House News & Analysis

South Carolina 1: Parties Prepare to Spin Colbert Busch Win

by Stuart Rothenberg May 3, 2013 · 12:44 PM EDT

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the party’s super PAC, the House Majority PAC, have spent well over half a million dollars in an effort to win a special election in South Carolina’s 1st District, a reliably Republican seat that is competitive only because Republicans nominated controversial former Gov.…

Pennsylvania 13: Daylin Leach- Liberal but Not Angry

by Stuart Rothenberg April 29, 2013 · 9:30 AM EDT

Daylin Leach, who is running for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s open 13th Congressional District (currently held by gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz), doesn’t run from the liberal label.

In fact, he proudly calls himself “the most progressive member of the Pennsylvania Legislature.” (See Roll Call Politics…

South Carolina 1: GOP Throwing Another Race Away, Mark Sanford Style

by Stuart Rothenberg April 26, 2013 · 9:31 AM EDT

Republicans are on quite a streak when it comes to throwing away elections.

In 2010, it was Christine O’Donnell of Delaware, Ken Buck of Colorado and Sharron Angle of Nevada. Then, in 2012, it was Todd Akin of Missouri and Richard Mourdock of Indiana.

And now? And…

First Problem for Democratic House Recruits to Solve? Residency

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 25, 2013 · 12:20 PM EDT

House Democrats are promoting a crop of “problem solvers” in their effort to expand the number of competitive districts and win back the majority. But for many of these new recruits, the first problem for them to solve is if, when or where to move into the congressional district…

Pennsylvania 8: Suburban Showdown?

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 19, 2013 · 2:30 PM EDT

Not many House candidates land on the front page of The Washington Post before they officially declare, but such is life for 33 year-old Democrat Kevin Strouse.

Strouse, a former Army Ranger, is running in Pennsylvania’s 8th District against Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R) in a race of critical…

North Carolina 7: Tighter Than A Tick

by Jessica Taylor April 19, 2013 · 2:29 PM EDT

How do you solve a problem like Democrat Mike McIntyre? That’s the question plaguing more than one GOP strategist heading into 2014.

A smart, savvy pol who has honed his moderate image and brushed back challenges in his GOP-leaning district, McIntyre came closer than ever to being defeated…

Oregon 5: The Toss-Up District Without a Competitive Race

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 19, 2013 · 2:28 PM EDT

It’s not often that someone in Washington, D.C. knows the difference between Dallas and The Dalles -- two small towns in Oregon over 2,800 miles away. But the Republican in charge of keeping his party in the majority in the House of Representatives is well aware of the difference.

South Carolina 1: Sanford Downgraded

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 19, 2013 · 2:27 PM EDT

Since the vast majority of House districts are drawn to elect one party or the other, most of the time, candidates just need to stay out of trouble in order to win. But apparently former Gov. Mark Sanford (R) didn’t get the memo.

He survived the Republican primary…

How Will Divided Attention Affect Obama, Congress?

by Stuart Rothenberg April 19, 2013 · 10:09 AM EDT

Not much going on these days, huh? There are only a few things on the president’s — and Congress’ — plate, including:

  • Guns
  • A big budget compromise
  • Immigration overhaul
  • North Korea
  • Bombs at the Boston Marathon
  • Iran’s nuclear program
  • And oh…

South Carolina 1: Special Situation Requires Two Ratings

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 17, 2013 · 4:22 PM EDT

We’ve said it many times before, special elections are just that, special, but former Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is apparently working overtime to ensure the race in South Carolina’s 1st District is one for the ages.

In spite of his past failings, Sanford successfully navigated the Republican primary.…