The 2014 midterm elections are coming up, and a number of gubernatorial and senate races are going down to the wire, but a lot of people are already tired of all the ads, mailers and phone-calls. So I ask the question, does it really matter? Well....yes & no. I'll explain.
This past congress has been historically the least productive, with partisanship overtaking both chambers and both sides of the party-line. At times in the house, Speaker John Boehner has been over-run and unable to lead even his own party. Meanwhile in the senate, Majority leader Harry Reid seems more concerned about the Koch Brothers.....when he's supported another big money spender, Sheldon Alderson. Alderson has provided help and support to projects/business in Reid's state of Nevada.
On-top of leadership issues in the House and Senate, the filibuster has stalled the Senate in its tracks. This is where partisan issues come into play. Throughout President Obama's second term, gridlock has been the leader of the Senate.
Most 2014 election prognosticators give the Republicans around anywhere from a 55% to 70% chance to take control of the Senate. So what would that mean? Well....likely nothing. The same gridlock would likely prevail, but flipped from how its been the past 2 years. And if the Democrats are able to hold on? Well, just the status quo. Now yes, it might matter for appointments (Attorney General, any Supreme Court nominations that might come to pass in the remainder of Obama's term), but in terms of policies and bills, nothing would seem to change either way. With all this being said, it really paints the picture that this election doesn't matter.......but there's one thing.
Overall, the approval rating for Congress is at -68 . But Senate and House races aren't the only concern this election. All in all, there are about 8 Democrat and 8 Republican held governorships that look like the could flip parties. In the Atlantic/New England area, there's Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine. There's also some surprisingly close races in Kansas and Alaska.
While Congress may be at a standstill, governors have a real effect on policy and change at the state level. For instance, in Connecticut, the minimum wage was raised based on the control of Gov. Malloy and the controlled state assembly. Texas saw a bill pass that closed a certain number of abortion clinics (again, because of Gov. Perry and a controlled assembly). Not weighing into these certain policies, but governors and state assemblies can enact change and get bills through. You generally see more bipartisanship (but don't quote me on that). Governor races really do matter.
While the answer to my posed question may be mixed, it really is in one's best interest to vote and make your voice heard. Yes, nothing may really change in the Senate no matter who controls it (as hopeful as I am that we will see both sides work together heading into this next congress). But policies in your own state are in the balance, where state legislatures really do get stuff done. So while you may feel bogged down by all the negative campaign ads, its your right, and duty to get out there and vote. Don't sit back and let decisions be made for you, get active in your community and make your voice heard.
"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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