by Ravi Embar

Created on: June 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

Politicians from both mainstream political parties can expect to receive the support from their core base of supporters.  However there is a large section of the electorate that can shift their support to either party or to a viable independent candidate in the right setting and based on a combination of factors like the economy, the real estate slump, jobs, health care, and the ongoing military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The state of the economy and the issue of jobs is one of the primary concerns.  There has been an increase of several hundred thousand in the number of jobs generated but it was still less than forecast.  The jobless rate dropped from 9.9 to 9.7 percent but this does not take into account the number of people who are without jobs but have stopped looking for work.

The real estate slump is another area of concern.  Real estate prices grew steadily higher over the last decade and encouraged many persons to take up careers as realtors.  The real estate market is now facing an extended slump as a recovery is not expected in the foreseeable future and droves of real estate agents are not renewing their real estate licenses.

Health care reform has been a hot button issue as commentators on both sides of the divide stand by their points of view.  How beneficial the change to healthcare will be to the average person in the long term remains to be seen

The success of the ongoing military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be important as the election draws near.  The number of casualties of the soldiers and of the civilian population will have a direct bearing on political debates.    

The reality is that it is not possible for the candidates of mainstream political parties, to avoid associating with or receiving the contributions from special interests and lobby groups, either directly or through their surrogates. Some candidates may state that their campaigns will not accept contributions from lobby groups but the amount of donations received will be a factor in determining how a section of the electorate will cast its vote. 

In the next general election phase, it remains to be seen if this will signal the green light for third party candidates to enter the election fray, bring with them their extensive experience, political independence and innovative perspectives. The electorate can then vote for qualified candidates, injecting real change of dynamic dimensions, not merely cosmetic complexions, into the political process.

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