"It could have been worse!"
This is how I sum up this election, both here in North Carolina
and across the country.
Across the nation, Democrats took the majority in the US House,
adding approx. thirty seats. This should have not been a surprise
on two accounts.
First, the failure of Republican leadership under both John Boehner
and outgoing speaker Paul Ryan. Neither man did as promised,
on time balanced budgets, not continuing resolutions, immigration
reform, reduce wasteful spending, lowering taxes, all that Trump
reform, reduce wasteful spending, lowering taxes, all that Trump
attempted to do, keeping "their" promises.
Apparently, President Trump "promises made, promises kept"
do not mean much to either Boehner or Ryan.
The second was the reversal of fortunes in states that Trump won,
notably West Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Give Democrats
credit, they stepped up while state Republicans let Trump's successes
slip away.
For what its worth, the thirty-plus Democrat gain is about equal
to the 80% advantage the forty-five incumbent Republicans who
are retiring would have had, a key factor in making these battles
more competitive.
The Senate was another matter as Republicans even gained seats
that ensures this chamber will not be a 'rubber stamp' for whatever
that ensures this chamber will not be a 'rubber stamp' for whatever
comes from the House.
Holding the Senate ensures President Trump's next Supreme Court
nominee will get a fair confirmation hearing, unlike the one for Justice
Kavanaugh, which Democrats undermined.
Under Mitch McConnell the Senate will be a firewall against
Democrat legislation pushed in House bills.
Equally important, the Florida seat of incumbent Sen. Nelson was
defeated by Rick Scott. And Texas seat was 'saved' as Cruz held.
Two important governorships were also won by Republicans,
Florida and Georgia, ensuring the South can counter Democrat
influence on the West Coast.
influence on the West Coast.
Last observation, despite the numerous appearances at rallies,
Trump's 'star power' was not enough to help many Republicans
win their own elections.
I am sure some in the Republican Party will look at our 'larger than
life' president and filter through the media and elsewhere much of
the blame is his. Republican voters across the country know otherwise.
life' president and filter through the media and elsewhere much of
the blame is his. Republican voters across the country know otherwise.
Republicans still have a big job ahead of them, having squandered
their recent success.
Here in North Carolina, Republicans kept majorities in both chambers
of our General Assembly, but they no longer have veto-proof control
their recent success.
Here in North Carolina, Republicans kept majorities in both chambers
of our General Assembly, but they no longer have veto-proof control
over legislation.
(Note: I think this is good, as I believe every governor should be in
partnership with the people's representatives)
partnership with the people's representatives)
Also, four of the six state amendments did pass, including voter-id,
victim's rights, and limit on state tax and right to hunt. This success
came in the face of a well-funded campaign to "defeat all amendments".
victim's rights, and limit on state tax and right to hunt. This success
came in the face of a well-funded campaign to "defeat all amendments".
Wake County became deeper 'blue' as Democrats continue to control
most municipalities and the county. This will almost guarantee more
debt will be added and lead to the next increase in our property taxes.
most municipalities and the county. This will almost guarantee more
debt will be added and lead to the next increase in our property taxes.
Stay tuned and more importantly, stay involved.
Feedback always appreciated...
Feel free to enter in comments section below, or email, ajbruno14@gmail.com "Point of View" blog http://ajbruno14.blogspot.com/
