Are You Heading For an Election Meltdown?

[Johnny Stew]

Are You Heading For an Election Meltdown?
Some Experts Predict Epidemic of Post-Partisan Depression

By Denise Mann
WebMD Feature
Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD

Nov 2, 2004 -- Regardless of the outcome of the 2004 presidential election, polls suggest that as many as 49% of Americans may now feel a profound sense of loss or even deep-seated anger.

A high voter turnout was expected this election, and the stakes may never have been higher. You are either for President Bush or you are against him. The same holds true for Sen. John Kerry and the issues of the war in Iraq, guns, abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research.

"There are a lot of folks that have gotten very, very involved and believe that the direction of our country is at stake, and many people that could have very acute reactions to the election results," says political leadership coach Donna Zajonc, a former Oregon state representative and mental health nurse.

"I do believe that there will be a psychological effect that can be long-term if not dealt with," says Zajonc, author of The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy.

But turning off the television, spending time with friends and family, and eventually getting involved with the issues that matter most on a grass roots level can help stave off any lasting effects, experts tell WebMD.

Intense Election, Intense Reaction

"The intensity and polarization in this election almost feels like the 1960s and the Vietnam era, except that in the 1960s, you never saw bumper stickers saying, 'Anyone but …,'" agrees Robert R. Butterworth, PhD, a psychologist at International Trauma Associates in Los Angeles. "A significant number of people are going to be pissed and that anger can turn to cynicism and uninvolvement."

"We have gotten people riled up, and the bases have been energized and the opposite of energized is depression," he adds.

The closeness of this year's election may further intensify the situation, he says.

"If you are not backing a candidate that is leading in the polls, you are psychologically prepared [to lose], but the dead heat in this election adds a cliffhanger aspect, which means that when we do fall, we will fall hard," Butterworth says.

Another drawn-out election can also make things worse for millions of Americans who are so vested in the outcome of this election.

"My dad always told me that if I had a tooth that bothered me, I could wiggle it or I could tie a string to the tooth and to a door and slam the door to pull it out, and my feeling is always let's get the pain over with as quickly as we can and not prolong things," Butterworth says.

Sore Winners Breed Really, Really Sore Losers

"If winners say 'ha ha' and rub salt in the wound, that can also cause problems especially where people work," he says. Regardless of who wins, Kerry and Bush must come together, he says. "The problem with the last election is that this didn't happen because Vice President Al Gore was fighting tooth and nail with Bush," he says. "The leaders have to show people how to react."

This time around, "people must shake hands and say 'let's work together,'" he says.

And move on.

"The president is such a figurehead, but a lot of the issues that people care about are also states' issues," Butterworth says. "The issue that you care about shouldn't be put on hold for four more years," he adds.

"Even though the candidate that you are supporting may not be elected, the issues are still alive and you can focus on them on a grass roots level," he says. "When you give up or become cynical and drop out, the process grinds to a halt and your issues never do get addressed."

Zajonc agrees, adding that people should "build their own political habitat and really associate with more positive folks that look at the good that came out of election and build on the good things."

But there's even more you can do, she says.

"When there is a disappointment, the first thing you must do is take time and find something you love to do and have fun," suggests Zajonc.

And "take time and grieve," she says. "It's an essential step for renewal, and grieving really truly means crying and really understanding your sense of loss," she says. "It's like a death and in this case, it's the loss of a dream and that can mirror the loss just as though it were the death of a friend," she says. "You really have to understand this is an emotional big deal. Do not minimize the extent of your emotional feelings."

And, Butterworth adds, "turn off the TV for a while and, for the short term, escape politics and enjoy the holidays. Give yourself a political moratorium for two or three months, but don't forget the issue that you are involved in."

Invested Too Much Emotional Stock?

So how can you tell if you were too vested in this election?

Warning signs that perhaps you've invested too much emotional stock in this election include "feeling fatigued, stressed, despair with the news reports," points out Bedford, New Hampshire-based psychologist Pamela M. Brill, EdD. "For some, the physical signs of being too engaged include racing heart rate," she says. "When you get there, you can take that as a sign that it's time for a break, a literal breather."

So, "breathe [and] look for the roses -- the things over which you have control, then exert energy to turn those around," Brill says.

"Sour grapes, blaming the other party or candidate or their troops or the media -- waste of energy," Brill says. Find another pastime or passion, she suggests. "Go see those movies you missed while you were campaigning," she says. "Or rent a DVD and kick back with family and friends [because] letting go is much easier when we have other things to grab on to."

