The House Line: Incumbents in Trouble -good summary-(2 Dems losing)

[rodeodance]

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/

The House Line: Incumbents in Trouble

As we approach the final three weeks of the 2006 midterms, it's becoming increasingly clear that a handful of Republican incumbents may well be beyond saving.

In this week's House Line, Reps. John Hostettler (Ind.), Don Sherwood (Pa.) and Deborah Pryce (Ohio) are all cracking the top five for the first time. Republican strategists are extremely skeptical about any of the three returning to Congress in 2007 and may soon focus their resources elsewhere.

Of the 25 races on the Line, 15 are held by Republican incumbents -- a sign that the dissatisfaction voiced by voters in national polling is having a negative impact on individual House districts. And, while Republicans insist that the national mood is far more anti-incumbent than anti-Republican, only two Democratic members appear to be in any jeopardy of losing: Reps. Jim Marshall (Ga.) and Melissa Bean (Ill.).

To the Line!

25. Illinois' 8th District: After a several month hiatus from the Line, Rep. Melissa Bean (D) returns as Republicans believe investment banker David McSweeney (R) is well within striking distance at the moment. Bean is running ads highlighting McSweeney's opposition to embryonic stem cell research in hopes of appealing to the moderate Republican voters she needs in a district where President Bush won 56 percent to 44 percent in 2004. (Previous ranking: N/A)
Candidate Profiles/Links/Fundraising: Bean, McSweeney | Illinois Political Profile

24. Florida's 13th District: This open seat, triggered by the train wreck Senate candidacy of Rep. Katherine Harris (R), is a newcomer to the Line. Car dealer Vern Buchanan (R) spent millions of his own money to win a less-than-impressive primary victory and Democrats got their preferred candidate in banker Christine Jennings (D). A poll conducted for the Democrat's campaign showed her with a 50 percent to 38 percent lead. Republicans admit this is a toss up race that is not helped by Foley scandal fallout, but they believe if Buchanan once again opens his checkbook the GOP will hold the seat. (Previous ranking: N/A)
Candidate Profiles/Links/Fundraising: Jennings, Buchanan | Florida Political Profile.............

[Zynx]

1. Bean and Marshall are in much better shape than many Republican

incumbents. I have not seen them losing either seat.