Why do less Democrats vote in "special elections" than Republicans? [View All]

[kentuck]

At least, for the last 20 years or so, I have noticed that is a trend. I have seen Republican Senators voted into office in special elections in states that were considered Democratic at the time, Wyche Fowleer of Georgia comes to mind in the 1980's, although Georgia was turning to the right after Jimmy Carter and Zell Miller were Governors. However, there have been special elections all across this nation and you will be hard-pressed to find where a Democrat has won under normal circumstances. Which brings us to the recent election in California between Bilbray and Busby. The Democratic "base" is less likely or less motivated or less informed, perhaps because of demographics, than the Republican Party. I think that was a big factor in the Bilbray/Busby race. Just my opinion.