The Dropouts: How bad for Dems? How good for GOP?
Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Opinions
Originally published in Politico’s Arena
By David A. Harris, President of the National Jewish Democratic Council
It’s true, Republicans are indeed heading for the exits in the House and Senate—just not in the past 24 hours. Wait, we’re talking about Republicans here, correct? Because as of this minute, more GOP incumbents are stepping down in the House than Democratic incumbents, and the same goes in the Senate—where more Republican incumbents have opted not to seek re-election. Perhaps this round of Arena should be retitled, “The dropouts: How bad for the GOP? How good for the Dems? What message for Michael Steele?”
Clearly, historically, the party occupying the White House will take a hit during mid-term elections. And there is no doubt that Senators Dorgan and Dodd are outstanding and powerful members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and they will be sorely missed. And yes, announcements coming close together generate a buzz of their own. But the current major media cycle is out of proportion and factually disconnected from reality.
More Republicans are retiring than Democrats in both the House and Senate, period. Oh, and same goes for governors, too.
