Republicans are retiring in droves and freaking the eff out about 2018, and it’s a beautiful thing. Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa, both of California and both committee chairs, announced this week that they would not be running for re-election, and they’re far from alone. Twenty-nine House Republicans have announced their retirements, and a thirtieth has been nominated to an administration position. It's been a while since Republicans have felt this kind of environment:
“It kind of reminds me of 2006,” said Rep. Patrick J. Tiberi (R-Ohio), referring to the year Democrats picked up 31 seats and retook the majority after 12 years. “It felt like you were running uphill every day in terms of the environment, and I think that’s how it feels now.”
Many of the retirements put those seats more in reach for Democrats:
The Issa and Royce retirements open up seats that Hillary Clinton carried in the 2016 presidential race and will be more difficult — and expensive — for Republicans to defend, particularly if the party is swept under a Democratic wave.
“There’s no putting lipstick on that: They’re both competitive districts,” Ohio Rep. Steve Stivers, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in an interview Wednesday.
And yes, Donald Trump is a problem in many of these districts:
“In many districts like Darrell’s and mine, having President Trump an ever-present figure is a drag on the ticket,” [retiring Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen] said. “In many districts, he’s a positive, but in districts like mine, it doesn’t help the Republican candidate.
“The Trump symbol, the Trump brand and Mr. Trump himself is a drag on moderate districts.”
Republicans have a major advantage: they’ve gerrymandered the hell out of many states. But they’re scared for good reason. That doesn’t mean Democrats rest. It means fighting for every district, starting yesterday. (Actually, starting long before yesterday. But if you haven’t started yet, today will do.)
Take back the House! Can you give just $1 to the Democratic nominee funds in each of the Daily Kos-targeted districts?