Floyd the Political Strategist wrote on Jun 11, 2008 8:25 PM:The political prognosticators haven't factored in the realization that many voters are tired of both of the major parties and are likely to vote for Ron Paul, a Libertarian, or Mickey Mouse in the general election. To know the mood of the voters, pollsters must ask them who they will vote for and not just give them a choice between "bad" and "worse".

s dont add up wrote on Jun 11, 2008 8:33 PM:Wishful thinking of Liberals once again. Independent is the only way in these times. Down with Dem's and Rep's.

Bob wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:02 PM:I am a 50th Republican voting against all Republicans and incumbents this year. I am especially voting against Brian Bilbray. He has never been and will never be a north county representative. Our party is broken. We need to start a new party focused on fiscal and state conservatism. Focus on getting the country and state out of debt, reduce welfare to citizens and other countries until our country is doing well, penalize employers for hiring Illegal workers, allow hospitals not to treat people unless they can prove they can pay for the service, quite trying to run the world, and quite monkeying around with Social issues. We need to fix our broken country.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 11, 2008 9:14 PM:Let's hope this isn't the year for Democrats. They're the ones chiefly to blame for many of country's ills, including our current oil crisis. As for their choice for a presidential candidate, Obama is the absolutely worst. Obama is the most liberal Democrat and is one of the most junior, someone who is so inexperienced he hasn't even managed a 7-Eleven, let alone a country. It's time for all concerned citizens to vote Republican if you care what is happening to our country and don't want to see it decay into a welfare state, with big government, high taxes, and give-aways. In case you didn't already know, Democrats are trying to push America into Socialism, bordering on Communism. Is that what you want? I surely don't!

My guess....... wrote on Jun 11, 2008 10:03 PM:The reporter that wrote this article is a Democrat.

John wrote on Jun 11, 2008 10:41 PM:If we get stuck with republican repeats here in North County after the next election - we will have marginalized representation. Our reps will be out in right field, minority players in a minority party that is in decline.

Herb wrote on Jun 11, 2008 11:40 PM:They had better straighten up and act right. I have been a Democrat my entire voting life; but, lately the party seems to have changed. Could it be that Dean is running things? Two things have turned my head recently. 1) the UN-American term "half-a-vote." 2) The bill before Congress now to require Union members to vote for their choice on a card with their name on it. Yep, they had better take a step back and stop being so lame brained.

Policy Guy wrote on Jun 12, 2008 5:50 AM:This article is essentially a puff piece for Democrat candidates. I've seen campaign mailers that were less biased. Shameful reporting by a author with a clear agenda.

Karl wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:49 AM:Bob on Jun 11, 2008 9:02 PM:

"allow hospitals not to treat people unless they can prove they can pay for the service,". Let's be realistic Bob. I can see hospitals refusing service for a common cold or a minor scrape (people using the ER as a primary physician) but refusing service for a true emergency should never happen.

Oh Boy wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:56 AM:Higher taxes, higher fees, less electricity, less gas, less water, more controls, less personal freedoms, more mother may I, bigger government, union control, less accountability, more environmentalist control. Vote Democrat! Change?? People voted Repubs out of the majority in Congress. Dems rule and we got change all right. Lowest approval ratings for Congress ever, mortgage crisis, unemployment up, energy crisis, trying to raise taxes in a poor economy, poor economy. on and on. All we have to do is look at the condition of our state which has been under Dem rule. BROKE.
So try being independent and making up your own minds.

Illinoisan wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:57 AM:"In March, Democrat George Foster was elected over Republican Jim Oberweis to represent Illinois' 14th Congressional District."

Actually, his name is Bill Foster and he's up for reelection this November.

I was told wrote on Jun 12, 2008 7:05 AM:that the Democratic party and the CommunistParty USA are basically the same. Anybody know what the difference is?

concerned One wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:24 AM:Well the Dems have sure done a great job with State of California, and the Repub administration has established a historic track record in the White House. Dems in Congress have been in control for two years, seems to be going well. Yep, this two-party, democratic system of ours is really something. I'll vote for my dog Rex. Might as well, anything else is a joke as well. Regards, C-1.

