Contrary to popular opinion, I think that the reports that Porter County is registering high numbers of new voters is good for both parties. I realize that some will suggest that Barack Obama is the main reason, but I don't think that covers the whole story.
First, many Obama supporters are indeed first time voters, and as they get into the news feeds and are watching the process more closely, he will lose some of that support. It's just a natural outcome of a celebrity running for office, and then people finding out what he stands for. "Change" isn't an issue ... but some of the things he may want to change will be.
Second, with state level issues affecting all of us this year, I think residents are more prone to vote on local issues. The property tax caps being one of the bigger issues. HB 1001 put circuit breakers in place, and added sizeable homestead deductions for higher priced homes ... this also put a chokehold on many cities and towns, even in conservative Porter County, to cut their budgets. Are you happy your city or town is going to have to cut? Are you going to miss some key services and wish taxes had been allowed to stay higher?
Third, Mitch Daniels although roundly denigrated by those against the Illiana and the South Shore Extension ... is surging in the polls. His opponent isn't faring well with any group, with unions still undecided being a major problem.
More voters means more communication, less apathy, and a reason to show up in November. That's all good news.
4 comments:
Hi Steve,
Remember too that some unions are in favor of Mitch Daniels because he's got the money (and a surplus of money) to build major infrastructure and economic development projects in the state. It will be interesting to see how the union vote goes when it is the SEIU vs the Operating Engineers.
Chris, agreed. It was amazing to me last year when construction unions held a fundraiser for Mitch Daniels and steelworkers picketed. Quite a split in priorities.
I for one think that Mitch would be better for big steel too.
As a young voter, this is shaping up to be one of the most exciting elections in recent memory.
Certainly, young people are starting to take ownership of the political process instead of sitting back and complaining about it.
That's certainly a good thing.
I'd be more worried about middle aged adults like my parents who have been so alienated over the last few years, they aren't going to bother to vote because they've lost the belief that their vote matters.
Jonathan, good point I'll grant that post 30 somethings are lazy and think that all this "youth movement" stuff will go away.
It won't
Grass-roots movements are just beginning a major revival that will shake the under-pinnings of our political system. Some would suggest that we'll have more parties, like Europe. Others that a major party will splinter.
The key is maintaining the freedom of speech that is a key to our great democracy. So few people these days have the ability to speak for themselves, without getting defensive or oppressive.
You've commented twice this morning, and I understand your position. You understand mine, namely that Barack Obama doesn't stand 'for' anything and that change itself isn't an issue.
The discourse is important, when apathy takes over and we stop talking, that's a disaster.
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