In major flip, House Dems now represent richest regions

[alienlovechild 75]

Democratic members of the House of Representatives now represent most of the nation's wealthiest people, a sharp turnaround from the long-standing dominance that Republicans have held over affluent districts.

A USA TODAY analysis of new Census data found that Democrats represent a far different constituency today than they did in 2005, when they were the minority in the House, or in 1990, when they were the majority.

The Democratic-controlled House is now an unusual combination of the richest and poorest districts, the best and least educated, and the best and the worst insured. The analysis found that Democrats have attracted educated, affluent whites who had tended previously to vote Republican.

Democrats now represent 57% of the 4.8 million households that had incomes of $200,000 or more in 2008. In 2005, Republicans represented 55% of those affluent households.

"Democrats have made enormous gains in affluent, educated suburban districts," says Warren Glimpse, founder of Proximity, a firm that analyzes demographics. "What's not clear is whether this reflects a profound change or a temporary blip."

The Democrats' new coalition of extremes could cause friction on issues such as health care and tax policy because of Democratic proposals to raise taxes on affluent households.

"We're going to win back the hearts and minds of affluent voters when people see what the left-leaning Democrats do on health care and the economy," says Connecticut Republican Party Chairman Chris Healy. His state's three most affluent districts have flipped from Republican control to Democrats since 2006.

Ruy Teixeira of the liberal Center for American Progress disagrees: "The movement of professionals to the Democratic Party is a long-term realignment in American politics."

"The story is really education," says David Wasserman of the non-partisan Cook Political Report.He says "educated, wine-drinking Democrats" and poorer minority voters are an effective coalition because both groups are increasing in numbers. Even so, Wasserman expects Democrats to lose up to two dozen seats in the 2010 congressional elections, especially in poorer, white districts.

Democrats have virtually erased the historic wealth gap that has long defined the parties and their policies. The median household income of Democratic districts last year was just $1,180 less than in Republican districts, down from $6,793 in 1990.

Wasserman says Republicans have tended to appeal to affluent voters since the Roosevelt era in the 1930s and 1940s but recently have appealed more to Southern and rural voters, who often have lower incomes.

Key demographic findings:

• Education Democrats represent the top 10 and bottom 10 districts ranked by the percentage of people holding advanced degrees.

• Health insurance. Democrats represent the 10 districts with the highest levels of health coverage and nine of the 10 with the lowest.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/20...districts_N.htm

[alienlovechild 75]

Hmmm, no takers.

You'd think the Democrats, who used to represent the working class, would notice they they've lost those voters. The Democrats are now the party of the rich and the deadbeats and the highly educated and the drop outs.

[Danno 1,228]

This has never been more on disply than with our current President.

There is only one part of the economy that has seen any recovery..... the High Rollers on Wall street are

doing very well. while the rest of us are still waiting for all those "Shovel ready Jobs".

I really expected to see all this bridge repair and publics works projects to be going on all over the place.

Has anyone seen this wave of "job creation" in your area?

[scandal 951]

Hmmm, no takers.

You'd think the Democrats, who used to represent the working class, would notice they they've lost those voters. The Democrats are now the party of the rich and the deadbeats and the highly educated and the drop outs.

Huh? Did we read the same article? I saw this earlier today too, and just re-read it now in your posted article.

The article is all about the GAIN Democrats have made amongst affluent voters - at Republican expense.

Just where do you see anything about a loss of working-class voters?? Re-read please.

In my view, just an opinion of course, the GOP has so affiliated itself with conservative wedge issues that it has alienated a broad mainstream of the American electorate across social and economic lines. Rich or poor, the great center of the American voting public doesn't want extremist rhetoric from either side. Reagan and the "Big Tent" (Jack Kemp etc.) understood that. Newt Gingrich in the 90s and Bush 43 (and particularly Karl Rove) went against that model, reached for the jugular and attack politics. It was effective in gaining the minimalist electoral victories of 2000 and 2004, but the backlash is coming now as people are just sick of that kind of politics.

