Sanford victory is a cautionary tale

[BainsBane]

Colbert-Busch was close in the polls, but the final results are nearly 10 points apart. The difference is, of course, voter turnout. Democrats don't turn out for non-presidential elections like Republicans do. We need to rectify this for 2014 and state elections in 2013 and 2015. The Republicans seize control at the state level during mid-terms years, which gives them redistricting power over congressional seats. As long as that continues, the far right will continue to wield power disproportionate to their numbers in society. Get out of the vote is KEY. We must ALL mobilize at the state level for upcoming elections!

[Buzz Clik]

1. Yes, indeedy.

Some Herculean efforts turned some red states blue in 2008 and 2012. South Carolina in 2013? We were more like Paris (of Iliad fame, not the city).

[madamesilverspurs]

2. The one reliable tenet of the GOP --

IOKIYAR

[BainsBane]

3. What does that stand for?

[neverforget]

4. It's Okay If You Are a Republican

[SunSeeker]

5. That and creepy push polling plus arguing with Pelosi paper dolls works on SC rubes.

Especially when SC Dem voters sit home on their ass during the ONE CHANCE they had in 30 years to get a Dem in that seat.

[Left Coast2020]

6. I thought the POS was going to sail off into sunset with his new

...trophey honey to Argentina?

[LiberalFighter]

7. The next redistricting will occur after a Presidential election

[BainsBane]

8. Yes, but without control of state legislatures

Democrats will again lose out.

[LiberalFighter]

9. That was not the point

The next census is in 2020 and also the next Presidential election. Higher turnout. The makeup of the current districts will be different allowing more Democrats in the state legislatures to be elected in 2020. They will be the ones that determine the new districts.

When the Democrats have control of any state legislature that would be the time to also change redistricting laws so that it is not left to politicians in the future to decide the districts.

[Beacool]

10. SC is a red state and that particular district is quite conservative.

I don't know if any Democrat would have been able to win it. On the other hand, Sanford had to resign his governorship in disgrace and still he won.

Crazy.......

[Bluenorthwest]

11. Why no links to support your assertions? Was voter turnout low?

It seems to be a very Red district in a very very Red State. Your statement about Democrats not voting in midterms is absolutely not true for my State of Oregon nor is it true about the few States for which I have specific knowledge, not even close to true. In fact, Oregon sets new records with each midterm the last few cycles. I don't know about SC other than the fact that it is crazy conservative territory and you offer no actual stats, percentages or numbers to inform me about SC voter turn out.
People should vote. Some States and candidates have trouble in that regard. It is not Democrats, it is some States and candidates, candidates who tend to be 'moderates'.