Things are bad nationwide for Republicans this election cycle. Dozens of (R)epresentatives have either left in the middle of their terms or have signaled they aren't coming back for the 111th Congress. Senate prospects aren't looking so good either and frankly McCain is not the most desired candidate, even among conservatives. Yet out of the entire country, things aren't looking as bad as they are right here in New York for the Grand Old Party.
From The NY Times:
Heading into this election cycle, Republican leaders in Washington identified dozens of Congressional seats they believed they could pick up in November’s election — some where Democrats narrowly won a first term in 2006, and others where Democrats represent Republican-leaning districts.
But that strategy appears to have run into complications, both in the New York region and in some other parts of the country, as many potential Republican candidates — including public officials and wealthy entrepreneurs — have stayed on the sidelines, despite direct appeals from party leaders.
In some cases, potential candidates see a tough climate for Republicans, largely because of a troubled economy and a protracted war, according to some Republicans.
Some have even started races, only to abandon the effort.
There are so many examples across the state where the GOP leadership has failed to put up a challenge to their newly open seats and most surprisingly against the Democratic freshman class that includes the likes of John Hall and Kristin Gillibrand. The NY Times article goes on to profile every seat that should have been contested, yet for one reason or another has been practically ceded by the Republicans. Instead of playing defense in NY, Dems can play offense in many other districts not only in New York but across the country as well. The fact is, there isn't much being offered by the Republican party, for the voters and for any possible candidates that would think of running with an "R" next to their name.
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