This item is classic, from Washington Whispers:
Voter displeasure with the war and economy, coupled with Sen. Barack Obama’s popularity, has the House GOP running for cover. Even though polls have shown that Americans don’t like congressional Democrats any more, a new internal GOP tally of House races suggests a Democratic route that could keep the Republicans in the minority for decades. A document provided to Washington Whispers from a House GOP official shows that they could lose a net 34 seats. That means the Democrats would have a 270-165 advantage in the 111th Congress. In the Senate, Republicans expect to lose also but to keep up to 44 seats, ensuring their ability to stage a filibuster.
The document provided to Whispers is no gag: It comes from one of the key House GOP vote counters. The source called it a “death list.” The tally shows several different ratings of 66 House Republicans in difficult races or open seats held by retiring Republicans. “Rating 1” finds 10 Republicans “likely gone.” Those districts are New York 13, Alaska, Arizona 1, Virginia 11, New York 25, Illinois 11, Florida 24, Michigan 7, Nevada 3, and North Carolina 8. Under “Rating 2,” nine Republican seats are listed as “leaning Democratic.” Under “Rating 3,” some 22 GOP seats are listed as “true toss-up.” The fourth rating, “lean Republican,” finds 15 seats in the category that comes with this warning: “If there’s a wave, some could be in trouble.” The last “likely Republican” rating finds another 11. Only three Democratic districts are seen as “hopeful” GOP pickups. They are Florida 16, Pennsylvania 11, and Texas 22. Another 10 Democratic seats are listed as “possible” pickups. The loss of 34 House GOP seats is among the most dire predictions in Republican circles. Most analysts have suggested a drop of at least 20 seats and at most 30 seats. A key Democratic official refused to provide his own list but said, “I’d rather be us than them.”
They’re basically conceding 20 seats, and another 22 as total toss-ups. Looks like they are seeing a complete wipe-out too.
10+9+22=41 Repub seats at tossup or better. They are contesting just 3 Dem seats with 15 more of their own vulnerable “If there’s a wave…” That says to me a net loss of 34 is being generous.
Never in my life have I been happier to see a person lose their job than Feeney. Hopefully he challenges Kosmas in 2010 so she has an easy 2nd election.
Their outlook is more grim than mine! I believe that means I need to update my list!
was just bthinking the same thing
Repub internals showing Porter joining the Goner Club? This is the first we hear of this! We knew he was in a fight for his political life, but now they tell us he’s an official member of the NY13-like Goner Club? Awesome!
Great sport! We need the entire list. Damn you Washington Whisper’s, give us the whole list!
The Republicans should have only supported candidates at toss-up or better. Even they admit that 67 (1/3 of all their seats) are competitive.