I am answering wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:31 AM:The difference is that they are not republicans. Come on folks! Comparing commies to the Democratic party is so 60's. Welcome to the 21st century.

La la land wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:35 AM:North County is the home of falling stars. A republican party on the skids and in denial. A consortium of empty suits acting out their fantasies in an theater of dwindling ticket sales. It's the new La-la-land.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:44 AM:The Democrats have made promise after promise, and haven't made any plan to accomplish their promises without raising taxes. They are all about wealth redistribution, welfare, healthcare programs for the poor, and other plans to level the playing field. This is clearly socialism, period. Socialized medicine doesn't work, and I refuse to stand in line behind the indigent for healthcare for my family. And worst, I'm thoroughly sick and tired of the Democrats constant bad-mouthing of America. Change? Certainly, we're not a perfect world, but I don't want change, my life is going along just fine, with the exception of the other social ills that aren't really caused by the government, such as crime that have affected everyones quality of life. My life has changed for the better during the last 4 to 8 years, and I don't want to be straddled with higher taxes to fund the free-bees and give-aways the Democrats want to implement. If you're a proud and patriotic American who wants to keep our country headed in the right direction, stay away from the Democratic candidates. If you're one who thinks the government should be taking care of your needs, have a negative outlook on life and are liberal, sadly you're probably going to vote Democrat. But, let's hope you vote with your brain and not your emotion and see the big picture.

Wow wrote on Jun 12, 2008 8:55 AM:Seems like the republicans have nothing else to offer resort to their typical attempts at scare tactics. How sad. I honestly can't see how anyone could possibly wish to continue along this path to ruin that Bush and his merry band of neocons have led the country down, and the gullible public lemmings have fallen hook line and sinker for. It's funny how although Bush inherited a surplus and the country was thriving, we Dems get blamed for the current oil crisis and current fiscal mess that Bush is leaving the country in. During Clinton's terms oil prices were not astronomically high as they are currently. As a matter of fact, I heard on the news yesterday that had Bush not become president, gas prices at the pump would have been still in the realm of reasonable. I can't recall how much, but it think the report said like near $2 a gallon. Bush was elected, by the foolish, under the promise that he was best to work with the Arab nations and keep oil prices down. Bush made many promises according the report I saw, which he did not even attempt to keep. Bush lied the country into a war, and has committed so many serious crimes against this nation and should be impeached along with Chaney. Impeached for SERIOUS crimes as opposed to the sham of an impeachment against Pres. Clinton. So, according to the logic of some posters here, the voting public should be stupid once again and vote for more suffering? For more money wasted on a war that need not have been fought? Vote Repub so that more people, both Iraqi and American can die in this travesty called the Iraq war. So, the solution according to republicans is to vote McBush and continue down the same path. McBush doesn't even know the players are in the Middle East, doesn't think that bringing home the troops still left alive is "important". Yeah right! I'm a Democrat, I'm proud of being a Democrat and I'm voting Obama. I'd never get suckered in to Republican lies. See I don't trust, nor would I ever believe anything a Republican says. The Repub brand is not for the common person, they only do for the wealthy elites at the expense of the working person. No Thanks! As for Independents, I'm not impressed by them. They seem to not to be able to decide and stick with it. They want to play both sides of the fence. Indie voters wish to delude themselves that they are not Repub and so above it all, but they still are Repub if they vote for Ron Paul. He is nothing to brag about either. He has questionable views as far as I can see. He's libertarian on big biz, taxes, etc but I as a woman should not have the right to make my own decisions about when and if I have a child. Ridiculous! My freedoms are very important to me and I vote in my and my fellow woman's best interest. I don't see that he would have any thing to offer except to do away with this government entity or the other, leaving so many Americans out in the cold, including myself. No, No I'm not voting to line the pockets of the rich while my family and I starve and are homeless. For a better country vote OBAMA!

Hmmm wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:23 AM:If we all become Democrats, there will be no one left to pay taxes.

