September 23, 2022
Welcome to the Georgia edition of This Week in Washington. Thank you for your interest in politics and policy from the Peach State to the Potomac.
Both the Senate and the House returned to Washington right after Labor Day, and both are scheduled to leave town by the end of September. Patrick Robertson has written an excellent summary of Congress’ legislative agenda – what’s possible in the next 10 days and what is going to get pushed off until the lame duck session. Patrick’s Washington Whispers articles are always good, and this week’s is exceptionally well done.
Jesse Weathington is out enjoying the first days of Fall with a pumpkin spice latte. So, unfortunately, we will have to wait until the next edition of TWIW for his Gold Dome Report. Ramona Lessen monitors the September 20th hearing of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, entitled “Tightening the Screws on Russia.” Of course, make sure to check out the Infographs on current hot topics.
While Patrick summarized the legislative agenda, the political agenda is also on the front burner, and the water is boiling. Republicans expect to take back the House of Representatives; the question is how many seats they will hold next January. The very conservative low is about 220, and the realistic high is around 230. Today, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is presenting the House Republicans’ ‘Commitment to America’ in Pittsburgh, which they hope will help them achieve the biggest majority possible in the next Congress.
The Senate is way too close to call. The key states have been – and still are – Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Republicans had momentum through the spring, but Democrats took some back over the summer. Republicans now sense a slight breeze at their back as inflation, interest rates, and the economy become more impactful. Senate Republicans are beginning to feel cautiously optimistic that they could hold a one or two seat majority next January.
In case you missed it, check out last week’s Total Spectrum Spotlight interview with Nathan Gonzales, the Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections, which provides nonpartisan analysis of Senate, House, gubernatorial, and presidential elections. Nathan provides important context and fascinating observations on November’s elections.
We’ll be back in two weeks with the next issue of This Week in Washington.
As always… stay safe, healthy, AND sane.