A New York Times/CBS News poll released Wednesday, which found that just 29 percent of Americans approve President Bush's is management of the Iraq war, has increased chatter among Democrats on a plan to switch current war policy if they clench the election this Tuesday.
National Impact
""At a minimum, the Bush administration will not be able to just run ragged with this Iraq policy,"" said U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis. ""I think Congress is going be really interested in [a timetable] for withdrawal.""
However, some analysts say even if a Democrat-controlled House did emerge, there is no guarantee of ideals becoming policy.
Political science professor David Downs said a Democratic House might be able to monitor the Bush administration's policies closely.
Meanwhile, Downs said Bush's veto power would mean stop anything drastic the House might try to do.
""There's really not too much they can do in the way of changing policy on their own,"" he said. ""Where you will see some change will be on more aggressive oversight on both the war on terror and the war in Iraq, there'll be much more serious investigations into things like domestic surveillance.""
Wisconsin's Influence
Locally, public discontent with current war policy may be determined if Wisconsin elects Democratic candidates to the House.
A Majority Watch Poll conducted by RT Strategies and Constituent Dynamics between October 24-26, shows that the Democrat Steve Kagen holds a slight 51-45 majority over his Republican competitor, John Gard in the race for Wisconsin's 8th district in U.S. Congress.
In an effort to formally emphasize the Iraq war as a key issue for the election, an advisory referendum that call for the removal of American troops from Iraq has been added to the ballots in some Wisconsin communities, including Milwaukee and Middleton.
Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Joe Wineke said the passing of the referendums would inspire action into many state politicians, which could then lead to national recognition.
""I think that it gives them more spine,"" Wineke said. ""If a number of referendums pass that say the people want a different course of action I think it will start affecting people like Congressmen Petri and Ryan.""
