Interesting in Wisconsin
Apparently, the Republican strategy of forcing a primary before the recall election did not yield any upsets. Democrats defeated "fake/protest" Dems by huge margins, despite the ability of Rs to vote in D primaries. It also appears to have left the D candidates with significant campaign funds.
I don't think Rs are doing themselves favors with these tactics in either the short term or the long term. From what I can tell, it tends to piss off the independents and energize the Dems. It also generates significant local press (although national press is mostly non-existent).
It will be interesting to see what happens in the Midwest generally as the R agenda advances through local state houses. It is unprecedented that we have seen such homogenization of party platforms on a state-by-state basis. Traditionally, while parties share overall goals, local conditions have significant impact on implementation. This appears to have virtually disappeared, at least on economic issues.
I don't think Rs are doing themselves favors with these tactics in either the short term or the long term. From what I can tell, it tends to piss off the independents and energize the Dems. It also generates significant local press (although national press is mostly non-existent).
It will be interesting to see what happens in the Midwest generally as the R agenda advances through local state houses. It is unprecedented that we have seen such homogenization of party platforms on a state-by-state basis. Traditionally, while parties share overall goals, local conditions have significant impact on implementation. This appears to have virtually disappeared, at least on economic issues.