This third-way centrist ultimately loves counterproductive left wingnuts

[BumRushDaShow]

6. "Last year was partly an Obama backlash"

I agree with most of your post however last year (2012) Democrats actually picked up about 7 or 8 seats in the House meaning that rather than having to pick up something like 25 seats to take back the House (after 2010), that number is now down to about 18 for 2014. So the "backlash" was not against the Democrats but against the Republicans (unless I misunderstood your post). The crazies who were elected in 2010 were mostly re-elected, although a bunch (like the lunatic Alan West) were soundly defeated.

Agree that the issue is that in order for Democrats to regain Committee chairmanships, set the rules, and be able to shepherd legislation to the floor, they need to get 218 seats in the House, and that would most likely end up including some members with a broader range of political leanings.