Yesterday, we broke down the Senate races [0], and today, we are going to focus on the House. This is a much tougher task, since all 435 seats are open. Oh, who are we kidding. Most House races are in such gerrymandered districts that, Republican or Democratic, those seats are staying in the same party.

One thing Republicans and Democrats can agree on (not the politicians themselves but the actual voters) is that Congressional districts should be drawn up in a neutral manner so races would be more competitive.

Still, there are a lot of races up for grabs. CQPolitics.com does a great job of analyzing the tedious practice of the races, close or not, in the House. These are the races they are spotlighting [1].

Of those in the spotlight, Republicans are incumbents in 59 races and Democrats make up the incumbent in 36 races. Even if Republicans retain most of their seats, the tough races force the Republicans to spend money they might not have or would rather spend somewhere else.

There are a significant number of open seats, the vast majority of which are Republicans, 20 Republicans versus 3 Democrats. The Democrats' list includes Tom Allen (ME-1), who is running for Susan Collins' Senate seat.

Prominent Republicans who are retiring from the House include Rick Renzi (AZ-1), Jerry Weller (IL-11), Ray LaHood (IL-18), Heather A. Wilson (NM-1), Steve Pearce (NM-2), Vito J. Fossella (NY-13), Thomas M. Reynolds (NY-26), Deborah Pryce (OH-15), and Thomas M. Davis III (VA-11). Wayne T. Gilchrest (MD-1) was the incumbent but lost in the Republican primary to Andy Harris.

Possible targets (i.e., people progressives would love to see lose) in the spotlight include Don Young (AK-at large) as well as Lincoln Diaz-Balart (Fl-21) and Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25).

Here in Illinois, we have quite a few Republican seats that could turn Democratic. Besides the open seats in the 11th District and the 18th District, possible turnovers include Peter Roskam (IL-6), Mark Kirk (IL-10), and Judy Biggert  (IL-13). If Kirk loses his seat, it's a sign of something big for the Democrats.

But covering 435 races is quite difficult. But you can help. Is there a race in your area where you are excited? Perhaps there is a fresh Democrat in your district who the Republicans are gunning for, such as Tim Mahoney [2] (FL-16), who won Mark Foley's seat.

Or is there a race where if the Democratic Party nominee wins in that district, then the Democrats will do even better than expected. Help us educate the country about your area.

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