Davis: House Republicans will lose badly

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., says his fellow Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives can expect double-digit losses in the upcoming elections.

The retiring congressman said Friday increased voter registration and dominating Democratic fundraising efforts mean House Republicans will likely lose their seats to their Democratic rivals next month, The Hill reported.

"I've seen some races that have swung 25 points in 10 days," Davis said.

But the former National Republican Congressional Committee chairman did say he expects Republican candidates to tighten electoral races as Election Day approaches, the Hill reported.

Davis, who is among 26 House Republicans retiring this year, also credited the popularity of Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Barack Obama for his Election Day prediction.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen concurred with Davis' comments at a National Press Club event.

"Americans are understandably frustrated that things haven't turned around," the Maryland representative said. "But they still see Democrats … as the party that's fighting for change, and the Bush White House and Republicans in Congress as defending the status quo."