Dems Exceptionally Well Positioned To Expand Majority In Senate

[babylonsister]

Dems Exceptionally Well Positioned To Expand Majority In Senate
By Eric Kleefeld - April 8, 2008, 4:22PM


The GOP is defending nine — count 'em, nine — Senate seats in this fall's elections.

The Democrats are defending all of ... one.

That's the conclusion we reached after a close look at the map of Senate races this year — and it shows just how well-positioned the Dems are to expand their majority.

The presidential race has sucked up so much media oxygen that it's easy to forget that there's another bitter and high-stakes electoral showdown looming this fall: The Congressional races.


snip//races in progress at link...



Another boon to Dems: They are enjoying a big financial advantage, too — through February, the DSCC had $32.8 million on hand, compared to only $15.3 million on hand for the Republicans.

To top it all off, in addition to the manifold advantages the Dems enjoy in money, candidate recruitment and incumbent strength, the Dems are also poised to gain from the national political environment, which could barely be worse for Republicans right now. Recent polling shows the president's approval rating is only 32%, the GOP self-identification number is 14 points lower than Dem self-identification, and the favorable/unfavorable rating of the Republican party right now is 34%-49%, far lower than the 45%-35% for the Dems.

Bottom line: Even if the Democrats win only a few of their targeted races, which is a pessimistic prediction, a 55-45 Senate majority is not unrealistic. If they nearly run the table, then Dems can conceivably get almost 60 seats.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/senate_post.php

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. If they do expand their majority, will it make any difference to the status quo?

Or will it be just the same shit, different day?

[babylonsister]

3. That will depend on how many more seats they can get, and also

who's elected president and how much respect he/she can garner imo. I'm sure the same ole asshats will be in evidence, but they might finally be outnumbered.

[maui9002]

7. IF (and that's a big if)

there is a Democratic President and the Democratic Party can win 60 seats in the Senate, I believe there'd be huge changes; as long as the President has veto power and the Senate can block any legislation with at least 41 votes, you get what we have today; a Congress that might be willing as a majority to effect significant change, but unable given our system of checks and balances to effect it without the support of the President or at least 60 votes in the Senate.

While a big if, and I'm not counting on it happening, if the current enthusiam in the Democratic ranks (which I've noticed has even spilled over to independents and some disaffected Republicans) can lead to a huge turnout in the general election (and a significant number of disappointed or disgruntled Republicans stay home), maybe a 60 seat Senate majority is reachable. I haven't seen so much interest (and hope) in connection with a Presidential election since 1968 when Robert Kennedy was campaigning; we need that interest to continue through November.

[muryan]

8. consider bush didnt veto a single bill until 06

and he sure as hell found it after we took the senate. With the white house in 08 we can get something done finally

[Juche]

9. The dems have actually tried some good ideas

But they are blocked and filibustered. They have tried the 21st century GI bill, stem cell research, fixing the housing crisis, the employee free choice act (which supposedly will add another 10-20 million workers into unions over the next 15 years), increasing spending on alt energy among others. These are good ideas.

With a 56 seat majority maybe they can overcome a filibuster. But I really don't know. I'm betting that unless they have a 57-58 seat majority they will just be filibustered for everything they attempt.

[The Magistrate]

2. We Should Do Quite Well Over All, Ma'am

If we can just remember who the enemy really is....

"When people argue from hyperbole, they tend to forget that is what they are doing, and come treat their exaggerations for effect as actual fact."

[babylonsister]

4. Hi, The Magistrate, long time no see.

This is promising, isn't it. I'm forever hopeful...

[The Magistrate]

6. Thank You, Ma'am

I have been busy at home, but around more than was apparent.

[cynatnite]

5. I have my fingers crossed n/t

[cyclezealot]

10. It will be so fun to see Lieberman given his walking papers.

[kestrel91316]

11. Won't matter. Even with a Dem in the WH and a supermajority in

Congress, I halfway expect our guys to cave to Republican pressure.