[scandal 951]

Has anyone seen this wave of "job creation" in your area?

Maybe you're just living in the wrong state. Here in Illinois we're not too proud to accept handouts. We take pride at being #1 in the handout-receiving category!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Paris Ervin (o. 217-558-0517; c. 217-836-7870)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Ashley Cross (o. 312-814-8193; c. 312-590-7811)

http://www.dot.il.gov/press/r081409.html

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Gets Top Rank for Implementation of Federal Recovery Dollars

Federal Highway Administration Touts Illinois Department of Transportation for Implementation of

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

CHICAGO – August 19, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois ranks among the top in the nation for the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). According to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data, Illinois ranks first among all states in the total expenditure of ARRA funds. To date, expenditures of ARRA funds in Illinois total $170,605,614, which is nearly triple the expenditures of the next highest state.

“Illinois is committed to spending federal recovery funds in a targeted, timely and transparent manner,” Governor Quinn said. “Today’s announcement is evidence of our hard work to make sure we are taking full advantage of the recovery program and getting the people of Illinois back to work.”

Expenditures are funds paid to the state by the FHWA to reimburse the Illinois Department of Transportation for the cost of constructing ARRA projects that are completed or currently under construction.

“We are very happy to hear Illinois is among the best in the nation for our efforts in implementing the federal recovery program,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication by many to quickly bring active construction to such a large number of projects, but we took on the challenge and successfully put construction crews back to work to help revive the state’s economy.”

The FHWA says amongst all states, Illinois also has the third highest number of ARRA projects obligated, ranks fourth for percentage of ARRA funds expended and ranks sixteenth in obligation of ARRA funds. Obligations represent the total expected cost of the projects either completed or under construction.

As a result of the federal stimulus package, 239 highway projects have been started and 45 completed, with $180 million paid out to contractors and consultants. To date, 268 highway contracts have been awarded totaling approximately $552 million.

Overall, Illinois ranks third in the nation overall for spending stimulus funds quickly. The ranking is based on the dollars spent as a percentage of dollars available to states.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn signed the $3 billion Jump Start Capital Plan and the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, both designed to help revive the state’s ailing economy and create and retain hundreds of thousands of jobs during the next six years.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

This has never been more on disply than with our current President.

There is only one part of the economy that has seen any recovery..... the High Rollers on Wall street are

doing very well. while the rest of us are still waiting for all those "Shovel ready Jobs".

I really expected to see all this bridge repair and publics works projects to be going on all over the place.

Has anyone seen this wave of "job creation" in your area?

Stimulus saved 26,000 school jobs in Florida

So says Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith, in a meeting with Gov. Charlie Crist today. “We've had great success in the rollout in these funds," Smith said, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. "One of the things it's done is stabilize our workforce.”

About 18,200 of those jobs were teaching positions, including 6,200 special education teachers. Smith said another 2,700 K-12 jobs were created.

As for the other projects - seems that the states are kind of slow translating the funds into projects which will ultimately create the jobs you're looking for. Down here, our GOP governor and his Stimulus Czar - yes, our GOP governor hired a Czar for this - just went on the record defending the pace of the funds being pulled down. And I actually agree with their approach.

[Danno 1,228]

Has anyone seen this wave of "job creation" in your area?

Maybe you're just living in the wrong state. Here in Illinois we're not too proud to accept handouts. We take pride at being #1 in the handout-receiving category!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Paris Ervin (o. 217-558-0517; c. 217-836-7870)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Ashley Cross (o. 312-814-8193; c. 312-590-7811)

http://www.dot.il.gov/press/r081409.html

Governor Quinn Announces Illinois Gets Top Rank for Implementation of Federal Recovery Dollars

Federal Highway Administration Touts Illinois Department of Transportation for Implementation of

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

CHICAGO – August 19, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois ranks among the top in the nation for the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). According to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data, Illinois ranks first among all states in the total expenditure of ARRA funds. To date, expenditures of ARRA funds in Illinois total $170,605,614, which is nearly triple the expenditures of the next highest state.

