If Republicans lose 30 House seats then it is hard to see how McCain could even have a chance. Even if he wins he won’t be able to govern. If his presidency is a failure I suppose we are looking at more losses in 2010. That is perhaps the only up side to 0bama winning. If things go down the toilet as we expect them to then the GOP could stage a comeback in ‘10, if they get their act together.
If Repubs are down to the 160 range though then it would take a tidal wave far bigger than the one in ‘94 to get them even close to majority status again. Hard to see that happening.
Dem House majorities in 80-100 seats were the norm in 1970-1994. I think the best Congress Reagan had came after his 1984 landslide, and the House still had a 70-seat Dem majority. In 1990, the majority grew to 100, D 267 - R 167.
Somehow, Reagan and Bush-41 managed to work in these circumstances.
Gingrich’s accomplishment in 1994 was incredible, it is so annoying that he is underappreciated by many in the party.