People really are pissed with Republicans about the budget, the worn-out state of our military, the economy, the wars, failing to get Osama, etc. That feeds into everything that they want to accomplish this year. It's a drag against every candidate. It makes it harder to raise campaign money. It makes it harder to get volunteers.

An exciting presidential candidate and campaign could have overcome some of the problems. Attracting money and volunteers. And attracting Republicans to the polls to vote for local candidates. Or if the local Republican candidates are exciting, they could aid the party presidential candidate. The synergy doesn't seem to be happening.