Dems' chances to boost House majority surge

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0807/5427.html

Dems' chances to boost House majority surge

By: Josh Kraushaar and Patrick O'Connor
Aug 16, 2007 08:11 PM EST

A potential wave of Republican retirements is dimming the GOP's already slim chances of recapturing the House in 2008.

The somewhat surprising announcement Thursday by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) not to seek reelection and the expected retirement announcement of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) Friday give Democrats two new opportunities to pick up GOP-held seats.

Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), who represents a safely Republican seat, also announced his retirement Thursday. And though his decision will not likely alter the political map, it is a little vote of confidence for the GOP’s chances to regain the majority.

The retirements come at a time when the National Republican Congressional Committee is lagging well behind the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in cash on hand and can ill afford too many retirements in competitive congressional districts.

Republicans need to pick up 16 seats to win back the House, and every new tight race makes it more difficult for them to do that.

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and NRCC Chairman Tom Cole of Oklahoma have made it clear to their members that August would be the best time to announce their intent if they plan to move on. And they have compiled their own watch list of potential retirements, including a mix of senior Republicans in safe -- and not so safe -- seats, as well as a handful of lawmakers embroiled in scandal.

FULL story at link.

[Vincardog]

1. Then can we PLEASE tell LIEberman to GTFO?

[LiberalFighter]

4. When we gain a bigger margin in the Senate

If he was in the House he would had been relegated to a minor committee without chairman powers.

[Vincardog]

5. As an (I) he should have been relegated to a minor committee without chairman powers.

Why was he allowed his current position?

[Perry Logan]

2. God is punishing the Republicans. I'm sure they're dying in record numbers.

[snowbear]

3. I'm so happy Hastert is leaving!! .... Go John Laesch!!