NE-02: Turning Blue

[ccharles000]

Here's some good news from Nebraska: there are now more registered Democrats than Republicans in Douglas County (Omaha) for the first time since 1994. Incidentally, 1994 was the last year that the Omaha-based 2nd District had a Democratic representative in the House.
The raw numbers: there are now 125,602 Democrats to 122,955 Republicans in Douglas County (the entirety of which is in the 2nd Congressional District, currently held by GOP Rep. Lee Terry). That's a big change from the start of the year, when Republicans held a 122,140 to 110,016 advantage. And it seems like this new energy is translating into a sizable early voting edge for Dems in Douglas County -- where almost 50% of the early votes have been from registered Democrats, while only 36% have been from registered Republicans.

Now, this advantage isn't going to hold though until election day, and Douglas isn't the only county in the 2nd Congressional District (although, with about 80% of its population, it is certainly the most important) -- there's also Sarpy, a more conservative-leaning county that gave Terry a 26-point edge in 2006. But these numbers are another good sign that Democrat Jim Esch has a fighting chance to take this seat.

http://swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do;jsessionid=CB94153943C102F698A9FA19FF70DD81?diaryId=3643

[kansasblue]

1. I undertstand that the GOP has pulled out of NE-2.

I'll try to find a link.

Sounds like we might have a Dem from NE.

[NEDem]

2. Nope, the rncc are pumping more money in.

The story yesterday was a bit misleading.

They are running an ad now bringing up the dem candidate's dui from 7 or 8 years ago. really sleazy stuff.

[rurallib]

3. wife used to have relations in Sarpy county

lord they were assholes.

[ccharles000]

4. kick

[OmahaBlueDog]

5. The last poll I saw for NE-2 was Obama down 2 and Esch down 1

But early voting has been really popular and I think that's driven by new registrants.

I'm hoping some of the McSame supporters decide to blow this one off