Published Nov. 2, 2004.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOURCES: Bainbridge Island, Washington-based political leadership coach Donna Zajonc, a former Oregon state representative and mental health nurse. Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D, of International Trauma Associates in Los Angeles, Calif. Psychologist Pamela M. Brill, EdD.

[dissention]

Nov 2, 2004 -- Regardless of the outcome of the 2004 presidential election, polls suggest that as many as 49% of Americans may now feel a profound sense of loss or even deep-seated anger.

Preach it.

I haven't stopped crying, this is devastating. Words cannot express my hate, anger, and disgust. We must now focus all of our energy into winning back the Senate and blocking his judicial nominations. This will not stand.

[skcin]

Everyone keeps asking me why I'm so crabby/upset/moody. I just can't help it.

Paula

PS - did I mention that I'm nauseous too? :cool:

[estranged4life]

I wished I would cause freezing yer ass off due to some "yokel's" stupidity is NOT recommended!!!

Brian j.

[SuzeQuze]

Everyone keeps asking me why I'm so crabby/upset/moody. I just can't help it.

Paula

PS - did I mention that I'm nauseous too? :cool:

I tried to get on here yesterday but I couldn't. I was really moody/crabby too. Actually, downright depressed. I'm feeling better today. I've been listening to Air America Radio, it is good therapy. I was really thrilled after I cast my vote and had such high hopes. This is just awful. Things will right themselves, but I wish we could have begun the process from the top yesterday. :distress:

[GateandGarden]

Everyone keeps asking me why I'm so crabby/upset/moody. I just can't help it.

Paula

PS - did I mention that I'm nauseous too? :cool:Yeah, I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday, and she was saying, "Yep. Four more years. Four looooonnnnng years." And she was shaking her head. That just made me more depressed. But when she saw the look on my face, she said, "What's wrong Hillary?" She's disappointed, but she couldn't understand why someone would be that upset. She said, "It'll be okay. We have another chance in 2008." Somehow that's only mildly comforting, if it's comforting at all.

Hillary

[jadegypsy]

Nooooo...it's more like THIRTY long years if Bush gets to put Supreme Court Justices. And two Justice Renquist? and O'Conner look to be going soonish...I think I may just have to emigrate to Canada if Clarence Thomas make Chief Justice.

[DrummerDeanna]

The mood here at work was so somber yesterday - people are better today - part of the problem is the fact that many of us pulled near all-nighters on election night...

But yeah - people were either super pissed off or depressed around here...

I saw it coming - I? was just SO tired....and SO happy that all the stupid ads will be gone...

[chiliD]

It's about time for an Anarchy Riot! Overthrow the Government.

After all the money we spent in overthrowing the Taliban and now the US Government is becoming the Christian equivalent of them.

BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID.

[estranged4life]

It's about time for an Anarchy Riot! Overthrow the Government.

After all the money we spent in overthrowing the Taliban and now the US Government is becoming the Christian equivalent of them.

BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID.

I live for Anarchy!!! :nod:

And I am afraid...These sad souls in this small South-Western Oklahoma town seem overjoyed by a Bush victory :(

Brian j.

[strandinthewind]

It's about time for an Anarchy Riot! Overthrow the Government.

After all the money we spent in overthrowing the Taliban and now the US Government is becoming the Christian equivalent of them.

BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID.

Amen brother Chili Amen! - although I am more of a march on Wash. kind of guy :laugh:

[golddustwoman77]

I have been SO depressed and crying. :distress: It is just such a letdown and I'm so dissappointed! I'm glad to know that it isn't just me feeling this way.

My best friend and I have been talking about it, and we have decided to not stop fighting. We aren't going to give up, because it is never over. We have to start thinking about 2008. In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?



I live for Anarchy!!! :nod:

And I am afraid...These sad souls in this small South-Western Oklahoma town seem overjoyed by a Bush victory :(

Brian j.

Unfortunately, I see the same thing here in my podunk town in Tennessee. These people here actually believe that they won a victory for God/Jesus, because they voted for W! It just blows my mind, and it sickens me!
:mad:

[estranged4life]

My best friend and I have been talking about it, and we have decided to not stop fighting. We aren't going to give up, because it is never over. We have to start thinking about 2008. In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?


if yer "best friend" is who I think it is, She needs to send more Beatles music my way :nod:...That's my suggestion :lol:

Btw, I am definitely going to back pro-Stem Cell research groups...That one is a no brainer after the year Deb has gone through.