“Illinois is committed to spending federal recovery funds in a targeted, timely and transparent manner,” Governor Quinn said. “Today’s announcement is evidence of our hard work to make sure we are taking full advantage of the recovery program and getting the people of Illinois back to work.”

Expenditures are funds paid to the state by the FHWA to reimburse the Illinois Department of Transportation for the cost of constructing ARRA projects that are completed or currently under construction.

“We are very happy to hear Illinois is among the best in the nation for our efforts in implementing the federal recovery program,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication by many to quickly bring active construction to such a large number of projects, but we took on the challenge and successfully put construction crews back to work to help revive the state’s economy.”

The FHWA says amongst all states, Illinois also has the third highest number of ARRA projects obligated, ranks fourth for percentage of ARRA funds expended and ranks sixteenth in obligation of ARRA funds. Obligations represent the total expected cost of the projects either completed or under construction.

As a result of the federal stimulus package, 239 highway projects have been started and 45 completed, with $180 million paid out to contractors and consultants. To date, 268 highway contracts have been awarded totaling approximately $552 million.

Overall, Illinois ranks third in the nation overall for spending stimulus funds quickly. The ranking is based on the dollars spent as a percentage of dollars available to states.

Earlier this year, Governor Quinn signed the $3 billion Jump Start Capital Plan and the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! plan, both designed to help revive the state’s ailing economy and create and retain hundreds of thousands of jobs during the next six years.

Yeah we know all the money is swimming around, I hoped you would tell me about some projects you SAW going on.

The last time we saw this kind of money being blown by Washington to get us out of a depression, there were dams being built, national parks being created Electricity was Brought to areas that did not have it

again I ask... what are we getting for all this debt we have incurred?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Hmmm, no takers.

You'd think the Democrats, who used to represent the working class, would notice they they've lost those voters. The Democrats are now the party of the rich and the deadbeats and the highly educated and the drop outs.

Huh? Did we read the same article? I saw this earlier today too, and just re-read it now in your posted article.

The article is all about the GAIN Democrats have made amongst affluent voters - at Republican expense.

Just where do you see anything about a loss of working-class voters?? Re-read please.

In my view, just an opinion of course, the GOP has so affiliated itself with conservative wedge issues that it has alienated a broad mainstream of the American electorate across social and economic lines. Rich or poor, the great center of the American voting public doesn't want extremist rhetoric from either side. Reagan and the "Big Tent" (Jack Kemp etc.) understood that. Newt Gingrich in the 90s and Bush 43 (and particularly Karl Rove) went against that model, reached for the jugular and attack politics. It was effective in gaining the minimalist electoral victories of 2000 and 2004, but the backlash is coming now as people are just sick of that kind of politics.

Hit the nail right on the head.

[scandal 951]

Yeah we know all the money is swimming around, I hoped you would tell me about some projects you SAW going on.

The last time we saw this kind of money being blown by Washington to get us out of a depression, there were dams being built, national parks being created Electricity was Brought to areas that did not have it

again I ask... what are we getting for all this debt we have incurred?

You're quite right that the TVA and WPA and rural electrification were among the New Deal hallmark projects. You're bringing tears to my eyes, you old FDR-loving New Dealer, you! Who knew you were really such a soft-touch for progressive government involvement in American life??

I ride the Metra commuter rail in Chicago every day to get to work.

The track system on my line (the UP-W) is shared with Union Pacific, which runs freight trains along it.

There's a current capital improvement project to upgrade tracks and stations, which is being funded jointly by UP (a private corporation) and Metra (which is receiving federal stimulus funds). I see the orange cones and work crews out every morning as I ride the train into the city.

http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/about_m...alprojects.html

Union Pacific West Line Improvements: A public-private partnership between Union Pacific and Metra is aimed at improving Union Pacific West Line service and efficiency. Extensive track and signal upgrades as well as modifications to stations will greatly improve this integrated freight and commuter rail corridor. The cost of this joint effort is being shared equally.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I'm having a John Lennon moment...of imagining Right Wingers starting to openly admit that government has worked and can work. What a huge mountain we will have climbed over if we can actually argue for or against policies based on their own merit without the "government-can-do-nothing-right" collar on it.

