An article by Albert R. Hunt on Bloomberg.com suggests Democrats are very optimistic about their chances to win back
control
of the US House, slightly less so about the Senate. And Republicans quoted in the
article seem to agree. Key points: public anger, in the words of GOP pollster Bill McInturff, 'about Iraq, about gas prices, about health care' is driving Americans into the Democratic camp. The prospective Democratic gains are expected to be modified, however, by the effects of partisan redistricting in previous years. Article also explores key Democrats who will lead the House and chair committees if the party does win back control. Congressmen John Dingell of Michigan and Henry Waxman of California are
mentioned as potentially tough foes for the Bush administration in its final two years. While the Democrats expect to take back the lower body, their prospects for Senate control are portrayed as a good deal more muddled. Hunt explains that party strategists believe they have a good chance to knock off five Republican incumbents - one less than the six needed for control - but any other victory would be an upset.One factor also expected to help Democrats is the popularity of statewide tickets in regions with key congressional races. Hillary Clinton and Eliot Spitzer's large leads in the state of New York are mentioned. The article cautions, however, that Republicans have been known to close well in recent elections, and Democrats privately allude to the possibility of an 'October surprise' ie. an unexpected last-minute development that could aid GOP fortunes. If Democrats do seize either or both bodies of Congress, the article projects more stalemate on key issues between the President and Capitol Hill. The issues mentioned include taxes and Social Security reform. One key quote comes from Democratic commentator and former Bill Clinton aide James Carville: 'We have to go back to 1974
to find such a favorable environment.'This abstract was checked by WhiteSmoke Solution. Learn more .