Such a low turnout makes the outcome more vulnerable to unpredictable factors such as bad weather , a campaign misstep or crossover voting -- in this case , Democrats who may have voted for tea party-backed David Brat in an effort to oust Cantor , the seven-term congressman considered a possible future House Speaker . Low turnout in congressional elections can cause surprises . Public distaste for Congress can mean fewer votes in November . CNN 's Holland : Beware of aggregate ##s . ` ` All politics is local , '' as former House Speaker Tip O'Neill said .
Low turnout in congressional elections can cause surprises . Public distaste for Congress can mean fewer votes in November . CNN 's Holland : Beware of aggregate ##s . ` ` All politics is local , '' as former House Speaker Tip O'Neill said .