Originally posted by Rondec The biggest issue is that is going to be a really bad year to be running as an incumbent. I really think the Democrats will lose the presidency (unless Michelle Bachmann is the republican candidate) and republicans will lose the congress. Economy is lousy, unlikely to get better and Americans have no more stomach for stimulus, whatever the benefits might be.
I don't think Bachmann is the only loser for the Republicans. I doubt that another governor from Texas will generate all that much enthusiasm, either. Right now, it the President may have some challenge from a "generic Republican" but against any of this declared field, I don't think he is in too much danger. Romney might have a shot, but it remains to be seen whether he could be nominated.
The house Republicans seem to have done everything they can to see that the jobs stay as they were or worse for 2012. It may be that the voters punish everyone for that.