This is a class blog for the students of POLSCI 426: Congressional Politics at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Increased polarization for GOP Senators

This article references the primary loss for former GOP Senator Dick Lugar.

The article discusses how vote history can be used against a candidate by both his own party and by the opposing party come election time.  It also delves into the topic of insider/outsider, saying that Lugar was probably negatively affected by the fact that he appeared to be an insider.  The need for large incumbent war chests is discussed.

Lugar was attacked for not physically living in Indiana for the last 35 years, and conducting business from a Virignia home and hotels.  Although, I can definitely see how this can be turned into an attack on a personal note it is interesting to note that the voters may not actually be 'throwing the bums out' they may just be throwing whomever looks at them wrong out.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0512/76078.html

No comments: