ELECTIONS: The Democrats Pre-Empt the Middle

Though last week's elections were by and large a Democratic sweep, the victories were not clearly a Watergate windfall. Democrats won in a number of races because the Democratic Party was simply recovering its normal strength among the electorate after the McGovern debacle of 1972. The party picked up the governorship in New Jersey and took control of both houses of the state legislature. Democratic mayors were elected in New York, Minneapolis and Louisville, and black Democrats took over city hall in Detroit, Raleigh, N.C., and Dayton. Democrats swept municipal elections in Connecticut and Kentucky.

In almost every race, local...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!