What a farm, fuzzy feeling that is.

Edited October 14, 2009 by Col. 'Bat' Guano

[scandal 951]

I'm having a John Lennon moment...of imagining Right Wingers starting to openly admit that government has worked and can work. What a huge mountain we will have climbed over if we can actually argue for or against policies based on their own merit without the "government-can-do-nothing-right" collar on it.

What a farm, fuzzy feeling that is.

I would love to join you in that kumbayah moment Steve, but we both know how delusional that would be. The RWNs are what they are. They really can't help themselves, poor dears.

[alienlovechild 75]

You're quite right that the TVA and WPA and rural electrification were among the New Deal hallmark projects. You're bringing tears to my eyes, you old FDR-loving New Dealer, you! Who knew you were really such a soft-touch for progressive government involvement in American life??

That's not how you could characterize Obama's stimulus as you've been bamboozled like most the public. Only about $50 billion out of $787 billion went to transportation.

Just where do you see anything about a loss of working-class voters?? Re-read please.

Sorry had to do something still my poor post was ignored for hours. Historically, Democrats took pride in representing the middle class but lost middle income voters even in 2008.

Reagan and the "Big Tent" (Jack Kemp etc.) understood that. Newt Gingrich in the 90s and Bush 43 (and particularly Karl Rove) went against that model, reached for the jugular and attack politics. It was effective in gaining the minimalist electoral victories of 2000 and 2004, but the backlash is coming now as people are just sick of that kind of politics.

Revisionism as Reagan was seen by Democrats of his day as for the rich with trickle down economics. Also recall that Gingrich rode into power in getting control of the House when no one thought it was possible. Most of the backlash is coming as Obama has promised much and delivered little. Obama has been polarizing opinion faster than most presidents. If the economy limps along he's done.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Sorry had to do something still my poor post was ignored for hours. Historically, Democrats took pride in representing the middle class but lost middle income voters even in 2008.

Except that Obama won ever income level under $100k except for $50-$755k. I don't think the "middle class" in this country is only represented by that income band.

Edited October 15, 2009 by Trompe le Monde

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Sorry had to do something still my poor post was ignored for hours. Historically, Democrats took pride in representing the middle class but lost middle income voters even in 2008.

Except that Obama won ever income level under $100k except for $50-$755k. I don't think the "middle class" in this country is only represented by that income band.

Silence! You insolence will not be tolerated. Damn the facts.

[Heracles 417]

The republican way of thinking has some serious flaws.

• Lower taxes for the rich,
• Zero support for Americans.
• Zero investment in America.
• Zero regulation of capitalism but by God we better keep that bad government in check.
• Zero recognition of others doing something better. That is, to learn from them.
• Zero care factor about improving living conditions for the average Joe. Yes the guy who runs America or any other country. Find me a country where the average Joe is doing well and I bet the country is doing well. Find me a country where the average Joe is poor or no existent, I guarantee you the country is also poor.
• Using fear to block every 21st century change.
• Anti-federal anything

If you think any of the above attitudes is going to fix America, you are surely mistaken. That is what has brought America to where it is. Using Regan as some great example of progress is also foolish, as this is 2009 and not 1983. Totally different world and economy out there now. Furthermore, instead of belittling everyone else, why not learn from those like China that are clearly doing better than the US in so many areas. Their federal government is building and backing massive corporations that will soon be larger and wealthier than many US corporations. While they're doing that we still have repubs here saying government is bad and let the private sector do what they want.

Look around us, is the US anything to be proud of anymore? The infrastructure is at best second world. Now jump on google and check out Canada, which you mock. They absolutely destroy the US. Republicans are pissing against the wind to try make some sort of point. To try show we are Americans and we don't care what anyone else does. Unfortunately this attitude is now why the country is suffering so badly.

Rather than sailing against it, time to move into the 21st century.

Edited October 15, 2009 by Booyah!