Brian "I am an Anti-Christ and I am an Anarchist....Don't know what I want, But I know how to get it, I want to destroy, Possibly?" j.

[golddustwoman77]

if yer "best friend" is who I think it is, She needs to send more Beatles music my way :nod:...That's my suggestion :lol:

Btw, I am definitely going to back pro-Stem Cell research groups...That one is a no brainer after the year Deb has gone through.

Brian "I am an Anti-Christ and I am an Anarchist....Don't know what I want, But I know how to get it, I want to destroy, Possibly?" j.

Why, yes it is, of course! :lol: I will give her the message. Alison and I will have to check into a pro-Stem Cell research group. That would be a good one. Thanks for the idea, and I hope your wife and you are doing well! :thumbsup:

[gldstwmn]

I think I may just have to emigrate to Canada if Clarence Thomas make Chief Justice.

They're going to try Scalia. He might just make it.
So, Giuliani wants to be Attorney General? I will laugh my ass off if that happens 'cause Rudy is pro choice.

[gldstwmn]

I have been SO depressed and crying. :distress: It is just such a letdown and I'm so dissappointed! I'm glad to know that it isn't just me feeling this way.

My best friend and I have been talking about it, and we have decided to not stop fighting. We aren't going to give up, because it is never over. We have to start thinking about 2008. In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?
:

PLANNED PARENTHOOD! And www.blackboxvoting.org

[Hawkeye]

They're going to try Scalia. He might just make it.
So, Giuliani wants to be Attorney General? I will laugh my ass off if that happens 'cause Rudy is pro choice.

Scailia is 84!!! That would be stupid. I wouldn't mind Thomas being Cheif Justice, or Souter would be a pretty good choice.

[Hawkeye]

Nooooo...it's more like THIRTY long years if Bush gets to put Supreme Court Justices. And two Justice Renquist? and O'Conner look to be going soonish...I think I may just have to emigrate to Canada if Clarence Thomas make Chief Justice.

O Conor and Renquist are both Republicans, so all Bush can do is put in 2 republicans, and it'll remain the same ratio.

[golddustwoman77]

PLANNED PARENTHOOD! And www.blackboxvoting.org

Thanks for the suggestion, gldstwmn. :thumbsup:

[EnchantedSLN]

In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?

www.aclu.org. You may also want to contact your local democratic headquarters & see what they suggest.

[strandinthewind]

O Conor and Renquist are both Republicans, so all Bush can do is put in 2 republicans, and it'll remain the same ratio.

True - but Sandy O. is hardly a conservative. She often sides with the more liberal justices. I think she would make a GREAT Chief Justice.

I think he would be wise to make her so. Plus, there is the added boon of the first woman to be Chief Justice.

But, Scalia probably will get it - which is saddening to me.

[golddustwoman77]

www.aclu.org. You may also want to contact your local democratic headquarters & see what they suggest.

That is a good one as well. Thanks, Enchanted SLN. :thumbsup:

[amber]

My best friend and I have been talking about it, and we have decided to not stop fighting. We aren't going to give up, because it is never over. We have to start thinking about 2008. In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?

You may want to do this closer to an election, but you could also volunteer to help get poor people to register to vote - in my case a lot of the minorities weren't registered - but our state is already blue. Could make a difference in your state, though.
Amber

[heyjupiter678]

I haven't stopped crying, this is devastating. Words cannot express my hate, anger, and disgust.
My eyes have been swollen for two days now. I've been sick all day today. I can't bear to turn the tv on because of all the coverage. I haven't spoken to my family yet -- all Bush voters -- and I don't know how I'm going to face them with out screaming at them . . . Sigh.

Devastating, indeed.

[Jason T.]

I'm not taking it very well. I mean, I'm not having emotional breakdowns or anything, but it's not exactly the best thing that's ever happened IMO. I've had this "sick" feeling ever since Wednesday.

I thought I would be back to normal by now, but everyone and their mother at school calling me a loser for supporting Kerry isn't helping it at all. I'll be fine, it's this nation I'm concerned about.

[GypsySorcerer]

True - but Sandy O. is hardly a conservative. She often sides with the more liberal justices. I think she would make a GREAT Chief Justice.

I think he would be wise to make her so. Plus, there is the added boon of the first woman to be Chief Justice.

But, Scalia probably will get it - which is saddening to me.

