Empty Republican Seats May Prompt Big Changes In The House
By David Madden
PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Two local Republican congressmen have announced they won't seek re-election this year, prompting a South Jersey Democrat to suggest his party might make some gains in the House this fall.
Whether it's changing demographics or a general disdain with the status quo in Washington, South Jersey Congressman Rob Andrews sees a good chance for his party to pick up seats being abandoned by Republicans Jon Runyan in Burlington and Ocean Counties, along with Jim Gerlach in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
"The more competitive seats we have the better chance we have of winning the house. These are two races that are plausible for us to win."
Andrews, who is all but certain to seek his 12th term in Congress, doesn't expect the November election to serve as a national referendum. Rather he sees 435 local races with local concerns.
