Changes

In mid-October the [[Democratic National Committee]], echoing charges debunked<ref>http://patdollard.com/2010/10/new-york-times-obama-and-team-are-lying-about-chamber-of-commerce-and-foreign-money/</ref> by the ''[[New York Times]],'' insinuated that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was using "foreign money" to fund ads criticizing Democrats. The president said in a Maryland stump speech, "we learned that one of the largest groups paying for these ads regularly takes in money from foreign corporations. So groups that receive foreign money are spending huge sums to influence American elections, and they won't tell you where the money for their ads comes from…. This is a threat to our democracy."  

In mid-October the [[Democratic National Committee]], echoing charges debunked<ref>http://patdollard.com/2010/10/new-york-times-obama-and-team-are-lying-about-chamber-of-commerce-and-foreign-money/</ref> by the ''[[New York Times]],'' insinuated that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was using "foreign money" to fund ads criticizing Democrats. The president said in a Maryland stump speech, "we learned that one of the largest groups paying for these ads regularly takes in money from foreign corporations. So groups that receive foreign money are spending huge sums to influence American elections, and they won't tell you where the money for their ads comes from…. This is a threat to our democracy."  

The president himself has recieved $543,219 from Swiss banking giant UBS AG,<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638</ref> a foreign banking corporation which was later fined a record $780 million for its part in helping the rich evade U.S. income taxes.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=6910350&page=1 </ref>Columnist Ruben Navarrette warned the pitfalls of playing the "foreign card" is

The president himself has received $543,219 from Swiss banking giant UBS AG,<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638</ref> a foreign banking corporation which was later fined a record $780 million for its part in helping the rich evade U.S. income taxes.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=6910350&page=1 </ref>Columnist Ruben Navarrette warned the pitfalls of playing the "foreign card" is

{{Cquote|both offensive and dangerous. It exploits people's fears of the unknown and appeals to the [[prejudice]] that many of us feel toward those who are different. It also fuels ugly nativist instincts that -- once unleashed -- can do real damage....Democrats know this better than anyone ... The [[Barack Obama birthplace controversy|birther]] movement, which suggests that Obama was actually born in Kenya and thus not eligible to serve as a president, is all about playing the foreign card...<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/10/20/playing_the_foreign_card_107647.html</ref>}}

{{Cquote|both offensive and dangerous. It exploits people's fears of the unknown and appeals to the [[prejudice]] that many of us feel toward those who are different. It also fuels ugly nativist instincts that -- once unleashed -- can do real damage....Democrats know this better than anyone ... The [[Barack Obama birthplace controversy|birther]] movement, which suggests that Obama was actually born in Kenya and thus not eligible to serve as a president, is all about playing the foreign card...<ref>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2010/10/20/playing_the_foreign_card_107647.html</ref>}}

Commentator [[Charles Krauthammer]] called the unfounded attacks on the Chamber of Commerce a baseless [[McCarthyism|McCarthyite]] smear,<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZm0qZnk5N0&feature=related</ref> while columinst Jacob Sullum wrote,

Commentator [[Charles Krauthammer]] called the unfounded attacks on the Chamber of Commerce a baseless [[McCarthyism|McCarthyite]] smear,<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZm0qZnk5N0&feature=related</ref> while columinst Jacob Sullum wrote,

Democrats had to defend about 60 marginal House seats in 2010, as opposed to about 40 for Republicans. At high risk were 27 Democratic seats and just 13 Republican seats that may see a party switch.

Democrats had to defend about 60 marginal House seats in 2010, as opposed to about 40 for Republicans. At high risk were 27 Democratic seats and just 13 Republican seats that may see a party switch.

Election forecasters in September 2009 were revising their predictions downward for the Democrats, as Obama's popularity continues to plunge. From April to August, Obama lost 10 points across the board--suffering losses in every group except blacks, who remain loyal to him.<ref> For details see [http://pewresearch.org/assets/pdf/1333.pdf Pew Report, Sept. 2009]</ref> The popularity of Congress remains low. Starting in January 2010 the number of Americans who identify themselves as Democrats was at a seven year low. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/partisan_trends</ref>The Republican party, however, suffers from a lack of leaders and its own poor reputation in voter esteem.

Election forecasters in September 2009 were revising their predictions downward for the Democrats, as Obama's popularity continues to plunge. From April to August, Obama lost 10 points across the board--suffering losses in every group except blacks, who remain loyal to him.<ref> For details see [http://pewresearch.org/assets/pdf/1333.pdf Pew Report, Sept. 2009]</ref> The popularity of Congress remains low. Starting in January 2010 the number of Americans who identify themselves as Democrats was at a seven-year low. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/partisan_trends</ref>The Republican party, however, suffers from a lack of leaders and its own poor reputation in voter esteem.

