The Republican Focus in 2012

[Joe Biden 2020]

I've heard a talk recently around Oklahoma saying that with the lackluster Republican Presidential field, would the Republican Party be better suited to aim at retaking the Senate in 2012 rather than defeating President Obama?

[Roemerista]

I don't think so Bushie, the top of the ticket raises all boats...lets face it, that is why many people come out to vote. The GOP needs to try and defeat Obama, in order for Obama to put his mighty political machine (you know the whole 1 billion expected donation thing) in defense mode of his administration.

I'll be blunt; I suspect that the GOP's control of the house will be put into play, which is trouble enough let alone 'going after the senate' if the ticket is alienating, or -perhaps even worse- boring.

[King]

They are one and the same.  An Obama landslide and apathy among GOP voters will carryover in the Congress.

[foodgellas]

Republicans shouldn't be so glum. The economy is still trudging along, the unemployment rate is still stubbornly high and Americans aren't happy with whats going on in Afghanistan and Libya. The GOP field isn't the best its ever had, but Romney, Huntsman and I guess (I guess..) Pawlenty are solid choices to put up against Obama.

The 2012 race has just started, and it won't be over for a long time yet.

[Brittain33]

Finding some way to avoid having the Ryancare plan, which nearly every House member voted for, from becoming a massive weight tied around the ankle of each representative whose district isn't both solidly Republican and not full of seniors.

[DS0816]

I don't think so Bushie, the top of the ticket raises all boats...lets face it, that is why many people come out to vote. The GOP needs to try and defeat Obama, in order for Obama to put his mighty political machine (you know the whole 1 billion expected donation thing) in defense mode of his administration.

I'll be blunt; I suspect that the GOP's control of the house will be put into play, which is trouble enough let alone 'going after the senate' if the ticket is alienating, or -perhaps even worse- boring.

^ QFT.

Republicans would have to win back the White House. That would take the Senate along with it.

[Mr.Phips]

This strategy may have worked in 1972, 1984, or maybe even 1996, but now with increased polarization and straight ticket voting, it wouldnt work. 

[Mehmentum]

While I do think the main conflict in the 2012 will be over control of the House and Senate, the party's ticket for president will be that party's 'spokesperson' for that election. 

If the Republicans nominate a boring (coughPawlentycough), crazy (Bachman, Palin, etc.) or very unpopular (like Gingrich) candidate, they'll face the consequences downballot.