Republican Retirements Could Leave Dems Sitting Comfortably
A potential wave of Republican retirements is dimming the GOP’s already slim chances of recapturing the House in 2008.
The somewhat surprising announcement Thursday by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) not to seek reelection and the expected retirement announcement of former House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) Friday give Democrats two new opportunities to pick up GOP-held seats.
Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), who represents a safely Republican seat, also announced his retirement Thursday. And though his decision will not likely alter the political map, it is a little vote of confidence for the GOP’s chances to regain the majority.
The retirements come at a time when the National Republican Congressional Committee is lagging well behind the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in cash on hand and can ill-afford too many retirements in competitive congressional districts.
Republicans need to pick up 16 seats to win back the House, and every new tight race makes it more difficult for them to do that.
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