"No question, August proved cathartic for voters and chaotic for congressional Democrats. But way before the town hall meetings during recess, there were ample signs for Democrats to fear for their careers in 2010," concluded Cook Political Report House analyst David Wasserman, who predicts the Democrats will lose 20 seats in the House, but retain control.<ref>See [http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0909/Cook_Political_Report_A_dangerous_slide_for_Democrats.html Politico, "Cook Political Report: ‘A dangerous slide’ for Democrats" Sept 3, 2009 online] </ref>  Wasserman concludes that a major shift has been underway among "angry white seniors" (over age 60), who strongly dislike the Obama health care proposals because they fear they will lose benefits they now have.  

"No question, August proved cathartic for voters and chaotic for congressional Democrats. But way before the town hall meetings during recess, there were ample signs for Democrats to fear for their careers in 2010," concluded Cook Political Report House analyst David Wasserman, who predicts the Democrats will lose 20 seats in the House, but retain control.<ref>See [http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0909/Cook_Political_Report_A_dangerous_slide_for_Democrats.html Politico, "Cook Political Report: ‘A dangerous slide’ for Democrats" Sept 3, 2009 online] </ref>  Wasserman concludes that a major shift has been underway among "angry white seniors" (over age 60), who strongly dislike the Obama health care proposals because they fear they will lose benefits they now have.  

[[File:Sbrown1.jpg|thumb|290px|right|a last minute appeal]]

[[File:Sbrown1.jpg|thumb|290px|right|a last minute appeal]]

It was a safe Democratic seat until January, when Democrats reeled in shock as Coakley lost her 30 point lead and trailed by 5-10 points in the closing hours. Coakley was an ineffective machine-style insider candidate who was unable to reach independents. Brown's main theme was that he would be the 41st senator and would block the Obama health care plan--which Massachusetts did not need, he explained, because it had its own plan in operation. Coakley responded by attacking bankers and bringing in big guns like [[Bill Clinton]], [[John Kerry]] and [[Barack Obama]]. They appealed to regular Democrats and alienated the equally numerous independents, who prefered Brown by more than 2-1.  

It was a safe Democratic seat until January, when Democrats reeled in shock as Coakley lost her 30-point lead and trailed by 5-10 points in the closing hours. Coakley was an ineffective machine-style insider candidate who was unable to reach independents. Brown's main theme was that he would be the 41st senator and would block the Obama health care plan--which Massachusetts did not need, he explained, because it had its own plan in operation. Coakley responded by attacking bankers and bringing in big guns like [[Bill Clinton]], [[John Kerry]] and [[Barack Obama]]. They appealed to regular Democrats and alienated the equally numerous independents, who preferred Brown by more than 2-1.  

The defeat for Coakley, coming on the heels of the Democrats' loss of Virginia and New Jersey in Nov. 2009, was a major blow to the liberal caused and reinvigorated the Republican party nationally.

The defeat for Coakley, coming on the heels of the Democrats' loss of Virginia and New Jersey in Nov. 2009, was a major blow to the liberal caused and reinvigorated the Republican party nationally.

Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] faced a competitive reelection in 2010. The "Cook Political Report" in September 2009 rateed the contest as "Toss Up". His status weakened in summer 2009, as discontent with President Obama and the Democrats' health plan mounted, and as the Recession of 2008 continues to batter Las Vegas and the entire Nevada economy, with no relief in sight from the stimulus bill Reid pushed through the Senate. Reid's inability to improve his standing in the polls, coupled with the deteriorating political environment for Democrats nationally, were clear indications that his political problems are deep and will be difficult (though not impossible) to fix, says Cook.  

Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] faced a competitive reelection in 2010. The "Cook Political Report" in September 2009 rateed the contest as "Toss Up". His status weakened in summer 2009, as discontent with President Obama and the Democrats' health plan mounted, and as the Recession of 2008 continues to batter Las Vegas and the entire Nevada economy, with no relief in sight from the stimulus bill Reid pushed through the Senate. Reid's inability to improve his standing in the polls, coupled with the deteriorating political environment for Democrats nationally, were clear indications that his political problems are deep and will be difficult (though not impossible) to fix, says Cook.  

After recieving the endorsement of the [[Tea Party Express]] and [[Club for Growth]], former Assemblywoman [[Sharron Angle]] defeated former State Senator [[Sue Lowden]] and businessman [[Danny Tarkanian]] in the Republican primary. Reid defeated Angle by a 50%-45% margin.