Ditto. O'Connor is already the most powerful justice on the court -- every 5-4 decision, she is casts the deciding vote. :nod:

[strandinthewind]

It is widely believed Edith Jones of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is also high in the running. Here is her bio:

http://www.lb5.uscourts.gov/judgebio/FifthCircuit/

She is a moderate (at least judicially) and I think Clinton considered her as well, but I could be wrong about that.

Here is an interview with her:

http://www.thehoustonlawyer.com/aa_nov/aa_depart/page42/page42.htm#one

[gldstwmn]

Scailia is 84!!! That would be stupid. I wouldn't mind Thomas being Cheif Justice, or Souter would be a pretty good choice.

No, Justice John Paul Stephens is 84. Justice Scalia is 68. Justice Souter is considered to be one of the four liberal justices, so I would be all for him.

[gldstwmn]

O Conor and Renquist are both Republicans, so all Bush can do is put in 2 republicans, and it'll remain the same ratio.

I was watching The People v. Larry Flynt the other night and it reminded me that Chief Justice Rehnquist wrote that decision himself. If you look into Rehnquist's history, some of it ain't pretty, to be sure, but at times, he could write a good decision. It wasn't unitl 2000 the honor of the court was really besmirched and the Justices who voted in Bush's favor were so...ashamed(?), they didn't even sign the decision.

[gldstwmn]

It is widely believed Edith Jones of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is also high in the running. Here is her bio:

http://www.lb5.uscourts.gov/judgebio/FifthCircuit/

She is a moderate (at least judicially) and I think Clinton considered her as well, but I could be wrong about that.

Here is an interview with her:

http://www.thehoustonlawyer.com/aa_nov/aa_depart/page42/page42.htm#one

From 1982-83, she served as General Counsel for the Republican Party of Texas,
:rolleyes:

[gldstwmn]

Ditto. O'Connor is already the most powerful justice on the court -- every 5-4 decision, she is casts the deciding vote. :nod:

She wants to retire. :shrug:

[amber]

She wants to retire. :shrug:
Yeah, wasn't she only waiting for Bush to be out of the whitehouse?
there goes that plan.

[gldstwmn]

Yeah, wasn't she only waiting for Bush to be out of the whitehouse?
there goes that plan.

Ah, well. You break it, you buy it. :laugh:

[amber]

Ah, well. You break it, you buy it. :laugh:
:laugh: sesly, though...

[strandinthewind]

She wants to retire. :shrug:

I think the title of Chief Justice and the first woman one at that may entice her enough to stay.

[strandinthewind]

Here is an interesting article on Bush's potential USSC maneuvers:

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/mentions.htm

BTW - I called a friend who knows more on Jones and he indicated she has grown more conservative - so NEVER MIND :laugh:

[gldstwmn]

Here is an interesting article on Bush's potential USSC maneuvers:

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/mentions.htm

BTW - I called a friend who knows more on Jones and he indicated she has grown more conservative - so NEVER MIND :laugh:

Is that article old? I have Stevens age as 84.

Isn't Teddy Kennedy on the Senate Judiciary Committee? Who do we have on that committee?

[strandinthewind]

Is that article old? I have Stevens age as 84.

I think so. I think he is 84.

[gldstwmn]

I think so. I think he is 84.

did you read this?

On March 22, 2001, the Bush Administration stated it will no longer provide the ABA with names of candidates for appointment to federal judgeships prior to their nomination, thus ending any opportunity for an ABA evaluation to enter into the decision to nominate a candidate to the bench. The ABA has announced that it will continue to provide evaluation of the professional qualifications of nominees for the Administration, the Senate, and the public.

[strandinthewind]

did you read this?

On March 22, 2001, the Bush Administration stated it will no longer provide the ABA with names of candidates for appointment to federal judgeships prior to their nomination, thus ending any opportunity for an ABA evaluation to enter into the decision to nominate a candidate to the bench. The ABA has announced that it will continue to provide evaluation of the professional qualifications of nominees for the Administration, the Senate, and the public.

Well, the ABA rendered its opinion on the candidates nontheless AND they recommended some shockers to wit: http://www.abanet.org/scfedjud/ratings108.pdf

[gldstwmn]

Well, the ABA rendered its opinion on the candidates nontheless AND they recommended some shockers to wit: http://www.abanet.org/scfedjud/ratings108.pdf

What about Ted Olsen?

[amber]

did you read this?

