Unhappiness with Democrats key to low turnout

In his explanation for the anemic turnout for the city's primary election, University of Baltimore public affairs professor Lenneal J. Henderson paints with too broad of a brush ("Election draws lowest turnout in history," Sept. 14).

The professor attributes it to "a cloud of pessimism that has descended on the electorate nationally."

The cloud appears to be much more selective than that, falling predominantly on liberal and progressive Democrats.

Victories on the same day by conservative Republicans in special Congressional elections in Nevada and, of all places, New York City, were due to heavy turnouts by impassioned voters (a significant number of whom, especially in New York, were registered Democrats) intent on reversing what they believe are destructive policies being stubbornly pursued by the current administration in Washington.

Next year's general election is shaping up to be an utter political bloodbath for the left.

Barry C. Steel, Phoenix