This morning, the Rothenberg Political Report moved 44 seats to the GOP. "Substantial Republican gains are inevitable, with net Democratic losses now looking to be at least two dozen," they say. "At this point, GOP gains of 25-30 seats seem likely, though considerably larger gains in excess of 40 seats certainly seem possible." Democratic gains in the last two election cycles give a healthy buffer zone -- 254 Democrat to 177 Republican -- so even Rothenberg's worst case scenario wouldn't change control of that chamber. But still, if it pans out to anything even close to that number, that's huge.
For their part, Democrats are described as "giddy" -- not over the prospect of losses, but at the fact that the GOP seems determined to limit their own gains through boneheaded, kneejerk obstructionism.
For their part, Democrats are described as "giddy" -- not over the prospect of losses, but at the fact that the GOP seems determined to limit their own gains through boneheaded, kneejerk obstructionism.
Talking Points Memo:
About a week or two. That's how long Republicans have to decide how they ultimately want to play their hand on financial regulatory reform. According to numerous Democratic aides and key senators, the GOP will either have to join forces with Democrats on a bill that hews very much to the White House's demands, or they'll have to do their best to block a bill that enjoys wide popularity. But as much as Democrats want to change the rules that govern Wall Street quickly and smoothly, they also love the politics of moving the bill forward without GOP support and letting Republicans publicly justify their decision to protect hated financial institutions from the regulations they oppose... [CLICK TO READ FULL POST]
