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2006 Midterm Elections

The 2006 US Elections was the Gore Administration's last real grab for more power and influence since it was likely that after 16 years of dominance, the White House would swing back to the Republicans. At the same time, the possibility of contiued Democratic governance was not as low as people thought given how there were not very many Republican contenders with their only saving grace being that the Democrats also lacked a strong candidate, at least one bold enough to go forth and tyr and really get a victory. Some speculation was that Senator Barack Obama would try though he figured it would be more sensible to remain a senator. However, some believed that Hilliary Clinton meanwhile may run. However, the speculations remain purely that and Al Gore has been quiet on the upcoming 2008 elections regarding candidates though some believe he may not be willing to back up Hilliary Clinton in her election bid. Some have noted that Gore's exclusion of Clinton in his 2000 contributed to his near-loss. However, speaking of close tallies. The 2006 Midterm Elections were also notable for one major factor.

The ruling on gerrymandering.

Back in 2004, a trial was brought to the Supreme Court, that of Vieth v. Jubelireri in regards to gerrymandering distracts for political purposes. However, due to the ongoing investigations regarding the Exxon-Mobil Scandal along with other issues, the case was put on hold until much later in 2005. By that point though, the Court was now firmly more influenced with several picks by Al Gore for Supreme Justices. Namely on the constitutionality of political gerrymandering. Both parties were guilty of doing the practice and Gore had noted that the practice made a mockery of the election system. He would even help establish a PBS short special on how the process works and it would also be noted for being one of the early hits on Youtube, due to PBS making it available there on their official channel along other media websites. As such, the decision that decided that political gerrymandering was unconsitutional was largely warmly received by the population though the various political parties were a lot more concerned. As such, questions were put in on how districts should be drawn and on the politicians who were afraid of losing their influence. However, the deal made it out meant that politicians who were brazen enough to try and call it out would have their comments interpreted as advocating for a crooked system to make things easier for them. The infamous Texas congressional case was brought back up to mind there.

The solution came from an idea mulled over from the digital cabinet of President Gore. The idea being redrawn congressional districts made done by a computer program to draw them out based on population and compactness. The program itself was made out of public 2005 census data and run on computers with no access to the internet. However, problems still arised on whether the program itself could be made public since there were security risks while proponents noted that it would make it easy for people to check up ahainst it and if everyone could see it, it would make it harder for people to try and take advantage. Ultimately, the new congressional districts would be put into place for the 2008 elections, in order to provide ampel time for the districts to be redrawn. Unsurprisingly, there were plenty of challenges to the ruling, but the political atmosphere made it a uphill battle to justify it.

Another large contribution was the usage of free broadcast time for politicians. Candidates would rely on public broadcast for their advertisements instead on relying on corporate donations to make ads in hoping to make it fair. Granted, that did not stop several loopholes, though there were several plans to address and other election security measures, such as dealing with the 501 and especially the 507 groups. More and more measures were being considered and those supporting it were given favorable light in the audience and media, such as Senator McCain, who many speculate would run for the Republican primaries.

Regardless, 2006 unsurprisingly saw the Democrats increase their holds in the Senate and the House. While it was greater majority, it was not enough for a supermajority in either case though many moderates on both sides were becoming more cooperative, especially with gerrymandering ending, it meant that compromise would grow to be the common option to deal with. Evident was in how several long-time senators and house members would meet defeat. Overall though, there was a growing sense of optimism and hope as people hoped the spirit of cooperation would continue on in the election. Overall, the greater gains does mean Gore's final years would enable to pass more bills though many have noted the cracks were showing regarding the various factions and their agendas...