On March 22, 2001, the Bush Administration stated it will no longer provide the ABA with names of candidates for appointment to federal judgeships prior to their nomination, thus ending any opportunity for an ABA evaluation to enter into the decision to nominate a candidate to the bench. The ABA has announced that it will continue to provide evaluation of the professional qualifications of nominees for the Administration, the Senate, and the public.
I'm going to read this forward to my law classes, then pass out copies of the "evaluations"....I think this is a defining point in the history of Evil... :wavey:
Thank you

[amber]

oh, i thought there'd be discussion and analysis...still...

[dissention]

O Conor and Renquist are both Republicans, so all Bush can do is put in 2 republicans, and it'll remain the same ratio.

Sandy is hardly what I would call a die-hard conservative, she's a rather liberal justice. But I've heard that she wants out.

[dissention]

PLANNED PARENTHOOD! And www.blackboxvoting.org

AND DONATE TO KERRY'S NEXT SENATE RACE!

[GypsySorcerer]

Is that article old? I have Stevens age as 84.

Isn't Teddy Kennedy on the Senate Judiciary Committee? Who do we have on that committee?

I'm not sure about Teddy, but I know Specter is up to be the chair in January. He has already said he will block conservative judges. :wavey:

[strandinthewind]

Sandy is hardly what I would call a die-hard conservative, she's a rather liberal justice. But I've heard that she wants out.


I truly believe she is the best Justice we have. I think Souter and Ginsverg are a very close second, but they are each somewhat of an idealouge in their own way. I think Renquist was great, but time has IMO made him too bitter. Stevens and Kennedy are good.

Thomas is an insult to the intelligence of every American and I can think of no one stupider or with less legal acumen. This is widely accepted as true in legal circles. I think he is an insult the the brilliant Thurgood Marshall, who was the only other black member of the Court.

Scalia clearly has a high I.Q., but he is a little cockeyed and reminds me of the old charictures (sp.?) of the wild eyes drunk hanging judes of the 1800's :laugh: I get that he is a strict constructionist, but that theory went out the door about 150 years ago. Moreover, no one really wants strict contruction unless it supports them - e.g. the "right to bear arms" in the contect of a militia and personally :shrug: Yet, Scalia, for the limelight I think, adheres to it for some unknown reason. Thus, as high as his I.Q. is, he cannot be very "smart" IMO.

[jadegypsy]

Unless I've lost it there is another woman on the SC, Ruth Baker I think? But as for the Judiciary Committee I am pretty sure Diane Finestien is on it, and well she is rather liberal...having been mayor of SF back in the 60s/70s, actually she didn't run for govenor of CA since she felt she would be more useful on the judiciary comittee. If I'm right I am estatic she is on there. Of course I also think the SC should be 50% women, but that will be a very cold day in h*ll I am afraid, kinda odd to hear minority squabbling about having representation when women still don't have equal rep and they are part of the majority?! :eek:

[amber]

Unless I've lost it there is another woman on the SC, Ruth Baker I think? But as for the Judiciary Committee I am pretty sure Diane Finestien is on it, and well she is rather liberal...having been mayor of SF back in the 60s/70s, actually she didn't run for govenor of CA since she felt she would be more useful on the judiciary comittee. If I'm right I am estatic she is on there. Of course I also think the SC should be 50% women, but that will be a very cold day in h*ll I am afraid, kinda odd to hear minority squabbling about having representation when women still don't have equal rep and they are part of the majority?! :eek:
Sorry, Dianne Feinstein is a Republocrat. Very middle of the road, just to this side. Course, for the purposes here, I think she's just fine...but. I don't think i would call her liberal... :D

[jadegypsy]

But Amber, the point is with Fienstien at least she won't support an overtly conservative justice being appointed...and she may not be liberal, but at least she is rational...

Oh PS: Your cats are really cute :thumbsup: What are their names?

[amber]

But Amber, the point is with Fienstien at least she won't support an overtly conservative justice being appointed...and she may not be liberal, but at least she is rational...

Oh PS: Your cats are really cute :thumbsup: What are their names?
yeah, that's why i said for the purposes here, she'd be just fine. Vinnie/Spanky.

[estranged4life]

as we drove around OKC shopping today, I saw the following message on the back window of a car above a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker...Said so much with so few words:

Shame On
America

Need I say more...

Brian j.

