Democrats Win at the Polls: A Look Back at the 2006 Mid-term Elections at the Federal and State Leve
The Nov. 7 election dramatically changed the power structure in Congress. Following a tidal wave of voter discontent with President Bush and Republican leadership, the Democratic Party will control both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the first time in 12 years.
The election results currently give the Democrats a 233-202 majority in the House with several races still officially undecided. These contests are in many cases separated by only a few thousand votes and recounts are possible. Democrats have also won a narrow majority in the Senate, 51-49, as a result of two Independents caucusing with them.
With such tight governing majorities, many believe that the Democrats will face some of the same legislative challenges that Republicans have faced as they tried to pursue policy objectives.
Democrats gained not only control of Congress but also of the majority of state houses across America. As of Nov. 29, Democrats control both houses of state legislatures in 23 states; Republicans in 15 and 11 are split. Nebraska's unicameral legislature is nonpartisan. Democrats picked up over 300 seats across the nation.
Governorships also flip-flopped this year with Democrats gaining 6 seats to win the majority — 28 versus the Republicans 22. Additionally, democrats also took two Attorney General spots to continue their control over that position 31-19.
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