I remember wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:33 AM:Nancy Pelosi specifically stating that Democrats had a plan in place to lower gas prices if elected to the majority in Congress. Two years later and gas has gone from 2.50 per gallon to over 4.00. With that kind of planning I am scared to imagine what will be their plan for the almighty catch phrase of 2008. What do they mean by "change"? Changing back to the failed Jimmy Carter policies that brought record inflation, interest rates and unemployment? Changing back to the failed Clinton defense policies (head in the sand) that brought attacks from radical Islamists? Those are not the changes I want.

To Greg wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:54 AM:Man, you're a real piece of work! 8 years of a republican white house and 6 years of a republican congress and you lay the blame for all the current ills on the democrats!?!? Obama may have not "run" a business, but Bush ran one into the ground! Oh wait, after votong for Bush in 2 elections, he's not your man anymore - sorry. OK - higher taxes under the dems, eh? SInce we have spent the last 8 years borowing to pay for the war and the biggest expansion of the federal government since Reagan, which by the way is not in the budget, how do you propose we fill the cofers back up? Oh - I remember - no new taxes! The dems are all about wealth redistribuiton, eh? Let's see - corporate profits run amok in an increasingly unregualted enviornment where CEO's and other business muckity-muks earn huge salaries. Funny how my investments in those stocks don't seem to be growing as fast as their salaries. Talk about wealth distribution! I have hard earned cash invested and at risk in those companies. What do the CEO's have at risk? Their jobs? Teh stock that was given to them as part of their compensation? Hey Greg, how's your portfolio doing? Do you even have one? I bet you see this "global warming" thing as a hoax that gets in the way of business. I see this "global warming" thing as one of the biggest incentives for business to re-tool, re-invest, create new ideas, and once again be on the forefront of the global economy. That tide will lift many boats, and will allow us as a country to take good care of our own. See? That's the biggest difference between you repubs and us dems. We want to live in the future - shape the future. All you want to do is live in the past. See you in November!!

Whatever happened wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:54 AM:to the real democratic party, before the left took it over? I can remember when people were proud of their party leaders, shame it isn't that way today.

Regarding wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:57 AM:all of these polls, I asked friends, relatives even strangers, have you ever had a poll taker call you or contact you via internet? And quess what nobody has, who are the poll takers calling or are the even placing calls?

our ballot wrote on Jun 12, 2008 10:08 AM:needs a spot marked "none of the above" . I started voting at 18 and continue to but we REALLY need this spot !

Greg is delusional wrote on Jun 12, 2008 10:54 AM:Whatever you're smoking for breakfast Greg, please share. The belief that your life has "changed for the better" over the last 4-8 years is proof that you have had your head in the sand. Record inflation, sky-high oil, home foreclosures all over, world opinion of the US in the toilet, terrorism still on the rise. These all point back to one place: The failed policies of Bush and his cronies. I can admit that the Dems in Congress have had little impact so far, but they've also had very little time in control. Your opinion would carry much more weight if we were at the end of a two-term Dem presidency. You want fiscal responsibility? A balanced budget? Reformed welfare? We HAD all that, and a national SURPLUS to boot, when Bill Clinton left office. Thanks for voting a monkey into office who ruined it all.

BJW in Arizona wrote on Jun 12, 2008 11:22 AM:Well Greg in Oceanside, you are one of the few that has had it better in the last 4 to 8 years. Guess you are not concerned with all the forclosures and the high price of gas now. Some people that I have reaed are really uninformed about a lot of things. We were from Texas and I have worked for oil companies. I know just who controls the oil companies and believe me it is not the democrats!!!! Of course I know most of our oil now comes from other countries etc. but there are a lot of oil wells that are just closed down, not drilling over here. The dems are not to blame for what is happening in California....remember you have a
REPUBLICAN Governor......of course it is easy to see that the majority of the ones posting here today are republicans. I know Gary Warth and there is not a peroson that is more fair minded and informed about just about every thing. I am sure he is not trying to change your minds about anything, just doing his job. Also, you cannot tell what political party is belongs to by anything he writes. If you read his articl he is quoting other people and did not say that anything was his point of view. Everyone seems to be taking this as one sided, he is quoting both sides Republican and Democrats......do not be so fast to judge. There are bad Republicans and bad Democrats just like there are bad and good people all over the world.. Do not thik you Republicans have anything to worry about looks like you control North Country.....

