Gibbs predicts Democratic majority retention

The White House spokesman projects House and the Senate control for his side

Published October 17, 2010 5:22PM (EDT)

President Barack Obama's spokesman caused a political stir this summer when he said Democrats could lose their majority in the House in November. Now he says he doesn't think that will happen.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs tells NBC's "Meet the Press" that Democratic candidates have done, in his words, "a remarkably good job in a tough political environment."

And Gibbs says that it's his view that Democrats will retain control of both the House and the Senate.

The House now has 255 Democrats, 178 Republican, with two vacancies. In the Senate, there are 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and two independents who usually vote with Democrats.

Gibbs' summer comment was seen by many as an effort to jolt Democratic voters into action.

(This version CORRECTS headlines to indicate spokesman had said Democrats might lose House, not predicting that they would lose House.)


By Associated Press

MORE FROM Associated Press


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

2010 Elections Barack Obama Democratic Party U.s. House Of Representatives U.s. Senate