RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Political observers say Virginia Democrats may be poised to gain more seats in the House of Delegates this fall.
Democrats broke a long losing streak by picking up three House of Delegates seats in 2003 and a fourth in a special election.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch says retirements and strong challengers to incumbent Republicans point to a likely Democratic gain of one or two delegates in the 100-member House.
A highly placed Republican source told the newspaper internal polling shows some decline in the number of people who say they are Republican, tied to dissatisfaction with President Bush.
Currently, Republicans hold 60 seats and Democrats hold 38. Two seats are occupied by independents who usually vote with Republicans.
Until 2003, Democrats had not gained seats in the House since 1975.
