Democrats set to lose
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WASHINGTON - President Bill Clinton and the Democrats are hoping for at least one victory today when voters choose governors for Virginia and New Jersey, and mayors for New York and half a dozen other big cities, writes Patrick Cockburn. The expected loss of races in New York and Virginia will depress the White House. The one compensation is New Jersey where Governor Jim Florio, helped by an inept Republican campaign, is expected to hold his office.
The Democrats tried to present Mr Florio's revived political fortunes as a sign that President Clinton can also be re-elected, despite raising taxes. Since Mr Clinton's victory, the Democrats have fared badly in elections, losing senate races in Georgia and Texas and the mayoral election in Los Angeles.
Few political trends are visible in the elections. With a pro-choice Democrat in the White House, abortion is not the issue it was last year. Polls show that crime is at the top of voters' concerns, though this may also be a sign that economic worries have abated in the past year. In New Jersey, Mr Florio has used the issue of gun control to turn the tables on Republicans by accusing them of being soft on crime.
The same tactics have proved less effective in Virginia where George Allen, a Republican, is set to become governor, overtaking the 30-per-cent lead held by Mary Sue Terry, the state's Democratic attorney-general. Gun control is not popular in a conservative state like Virginia, and the Democrats have hurt themselves by public feuding.
With few major policy differences, success is going to the candidates with the best campaigns; polls show voters have little enthusiasm for any of the likely winners.
The one outcome that would damage the White House is a loss in New Jersey, where the defeat of Mr Florio would severely drain the confidence of Democratic Senators and congressmen whose votes the White House needs for its health care plan.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments