They have also signaled that conservative arguments on many of these issues are losing their resonance nationally, and that the Republican pool of potential voters is shrinking while the Democratic pool expands.
Three accelerometers failed (0.4% of 714 issues) and 45 (6.3% of 714 issues) were lost in distribution and return, which would cost approximately £9,000 US$14,0000) to replace.
Once the spin began, the issue was lost.
It was hard to find vocal opponents in the vibrant demonstration outside the Supreme Court, and Rush Limbaugh conceded, "This issue is lost".
King had earlier told the hearing the government also had to be made to take action now, before momentum on the issue was lost, or overtaken by another cause.
By contrast, a constitutional referendum in 2007, which included this issue, was lost because it was proposed along with more than 60 other measures – many of which were not understood, let alone supported, by the majority.
"It's a rule in American politics," said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass)., "that whichever side denounces the other for politicizing the issue is losing the argument". Bingo.
Since he took office in 2001, foreign-policy ventures have given Mr Koizumi some of his biggest bounces in the polls: especially a pair of trips to North Korea, in 2002 and earlier this year.The North Korea issue is losing some of its punch, however.
Mr Loughton said the Savile case and cases of gangs sexually exploiting children had given the issue its highest ever media profile, but the issue was losing out to other priorities in the Department for Education, which also has overall responsibility for children in general.
Here's one theory: The issue is losing its resonance, even among Republicans.
