As the November elections near, Democrats and Republicans are facing voter anger over lingering high unemployment and a growing federal deficit.
Polls show likely losses for Democrats, with a possibility they could lose their majority in the House of Representatives. The battle for Congress is on the horizon and Members of Congress are headed back home through the remainder of the election cycle to shore-up their support. Several key members of the Manufactured Housing Congressional Congress are facing tight races.
Democrats currently hold a 256-178 majority in the House of Representatives, with 1 vacancy. The battle for control of the House focuses primarily on 64 competitive races — 58 Democratic-held seats and 6 Republican-held seats including 9 members of the Manufactured Housing Caucus.
Two races which are particularly important to the manufactured housing industry are those including Congressman Baron Hill (D-IN) and Congressman Joe Donnelly (D-IN). MHI will be working with members in these key districts to get-out-the-vote.
If Republicans retake control of the House of Representatives in November, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) is in line to become Speaker of the House. A GOP majority would mean major changes as a number of senior Democrats chairing committees important to manufactured housing would face demotions to lesser roles including Housing Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA), a staunch supporter of manufactured housing.
The current Senate line-up is 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents. The Republican must win 10 seats to recapture the Senate. The odds favor continued Democratic control, but a significant surge by Republican candidates could lift the Republicans into striking distance of gaining control of the Senate.
Whatever the outcome on November 2nd, it is clear that Congress will continue to be very closely divided. As a matter of strategic principle, MHI is non-partisan but pro-industry, and has sought to build relationships on both sides of the aisle in order to be well positioned whatever the electoral outcome.
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If you are a member and have questions, contact MHI Vice President of Political and Legislative Affairs Rae Ann Bevington at 703-558-0675 or rbevington@mfghome.org.
