WAPO: Dems strengthen hand in seeking control of House, even if odds of a blue wave are diminishing

[lindysalsagal]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/democrats-strengthen-hand-in-seeking-control-of-house-even-if-odds-of-a-blue-wave-are-diminishing/2018/06/06/cbabac66-68f5-11e8-9e38-24e693b38637_story.html?utm_term=.ee45d27f8f3b

By Michael Scherer June 6 at 5:20 PM

Halfway through the primary season, election results across the country have strengthened the Democrats’ hand in their quest for control of the House, even as shifts in the national mood raise the possibility that an anticipated electoral wave could flatten into a ripple.

After votes in 21 states, including California and seven others that held primaries Tuesday, Democrats have avoided potential pitfalls and secured general-election candidates in many Republican-held districts who have compelling biographical stories and political profiles that party leaders hope will have broad appeal in a nation that tends to vote for change in off-year contests.

Many of the Democratic nominees are younger, more diverse and less tied to Washington than their GOP rivals.

Fresh evidence of the party’s primary success came Tuesday, when Democrats on California’s “top two” ballot succeeded in salvaging spots for several House seats that are considered toss-ups. Party leaders had feared divided Democrats would cede the seats to Republicans, but voters rallied sufficiently to push Democrats forward to November.

[FBaggins]

1. The House would be useful...

... but the Senate is the whole game. Failing to regain control there would be devastating.

[TimeSnowDemos]

2. Be prepared...

... To be devastated.

Fingers crossed, but...

[mythology]

4. Just based on the seats that are up for election, it's unlikely we will regain the Senate

[dalton99a]

3. GOTV works.

[zipplewrath]

5. Regardless

Whomever controls either house of Congress, it's going to be a tough 2 years. Neither party will have any significant control and every vote, every procedure, every committee will be a tussle and in constant threat of a single "cross over" vote in either direction. There will be an endless string of "last minute" legislation to prevent a government shutdown, or some other short term calamity. All the while Trump will proceed without any real "checks or balances".