Could the Mid-Term Elections Solve Our Current Problems?

American citizens are hopping mad withprevails, the party in power may be out of power
government, in their cities, states and with thevery soon. The above numbers indicate that the
federal government in Washington. While 68% ofpolicies of the current government are not
those polled think the political class doesn't carepopular with most Americans. Passing laws that
about what the public thinks, about the samethe populace clearly opposes causes concerns.
number of politicians' claim the country is on theAnd when the legislation costs too much and/or
right track. And, elected officials are held in suchdoes not accomplish the promised goals, the
low esteem that the possibility of a voter revoltvoters become restless. They feel ignored and
in November is quite likely.irrelevant. They want some of the control back
Disdain for politicians are even greater amongand believe the way to do this is at the ballot box.
older Americans. Only 13% of those 65+Even if they don't vote, people everywhere want
answered affirmatively when asked if the politicalto be part of the political discussion.
class cares. And 70% of the New Seniors believeWhy don't people vote? Some were hopeful in
politicians in Washington are a threat to the U.S..2008 but became disenchanted with the results
There are more major races this year than insince then. Others, particularly the younger voters,
recent history. For the first time since 1962, 37simply wanted to be part of a history-making
Senate seats are in play, with an equal number ofevent, much like when JFK was elected. One
governors to be elected across the nation. Moreparty may be discouraged and the other may
House seats than usual, 405 out of 435, will bethink they've already won; both attitudes reduce
determined through head-to-head competition.voter turnout.
Incumbents have plenty to worry about, since 67In spite of the historic proportions of this year's
% of the citizens are unhappy about the directionmid-term elections, only 40% of adults will vote in
of the country. And, 86% of those responding toNovember compared to 63% in the presidential
a recent Rasmussen poll say there should be limitselection in 2008. This is sad, but it makes the
on what the federal government can do. Only 9%voices of those who do vote even louder. For
believe the politicians in Washington should beinstance, the 65+ voter is expected to account
allowed to do most anything they want; for thosefor upwards of 30% of the ballots cast, which
65+ this number fell to just 6%.means New Seniors could affect the outcome of
If the notion of firing long-sitting incumbentsvirtually every race nationwide.