WASHINGTON (AP) — Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic 2008 victory broke big for Republicans yesterday.
The GOP wrested political control from Democratic governors in Virginia and New Jersey, a troubling sign for the president and his party heading into an important midterm election year.
Tuesday's impact on Obama's popularity and on the 2010 elections could easily be overstated. Voters are often focused on local issues and local personalities.
Yet, national issues, like the recession, were clearly a factor.
And, voter attitudes -- particularly among independents -- could spell problems for Democrats in moderate districts and in swing states like Ohio, should they remain unchanged when the party seeks to defend its turf next fall.
