The races in SC, KY, NV, and CA have tightened earlier than expected. In AR, Fay Boozman's internal pollsters also indicated tightening in that race, perhaps related to the President's difficulties. Bunning is making progress in KY, and the AR seat may be the difference between disaster or catclysm for the Democrats. If the president cannot help in his home state, he will help in few other places. Newt Gingrich predicts 250 seats in the House.
Some polls begin to reflect presidential fall-out.
The release of the president's videotaped deposition to Mr. Starr on Aug. 17 could hurt even more. The last filibuster-proof majority was when the Democrats held 61 seats in 1979 just before the Reagan election 1979. Republicans last exceeded the cloture threshold in 1908 with 61 seats.