Two key races for the House of Representatives in Indiana have not had much change in the past few weeks. Districts 2 and 8 have close races in which the incumbent party controlling the seat could potentially lose the election.
House races are important this year because Republicans regained a majority in the House during the 2010 midterm elections. Now, the Republicans are hoping to hold on to their majority, and possibly even increase it. Democrats are hoping to retake the House from Republicans. However, since it currently looks like Republicans will hold on to the House, Democrats are hoping to narrow the Republican majority.
In Indiana, House District 2 is one race that is important to both parties. Republican Jackie Walorski, who was the Republican candidate in 2010, is running against Democrat Brendan Mullen. The incumbent, Democrat Joe Donnelly, is running for the U.S. Senate seat and has vacated his seat.
The race was extremely close in 2010, and this year is just as close. However, Walorski has recently pulled ahead in the polls and is now the projected winner. Since this would give one extra seat to Republicans in the House, Democrats are working hard to boost Mullen’s ratings in the polls. Walorski’s win would be a massive blow to Democrats in the state, especially if Joe Donnelly loses his bid for the U.S. Senate.
The other key race is for House District 8. The incumbent is Republican Larry Buschon, who was just elected in the 2010 midterms. His opponent, Democrat Dave Crooks, has been able to run a close race for the election. However, it appears that under current projections, Buschon will hold on to his seat. If Republicans can hold this seat and win District 2, they will form a supermajority of Representatives in Indiana.
Overall, Republicans have begun to focus more on House races, intent on retaining their majority in the 2012 election. Outside donors for Republicans have poured money into these two races in Indiana to help the Republican candidates win. House races will be very interesting to watch, as a great national campaign by either party will create a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Destination 270 