Yes, it does matter who Republicans nominate!
After reading polls showing Joe Biden’s popularity at Jimmy Carter levels, Republicans are giddy with optimism about a potential resurgence in November. I’ve even heard some Colorado Republicans boast, “It doesn’t matter who we nominate.”
Correction: it definitely matters who we nominate.
Anyone who thinks otherwise doesn’t remember the election of 2010.
In Barack Obama’s second year in office, his approval numbers crashed due to massive government spending, a progressive push to nationalize health care, and the rise of the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) Party movement. By Election Day, Republicans were plus-11 on the generic congressional ballot.
On election night, Republicans picked up six U.S. Senate seats, including some of the most unlikely places, like Illinois (Obama’s home state) and Wisconsin (the first Republican elected in 24 years). In Congress, Republicans gained a staggering 63 seats – the largest shift by either party since 1948.
But the Red Wave washed out here in Colorado – partly because Republicans made a catastrophically poor choice in the race for Governor by nominating Dan Maes, who could be described most charitably as an “unknown newcomer.”