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Born at the Crest of the Empire

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Election '06

It's Broder, so it's a recitation of the "conventional wisdom." That doesn't mean it's right, but it's the current "centrist" comprehension.
Facing the most difficult political environment since they took control of Congress in 1994, Republicans begin the final two months of the midterm campaign in growing danger of losing the House while fighting to preserve at best a slim majority in the Senate, according to strategists and officials in both parties.

Over the summer, the political battlefield has expanded well beyond the roughly 20 GOP House seats originally thought to be vulnerable. Now some Republicans concede there may be almost twice as many districts from which Democrats could wrest the 15 additional seats they need to take control.

4 Comments:

  • I'd rather the CW be "Republicans are going to lose the House and many governorships and barely hold on to the Senate" than "Democrats had the best chance to take back the House and Senate from Republicans this year than they have had in years, but Democratic sniping, infighting and fundraising problems have blown the opportunity for them."

    On the other hand, You can see the sniping in the GOP already and they haven't even lost yet. Did you see the Rutenberg/Nagourney article in the Times today? It says nobody listens to Rove's '06 strategy anymore. With the problems in Iraq, the problems w/ the economy and the preznit in the mid 30's, Republicans are running away from Rove/Bush, not toward them. The only thing the WH still does for them is raise money (not an inconsiderable thing, of course.) Other than that, nobody wants to hear from Rove.

    Ironic, huh? Remember when Rove's attorney informed the world that Rove was not going to be indicted by Fitz in the CIA leak case and republicans the nation over celebrated because that meant that Rove would be free to run the '06 midterms?

    By Blogger Reality-Based Educator, at 9:28 AM  

  • I'm hopeful for the Senate as well. I'm pretty sure, without looking it up, that Democrats only need a net gain of six seats.

    By Blogger Chuck, at 9:29 AM  

  • Reality based, The Republicans do have the look of a losing team long before the seasons over. I've seen alot of the sniping as well, and I did see the Rove article, although I'm somewhat put off by all the mentions elsewhere of his gay relative. I think that's tasteless.

    I think you're reading the connection right. Their strength for years has been blind unity under the "benevolent" leadership of the national party. It's amazing how that structure is breaking down under stress.

    I honestly believe that if they stood firm together, they might hold the Congress. At least it's their best chance. The problem is to do that they need Congressman who are willing to give up their seats for the national strategy, and the discipline has broken down.

    Chuck, the gossip/rumor I've been reading is that the Republicans are going to try to hold the Senate by winning two of the three elections in Ohio, Missouri, and Tennessee. They're going to pour a ton of resources into thos races.

    Right now, polling has Repub incumbent Talent losing in Missouri, Repub incumbent Dewine losing in Ohio, and Dem Ford losing for Frist's open seat. All three are close races. Two either way probably decides control of the Senate.

    (I do hope Ford wins, I really like that guy. He's got good energy, but he is punching above his weight.)

    Mike

    By Blogger mikevotes, at 12:54 PM  

  • By Blogger Unknown, at 2:12 AM  

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