Strategists say Democrats set to make gains in House (WashTimes)

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

Thought this was interesting coming from the WashTimes...

<snip>
Strategists say Democrats set to make gains in House
By Donald Lambro
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
September 16, 2005

A top elections analyst and Democratic strategists predict Democrats are poised to make significant gains in the House next year, perhaps half a dozen seats or more, but probably not enough to capture the chamber.

Independent election tracker Stuart Rothenberg said a sharp decline in Congress' job-approval polls and increased dissatisfaction with the country's direction have created negative "atmospherics" that could benefit Democrats.

"With President George W. Bush's job ratings battered by the war in Iraq, high gas prices and public dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, 2006 looks to be a golden opportunity for House Democrats," Mr. Rothenberg told clients this week in his political newsletter.

A growing chorus of pundits and Democratic strategists point to poll numbers, such as one this week by Newsweek, which says 38 percent of registered voters say they would vote for a Republican for Congress if the congressional elections were held today.

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050915-112917-1176r.htm

[deadparrot]

1. I don't know if they'll take it back,

but I think we'll definitely make gains.

And what was that article about OH losing up to six Republican House seats due to redistricting? I saw it last night...

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

4. Hmmm. Hadn't heard that about Ohio

:shrug: Maybe someone from Ohio will comment.

[deadparrot]

6. Ooh...found it...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4789718

I heart My Posts...

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

11. Thanks. Ohio could be a true blue state in 06...and 08! nt

[Lost-in-FL]

2. NO SHIT!!!

Are they doing this bad?? :evilgrin: :sarcasm: :woohoo:

[ray of light]

3. Washington Times? Sounds like wishful thinking on thier part!

The Democrats WILL take over and they're just hoping they can scare us from working our butts off to make it happen.

[DavidDvorkin]

23. Oh, that's what you meant!

When I read your subject line, I thought you must be mistaking the Washington Times for a pro-Democratic paper. :)

[Larkspur]

5. If Dem candidates play Repuke-lite, they will lose

We need more Paul Hackett type candidates.

[Stinky The Clown]

13. Amen to that!

It is amazing how the truly tough 'tough guys' make the ersatz toughy bullies look weak and inconsequential by comparison.

[rfranklin]

7. Experts say 38% of electorate are complete idiots....

It's a fact.

[tridim]

8. It's also a golden opportunity to clean out the dead weight

in the Democratic party. Get rid of all the DINO's and Bush apologists like Joe-mentum and replace them with real progressives.

[Freddie Stubbs]

9. Lieberman is the most popular Democrat in his state

His only opponent has dropped out because he could only $1000.

[tridim]

10. Liberman is just one example

I'd say about half the Democratic party is worthless. It may take one more election cycle, but these losers should be swept out along with the Repukes.

[calimary]

17. Tell me about it. We've got Feinstein out here. What a DINO.

All she does is find ways to capitulate. Feinstein is NO Boxer. Unfortunately, we're stuck with her. What's the alternative - giving away another Senate seat to a republi-CON?

[tridim]

20. The alternative is running grass roots progressives

on the "I'm not a Republican ass kisser" platform.

[Freddie Stubbs]

24. What exactly is a 'grass roots' progressive?

How does that differ from a regular progressive? I'm not trying to be a jerk, but it seems that sometimes people throw around terms without knowing exactly what they mean.

[Larkspur]

15. I'm from CT and I don't know who likes Lieberman

I have yet to meet a CT citizen outside of Lieberman's family who publicly says that they love Lieberman.

Most Dems in my area vote for him because he has a 'D' after his name, not because they like him or know what he really does. If Lieberman had a bona-fide challenger, he would be in real trouble.

Note: I live in Northeast CT and one of the Dem Town Committees I visited for the CT for Dean campaign came right out in the beginning of our talk to tell us that they hated Lieberman. That's a Democratic Town Committe saying that, not just me. I know that many in my DTC hate Lieberman too, but they will vote for him because he's on the Dem ticket. I'll probably be the only member of my DTC to have the courage to not vote for Lieberman.

[Freddie Stubbs]

21. Perhaps you should consider running

If absolutely no Democrats support Lieberman, you wouldn't even have to campaign. Just having your name on the ballot would be enough, right?

[Devil Dog Dem]

12. Dems will play 'prevent defense' and blow it.

Mark my words. They won't want to go out on a limb on anything (hell, they've even refrained from going after chimpy for appointing his #1 politcal fixer as the Katrina Reconstruction Czar) for fear of pissing off voters, and in so doing will look their usual weak and ineffective selves.

So sure, we'll pick up a few seats, but we are in position for huge numbers here, and Dems will blow it.

[Writer]

14. This doesn't cut the mustard - we need to be louder and bitchier!

Only making great gains isn't enough for ME! It should be 100% Democrat and it's because we're not screaming enough! :sarcasm:

;) Peace ;)

[Blackwater]

16. Unfortunately,

there are only about 16 seats where the challenger has a chance to be competitive. Such are the results of years gerrymandering. Sometimes I wonder if the Dems and Pubs are just putting on a show to fake everyone out.

[calimary]

18. Welcome to DU! Hey, don't lose heart!

I'm not giving up my quest for IMPEACHMENT!!! And I mention it EVERY TIME I call my congressman's office (or anybody else's congressman's/woman's office.

[MintOreoCookie]

19. It's about time we see the democrats having a strategy for something!

I want them to take back the senate. I think they stand a better chance there than the House. JMO

[Lochloosa]

22. I think Fitzgerald holds the key...

If he comes down with some stunning indictments, we will be right in the middle of trails in '06. No telling what shit will come out of that. Ok, I'm an optimist...