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2014 Mid-Term Elections
On November 4, 2014, voters will head to the polls electing a potential majority busting group of new U.S. Senators and all of the U.S. House of Representatives, impacting the legislative landscape for the self-employed in state and federal governments.
U.S. Senate
The 100-person deliberative body of the United States Senate is unique for several reason, members seek re-election every six years and unless one party holds a “super-majority” (60 of the seats), it is by nature the chamber of bi-partisan efforts and legislative compromise. This cycle, there are 36 Senate races, eight open seats due to retirement or primary loss and 28 incumbents seeking re-election. Off the 10 Senate races categorized as “toss-up” races by Real Clear Politics, seven are currently held by Democrats and three by Republicans. With the Senate evenly divided at 45-45, those 10 seats will either maintain the majority for the Democrats or swing the majority to the Republicans. The ten must watch Senate race: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and North Carolina.
House of Representatives
Much like 2012, it would be almost statistically impossible for the Republicans to lose their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Of the 435 House seats, the Republicans hold 230 non- competitive seats (218 seats needed for majority) and the Democrats hold 188; even if the Democrats won all of the 17 toss-up seats, they will still fall short of re-capturing the majority. 12 of the toss-up seats are currently held by Democrats, leaving the Republicans with ample opportunity to expand their majority in the House, while certainly maintaining it.
Congress will have a short time table to address key issues including, tax reform, immigration, and government spending, before the 2016 presidential campaign swings into full gear.
Katie Vlietstra is NASE’s Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs.