats be worried next year.

Political races of today are starting to look like the same ugly mess that's going on in the Middle East that we call democracy at work.

Three races in 2009 will tell us nothing about the hundreds of political contests coming in the next few years. But I'll bet the naysayers and Limbaugh Lemmings grasp at straws in order to forecast the doom of Democrats. It's what they do best. In fact, it's all they do.

People are just being fooled from the time spent from the opposition focusing on the steps taken from government while private sector are not taking enough steps...it is the private sector waiting for government to give them incentives in these times: priceless how confused is our definition of living free in a free market away from government in our lives...while private sector spends a lot of money influencing government!

I live in Missouri so nothing right now. I will not vote for anyone who is for socialistic values, big government, more taxes, and printing money that cannot be truly redeemed.

It depends on whether your for Obama or against Obama. Fact is, people do not like what Obama is doing as seen in must polls. I suggest that this is the beginning of the end for Obama and his ilk.

Its already told us without the vote yet happening.... Bullies are feeling their power. They will get nastier and meaner because it gives them money... Remember Limbaugh, Beck, and now Palin work for money and Mr Murdoch (Rupert the Red) and themselves, not for us.

Should conservative candidates win in these elections, it will represent the narrow-mindedness and overall lack of humanity our country has towards its people. Angry protesters and Sarah Palin will win, and America will be driven back into the dark ages, where we will consume ourselves in hatred and greed. If the conservatives get there way, our once great nation will come to an abrupt and bloody end. I only hope the other states of the world will be giving us open arms after we collapse, for not all of us are as uncivil as these civil demons.

I forgot to give my location as Mr. Cafferty requested: We live in Camden County, southern New Jersey. We're 6 miles due East of Philadelphia!

Go Phillies.

I see that there a few comments here saying "socialism".... that's what the far-right wants to have us, Americans, scared of! Just like during the cold War when the far-right cried "communism!" Same old story.

I had hope last year when Barack Obama carried our Nation with 54% of the vote, that we, the People, had become a more moderate-thinking-reasonable group!

But...... the far-right have been inciting fear, hate and anger. They are a minority but they get a lot of press.

Today CNN is reporting that in a poll conducted recently (October) President Obama still have a solid 54% approval rating.

We, Americans are a fair people, we know that the Bush Economic Disaster & the Two Bush Wars wont be solved overnight.

To answer your question, Jack, it says that we are in a battle for America's soul! Will our Nation return to extreme conservatism, where fear reign, war is the answer and questioning our fellow Citizens patriotism is A-Okay? Or will we reject the mean politics of the extremists, and find peace in a sane middle? Where everyone has a seat at the table, we have compassion for the poor, and diplomacy not bombs rule the day?! Its up to you, America!

Hope trumps hate & fear every time!

The vote today won't tell us much. The vote next year won't tell us much, either. . . at least nothing we don't already know. Which is that our elected leaders are too busy running and posturing for re-election to get much of anything else done. I recently wrote to John Boehner, my "representative" in Congress, and asked that he vote for a public option in any pending health care reform, since about 70% of the American citizenry are in favor of such an option. Not so much as a canned email reply from his staff. Our representatives in Congress (with a few exceptions like Marcy Kaptur, bless her) have forgotten what their job description is.

I don't know, but I think I heard just this morning that Corzine spent $25MILLION of his own money for this try at re-election! How pathetically perverted and absurd is that! $25 MILL to buy the Governor job. Just what kind of job perks come with that job that probably pays what, a couple hundred thousand/year?

Whatever it means, the media and political pundits will be sure to tell us what to think by tomorrow.

Jack...these elections ARE local. They have nothing to do with the national scene.

If one underlying issue exists, it's incumbent beware. Especially if that incumbent does nothing for the people that he or she is supposed to represent (not the special interests).

It tells us how much Obama is able to affect local and state elections. If his presence and support cannot afffect state elections, the democrats are in for a long, long political season next year. I believe last year Obama was the charismatic candidate and the antiBush vote pulled in alot of angry voters. This year after the tax and spend democrats have made their choices obvious, the people will speak again.

Aloha Jack,
The Political landscape in this country is a bunch of dead plants surrounded by weeds and crabgrass. Today's elections are not going to change that. The political landscape will change when the citizens stop just showing up on election day and then bailing on the arena of change until the next election. There are a lot of things that need to be boycotted in this country!...when people start doing that then the power for change will be back where it should be...with the people. Political landscapes will always be an eyesore!

Tucson, AZ – I am quite disturbed by the number of comments above that have no relationship to reality. People toss arpound words like socialism without knowing its meaning. People expect results in a time frame and form that is actually impossible under our Constitution, People expect the President to rule, when the real power is in Congress, and actual control of Congress requires 60 seats in the Senate, where Mr. Obama's real supporters have perhaps 55. The Founders set up a system under which it takes at least two overwhelming national electoral victories to actually overrrule any opposition instead od compromising with it. American foreign policy has improved by an order of magnitude since Mr Obama's inauguration, it being the only power he has that is not subject to Congressional control. It will require another Democratic victory, House and Senate, for him to simply deliver on his "promises."

People are impatient, and closed-minded, and don't want to listen to facts. The majority of this country voted for "change," but aren't satisfied with either the pace of change or the type of change. If the tables were turned and it was the dems that screwed the country up for eight years, then we voted in a rep, we'd still be in a similar situation with people being "angry" and wanting to "take the county back."

If the Republicans win all three races, it means the lunatics are once more in charge!

