Free Republic

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 — With six weeks to go, Republicans appear to hold a slight edge in this year's fight for control of the House, according to interviews with politicians and analysts around the country and examinations of local polls. Republicans have about 10 more seats safely in their hands than the Democrats do. So even if they won fewer than half of the approximately 40 races that are truly competitive, they could still keep control of the House. That unusually small number of competitive districts means that the Democrats have fewer opportunities to achieve the net gain of seven...

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Sept. 10 — After 26 years in Congress, happily cultivating his image as the quintessential Republican moderate, somehow above the partisan fray, Representative Jim Leach suddenly finds himself smack in the middle of the battle for the House. "It's a hard time," he says, sighing, his voice trailing off as he ponders the weeks ahead. Redistricting has forced him into a new Congressional district that is decidedly Democratic. His opponent, Dr. Julie Thomas, is well financed, has strong roots in the community, and makes the case — in the calm, just-trust-me style of a longtime pediatrician —...