DEMS/HOUSE OF REPS/TAXES: “House Republicans, surprised by Democrats’ dominance in this week’s elections in Virginia and New Jersey, have pinned their hopes of retaining the House majority next year on passing a tax-code overhaul. But the details of the tax legislation could create new political burdens for some of the most vulnerable GOP incumbents.
The tax bill hits constituents hardest in areas of the country that tend to have higher taxes. These blue-leaning states also happen to be home to many of the 23 congressional districts held by Republicans where Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won last fall.
Those GOP incumbents are the top targets for Democrats, who need to win a net of 24 seats to retake control of the chamber.
Democrats on Tuesday were able to test their strategy in Virginia’s state legislative races. In races for the House of Delegates, they targeted 17 Republicans serving in state districts Mrs. Clinton won. They defeated 14 of them, and picked up one other seat. They are awaiting recounts in two races, putting them tantalizingly close to regaining control of the state House for the first time since 1999.
Now, Democrats are hoping to repeat that performance in next year’s midterms.”
-Kristina Peterson and Peter Nicholas, “Politics Complicate Tax Vote for GOP,” The Wall Street Journal online, Nov. 9, 2017 08:08pm