DEMS/ELECTION/GOP/TRUMP PEOPLE: “For months, Republican U.S. Representative Steve Chabot was running about even with Democratic opponent Aftab Pureval in his traditionally conservative southwest Ohio district. But as the Nov. 6 elections approach, the contest has begun breaking in Chabot’s favor, one of about half a dozen races in conservative-leaning districts where improving Republican odds are stoking speculation of a tightening battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives that could limit a Democratic ‘blue wave.’ Despite the gains, most independent analysts still predict that Democrats will pick up the 23 seats they need to gain control of the House, where they would be in a position to derail or stall much of Republican President Donald Trump’s policy agenda. A Reuters analysis of election-prediction data by three major political handicappers – Cook Political Report, Inside Elections and the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics – showed that while Republican ratings had improved since early September in seven of 65 competitive races, Democrats had gained in 48 races.”
–Ginger Gibson, Joseph Ax, Karen Pierog, “In Trump-won U.S. House districts, Republicans seek a firewall,” Reuters, October 29, 2018 3:18 am