manicwhofan

IN the 2012 election I think you will see a big turnout here. The Republicans elected into office by disenchanted independents and tea party republicans are going to get a beating. THey went too far with the entire budget slashing at the state and federal level. Plus this whole issue of Obamas citizenship has fizzled out for the most part except for those on the far right. I used to be a Republican untill 1994. After Reagan and the first Bush(who were actually moderates)The party took a really hard right turn and no longer represented what I beleived in.

Nonny, The 18-24 demographic did show up at the polls and predominatly voted for Obama in 2008. That campaign enegized that segment of the population. Here in my home state of Iowa the turnouts for the caucauses and the general election were through the roof! Please understand that while there are 2 major parties here in the U.S. other parties do appear on the ballots when we go to the polls. Socialists, Greens, and others. The major reason they do not play such a major roll on the national level is that their platforms are so narrow in scope and focus, their message is largely ignored by the vast majority of Americans. On the local level however there you will see more Independents, Greens and Socialists actually holding office.

The last time the Republicans forced a shut down with the government it blew up in thier faces. They were beaten soundly in the 1996 elections. Clinton went on to win a second term, both the Senate and House of Representatives went into the Democratic majority. This time Republicans are holding out on a provision that will fund Planned Parenthood. It isn't the money issue, it is a social and moral agenda from the far right members that they are trying to shove down our throats. The GOP is going to get it handed to them again if they keep this course of action up.