House News & Analysis

Stu’s Dangerous Dozen: Unsafe House Incumbents

by Stuart Rothenberg October 26, 2011 · 11:22 AM EDT

For years now, I’ve been running lists of vulnerable open seats and incumbents, so there is no reason to wait until all states have completed redistricting. Here are the most vulnerable incumbents who are currently planning on seeking re-election. One caveat: I have excluded incumbents running against incumbents, whether…

Wisconsin 7: Duffy’s Defense

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 21, 2011 · 11:56 PM EDT

Democrats were demolished in Wisconsin in 2010, but defeating freshman Cong. Sean Duffy (R) is a key part of their comeback.

Last year, Republicans took over the governorship, knocked off Sen. Russ Feingold (D), took over two congressional seats, and won majorities in both chambers of the state…

Illinois 11: DisMemberment Plan

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 21, 2011 · 11:55 PM EDT

There aren’t many districts where Barack Obama got over 60% and yet Republicans believe they’ve got a legitimate shot at winning. But Cong. Judy Biggert (R) gives her party’s strategists hope that she can hold Illinois’ re-drawn 11th District.

Democrats made the most of their opportunity to redraw…

Why Is There So Much Mud in South Carolina?

by Stuart Rothenberg October 19, 2011 · 12:52 PM EDT

When South Carolina state Rep. Thad Viers (R) came in for an interview recently, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I knew that he was a successful, young officeholder who surely was one of the favorites to win in the Palmetto State’s new Congressional district. I knew that…

This Is Not Your Father’s Democratic Party

by Stuart Rothenberg October 12, 2011 · 9:30 AM EDT

For anyone old enough to remember Bucky Dent’s memorable home run in the 1978 Yankees-Red Sox playoff, the current makeup and political strategy of the Democratic Party has to seem very odd.

No, this isn’t your grandfather’s (or even your father’s) Democratic Party, and while that was an…

2012 House Overview (October 7, 2011)

by Stuart Rothenberg October 7, 2011 · 4:00 PM EDT

The political and economic landscape that will define the 2012 elections is starting to take shape, and the outlook doesn’t look good for President Barack Obama or his party.

The economy remains in bad shape, with voters increasingly dissatisfied with the president’s performance and with the direction of…

Connecticut 5: Can Anyone Deny Donovan a Seat in Congress?

by Stuart Rothenberg September 26, 2011 · 9:17 AM EDT

If Connecticut Speaker Christopher Donovan has a tough time getting elected to Congress next year, it could tell us something about the attitude of the overall electorate in 2012.

That’s because Donovan, 57, looks to be an ideal political package for the Nutmeg State, at least in a…

Oregon 1 Special: Ducks & Beavers & a Tiger, Oh My!

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 23, 2011 · 4:00 PM EDT

Now that a second Republican represents part of New York City, maybe it’s worth considering that some “safe” Democratic seats aren’t so safe after all.

There are plenty of differences between New York’s 9th District and Oregon’s 1st District, but both seats were vacated by Democratic congressmen amidst…

West Virginia 1: Second Verse, Same as the First?

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 23, 2011 · 3:59 PM EDT

Republican David McKinley and Democrat Mike Oliverio faced off in one of the closest House races in 2010. The two men will face off again next year in West Virginia’s 1st District, but some of the dynamics have changed.

Oliverio impressively knocked off long-time incumbent Alan Mollohan in…

Jerry Springer Reflects on His Former Boss’s Victory

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 22, 2011 · 9:40 AM EDT

To talk-show host Jerry Springer, Rep. Bob Turner's victory hits a little too close to home.

Turner is best known as the Republican who won a New York City Congressional special election last week. But he's also the former cable television executive who brought to life Springer's infamous…