Pass The Damn Bill, Part 4

Chris Bowers is worried that the Dems will lose Congress in 2010.  Completely.  GOP control of both the House and Senate.

Even before Evan Bayh's retirement, the latest Senate polling showed Democrats teetering between only a 52-48 and 53-47 Senate majority after 2010.   With Bayh's retirement, Democrats are now firmly staring at a 52-48 majority.


But, it could get even worse than that for Democrats.  Potential Republican Senate recruits in a number of states could even threaten Democratic control of the chamber:

1. Maryland: If incumbent Barbara Mikulski retires, as a new report is claiming, that would create an open seat in Maryland.  Democrats would still be favored to win, but by no means would they be a lock.  Mikulski, by contrast, would not have faced any serious opposition.
2. New York: If former Republican Governor George Pataki were to enter the campaign, he would start 3.5% ahead of Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, according to the Pollster.com trendline.
3. Washington: If two-time Gubenatorial loser Dino Rossi were to enter the campaign against Patty Murray, he would start the campaign 2% ahead, according to Rasmussen polling.
4. Wisconsin: If former Republican Tommy Thompson were to enter the campaign, he would start in a dead-heat with Democrat Russ Feingold.  Feingold is currently well-clear of all other Republican candidates.

If Republicans can indeed put up to four more Senate seats into play, they would indeed threaten control of the chamber itself.  They have plenty of time to put this together, too, as all four of these states have filing deadlines in June or later.

Chris.  Bro.  Calm the hell down.  It's February.  You've already given away eight of ten Dem Senate seats as a done deal already and are predicting another four could fall.  There's time to correct this still.

The best thing the Dems can do right now is do what even Republicans are eager to see:  pass a health care bill that includes a public option through reconciliation.  Obama has the GOP on its heels right now from this HCR summit and can really lever the crack open wide if he plays it smart.   He's going to have to.  But in the end it's Congress who has to make the decisions here.

If Congress blows health care reform now, do you think Democratic voters are going to reward them?  Do you think Republican voters will?

Pass.  The Damn.  Bill.