If we win a number of House seats...?

[kentuck]

Would that reflect positively in the Presidential race? In other words, if we get a lot of votes out in the Congressional districts, will they most likely vote for the Democratic candidate? Is it a mistake to focus so much on one man, George W Bush, and not enough on the House seats? And isn't that really the best way to defeat Dubya - by turning out the votes for the Congress? If we win back the House, what are the chances of Dubya remaining in the White House? After all the bad legislation and lack of legislation enacted by this Republican Congress, is it wise to not run against them? Or is it better to focus on one man, George W Bush?

[salinen]

1. Can't we do both?

[Dagaz]

2. One word - redistricting

we're hosed in the house

[kentuck]

3. How many seats did the Repubs win in '94?

I don't think things have changed so much that that could not happen again? It mostly depends on the Repubs turnout because I have hopes that the Democrats will turn out in significant force next election.

[BOHICA06]

5. '94 was sorta different....

If I remember right 94 was different because of three reasons:

1. It was the last opportunity for Representatives to retire and still use their left over campaign coffers for personal use ... so a bunch retired for the gain.

2. It was just after the House Banking scandal - now the scandal was equal opportunity, but there were more Democrats in the House so the proportion of shared blame fell on them - Tom Foley wasn't much help and was even turned out in the same election.

3. With the Bank scandal and the Health Care colapse - it was the first victory for the growing right-wing radio talk hosts - particularly Rush.

Since then the number of House seats really in play is hardly ever more then 2 dozen - in 94 it was well over 100.

[kentuck]

6. All 435 seats are in play if....

there is a low turnout of one Party and a large turnout of the other Party. If the status quo was represented in the vote totals, you would probably be correct, there would be about 2 dozen seats in play. I don't think the Repubs are as enthused about Dubya as the media portrays or as Tom Delay might think...just my opinion.

[newyawker99]

7. Hi BOHICA04!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[KharmaTrain]

4. The House Is As Important As The Executive

Without the House, any Democrat will face the same shit that Clinton did with an obstructionist house (especially if DeLay is still Comissar) and endless investigations and "inquiries"...guaranteed.

Without the House, RoveCo can continue to operate as if they have a mandate, as they have the past 2 years, and go about their pillaging and corrupting unimpeded...if anything excellerated as the House will continue to pass out bills either reversing decades of hard-fought rights or special protection for their rich and powerful.

Either way, without focusing on winning House races, any Democratic victory for President will be only half a loaf. And forget any immediate turnaround, such as a quick resolution to the Iraq mess or the economy.

To those who don't think House races are important (and that includes many in the DNC), think again...our real hell has been ongoing since the Contract On America in '94.

The only way the Democrats regain a majority status in this nation is to control two if not all three branches of the legislature.