Dissatisfaction with President Obama is hurting Democrats' chances in two House special elections that will take place on Tuesday.In a Democratic-leaning New York City seat previously held by Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, some prominent local Democrats have endorsed Republican Bob Turner because of Obama's handling of Israel, while Democrat David Weprin has sought distance from the president.
In a GOP-leaning Nevada district left vacant when Dean Heller was appointed to the Senate, Republicans are using Obama as a cudgel against Democratic candidate Kate Marshall, featuring him in all of their ads while mostly ignoring her.
Many Democratic strategists are privately blaming Obama for their party's difficulties in both districts and worry that if his numbers don't improve he could hurt their chances at retaking the House in 2012.
"The whole national debate has moved away from what the Republicans have done with Medicare to the national dialogue that the president hasn't been able to talk about the economy effectively and that hurts congressional Democrats," said one top Democratic strategist who asked not to be named so he could speak candidly.
"It certainly hurts both of them and took Nevada out of contention."
The Democratic candidates in both special elections have tried to distance themselves from Obama.
In New York, Weprin said that he would "probably" support Obama's reelection but "absolutely" disagrees with the president's policy towards Israel. Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, a Democrat who has endorsed candidates of both parties in the past, is backing Turner because he believes Obama needs to be sent a message on Israel.
How many more dems will jump off the Obama ship before 2012?