Washington state

[Frodo]

Democrats have held the governor's mansion for over twenty years -with the intensely close gubernatorial race in 2004, and a likely Republican gain of not just the governor's mansion but also perhaps the legislature as well by 2008 (especially due in part to rising gas prices and the gas tax increase passed by the Democratic-controlled legislature as part of the transportation bill), is there any long-term Republican trend beginning at least at the state level?

[ATFFL]

A lot will depend on what the Republicans do with the control.  They are taking it because Washington is a deeply divided state on the state level.  The Democrats have held out through their urban strongholds, but their recent blunders have hurt them deeply.  it is a case of them pissing their advantage away as opposed to the Republicans siezing the heart and minds of the voting public.

Think Ohio without the high level scandals.

[Smash255]

A lot will depend on what the Republicans do with the control.  They are taking it because Washington is a deeply divided state on the state level.  The Democrats have held out through their urban strongholds, but their recent blunders have hurt them deeply.  it is a case of them pissing their advantage away as opposed to the Republicans siezing the heart and minds of the voting public.

Think Ohio without the high level scandals.

The GOP may pick up some seats iN Washington due to the problems the Dems have had, but the situation in Ohio iis much worse for the GOP than the Washington situation is for the Dems

[CARLHAYDEN]

As long a logan runs the vote counting in King county, the Democrats will 'win' statewide elections in Washingon.

[ATFFL]

A lot will depend on what the Republicans do with the control.  They are taking it because Washington is a deeply divided state on the state level.  The Democrats have held out through their urban strongholds, but their recent blunders have hurt them deeply.  it is a case of them pissing their advantage away as opposed to the Republicans siezing the heart and minds of the voting public.

Think Ohio without the high level scandals.

The GOP may pick up some seats iN Washington due to the problems the Dems have had, but the situation in Ohio iis much worse for the GOP than the Washington situation is for the Dems

Both are situations caused by the party in power, not the other side surging ahead.  It's a case of "we need to get rid of these guys" not "We really need to bring in these other guys!"

Once each party takes power, and both are very likely to, they will have to do something to keep it or they could find themselves out of power very quickly.

[Alcon]

Washington, on the state level, is - as Tredrick said - is very divided.  The Democrats barely held the state legislature before 2004, and although they improved slightly, they are still in a very, very dangerous position.  To understand why Washington State is so close in the legislature, it's important to note:

1. The wealthy Seattle suburbs (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond) are quite Democratic on the national level, but are much more mixed on the local level - the Republicans are better at getting the moderate libertarian vote, important in that area, for state offices.

2. Oftentimes heavily one-party areas are represented by the other party in state legislature because it is considered less partisan, but eastern Washington is a wash for the Dems.  We have the northern Spokane city seat, I believe, and that's it.

3. The only thing more mediocre in Washington State politics than the Democratic Party is the Republican Party.  They may have some grand reform up their sleeves, but probably not.

[bgwah]

Washington, on the state level, is - as Tredrick said - is very divided.  The Democrats barely held the state legislature before 2004, and although they improved slightly, they are still in a very, very dangerous position.  To understand why Washington State is so close in the legislature, it's important to note:

1. The wealthy Seattle suburbs (Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond) are quite Democratic on the national level, but are much more mixed on the local level - the Republicans are better at getting the moderate libertarian vote, important in that area, for state offices.

2. Oftentimes heavily one-party areas are represented by the other party in state legislature because it is considered less partisan, but eastern Washington is a wash for the Dems.  We have the northern Spokane city seat, I believe, and that's it.

3. The only thing more mediocre in Washington State politics than the Democratic Party is the Republican Party.  They may have some grand reform up their sleeves, but probably not.

*DING DING DING*

The Democratic Party isn't great, but obviously you guys haven't heard enough of Chris Vance. Dino Rossi was their shining beacon of hope and he didn't win. If 2008 is Rossi v. Gregoire again, then yes I would say Rossi has the advantage. But hopefully Gregoire won't run again, and the situation has a lot of similarities to the 2000 presidential race and Bush DID win again so who knows, maybe Gregoire will surprise us.

I disagree with Alcon. The Eastside suburbs has been trending Democrat and hasn't shown *any* signs of stopping. Infact, the "Libertarian" vote has been trending Democrat, which is why they're winning it. The Republicans however are penetrating Snohomish and Pierce counties, particularly the exurban sprawl cities like Graham and Marysville.