All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election this fall. Now, Democrats are in control of the House. They reclaimed the majority in the 2006 elections. They hold 236 seats while the Republicans own the remaining 199.
This year, Democrats are looking to expand their majority. Syracuse University political scientist Kristi Andersen says Democrats are most concerned with being able to overturn a presidential veto.
“The question is whether the Democrats are going to get a veto- proof majority.” [Kristi Andersen]
A two-thirds majority is needed to overturn a veto. The Democrats are about 50 seats shy of that mark. Andersen says Democrats will try to make up the margin by winning open-seat elections. Open seats are those without an incumbent. This election features 35 open seats, including 29 formerly filled by Republicans. One of those is here in Central New York, in the 25th Congressional District. The 25th District includes Syracuse and Onondaga County. The seat was held for 20 years by Republican James Walsh, who is retiring.
The three candidates running for the 25th Congressional District are Democrat Dan Maffei, Republican Dale Sweetland, and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins.
From Washington, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is making a concentrated push in races across New York state. The campaign committee sees major potential for a Democratic sweep in New York.. Carrie James is the committee’s spokeswoman about races in the northeast. She says the race with the most promise for Democrats is in the 25th district.
“This is a top pickup opportunity for Democrats.” [Carrie James]
She also says the numbers can back up her claim. She recalls how closely Dan Maffei came to victory in 2006.
“Dan came within just 3,400 votes in 2006 of beating Congressman Walsh. And it’s one of only eight districts across the country that John Kerry won in 2004 and is currently held by a Republican.” [Carrie James]
Brendan Buck is the New York spokesman for the National Republican Congressional Committee. He admits Republicans face an uphill battle in the 25th district race, but says the strategy to win votes is simple.
“We contend that if we keep putting out positive solutions, that people will appreciate it, and that’ll provide benefits for us.” [Brendan Buck]
Election Day is Tuesday, November fourth.
For Democracywise, I’m Matt Rivers.
(Matt Rivers is a junior dual major in broadcast journalism and Spanish.)
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