After receiving the endorsement of the [[Tea Party Express]] and [[Club for Growth]], former Assemblywoman [[Sharron Angle]] defeated former State Senator [[Sue Lowden]] and businessman [[Danny Tarkanian]] in the Republican primary. Reid defeated Angle by a 50%-45% margin.

*'''New York'''

*'''New York'''

*'''West Virginia'''

*'''West Virginia'''

Popular Democratic Governor [[Joe Manchin]] was elected to replace the late Senator [[Robert Byrd]]. Businessman and 2006 nominee John Raese made the race surprisingly close by tieing Manchin to the Obama administration.  

Popular Democratic Governor [[Joe Manchin]] was elected to replace the late Senator [[Robert Byrd]]. Businessman and 2006 nominee John Raese made the race surprisingly close by tying Manchin to the Obama administration.  

===Republican Holds===

===Republican Holds===

*'''Michigan'''

*'''Michigan'''

Democratic Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]] suffered in her job approval ratings as the Michigan economy, heavily dependent of the auto industry, continued to falter throughout the 2000’s. She was legally barred from seeking a third-term under state law. The Republican nominee, former President and COO of Gateway, Inc. Rick Snyder, easily defeated Democrat Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero by a 58%-40% margin in the general election.

Democratic Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]] suffered in her job approval ratings as the Michigan economy, heavily dependent of the auto industry, continued to falter throughout the 2000s. She was legally barred from seeking a third-term under state law. The Republican nominee, former President and COO of Gateway, Inc. Rick Snyder, easily defeated Democrat Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero by a 58%-40% margin in the general election.

*'''New Mexico'''

*'''New Mexico'''

*'''Ohio'''

*'''Ohio'''

Incumbent Democrat [[Ted Strickland]] faced sagging approval ratings and tough reelection prospects as Ohio lost jobs and population during his governorship. His Republican opponent, [[John Kasich]] – a former Congressman and Chairman of the House Budget Committee in the 1990’s – campaigned on phasing out the state income tax, leasing the state’s toll roads, cutting 15-20 percent of the state’s higher education funds, and relaxing sentences on nonviolent offenders to cut down prison costs. <ref>http://www.slate.com/id/2279447/slideshow/2279496/fs/0//entry/2279502/</ref> He defeated Strickland by a 49%-47% margin.

Incumbent Democrat [[Ted Strickland]] faced sagging approval ratings and tough reelection prospects as Ohio lost jobs and population during his governorship. His Republican opponent, [[John Kasich]] – a former Congressman and Chairman of the House Budget Committee in the 1990s – campaigned on phasing out the state income tax, leasing the state’s toll roads, cutting 15-20 percent of the state’s higher education funds, and relaxing sentences on nonviolent offenders to cut down prison costs. <ref>http://www.slate.com/id/2279447/slideshow/2279496/fs/0//entry/2279502/</ref> He defeated Strickland by a 49%-47% margin.

*'''Oklahoma'''

*'''Oklahoma'''

*'''Colorado'''         

*'''Colorado'''         

Despite Democratic success in [[Colorado]] during the 2006 and 2008 elections, incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] announced his retirement after the prospects of a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings fell to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Former Congressman [[Scott McInnis]] was favored to win the Republican nomination, however fell in the polls after a controversy regarding plagiarizing an article, and was defeated by businessman and political newcomer Dan Maes, who also received criticism for misrepresenting his law enforcement background in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, former Congressman [[Tom Tancredo]] entered the race in the American Constitution Party, and surged towards the end of the campaign. The turmoil made is easier for Denver Mayor [[John Hickenlooper]] to hold the Governors office for the Democrats, and was elected 50% of the vote, to Tancredo’s 37% and Maes 11%.

Despite Democratic success in [[Colorado]] during the 2006 and 2008 elections, incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] announced his retirement after the prospects of a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings fell to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Former Congressman [[Scott McInnis]] was favored to win the Republican nomination, however fell in the polls after a controversy regarding plagiarizing an article, and was defeated by businessman and political newcomer Dan Maes, who also received criticism for misrepresenting his law enforcement background in the 1980s. Meanwhile, former Congressman [[Tom Tancredo]] entered the race in the American Constitution Party, and surged towards the end of the campaign. The turmoil made is easier for Denver Mayor [[John Hickenlooper]] to hold the Governors office for the Democrats, and was elected 50% of the vote, to Tancredo’s 37% and Maes 11%.

*'''Illinois'''

*'''Illinois'''