This Week on IVN: The Political Landscape

Published: 12 Nov, 2012

2 min read

With the 2012 election finally behind us, we all witnessed how divisive and partisan our political culture has gotten. Diversity of opinion is a defining and essential characteristic of democracy, but it does not have to divide us. This week on IVN, we will pay special attention to the new make-up of our political landscape and its implications on America's evolving political culture.

100 Ways Republicans Are Just Like Democrats

While there are certainly differences between Democrats and Republicans, here are 100 ways Republicans are just like Democrats.

20 Democratic US Senators Face Re-Election in 2014

Every two years approximately one-third of all US Senators are up for re-election. These 20 Democratic US Senators face re-election in 2014.

13 Republican US Senators Face Re-Election in 2014

Every two years approximately one-third of the US Senate is up for re-election. The following 13 Republican US Senators face re-election in 2014.

President Obama Wins Florida with the Independent Vote

Florida was the last state to be called, due in part to long lines at some polling locations and absentee ballots that needed.

Record Number of Women Elected to Congress in 2012

The 2012 election cycle saw a record number of women elected in Congress, with 20 Senators and at least 77 Representatives.

Other Stuff from Around the Network

Facebook Application

IVN.us announces the launch of the Drop Your Party Facebook App on Facebook to show Washington, DC where partisanship is not going to work anymore.With Congressional approval ratings hovering around 10 percent, it’s time we move past party labels and start electing those who are dedicated to developing lasting solutions, regardless of party affiliation. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, Greens, and everyone else is invited to ‘Drop Your Pin’ on the map of voters committed to independent-minded voting.

Contributor of the Week:Lillian Ewing

Industrious and enthusiastic professional with dual Master's Degrees in the life sciences and English in addition to a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Minnesota.Notable Posts:-Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Brought Before High Court -The Impact of Vote-by-Mail on California -Americans for Responsible Leadership Remains in the Shadows -Potential Prosecution of International Election Monitors in TX

Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.

Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?

The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...

11 Nov, 2025

8 min read

Utah Judge Delivers a Major Blow to Gerrymandering

A Utah state judge has struck down the congressional map drawn by Republican lawmakers, ruling that it violates the state’s voter-approved ban on partisan gerrymandering and ordering new district lines for the 2026 elections....

11 Nov, 2025

2 min read

5 Politicians Bucking Their Party on Gerrymandering

Across the country, both parties are weighing whether to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia are all in various stages of the action. Here are five politicians who have declined to support redistricting efforts promoted by their own parties....

31 Oct, 2025

4 min read