I remember another day wrote on Jun 12, 2008 11:28 AM:when Bush was running for President in 2000 and he said that he thought it would be good to have an oil man in the white house. I think he and his administration and their unvarnished, behind closed doors, advice from energy companies have had a lot more to do with rising gas prices than poor old Nancy P.

To Bob wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:02 PM:Aw, I don't know, maybe we'll see some results with _another_ term out of Bilbray.
He's just warming up with the first eight years as a congressman and five years as a lobbyist.

Randy wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:30 PM:"Barack Obama, of course, is an empty suit, and I don't think he'll be able to carry the momentum they feel now to November," he said. "I think the odds in North County are, at the end of the day, they're going to favor Republicans."
I think that this assessment is a bit harsh. However, the bottom line- North County Republicans do not change their stripes, no matter how much reality has changed- is essentially correct.

To Wow wrote on Jun 12, 2008 12:50 PM:Did you cut and paste out of Move on? Think for yourself become independent. You make some good points but Obama is going to raise your taxes so you will still be lining the pockets of the rich. Look at who his supporters are some of the richest people in the world including George Soros. Their idea is to make us all dependent on the government and they, the rich and elite will tell us what we need or don't need. Unfortunately there are no good choices this time around. We need another Reagan!

Heck Reagan wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:11 PM:At this point with what we have available I would settle for another JFK or Reagan, too bad what we have now is crooks in both parties.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:20 PM:You see, the Democrats what to put 'blame' on the Republicans. How niave is that? Foreclosures are the fault of the current administration? Yeah, right. Why not look at the real culprits the lending industry and the borrowers who didn't understand the loan and overextended themselves? And oil prices, are the fault of the current administration too? Look at how much Democrats have inhibited exploration, and nuclear power. Let's not blame the president or Democrats for things that are either not in his direct control, or are purely market flucuations and forces beyond our control. I guess people don't know the rest of the world is paying more than double what we pay for fuel. Democrats are all about pointing fingers and telling everyone how our country is going down the tubes and they're going to be the knights in shining armor or Robin Hood. Look at the Democratic-led congress, now with the worst confidence level in history. History will prove our actions appropriate in the Middle East. I guess the Democrats don't understand 'street cred' and taking charge of dire military action. Instead they want us to turn the other cheek and ignor the enemies around us and the dictatorial leaders who threaten all of us. They want us to sit around singing coombayah with the bad guys of the world. Bottom line, Democrats want (big) government to take care of everything, including healthcare, thus turning America into a welfare state. No thanks. It's the birkenstock wearing, liberal Democrats who are unpatriotic and running this country into the ground.

Man and here I thought wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:33 PM:everybody hated Bush! Libya's leader has strongly criticised US presidential candidate Barack Obama for saying Jerusalem should remain the undivided capital of Israel. Col Muammar Gaddafi said he was either ignorant of the Middle East conflict or lying to boost his campaign. Mr Obama was speaking to pro-Israel lobbyists in the US last week. Referring to him as "our Kenyan brother", Col Gaddafi also said Mr Obama might suffer from an inferiority complex because of his African origins.

Col Muammar Gaddafi wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:34 PM:for next USA President!!!!

nationalist party wrote on Jun 12, 2008 1:38 PM:borders, langauge, culture come join us this november and lets take back this country. socialism is not the answer, no north american union, strong military

Beth wrote on Jun 12, 2008 4:09 PM:LA la la land is in DC. Mostly D names I might add.

If a democrat is the answer, then it's another stupid question. not that I am happy with the other party.

Folks, both parties are screwing us, and the demotaxocrats are doing it to us harder. Wise up before it's too late

This Republican wrote on Jun 12, 2008 4:18 PM:is voting Libertarian...Bob Barr. The party believes in less government and is somewhat socially moderate.

