The odds are not very good for 2006. The House should be safe as they have pretty much done their jobs. The Senate however may actually move over to Democratic hands.
The democrats aren't having to defend many up for grabs seats while the republicans have several vulnerable seats.
The big problem is that beyond the religious right and ultra party loyalists the GOP senate just won't get much support from the traditional republican base - especially with small government and fiscal conservatives.
The GOP's attempt to win the hearts and minds of the traditional democratic voters by implementing endless socialism handouts won't work as liberals will always hate republicans. You just can't buy love.
I don't know that I agree with that at all on the Senate seats, I see a possible pick-up of two, Minnesota and Wa. I have to really calculate more since you got me without my congressional book. Possibly the two Nelson's Nebraska and Florida...I know Santorum is iffy, there is a possible pick-up with Maryland...voting fraud is alot to worry about as we all know. There is a possible , and I say possible because of Lingle that the tide may swing in Hawaii for akaka seat...pretty slim but hope springs eternal
That is incorrect. 18 rat seats and 15 Republican seats are up for grabs. Of those 9 rep and 8 rat seats are safe. That means 10 rat seats and 6 Rep seats are available to steal. Of those a few are toss ups right now but it's too early to get worried and IMO reasonable to be optimistic about us adding seats.
The big problem is that beyond the religious right and ultra party loyalists the GOP senate just won't get much support from the traditional republican base - especially with small government and fiscal conservatives.
Much of the base is also motivated by fear of the rats. Although they may not approve of all the GOP has and is doing, they are practical people and understand the election is not just a referendum on the GOP but a choice between imperfection and the pure evil of the rats.
There maybe some far right conservatives who abandon the party but those voters have been and will be replaced by moderates who are disenchanted with the rats, and enamored with Dubya's taxcuts, foreign policy, and ethical maturity, even if they don't agree with him on every issue.
The GOP's attempt to win the hearts and minds of the traditional democratic voters by implementing endless socialism handouts won't work as liberals will always hate republicans.
Dubya never tried to get traditional rats to vote for him. He tried to get moderates to vote for him or stay home and not vote for rats by utilizing issues like defense of the nation, letting people keep more of their money, gay marriage, and right to life. Looks like it worked pretty well to me. We are finally in a place to make real and lasting change by putting good men on the SCOTUS. The results will endure for generations. This is an exciting time to be a Republican.