Bill Wichterman’s commentary was featured in a Fox News article about how upcoming elections could serve as a barometer for public perception on the government funding lapse and shutdown.
Bill said the two parties seem entrenched in their positions with no signs of blinking anytime soon. Having seen past shutdown conflicts up close as a policy advisor to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and a chief of staff for other offices, he believes the election results would have to look dramatic to change the resolve of lawmakers.
"Let’s say it’s normally a 5-point win, and it turns out to be a 15-point win," Bill said, speaking to the possibility of a Democrat winning in both races. "Yeah, that will get people’s attention. But if it’s like a normal 5-point win, whatever the norm is, I don’t think Republicans will look at that as alarming."
In the aftermath of a presidential election, Bill said a good performance by the minority party isn't particularly surprising; that would fit the historical trend for how the public reacts to a new president of either party.
"A Democratic win in those two states? Does that freak out Republicans? No, they’re both blue states," Bill said.
But if Republican gubernatorial candidates can pull upsets, Bill believes that changes things. "I think Democrats would look at that and say, ‘My gosh, we’re not doing well. What’s going on here?' That would be disruptive."
Bill believes that another way that the election could tip the scales for the shutdown is how the White House reacts. Even if lawmakers in Congress stay put after the election, President Donald Trump’s direction over government funding could force a change in position for lawmakers.
"I think Democrats have been waiting for Trump to crack [on the shutdown]," Bill said. "And he’s not. I’ve been in lots of shutdown fights starting back in ‘95. I know what it feels like when you’re part of a party that’s taking on water. Doesn’t feel that way on the Republican side yet."
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