Greg is more delusional than I thought wrote on Jun 12, 2008 4:23 PM:Sure, Greg, I'll take your bait. Just now you said "Let's not blame the president or Democrats for things that are either not in his direct control, or are purely market flucuations and forces beyond our control." But before it was "They're the ones chiefly to blame for many of country's ills, including our current oil crisis." Well, which one is it? Does blame lie with those in power? If not, then neither does the credit. But I'll say it again, as it bears repeating: our last balanced budget and surplus came from Bill Clinton. Too bad he couldn't have run for a third term, as he would have won in a landslide.
Next up, what exactly does "liberal" mean, Greg? You seem to equate it with socialism or communism, but any informed person knows that is a total falsehood. People who identify themselves as liberals and "wear Birkenstocks" are not unpatriotic simply because they object to being involved in a useless, needless war. The fact is that Bush will go down in history as one of the most devisive, destructive presidents that this country has ever seen. And please don't waste everyone's time mindlessly repeating the latest screed from Rush Limbaugh, as that guy is even more delusional than you. Your ancient ideas about might makes right lead me to think you must be about 85 years old. THAT kind of thinking is what will run this country into the ground, NOT the first black president and his legions of youthful, hopeful supporters.

Karl wrote on Jun 12, 2008 5:08 PM:Hmmm
[-] wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:23 AM:If we all become Democrats, there will be no one left to pay taxes.

You forgot to add that there will be no one left to be blamed for the the woes of this Country. Think about it, no Republicans, no where to place the blame.

Albondigas wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:20 PM:I think McCain is right, it's not important how long we are in Iraq. It just matters how many casulaties we have while we are there. Same goes for the recession, medical costs, drug wars, oil drilling. As long as we don't have casualties we can just ride our problems out. What me worry?

John wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:25 PM:I agree with Beth to a point. Yes both parties are manipulating us - but the republicans have really taken it down to a new level. I know we can't count on them for much. My congressman, Darrell Issa is so busy bitterly fighting the partisan civil war, he has lost sight of what it means to be an American. I'm hopeful that the democrats will be more accountable to the electorate. At least they can't lie as well as the repubs.

Beth wrote on Jun 12, 2008 6:28 PM:She says: Folks, both parties are screwing us, and the demotaxocrats are doing it to us harder. Believe me honey, having an elephant riding you is much worse than a donkey.

Barack Democrats are Socialists wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:18 PM:This country is going socialist and the democrats are the ones pushing us there.Barack Obama is a socialist, a far left liberal socialist who wants 50% or more of all the money you save up working all your life to go to the government instead of your children. He wants "CHANGE" but won't say what that change is-well all change isn't necessarily good. Obama wants 31 new taxes that will make our lives harder as he redistributes "wealth", YOUR wealth to people who didn't earn it.The Redistribution of wealth, as Karl Marx who founded communism said is "From each according to their ability to pay, to each according to their need" and that's the agenda of the democrats these days. How many of us really want to go to work every day to fund all these democrat give-aways that result in bloated government, waste, government funded programs designed to benefit illegal aliens who should be rooted out and deported instead being pampered by our elected officials with education for their children, free health care, access to scholarships, free lunches and breakfast at school, in-state tuition breaks, special academic programs that favor them over citizens' children to get them into college, $450 a month support for every baby illegals have on US soil, endless low income housing programs that drive up the cost of market rate housing, bail-outs for the crooked mortgage companies, and all the other messes and social experiments the democrats make on our dime? I for one am tired of the social engineering of the democrats. I want small efficient government that respects the constitution and isn't constantly eyeballing my paycheck as if it were their spending money.

Red n Blue wrote on Jun 12, 2008 9:51 PM:Both parties are lame and the same except one is socialist (Blue?) and the other is greedy capitalists. Our country was founded on the principle of liberty, freedom and individualism which neither party supports. Real change will be when neither one of those parties are in power.

