Maybe no one could have predicted it

The Republicans will downplay the Democrats' House victory, but remember: Until tonight, they said it wouldn't happen

Published November 8, 2006 4:28AM (EST)

Regardless of what happens in Senate races in Virginia and Missouri and Montana and Tennessee tonight, we seem to know now that the Democrats will take control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 1994.

If Democrats don't take the Senate as well, the Republicans will be working hard tomorrow to spin tonight's victory as a glass half full for the opposition party: Everyone knew that the Democrats were going to take the House, so the fact that they've done so isn't exactly news.

Before that process can start -- and really, it already has -- take a moment to remember what leading Republicans were saying would happen tonight.

Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman: "I'm confident we're going to maintain our majorities in the House and the Senate. And here's why. What the American people are going to vote on -- they want the economy; wonder where the economy is. Democrats have said that they will raise taxes, across-the-board tax increases."

White House Political Advisor Karl Rove: "I'm confident we're going to keep the Senate; I'm confident we're going to keep the House."

Vice President Dick Cheney: "We will retain control of both houses."

President George W. Bush: "If I thought we were going to lose, would I tell you. We're not going to lose, in my heart of hearts."


By Tim Grieve

Tim Grieve is a senior writer and the author of Salon's War Room blog.

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