Analysts: GOP House, Dem Senate likely

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The question isn't whether the midterm elections will be bad for Democrats controlling the U.S. Congress, but how bad, analysts say.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report estimates more than 90 Democratic House seats could be competitive while a mere nine Republican seats may be in play, The Washington Post reported. Because of the huge number of Democratic seats considered in jeopardy, most independent forecasters say it is more likely that Republicans will capture the 39 seats needed to take control.

In the Senate, however, Republicans would have to sweep a handful of too-close-to-call states to pick up the 10 seats they need to gain the majority in the chamber, analysts said. Forecasters say Democrats could lose only three or four seats -- and will count their blessings.

If predictions become reality and Republicans reclaim the House but not the Senate, it would be the first time since the 1930 election that the House changed hands but not the Senate, the Post said.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele predicted on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday Republicans would win control in both chambers -- along with state legislatures and governors' mansions -- because of voter dissatisfaction with President Obama and Democratic policies.

Speaking on ABC's "This Week," Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine said recent polling indicated Democratic candidates were picking up steam. Also, initial indications from early voting under way in 29 states indicate Democratic turnout could be higher than expected.