"Even as the economy continues to improve, the feuding parties will work to influence voters' perceptions about it." And the GOP will continue to lie over and over about all aspects.

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U.S. politics shift out of midterm mode in 2015, but 2014 issues remain
By Associated Press, January 5, 2015

The year 2014 turned to 2015 with a fierce flip of the page, at least when it comes to national politics.

The last year was dominated by a midterm election that proved to be an extravaganza for Republicans, who won control of the Senate and expanded their lock on the House. This year opens the next presidential contest, and Republicans are likely to have a much harder path to success.

That is because we have become a nation divided, and a vastly different group of people shows up for off-year elections than those who vote in presidential elections.

The electorate that voted in November -- in big races held in predominantly red states, giving Republicans another advantage -- was older, more white and more conservative than the electorate that will begin sizing up presidential candidates this year for the 2016 election. That one will be younger and more diverse, if history is any guide.

Attitudinally, midterm elections are opportunities to slap down leaders who voters believe have done too much, or not done enough.

Presidential elections, particularly incumbent-free ones like 2016, are less a referendum than a choice between two new options.

Still, there is a link between the two campaigns, and it centers on two perennial political issues that were in play in 2014 and will be again in 2015. One is the argument over the size of government and the tactics used to shrink it. The other is voters' gut-level sense of economic well-being.

In 2014, Iowa was a perfect test tube for both -- just as it will be, in 2015, the testing ground for presidential candidates.

The state's marquee race in 2014 was for an open Senate seat, long held by retiring Democrat Tom Harkin. The Republican nominee was Joni Ernst, a state senator who gave herself national pizazz with her first big and [i.e., ad].

"I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm, so when I get to Washington I'll know how to cut pork," she said in the ad. Its kicker: "Let's make 'em squeal."

Ernst's comment went directly to the GOP's argument for smaller government, a theme that ran through most of the races in November. That sentiment, along with concern over the economy, will surface over and over again in 2015.

Even as the economy continues to improve, the feuding parties will work to influence voters' perceptions about it.
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