You’d think the political class would learn. American voters generally do not take kindly to partisan overreach. Yes, there are exceptions, but yesterday was a reminder that Americans tend to be more centrist than either hard core liberal or hard core conservative. For those who think yesterday was a reinvigoration of the Democratic Party and rejection of the Republican Party, do not be too quick to forget the election of 2010 in response to Democrats overreaching.
Here’s a sampling of what happened yesterday:
Voters in Ohio rejected the anti-collective-bargaining proposal supported by Governor John Kasich. Taking away people’s rights to bargain collectively, even in the name of austerity, appears to have been regarded as a step too far.
In Mississippi, the “personhood” referendum went down to defeat. Language that would have outlawed certain forms of birth control as well as abortion was overreach. The voters saw it, and the voters rejected it.
Arizona voters recalled Senate President Russell Pearce, the champion of SB 1070 and numerous other anti-immigrant legislative initiatives. The actual count will not be official for about a week, but Pearce effectively conceded last night, referring to recall as the price a patriot pays for keeping his promises.*
Maine voters rejected a law that would have done away with same day voter registration. Slightly veiled voter suppression efforts seem not to be lost on the electorate, and taking away rights does not appear to be an agenda item for the American voter.
First Read comments on the anti-radical phenomenon here .
* Author’s Note: To be accurate, Pearce said recall is the price he paid for keeping his promises and thanked the friends and “patriots” who supported him. The merging of the two concepts is mine.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.