Democrats Still Harping on Bush in Gov Races

State elections will test if Dubya-bashing works in Obama age

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 3, 2009 1:24 AM CDT

(Newser) – George Bush is out of office, but it's hard to tell from watching current gubernatorial contests. In Virginia, Democratic candidate R. Creigh Deeds has slammed incumbent Robert McDonnell for praising the effect of Bush tax cuts on the economy. In New Jersey, John Corzine is hoping to quash a bid by Christopher Christie by entreating voters not to hand the governorship to the "same people who failed so miserably in the White House."

The Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races are “real-world” laboratories to see if the Bush-oriented strategy that worked so well in 2008 will hold when Democrats control the federal executive and legislative branches, said Democratic strategist Tad Devine. If it's a success, “you better believe you'll see a lot of it in 2010," Devine said. "If we see Democrats lose, that could be the end of Bush bashing."

[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

Former President Bush addresses a Fourth of July crowd at the Let Freedom Ring 2009 festival at Crystal Beach Park Arena in Woodward, Okla., last month. (AP Photo)

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine talks on Capitol Hill in Washington last month. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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I'm sure what happens is they sit around the table and poll George Bush and find that he's still unpopular. Shocking! But it's a tired argument that reflects an old playbook.
- Phil Musser, political strategist

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Showing 3 of 23 comments

Fondue

Aug 3, 2009 12:56 PM CDT

northeast, we are going on the 7th month. Iraq withdrawal - Bush never intended to withdraw. Executive privileges are intact - they're not being used and it would be better if Congress made those changes. If Obama, or any president makes an exec order, they can be changed by the next president. Therefore, an executive order "back and forth" could take place. Gay marriage banned and corp welfare - conceded. Bagram - I don't know, but as stated by Obama "We don't torture". Guantanamo - closure ordered as of Jan. 22, 2009. Have the Dems changed? I would argue that they were different in many aspects all along, yet similar. When you operate as a 2 party system there will be compromises. It is the nature of the beast.

DeniseVB

Aug 3, 2009 12:43 PM CDT

Can we blame Bush for Obama's overcompensating his mistakes by making them worse?

DeniseVB

Aug 3, 2009 12:42 PM CDT

The Obamas blamed the Clintons for the sludge in their organic garden. Nobody thought to test the soil before planting? Food's still edible, but they can't call it "organic" anymore :(

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Politics • US

Democrats • New Jersey • GOP • Virginia • governor • George W. Bush • gubernatorial races • election day November 2009

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Democrats Still Harping on Bush in Gov Races