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 13, 2008 9:45 AM:"Barack Democrats are Socialists" hit it right on the head. The Democrats are all about social programs and wealth redistribution, period. I worked very hard to get where I'm at in life only to be straddled with the notion that more of my tax dollars will be taken away to fund all the socialized medical, and big-government give-aways to those who don't deserve anything. Obama is one of the most junior senators and hasn't even completed his first term, has the most liberal policies plans, and has exhibited extremely poor judgement in his choice of friends, colleagues, pastors, and associates. You have to be joking me, this is the best candidate the Democrats have to offer? And expects to be our commander-in-chief? He's a snake-oil salesman, leading the lemmings to the sea. I see through this guy like a cheap suit, and hopefully other do too.

This is getting tiresome wrote on Jun 13, 2008 11:22 AM:Where exactly do you get your "facts", Greg and Barack Dems are Socialists? Directly from the Limbaugh letter? You guys couldn't come up with a complete independent thought if your sad, bitter lives depended on it. Contrary to what you might think, prudent fiscal policy is very important to me. That's why I keep telling you that Bill Clinton was the last president to balance the budget. We need more thinking like his to get spending down and lower taxes on those who can least afford it. Anyway, enjoy the next 4 years. You guys should be thanking your lucky stars beacause you could have ended up with Hillary as president...now wouldn't THAT have been your worst nightmare!!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jun 13, 2008 6:53 PM:It isn't rocket science how liberals (aka Democrats) view the world versus those of us who typically vote Republican. Sure a lot of us (Republican and Democrat) who enjoy a comfortable life have done so on our own merit, hard work, and persistence and didn't rely on governmental assistance. Times were tough for many of us who are now successful, but we didn't stand there expecting the government to carry our load. This is one of the many reasons people like myself have a hard time with the Democrats' agenda and vote Republican. Sure, there have been a few partisan Democrats that are worth looking at, but most are trying to build big government and social programs and assistance, employ social engineering experiments, all paid for by the hardworking taxpayer. They push for things like socialized medicine, amnesty for illegal aliens, want to regulations for everything, and continue to bash this country. People ask in this forum 'what is my definition of a liberal?' Well, if you don't know by now the internet is a great tool to answer your question. As a Republican here in San Diego, I'm thoroughly fed up with illegal immigration, which is directly connected to the degradation of our quality of life, from the crime we see each and every day to problems in our schools with enormous resources being devoted to ESL students and immigrants' children. What about our children? Hospitals in the central valley are completely overwhelmed by the hordes of illegal aliens who have pushed hospitals to the brink of financial collapse. I'm in favor of securing our entire border with an impenetrable wall and fence, doubling the Border Patrol. I'm against any form of amnesty and want employer sanctions and fines for employing illegal aliens who falsify SSN's. I want a reliable system for employers to verify SSN's to help weed out those falsifying our identities to get jobs. I want Section 1 of the 14th Amendment addressed to not guarantee citizenship to babies born to illegal aliens. I want judges to be tough on crime and apply the strictest penalties on criminals. We have approximately 174,000 inmates in California's prisons, with a significant number of those illegal aliens. I want our schools improved and teacher's to have resources to teach OUR children. I want the other issues that put emphasis on retaining and improving our quality of life, but I don't want legislation that restricts growth and innovation. I want a strong national defense, but it seems Democrats are ignoring this very important issue important to many Americans. California is one of the most litigious states in the country with a myriad of laws and regulations that are pushing businesses out. We desperately need tort reform. Most of these problems were caused by the Democrats, not Republicans. Aside from the laws we have protecting us and our liberties, I don’t feel it's the governments job to tell me what I can and cannot do. Fortunately, San Diego has been a bastion for Republicans, and I hope it stays this way because I don't want any kind of "change" Democrats are touting because I fear it's only going to benefit those who don't deserve it.

Democrat Robert wrote on Jun 16, 2008 8:13 AM:Rep Bilbray is a glimmer of light in and otherwise depressing list of candidates. If you dont care for a democratic congress can you even imagine life with a democratic congress and democratic president? Now there is a real socialist horror story!!!