Instead of the anticipated Republican gains, the Democrats actually gained five seats in the House of Representatives and broke even in the Senate. Democrats, newly re-energized, hope to recapture the House in 2000 and have an outside chance to regain the Senate. Every American election has its own unique dynamics. The 2000 election could have a pro-Democratic tilt due to the popularity of President Clinton, the economic boom, increasing voter turnout of traditional Democratic constituencies and uncertain Republican leadership. The present Senate lineup is 55 Republicans and 45 Democrats.
Competitive races are likely in all five states.
Incumbency is an extraordinarily powerful factor in U.S. elections. The rate of return to office is regularly above 90 percent. As a consequence, both parties tend to focus on races where there is no incumbent running for re-election. In New York, Republicans may run a strong candidate, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The political world is abuzz with rumors that Hillary Clinton may jump into the Senate race.