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FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
There may be hope for the survival of our country. The rise in the number of independent voters in several states has been so sharp that they now virtually constitute a third party. That's not good news for the Democrats and Republicans, and it's really not good news for the Republicans.
The New York Times reports that for more than 3 years now, there has been a decline in the number of voters registering as Republicans and an increase in the number registering as Democrats.
These shifts could affect local, state and national politics for several election cycles to come. Already, Republicans have lost control in many state houses and governors' mansions, and they took a beating in the midterm elections of 2006.
It's important to note that swings in party registration aren't uncommon from year to year, and party registration often has no impact on how people end up voting. But experts say what is remarkable is that this shift away from the Republican Party is now in its 4th year. One analyst says it suggests a "fundamental change going on in the electorate."
Former House Majority Leader Republican Dick Armey says these are "not good numbers" for the GOP, but cautions they don't give a clear indication about what will happen in the presidential race. Armey suggests the key is who all these new independent voters will support.
Democrats point to President Bush as the main reason for the shift, but they're also benefiting from demographic changes – things like the rise in the number of younger voters and the urbanization of the suburbs.
Here’s my question to you: Republican voter registrations have been declining since 2005. Why?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Derick from Greenlawn, New York writes:
Back in 2000, Republicans strayed away from issues that matter. After 8 years of a wildly popular Democrat in office, George W. Bush ran on social issues. No one bothered to ask whether he could manage an economy or deploy our military responsibly. But don't fret, once the Democrats clean up the mess, people will once again fall in love with the GOP siren song, "Lower Taxes, Less Government".
Chris from Ottawa writes:
The GOP used to be a great party. They stood for small government, fiscal responsibility, non-interventionist foreign policy, no nation building… Unfortunately, they allowed themselves to be hijacked by neo-conservative nitwits. Now Republicans stand for big government, record deficits, unending wars, domestic surveillance and telling Americans how to live their lives. As Ron Paul says “The party has lost its way.”
Odessa from Cleveland, Ohio writes:
Well, well, Jack, there are some decent Republicans, but they are very disappointed with Bush's failed policies and GOP’s scams for the last 7 years. That’s why the voter registration has been slipping. Now McCain is running, the entire GOP party is very sad.
Gordon from New Jersey writes:
This once proud party decays because the religious extremists and talk-radio parroting classes have stolen the party's fiscally conservative and libertarian soul. They mock the Bill of Rights and will willingly trade liberty for the illusion of security. This increasingly corrupted Republican Party is nourished by fear and confounded by hope.
Victor writes:
I recently switched parties after being a card-carrying Republican for 25 years. The reason? Republicans of late have become brainwashed flag wavers who support without questioning a man like Bush, who is obviously incompetent and corrupt. The Republicans seem to count on its party members being unthinking sheep who will obey without consideration.
Mike from Michigan writes:
The reason is a dirty four-letter word: Bush!