House News & Analysis

Open 3rd District Gives Democrats Opportunity in Iowa

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 18, 2013 · 12:06 PM EST

Republican Rep. Tom Latham’s retirement announcement put another GOP seat into play for Democrats and capped off a wild day in congressional handicapping. He leaves behind the 3rd District of Iowa, which should turn into a good Democratic opportunity.

On Tuesday, not only did three Members announce their…

Matheson’s Retirement Moves Utah’s 4th District to Safe for Republicans

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 3:40 PM EST

Rep. Jim Matheson’s retirement means the Democratic hold on Utah’s 4th District is all but over. Matheson represented the most Republican district held by a Democrat in the House. Now that he’s gone, his party will be hard-pressed to replace him.

The presidential numbers are dismal for…

Wolf’s Retirement Moves Virginia’s 10th District from Safe to Lean Republican

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2013 · 3:33 PM EST

Republican Frank Wolf’s retirement gives Democrats an opportunity to win Virginia’s 10th District next year. 

Democratic strategists have had their eye on the Northern Virginia seat, but the 17-term congressman has been a considerable roadblock in their efforts to take over the seat.

On paper, the…

Louisiana Ad Could Preview 2014 Democratic Playbook

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 16, 2013 · 9:11 AM EST

A new television ad by a Democratic-aligned super PAC in Louisiana is more than an early attack ad in an important Senate race. It’s an important sneak peek into what Democratic ads could look like in races all over the country next year.

First reported by Roll…

Awards for the Best and Worst of Politics in 2013

by Stuart Rothenberg December 12, 2013 · 9:33 AM EST

Yes, folks, it’s time again for my end-of-the-year awards. It’s been a weird year, but face it: Weird is the new normal in politics.

Eight weeks ago, everyone was talking about the shutdown. A month ago, it was the launch of Obamacare. Now it’s, well, I’m not sure.…

What Happened to the Campaign for Primary Accountability?

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 9, 2013 · 9:56 AM EST

Competitive primaries are raging, but one of the groups that received the most attention last cycle for ousting incumbents is still on the sidelines. So far this cycle, the Campaign for Primary Accountability is nowhere to be found.

After receiving glowing press coverage in 2012, the political action…

House Democrats’ Not-So-Secret Weapon for 2014: Cash

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 5, 2013 · 9:41 AM EST

House Democrats are stockpiling cash, and some GOP strategists have expressed concern that Democrats could use their financial advantage to expand the playing field.

Through October, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $65 million and had $25 million in the bank for the 2014 cycle. The National…

A Traditional Midterm Headache for Democrats

by Stuart Rothenberg December 4, 2013 · 9:57 AM EST

Democrats have had a nice run recently of interesting House recruits and new takeover opportunities resulting from open GOP seats. And yet, it probably won’t matter.

If history is any guide — and it usually is — the president’s recent problems have already overshadowed that good news for…

Florida 13 Special: Democrats Throw Sink at Young’s Open Seat

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 26, 2013 · 3:30 PM EST

With the Virginia gubernatorial election in the rearview mirror, politicos will be looking for the next bellwether for the 2014 elections. Look no further than the special election in Florida’s 13th District early next year.

For at least a decade, Democratic strategists have been plotting life after GOP…

Arizona 1: Kirkpatrick Shoots for Re-elect, Not Repeat

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 26, 2013 · 3:29 PM EST

It’s no surprise that Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is near the top of the list of vulnerable House Democrats. But unlike the vast majority of her at risk colleagues, the congresswoman voted against Republican Fred Upton’s “Keep Your Health Plan Act,” ensuring that healthcare will be a premiere issue next…