Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009

If GOP wins big in 2010, credit California's Rep. McCarthy

It's the latest high-profile assignment for McCarthy, who serves as his party's chief deputy whip. Earlier this month, he was chosen in a poll of congressional insiders as the Republican member of Congress with the "brightest political future."

After watching his party get slaughtered in the last two elections, McCarthy is feeling optimistic about its chances of a comeback in 2010. Voters increasingly are becoming disenfranchised with the Democratic majority in Washington, he said.

Taking control "would be a very big climb," McCarthy said. However, he said, Republican chances are increasing as Democrats promote policies such as their brand of health care restructuring, going "directly against what the American people say they want."

"They're still shoving it down people's throats," said McCarthy, whose 22nd Congressional District stretches from the San Joaquin Valley to the coast, covering most of Kern and San Luis Obispo counties and northeastern Los Angeles County.

McCarthy isn't alone in predicting Republican gains, which would be expected after the election of a Democratic president.

The Cook Political Report, an independent, nonpartisan newsletter, estimates that 77 Democratic House seats could be competitive next year, compared with 26 Republican seats. Most analysts say it's not a question of whether the Republican Party will pick up seats, but of how many.

Democrats are bracing for a tough year.