Changing parties

Republicans are heartened by winning governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey, where President Barack Obama campaigned on behalf of Democrats R. Creigh Deeds and Gov. Jon Corzine, respectively.

Mr. Deeds fell to Republican Bob McDonnell in Virginia and New Jersey Gov. Corzine could not withstand the challenge from Republican Chris Christie in a three-way race.

Figuring prominently in both races were independents, and it was just such voters President Obama had in mind when he personally campaigned for the Democratic candidates in the Old Dominion and Garden states.

Unfortunately for Democrats and President Obama, independents favored the Republicans in both states by nearly a 2-1 margin, according to exit polls.

Virginia's Gov. Tim Kaine, who is chairman of the Democratic National Committee and stepping down due to term limits, expressed his disappointment at the party losing the governor's office. But failure to mobilize younger voters who voted for Mr. Obama was one problem. Economy and jobs dominated the discussion of issues in Virginia, where the recession has taken its toll.

In New Jersey, Mr. Corzine fell to low approval ratings and an electorate angry about high property taxes and weary of New Jersey's lingering political corruption.

At the very least, the GOP victories show that the political climate is fluid. Independent voters in both states helped President Obama get elected, but many opted for the Republican in these races. And the president could not help the Democratic cause.