Democrats, November Elections | featured news

It's been a rough year for Democrats, but there has been one recent ray of sunshine for the party: Barbara Boxer's polling numbers. Boxer spent most of the cycle around 45 percent in the RCP Average, and by mid-August had dropped to 43.8 percent. Her numbers recovered in September but so did her opponent's -- at one point Fiorina was within .3 points of Boxer in the RCP Average. This is very, very dangerous territory for any incumbent.

President Barack Obama predicted on Thursday his embattled Democrats would hold onto their congressional majorities in the November elections if they can rekindle enthusiasm among voters who helped sweep him into office.

Admonishing his own party, President Barack Obama says it would be inexcusable and irresponsible for unenthusiastic Democratic voters to sit out the midterm elections, warning that the consequences could be a squandered agenda for years.

The measure's passage ends months of partisan delay. The wait for action was agonizing for small-business owners, many of whom have been seeking loans for months in the tight credit market. Ending months of partisan delay, the House gave final passage Thursday to a small-business tax and lending assistance bill, handing Democrats a legislative victory on the economic issues central to the midterm elections.

Democrats cannot decide whether to hold a vote on extending tax cuts, as some lawmakers fear the issue could hurt their re-election chances in November.

A settlement appears unlikely at this point, and a trial could come as early as September, creating a headache for Democrats before the midterm election.

A House panel on Thursday accused New York Rep. Charles B.