[golddustwoman77]

You may want to do this closer to an election, but you could also volunteer to help get poor people to register to vote - in my case a lot of the minorities weren't registered - but our state is already blue. Could make a difference in your state, though.
Amber

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been asked to be the chairman of the Democratic Party in my county. I'm definitely thinking about doing it. If I do, I will be extremely involved in the next election, in a lot of ways, especially registering people to vote. :D

[dissention]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been asked to be the chairman of the Democratic Party in my county. I'm definitely thinking about doing it. If I do, I will be extremely involved in the next election, in a lot of ways, especially registering people to vote. :D

Congrats! :xoxo: Go for it!

[estranged4life]

I will be extremely involved in the next election, in a lot of ways, especially registering people to vote. :D

we're STILL here for the next election, But with our "much loved government" ya can never be sure :shrug:

Brian "Time magazine rulez" j.

[gldstwmn]

I'm not sure about Teddy, but I know Specter is up to be the chair in January. He has already said he will block conservative judges. :wavey:

The Neocons threatened to block him. :nod:

[gldstwmn]

I'm not sure about Teddy, but I know Specter is up to be the chair in January. He has already said he will block conservative judges. :wavey:

Teddy is on there, so is Pat Leahy and JOHN EDWARDS. That's kind of a relief.

[gldstwmn]

Unless I've lost it there is another woman on the SC, Ruth Baker I think? But as for the Judiciary Committee I am pretty sure Diane Finestien is on it, and well she is rather liberal...having been mayor of SF back in the 60s/70s, actually she didn't run for govenor of CA since she felt she would be more useful on the judiciary comittee. If I'm right I am estatic she is on there. Of course I also think the SC should be 50% women, but that will be a very cold day in h*ll I am afraid, kinda odd to hear minority squabbling about having representation when women still don't have equal rep and they are part of the majority?! :eek:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the Justice you are thinking of. She was appointed by President Clinton. :)
Here is a complete list of the Justices:
Chief Justice William Rehnquist
John Paul Stevens
Sandra Day O'Connor
Antonin Scalia
Anthony Kennedy
David Souter
Clarence Thomas
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Stephen Breyer

Here is the current lineup of the Senate Judiciary Committee:
Republican:
Orin Hatch, Charles Grassley, Arlen Specter, Jon Kyl, Mike DeWine, Jeff Sessions, Lindsey Graham, Larry Craig, Saxby Chambliss, John Cornyn.
Democrat:
Pat Leahy, Teddy Kennedy, Joe Biden, Herbert Kohl, Dianne Feinstein, Russ Feingold, Chuck Schumer,Dick Durbin and John Edwards.

Most of those Democrats are pretty heavy hitters.

[gldstwmn]

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been asked to be the chairman of the Democratic Party in my county. I'm definitely thinking about doing it. If I do, I will be extremely involved in the next election, in a lot of ways, especially registering people to vote. :D

Congratulations! Your country needs your right now.

[gldstwmn]

I'm not sure about Teddy, but I know Specter is up to be the chair in January. He has already said he will block conservative judges. :wavey:

Guess what? They flipped Specter:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/07/congress.ap/index.html
Specter says he won't slow anti-abortion court nominees

Here is Specter's email addy: [email protected]

[dissention]

Guess what? They flipped Specter:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/07/congress.ap/index.html
Specter says he won't slow anti-abortion court nominees

Here is Specter's email addy: [email protected]

I never thought he'd slow them anyways. He's a Republican.

[strandinthewind]

I never thought he'd slow them anyways. He's a Republican.

Ture, he is, but is a maverick by pretty much everyone's definition :shrug:

AND - what he says and what he acually does are two diff. things. He is HIGHLY pro choice and has been for years. Personally, I think he'd like to change parties but enjoys being a thorn in the R's side :laugh: AND the R's are not about to let him switch sides with such a close majority.

[golddustwoman77]

Congrats! :xoxo: Go for it!
Congratulations! Your country needs your right now.

Thanks for the encouragement, you guys! :xoxo: I've decided to do it! I hope I can make a difference. I'm going to give it my all, but I live in very republican area. I'll say that in the last few years here, the democrats have started to make head way. The current governor (who is a democrat) carried our county in the last election. That hadn't happened since the 1950s. I'm proud to say that I worked on his campaign. I guess that is where they got the idea to ask me to head the democratic party here. We could meet in a phone booth, as it stands right now. Of course, the people we do have really believe in what they are doing, and they work super-hard. Therefore, we get a lot accomplished. We just have to figure out how to get more people involved. I guess we'll have to start converting the people up here from republicans to democrats! :D That will be a long and difficult task. :rolleyes: I'm up for it though. Sorry to rattle on here, and thanks again for all the encouraging words. I'll need it. :xoxo: