Democrats Putting Up a Fight

Democrats may be on the ropes, but a Republican takeover of the House is hardly a done deal, according to a state-by-state analysis from the New York Times. By now, Republicans had expected to have a variety of races already settled, but Democratic incumbents are proving more tenacious than they’d expected. Despite a big spending advantage from outside groups, GOP strategists estimate that only about half of the 39 seats they’ll need are sure things.

“Our candidates are remaining viable long after the Republicans have counted them out,” said one Democratic Rep. “Voters are taking a very close look at the Republican challengers.” Several Democratic incumbents have indeed taken surprise leads in the polls, and the Times calls the field “unusually unstable,” with loads of races in play. But Republicans aren’t worried. “I’m sure they are looking for any glimmer of hope,” said John Cornyn. “I think things are pretty much locked in.” (More Election 2010 stories.)