LOSING INDEPENDENTS: "Perhaps most troubling for Mr. Obama and the Democrats is that independents are souring on them. That bloc backed Democrats in 2006 and 2008. Now, by a nearly 2 to 1 margin, independents said they would prefer Republicans to control Congress after November. Still, distaste for Democrats isn't translating into more love for the GOP. Just 30% of voters felt positively about the Republican Party, compared with 39% for the Democratic Party."

There is still time for the Republicans to peel off the independents, but only if they get aboard the Tea Party Express before it leaves the station. Contrary to media assertions, the "teabaggers" are not "racist rednecks", but moderates of both major parties concerned about the direction the Obama administration is taking.