Several factors are playing key roles in the increasing likelihood that Republicans will win back the Senate in November:
- Though it’s obvious the Republican “brand” is still problematic, the government shutdown appears to be fading from public memory.
- the President’s approval ratings remain upside down by about ten points.
- The Affordable Care Act is still wildly unpopular with about half of the country.
- In general, midterm elections are also notoriously bad for the party that holds the White House.
Ashley Burch, IDFA assistant director of political programs, break downs a recent analysis by political prognosticator Charlie Cook and ponders whether Republicans will be able to capitalize on the current mood of the country.