For House Democrats, a Whiff of Victory

Sounds like the trends are in their favor. They've got $$$ and good candidates, now all they need to do is unite and push a positive agenda for the Country. Are they gonna do this?





By CARL HULSE

Published: May 28, 2004


WASHINGTON, May 27 - House Democrats do not usually like to talk about 1994, the year of their exile into the minority. It has been a bad memory, best left undisturbed.

But in a changing political climate, some Democrats are now taking a new look at their least favorite year and finding some heartening parallels with the current one. Democratic leaders say they believe they are poised to reverse the surprise Republican takeover of 1994, particularly if a continuing slip in public support for President Bush puts a breeze at their back.

"If that wind comes," said Representative Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the House Democratic whip, "we are much, much better positioned than the Republicans were in 1994 to take the seats that we need to take back control."

Mr. Hoyer argues that Democrats have more top candidates than the Republicans did in 1994, and need to gain fewer seats: 12, as against 38. He also says his party's contenders are in a much better financial position than those ascendant Republicans were.

Further, Mr. Hoyer and other Democrats see in public opinion surveys the beginnings of a growing sentiment for change, the very thing that helped do in the Democrats and make Newt Gingrich speaker of the House.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/28/politics/28talk.html

Democrat Sees Parallels to '94 Elections



May 28, 2:05 AM (ET)

By JIM ABRAMS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The second-ranking Democrat in the House sees parallels between now and 1994, when his party - entrenched in power but shaken by dissension in the ranks and tied to a president in political trouble - suffered a stunning defeat in the November elections.

But this time it's Republicans who are in the majority, find themselves divided on key issues and led by a president whose approval ratings are falling.

If the election "were held today, we'd absolutely win back the House," Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland boasted recently.

Hoyer speaks from experience. He was a front-line victim of the 1994 Republican revolution in which the GOP reclaimed the Senate and seized control of the House after 40 years in the political wilderness. Senior Democrats like Hoyer, who might have raised the gavel as Speaker of the House, instead have been stuck for the last 10 years in the minority.


Political analysts say Hoyer's assessment, while accurate in capturing the current GOP malaise, fails to recognize several dynamics that make 2004 different from 1994.

Unlike a decade ago, a presidential election will influence House races. Fewer competitive seats exist due to redistricting, and Democrats are at a disadvantage because of a reconfigured map in Texas that favors Republicans.


http://apnews.excite.com/article/20040528/D82RDD8G0.html

That's all we need to take our government back. We CAN do this.

12.....2....and 1! 12.....2....and 1! 12.....2....and 1! 12.....2....and 1! 12.....2....and 1! 12.....2....and 1!

12 in the House. 2 in the Senate. 1 in the White House! It IS looking good for we Dems. :bounce: Heaven.....I'll be in heaven! It's been a loooooong 4 years!

http://www.democraticaction.org/



"Republican Survivor"


Dtrip TV makes its programming debut with “Republican Survivor,” featuring animated characters of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Anne Coulter, Katherine Harris, John Ashcroft and Tom DeLay on a deserted island.  Each week they will face new challenges and it will be up to viewers like you to vote one person off the island.  Get in practice for November!
 





  

losers to choose from.

I have MY pass....can't wait to vote their asses off! Loved the Ashcroft and Ann Coulter bits...very funny. :)