There are fewer and fewer states where the two U.S. Senators are from different parties. And in many of those states, like Missouri, Louisiana, Indiana, and South Dakota, the Democrat is pretty damn conservative. Iowa kind of stands out. Both the conservative Chuck Grassley and the liberal Tom Harkin seem to able to win reelection with relative ease. I can’t think of any other state with two safe senators from different parties that are so far from the center in their ideology. But Iowa might not be as anomalous as it seems. Isn’t it possible that there are other states that are highly competitive where an unapologetic liberal could win reelection without a whole lot of concern? I think so.
I wish more Democrats in swing states would give it a try.
Isn’t it possible that there are other states that are highly competitive where an unapologetic liberal could win reelection without a whole lot of concern?
Would they have the balls to? Are you telling me a populist Democrat couldn’t win in Mississippi or Alabama? I believe they could, but DC consultants(including the DSCC or the DCCC wouldn’t like it at all). Hell, I might be crazy, but I’ve always believed that Democrats could win anywhere if they emphasized economic issues and hammered the Republicans on their hypocrisy(for instance … did Republicans introduce any bills attempting to ban abortions while they controlled the House, Senate and Presidency for all but a few months between 2001 and early 2007?) .. I believe we could elect more Wellstone types .. the problem is that most elected officials are too chicken shit to take firm stands .. and to be leaders .. instead of followers
Brown and Voinovich in Ohio.