The Democratic frustration follows two special election defeats Tuesday.
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The race for Georgia’s 6th Congressional district seat was the most expensive congressional race in the nations history, topping $50 million in overall spending.
As usual, the Dems put up a stiff for its candidate, one Jon Ossoff, who didn’t even live in the district.
Rep. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, expressed optimism that Democrats can still take control of Congress’ lower chamber next year, declaring, “The House is in play”.
Ryan talked about his party last night on Hardball.
JOE CROWLEY: We’re disappointed.
The former mayor of New York City pointed out Hillary Clinton’s campaign poor slogan. That a win in Georgia was going to be a huge referendum on what they perceive as unhappiness with the GOP party and our president blanketing the American landscape.
But Handel’s win only buys some breathing room, as Russian Federation investigations, White House intrigue and policy disagreements on Capitol Hill continue to stall the GOP agenda in Washington.
LINDA SANCHEZ: In the previous election, the Republican candidate won by more than 20 points.
The election was grueling, but Handel came out victorious.
The contests to fill those open seats increased Republican margins in Congress, while disappointing Democrats who saw the special elections as an early test for the Trump presidency.
BENNETT: Like Ryan, Congressman Seth Moulton of MA is also venting about the loss.
“It should be a wake-up call for Democrats”. I think it’s time for a new generation of leadership. You’re responsible for everything your platoon does or fails to do. Ryan added, “I don’t think it’s fair”. That’s the most important part.
“Clearly, we’re coming off an election, and she’s been getting pounded now for 10 years with negative ads from the Republicans”.
UNIDENTIFIED MAN: Ossoff lived and worked with the liberals in Washington.
“And the answer is obviously she should go?” “Nancy Pelosi is not the only reason that [Jon] Ossoff lost [in Georgia], but she certainly is one of the reasons”.
In a particularly nefarious ad, a PAC supporting Handel claimed that Ossoff would produce more of the same as Pelosi, before implying that both supported the violence carried out at last week’s Congressional baseball practice. And everybody knows where I stand on this. “That still moves the needle”, said Ryan.
And after she predicted incorrectly that Democrats were poised to take back the House previous year, some of Pelosi’s colleagues feel that this time around, she needs to deliver.
Trump followed up with advice for Hill Democrats, tweeting they “would do much better as a party if they got together with Republicans on health care, tax cuts, security”.
BILL PASCRELL: They demonized Nancy in 2010.
“She’s easy to demonize”. We’re used to that.
The Georgia race ends as the most expensive House campaign in USA history, with a tab that may exceed $50 million.
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And for some, they point to questions about how their leaders, and Pelosi in particular, have fallen short in crafting an economic message that can counter Trump and yield election victories.
