Hello Wiggledude....

"Facing a choice of "R" or "r", most 18-30 yr-olds and most minorities stayed home."

This is an interesting observation. Perhaps one reason why Obama won so easily against McCain was his support from younger voters as well as minorities. No doubt, his speaking skills and his over 510 campaign promises won them over. The Obama campaign did an excellent job of getting these often apathtic voters to the polls. But Governor and congressional races are not nearly as glamourous as a presidential race featuring the first African-American front runner. The mid term elections will not attract this kind of turn out. These elections just don't have that M-TV feel to them. Not a good enough reason to miss "American Idol".

You can bet that the main stream voters as well as senior citizens will show up. Along with the independants who have already demonstrated their disapproval of the current congress.

"Jon Corzine (D) is a corporate Democrat, an ex-CEO of Goldman Sachs, and one of Hillary Clinton's early financiers and supporters. Again, far more corporate than progressive. Hard for him to make the case that anything would change."

So how do you explain his first victory? Everyone was well aware of his corporate background when they elected him previously. As I mentioned, a republican has not won the Governors race in New Jersey since 1993! For those of you who are math challenged, thats 16 years ago. You'll have to come up with a better reason than that to explain this major upset victory.

"And BTW, CA-10 is in the *least* liberal part of the SF Bay Area."

Even the "least liberal part" of the San Fransisco Bay area is still radically left of center. That's like saying a women is only a little pregnant. As far as NY-23 is concerned, this was a weird little special election which didn't have any primary. The turn coat republican name was still on the ballot and got about 5% of the vote. It will be interesting to watch this district during a regular election process. I'm sure the press will follow up and cover it again.

But thanks for pointing out that the young voters and minorities decided not to show up this time. I guess the dems have more than just the independants to worry about in 2010.

Regards!
JG