As Democrats attempt to make a dent in the GOP’s historic House majority, they are finding themselves in quite the pickle.
On the heels of Ross Miller’s decision not to run in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional district, Democratic leaders are trying to cope with the lack of challengers to Republicans across the country, the weak bench of Democrats running in must-win districts, and crowded primaries spanning districts from east to west.
What’s stopping these Democratic recruits from running? Maybe it’s what Democratic leaders, reporters, and pundits are saying:
Israel, July 2015: “It’s going to be hard for us to win the majority.”
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, January 2015: Hoyer said he wouldn’t bet “a whole lot of money” on Democrats winning the majority in 2016.
National Journal: “The party needs to pick up 30 seats in 2016 to wrest the majority from the Republicans. But just months into the cycle, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee appears to be writing off races that it would need to win to get there.”
Political commentator Stuart Rothenberg: “No, I’m not suggesting Democrats will win the House in 2016. Far from it. Right now, you’d need a magnifying glass, probably even a microscope, to find the party’s chances of taking control.”
With such pessimistic predictions about reclaiming a House majority, it’s no wonder Democrats nationwide are opting to do something better and more productive with their lives.