Independent voters big for GOP; Democrats keep black vote - By Aaron Blake, The Hill
A big share of independent voters on Tuesday has Republicans optimistic about 2010, but some resiliency in the African-American vote could stunt their gains.
Exit polling data from the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia show independents going two-to-one for the Republican governors-elect in both states. Independents will be key to Republican efforts to regain their majorities, as the bloc has trended toward Democrats in recent years.
Sixty percent of independents preferred New Jersey Gov.-elect Chris Christie (R), compared to 30 percent for Gov. Jon Corzine (D), and they picked Virginia Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R) 66-33 over Democrat Creigh Deeds.
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Blacks vote Democrat. They're paid to. Independents going Republican? That's big.
This piece gives a perspective to the significance of the elections:
Virginia, New Jersey Races Showing Voters Changing Course
By Michael Barone
Independent voters big for GOP; Democrats keep black vote
