The meaning of "All Politics is Local"

ILLUSTRATED: "All Politics is Local" refers to the motivations of politicians, not voters.
That phrase is the most misunderstood and misused phrase in politics. Tip O’Neill, the former Speaker of the House, coined the phrase. “Politics” refers to the concerns of the elected officials, not the concerns of the voters. The principle is that the thinking and actions people in power are generally limited to the interests of their power base. That can refer to legislators who represent different districts as well as to office politics among the various department heads in a company.
Many have bastardized the phrase to mean that voters only vote on local issues. Some do, others vote on Iraq or Vietnam.

Democrats, we have already had a good year

ILLUSTRATED: Expanding the playing field means more Americans are getting a real debate, and hearing our message about governing in the public interest.
The are entire swaths of America that have been overlooked by Presidential and Congressional campaigns. These areas are generally dominated by right wing media, and a mainstream media that uses right wing frames.
Now there is a real deliberation going on in town halls, talk radio, and especially people's doorsteps. A new way of thinking. The fact that there are dozens of competitive races means that there is a fertile ground ground for the Democratic nominees for President in the near future.
So, no matter how well we do on Tuesday night, we will have had a good 2006.
In the next four days, go meet your neighbors and tell them our message.