GOP Makes Gains in Virginia and New Jersey

Independents, who were largely responsible for putting President Barack Obama in his current post at the White House, reversed course dramatically yesterday, as both Virginia and New Jersey saw a changing of the guard. The midterm election year brought dramatic change, with conservative Republican Bob McDonnell taking the victory in the Virginia gubernatorial contest and Republican Chris Christie taking over as governor in New Jersey after winning over Jon Corzine.

Pundits will undoubtedly be talking about the Republican victories in the weeks to come, as it is a clear indication that whatever coattails Obama may have once had, the favor he can foster amongst the electorate has now dissipated fairly dramatically. Also in the mix for Obama is the fact that the Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid indicated yesterday that it was likely that healthcare legislation would not be completed until next year. Obama had previously dedicated himself to the idea of having such legislation passed in 2009.

Obama specifically campaigned for the two Democratic governors who lost yesterday in an attempt to sway independent voters and his solid base. The fallout from Obama’s campaigning – rather than watching from the sidelines – and losing may be noteworthy. The election of two Republicans in Virginia and New Jersey, if not exactly a referendum on Obama, is certainly an indication that his popularity is waning quickly and that he may not have the political capital and power to any legislation through Congress, much less legislation that is controversial. By moving the healthcare legislation to 2010, for example, it will be voted on during a big election year in Congress, putting many on edge as they seek to remain popular amongst their bases at home.