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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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18

Independents Threaten Dems in 2010

Gubernatorial races will be 3-way tangos in half-dozen states

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(Newser) – Independent candidates figure to play a major role in at least six states next year, threatening Democrats in an election where they already must defend 21 of their 28 governorships. In New Jersey, for example, independent Chris Daggett is trailing well behind Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine and Republican Tom Kean, but he’s siphoning off 15% of the Democratic vote, to only 7% of the Republican one, Politico notes.

Independent bids have already been announced in Massachusetts and Rhode Island as well, and are expected in Minnesota, Maine, and Vermont. “It seems that there is some disaffection among people who would normally think of themselves as Democrats,” says one former Democrat. But a party spokesman noted that Daggett and Rhode Island’s Lincoln Chafee are ex-Republicans. “These GOP candidates are disguising themselves as independents because the Republican brand is still so toxic.”

State Treasurer Tim Cahill speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, in Boston, where he announced his candidacy for governor of Massachusetts in 2010.
State Treasurer Tim Cahill speaks during a news conference, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, in Boston, where he announced his candidacy for governor of Massachusetts in 2010.   (AP Photo/Bizuayehu Tesfaye)
Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-RI, questions Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson, not pictured, in this file photo. Chafee is now running as an independent.
Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-RI, questions Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson, not pictured, in this file photo. Chafee is now running as an independent.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee delivers a speech on international affairs on the campus of Brown University in Providence, RI, in this Feb. 12, 2007 file photo.
Former U.S. Sen. Lincoln Chafee delivers a speech on international affairs on the campus of Brown University in Providence, RI, in this Feb. 12, 2007 file photo.   (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)
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18 comments
VIEWING:
 
dax
Sep 28, 09 8:53 AM CDT
“These GOP candidates are disguising themselves as independents because the Republican brand is still so toxic.” ---- this statement in itself is also quite telling. Reply
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
osu1067
Sep 28, 09 9:09 AM CDT
That quote came from a party spokesman....oh, wait I see your point. Yes the statement is quite telling when you consider the source. Truth is, more and more independents think BOTH parties are "toxic".
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
dontlikeyou
Sep 28, 09 9:28 AM CDT
Democrats are in trouble. What happened to the utopia they promised us? Was it all a lie? Of course it was. Democrats will be swept out of power all across the USA for the next 10 years beginning in 2009.
Vote up! Vote down!
-7
IN RESPONSE:
Unaffiliated
Sep 28, 09 10:02 AM CDT
@dontlikeyou, The Republicans don't offer anything better.
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Sep 28, 09 10:03 AM CDT
osu, what do you think they mean by "toxic"? Wouldn't they just follow a Republican agenda?
Vote up! Vote down!
+2

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New Jersey • Vermont • Massachusetts • Maine • Minnesota • Rhode Island • independents • independent • third party candidacy • independent bid • gubernatorial races • Election 2010

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