IN '80 AND '94 WE RAN THE HALT, THE LAME AND THE BRAIN-DEAD:

Can Republicans Retake the Senate in 2010?: Probably not, but their candidate recruitment so far has been stellar (Karl Rove, 12/10/09, WSJ)

Political currents are running against the party of Barack Obama. Democrats now trail Republicans by four points in Gallup's generic ballot poll. In 1994, the year the GOP took control of Congress, it wasn't until March that Republicans took the lead in that poll—and then only by one point and for a short period of time.

With a good environment this election cycle, Republicans have recruited competitive candidates who could turn otherwise close contests into runaway victories, likely defeats into wins or at least close contests that, if things break right, tip to the GOP.

Today, there are only 40 Republicans in the Senate. In January 2011, there could be 44, 46 or more if the party runs strong campaigns in contests that haven't jelled yet, or if some Democrats retire instead of risking defeat.

Unlike the last two takeovers, which were surprises, they're actually recruiting people who are qualified.

Posted by Orrin Judd at December 10, 2009 4:09 PM