DEMOS SEEN RETAINING POWER IN CONGRESS

Although Nov. 6 is more than 10 months away, Washington lawmakers already have one eye on the fall elections.

As usual, one third of the Senate seats and all of the House of Representative seats are up for reelection.

Despite that, Democrats are expected to remain in firm control of both houses.

Democrats currently have a 55-45 majority in the Senate and hold 16 of the 34 seats that will be open because of retirements and expiration of terms. They could retain power by reclaiming only 12 of the 34 seats.

In the House, Democrats have been in control since 1955. They currently hold power with a 259-176 majority.

During the past 30 years the party holding the White House has lost seats in Congress in midterm elections. And incumbents seeking reelection have been reelected about 98% of the time in the last two House elections.

But changes are in prospect for Congress in 1992. In those elections, congressional districts will be reapportioned on the basis of the 1990 census.

Present projections are that Sun Belt states may gain 16-17 seats at the expense of the Upper Midwest and Northeast.

One retirement of particular interest to oil lobbyists is the imminent departure of Sen. James McClure (R-Idaho). McClure served three 2 year terms in the House, and three 6 year terms in the Senate. When Republicans held control of the Senate during the first Reagan administration, McClure chaired the energy committee. He currently is the ranking Republican on that panel.

Another Senate seat may become prematurely vacant. Sen. Spark Matsunaga (D-Hawaii) has said he may step down this session due to health problems.

Copyright 1990 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.