ABSTRACT
For only the fifth time in U.S. history, the 2006 midterm election resulted in the president’s party losing control of both houses of Congress, something that few anticipated as likely early in the election cycle. Public opinion about the Iraq war, the government’s mismanagement of Hurricane Katrina, and scandal created an environment that some described as “toxic” for Republicans. In a departure from the recent norm, the field of competitive House races expanded as Election Day approached. The Democratic Party positioned itself well to ride the wave of discontent. It had few incumbent retirements, strong candidate recruitment, and aggressive fund-raising. The dynamic alliances between candidates, party committees, and outside groups were also again evident in 2006.
