Maybe not this year.  A recent Gallup poll shows that the 2010 election is shaping up to be a referendum on the Obama administration and the Democrat-led Congress. By a margin of 55%-39%, voters say that a candidate's stand on national issues "matters more to them" rather than "his or her ability to help people at the district level."  For a majority of voters, national issues have become paramount.
 
This has been somewhat of a trend since about 1994, perhaps because of the nationalization of that election with the Republicans' Contract With America.  This year, when voters rank the federal budget deficit as high as terrorism as their top concern, the implications are clear. Years ago, candidates for Congress might have made points with voters by touting all of the federal spending projects they had delivered to the district.   But now, such messages may be more likely to spark constituents' anger at the effect the spending would have on the national debt.
 
Another recent Gallup poll shows Republicans jumping out to a historic lead in the generic ballot question.  The number of voters saying that they would vote for Republicans rose three points in a recent week, while the number saying they will vote for Democrats dropped four points.  The 49%-43% lead for the Republicans is the largest that the organization has ever recorded for the Republican party.

We just keep building momentum!

View Your August Sample Ballot

Ever wonder what your ballot will look like in August?  Now you can see it online!  It is critical that voters know what offices are actually on the ballot, who the candidates are running for those offices and what millages, proposals and initiatives are also being voted on each election.

And, understanding what offices and candidates are on the ballot will be especially important in the general election this November as there are non-partisan offices we vote on that have a major impact on our lives.

The Secretary of State website allows you to view a ballot for the upcoming primary election on August 3rd, customized to your address. You simply enter your name or drivers license number and click on,"View My Sample Ballot".  Plenty of other good voter information available at the site also, so check it out.