by Gloria Edmonson Nelson

Created on: August 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

Who's in trouble regarding the 2010 congressional elections? It's according to who answers this question. Right now, there is a 60-40 split with the Democrats being in control; however, because some of the Democrats are now against President Obama's health care proposition; it is a possibility that they could not be reseated.

Some people have predicted the Democrats to lose by as many as 20 seats; but this could be "wishful thinking" on the Republicans part. They attribute this to President Obama's alleged slow start. Although he has only been in office for almost seven months; some are blaming him for the overwhelming number of problems with the economy.

A positive for the Democratic party is that Senator Ted Kennedy, who is recuperating from brain surgery, has written a letter asking that the laws be changed to expedite adding his replacement. This could be a plus for the Democratic party. (Just announced his death during this writing).

Most people realize the Republicans have no chance of winning in 2010, but they are doing a lot of fund raising. Ex-Governor Palin of Alaska is supposed to be raising money for the Republic party.

There are, however, some pluses for the Democrats; Senator Arlen Specter has switched over to the Democratic party, as well as the Republic National Committee, Senator McCain, and others. If President Obama does not get people on his side, or if he cannot guarantee support for his policies real soon; some of his own party might not support him (as some are doing on the health care bill). This could be the downfall of a Democratic Congress; although President Obama has nothing to do with re-election or dominance of his party. There have been cases where a Democratic President had a Republic Congress and vice-versa.

People basically vote for Congress people on local issues; although the President can influence the turn-out of voters; he cannot tell them who to vote for.

The Congress people only get elected by their constituents, so they can either "side" with the President or the voters. This will have a large impact on whether President Obama gets re-elected. Congress will have to decide whether they want to be loyal to the President, the Democratic party, or the constituents.

To reiterate; both parties are in trouble, but currently the Democrats have more seats. Of importance is that there are so many serious issues at hand that anything could happen. There has been several "pluses" in favor of the Democrats, but there could be an upset in favor or the Republicans: a backlash because of the economic downfall. The Democrats will win if they can hold the numbers; however, if voters continue to be displeased with the President within the next few months; Republicans could change the dynamics of Congress.

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