How Many Wins Make Up a 'Wave'?...Debate the Scope of Democrats' Victory

[Demeter]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/12/AR2006111200874.html?referrer=email

How Many Wins Make Up a 'Wave'?
Political Scientists Debate the Scope of Democrats' Victory

By Zachary A. Goldfarb
Special to The Washington Post
Monday, November 13, 2006; A19



There is no doubt that Democrats did well on Tuesday, capturing almost 30 seats in the House, six seats in the Senate and control of both chambers. But was it the Democratic "wave" that so many had believed was about to sweep the country?

Republican leaders said it was not. Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds (N.Y.), who led the GOP's House campaign committee, said it was simply "a matter of history repeating itself." On the day of the elections, Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman warned of a "six-year itch."

By some measures, the Republicans are right. Since World War II, the party in the White House has tended to lose seats in Congress in the sixth year of an administration, and the average losses matched this year's -- 29 seats in the House and six in the Senate. When there was an unpopular war, the losses were greater.

But political scientists say that assessment of Tuesday's results ignores an important change in recent years. They say Republicans have re-engineered the political map, stuffing congressional districts with supporters to make the districts reliably pro-GOP. The financial and electoral advantages of incumbency, moreover, have reached new heights.

[GeorgeGist]

1. With Pelosi and Reid...

at the helm, I doubt it will take long for the Republicans to snatch victory from opponents who are so eager to reveal that their jaws have no teeth.

[elocs]

3. It's nice to see somebody put a positive spin on the Democratic victory.

Wow, and I thought I was a pessimist. Time will tell.

[Zambero]

2. Gaining majorities in both Houses of Congress Comprises a "Wave"

Democrats have 2 for 2 = 100% control. The GOP has been swamped, pure and simple!