Being a woman is very helpful in terms of giving a different look to the party, and she has an advantage there. |
Certainly things have changed in the last 20 years in voters' perceptions whether women can do the job. But there's still an inherent nervousness on the part of voters to put women in as the ultimate decision-maker. Control of the National Guard and border security, those sorts of traditionally male jobs — that's where I think voters consciously or unconsciously have difficulties with women candidates. |
Cuellar has some vulnerabilities with his voting record. But I just don't think Ciro is doing everything to make this as competitive as it could be. |
Democrats have become more disciplined in making the case against Republicans. |
Democrats never seem to be able to fire on all cylinders in this district. |
For a Republican to win here, some-thing absolutely extraordinary would have to happen. |
Fundamentally, there is still unique exposure for the Republicans. |
Gard is certainly the most polished of the bunch, and he's had a long tenure in the Legislature. That shows in terms of his confidence in talking about the district and issues and the race. |
Getting the president of the United States brings you more money than any other political fundraiser. |
He is now the incumbent in a very Republican district .... Lucas has already proven he can win over Republican voters. But whether voters want a change, I think, is what we're going to have to wait and see. |
I don't see that Cuellar starts off as particularly vulnerable. |
I think you have some nervous Republicans who are looking at a political environment that is very dangerous for their party. |
If there is a (Democratic) wave this year and it's going to hit anywhere, it's the Northeast. That is where Bush's weakness is felt. |
If this had happened when the voters were in a better mood or the political environment was not as bad for Republicans, then the likelihood of this story being able to gain that much momentum would be smaller, |
If voters are upset about $3 gas and healthcare costs, they're ripe for a message that emphasizes fiscal discipline. |