National Republican Congressional Committee

Poll: Obama speech didn't change minds

“Still, Rothenberg's broad conclusion -- 'the tide clearly has turned nationally, with the president's popularity down and Democrats fighting against a growing mood of dissatisfaction,' he writes -- is one that has to worry the party in power... [T]he pronouncements of Rothenberg and Cook matter in the daily debate in political Washington; if they believe Republicans are ascendant, the GOP campaign committees are almost certain to see an influx of money and even a bit of momentum as the calendar turns from 2009 to 2010.”

NOTE: But the National Republican Congressional Committee has already recruited some intriguing challengers, and a noticeable shift in the national mood will almost certainly put more Democratic seats into play over the next six to 12 months. Repeat GOP candidates such as Steve Stivers (Ohio), Andy Harris (Md.) and former Rep. Steve Chabot (Ohio) have to be regarded as strong challengers given their narrow defeats last time. Former Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.), who is running to regain a seat he gave up to run for the Senate, is another strong contender. Republicans are also high on California Assemblyman Van Tran, Manchester, N.H., Mayor Frank Guinta, Colorado state Rep. Cory Gardner, Honolulu Councilman Charles Djou and Montgomery, Ala., City Councilmember Martha Roby, who give the GOP an unusual mix of challengers with considerable appeal. And former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan is about to enter the open-seat race in Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak’s Pennsylvania district, giving the GOP a chance to win the seat.

This is as good an opportunity as any to point out that the NRCC is continuing to line up strong candidates against all sorts of Democrats - even entrenched veterans and Democrat leaders. In many cases, the NRCC is finding credible candidates for swing districts where the incumbent hasn’t been challenged in years…. I’ve spoken before about the good work being done by Pete Sessions and his team at the NRCC this cycle. They’re getting good reviews from outside, impartial observers as well. By listing just 4 House seats, I’m not trying to give a lengthy or exhaustive list. This is just a reminder that even as people hit the beaches for vacation, or demonstrate at townhalls, the NRCC is continuing to line up solid candidates in seats around the country.