The 2008 election phrase “Yes We Can” is what caught many voters attention nearly two years ago.

For the Democrats the recent election started off rocky, ending in disappointment and at least 60 seats gained by Republicans.

“If Democrats had done like they did in 2008 then things would have been different for this election,” said Scot Schraufnagel, political science assistant professor. “The explanation for Republican success was the voter turnout.”

The takeover by Republicans is the largest from either party since Democrats added 75 seats in 1948.

“The election was really dramatic,” said Barbara Burrell, associate professor political science. “It was only focusing on the Republican takeover of the U.S. and how many Democrats lost.”

Michael Clark, political science assistant professor, said the state of the economy was a driving factor in the Republicans success.

“The election reflected the frustration of people with the economy, that’s why it became the product of what many Democrats didn’t want,” Clark said. “The Obama administration didn’t do enough to fuel or convince people their plan was good this election. They just weren’t proactive.”

Burrell said the Democrats didn’t do enough to show the voters what they had done prior to Election Day.

“It was time for the Democrats to stand up and say we provided the stimulus of jobs, health care, etc, all the things that were really historic, but they didn’t,” Burrell said.

The Republicans, however, have a lot to live up to after this previous election, Burrell said.

“The Republicans don’t tell us what they will do and it is unknown whether they will change the previous measures,” Burrell said. “Possible changes to come are unpredictable but many depend on the president to do everything.”