It will show us how stupid the American people are and how quickly they forget how Bush and Cheney bankrupted our country during their eight year reign of irresponsibility. If the Republicans overtake ANY seat in the country, it just shows you the short-attention span of the average American. It's just plain scary how ill-informed people are that listen to the absolute lies of Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, and the rest of the mis-information team at Fox News.

Nothing we do not already know. Nominations and elections are largely controlled by extremists, the needs of average American are not heard. Once the smoke clears, changes to our banking system will remain unmade; health care will still cost too much; jobs creation will be desperately needed.

At least the news organizations will have made a few extra bucks and the news junkies (like me) will have had their annual election day fix.

Jim

It will tell us the landscape is confusing. Increasingly, people are expressing disgust with both parties and try to choose a candidate based on many things but not party.

It will tell us that Americans are not as clueless as the Obama Administration had hoped. Despite the Democrat party's socialistic agenda cloaked in 'modernism" and "progressivism" we have finally come to grips with what President Obama meant on election night a year ago. His goal to "fundamentally change America" is nothing less than the destruction of the capitalist system and individual freedoms that have made America the greatest nation in the history of this earth.

of course republicans will say that their vote is a referendum on the national leadership provided, or lack thereof, by the democrats. of course, democrats will say that things are fine with national democratic leadership and the reason they are casting their vote is because of local issues.

in virginia, we are faced with two poorly qualified individuals. mcdonnell comes from a fundamentalist background and he is very strongly opinionated and a bit charming. deeds fumbles in public and has provided voters with little reason to vote for him. if the democrats win virginia, it is only because of the long tails of president obama.

bob

Jack,
The outcome of these elections have been a wake up for both parties. There is a movement in this country that is undeniable, and it is growing. Its not about left or right anymore, its about right and wrong.

thanks

Dems, Republicans. Who cares. They're all in it for themselves. Stop blaming corporations. Our Gov't is the problem. 3000 pages or reform should tell us that the system needs to change.

Conservatism is on the rise nationally. People are not happy with Obama's economic policies, as the economy continues to bleed jobs every month. Spending is out of control and people are genuinely concerned about national debt, which has risen 3 fold under the democrats. The conservative party may become a viable third party, especially if Hoffman trounces Owens in NY-23. A conservative shift is under way and will only gain momentum as the economy continues to shed jobs and people's standard of living is reduced.

Todays election in Va. will mean what it always does,the party in the White Hose never wins in Va.in the Gov.race because Va. is still in the dark ages & needs to change Gov.race to even years like the rest of America(execption-N.J.)Southern Va.especially is full of folks that tend to be ultra conservative.The Republicans have had nothing but a negative hate campaign against Obama.Locally,there is a strong campaign by extreme conserviatives against Deeds & the President & those who can think for themselves realize this,the rest will vote Republican.

Its will indicate that we are a nation of blamers and whiners that want others to change things for us. That way we can continue to blame everyone else but ourselves for our predicament. It will also solidify that we are ture in an insane cycle. Both parties have proven to represent the special interests and the own wealth yet once again people will vote along party lines, blaming the other side and doing everything that hasn't worked for centuries now. Its a shame, how willfully ignorant our society has become. Most of the voters in America have become exactly what the founding fathers feared they would.

It will say keep your elitist socialism!

obama opened with a bang,what with saving the economy and bailing out big money, now he is more cautuous and building a consensus,he and his administration have helped improve our relations in the world, and is now working on social issues,i think the Maine vote on same sex marriage will say a lot,I do hope the conservative in New york wins,this will be the beginning of the end of the gop, do you think a win by the conservative in new york will be like the goldwater fiasco ?? frank from fresno california

The media likes to make a big deal out of very minor races to score ratings points. The only real race to watch is NY as the GOP and conservatives kill each other. If they learn their lesson they will stop it now if not then the Democrats may win seats in 2010. The tea baggers have made this country look like a bunch of cry babies, the last few months. They will just take down the GOP and not Obama.

Jack,

I expect both parties to claim victory, except the American People.
The American People really have not won anything but words of hope and change.

Hope doesn't secure our nation, change doesn't get me a job.

The emporer has no clothes and the people are beginning to realize it. To some extent this will be a referendum on the national political scene. More than that it will be an indication of the trend and just how the pendulum is swinging.

If the republicans win any seat, it means that Rush Limbaugh and Glenn becks campaign of smear and bash is winning over the mind(less) .
Rush will do anything or say anythign to make Barak fail, and Glenn is basically a fear mongerer and plays to the mindless.
PS...the USA has a lot of mindless people..

Ian

The President did NOT make a significant investment in the VA candidate and you know it. The candidate, Deeds, ran from Obama and minorities for 99% of his campaign and only embraced Obama and appealed directly to minority voters as a last ditch effort. This loss is squarely on Deeds, NOT the President.

It will tell me that people are either fickle or stupid or both. Who cares who wins in the 23rd Congressional. If the wingnut wins, then they deserve him. By the way, I voted for Corzine. There is no way that I would EVER vote for a Republican. The party of NO!

Brian with the Phd,Looks like your Phd doesn't mean much,since there is no incumbent running for Gov.in Va.DUH!

VA and NJ are the only two states who have gubernatorial elections the year after the presidential election. Over the past two decades plus, both states have chosen the party who DID NOT win the presidency. Therefore, if republicans win, this tells us nothing except that history repeats itself yet again. If the democrats win, this means those two states believe Obama and his democratic congress are leading us in the right direction.