Financial Woes Boost Democrats In Congress Races

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http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/11/ap/politics/main4515050.shtml

The financial turmoil that has devastated the stock market is also battering Republicans in congressional races, giving Democrats a chance to topple GOP incumbents once considered safe and wrest seats in pivotal districts and states.

Voters' deepening anxiety about the economy following the enactment of a $700 billion financial industry bailout has created the conditions, just over three weeks from the Nov. 4 election, for an anti-Republican tide that could hand Democrats insurmountable majorities on both sides of the Capitol, according to lawmakers and strategists in both parties.

"It is hurting every Republican across the board. This environment has just become very toxic for us," said Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio. "It could very easily be a wave" in Democrats' favor.

Majority Democrats who hold a 51-49 Senate majority now have solid leads in five races, realistic chances of picking up as many as nine seats and believe they are within reach of their longer-shot goal of capturing 60 seats.

(snip)
Democratic Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, the head of his party's House campaign committee, said the weakened state of the economy has boosted the public yearning for change stoked by Barack Obama's campaign "more-so today than even a month ago."

[daa]

1. Its too bad if APelosi and Reid dont' get swept out also nt