Could a Republican Senate be good for Mrs. Clinton?

[Mister Mets]

There was another discussion about this. I do think Hillary Clinton would be happier if Democrats beat expectations and held onto the Senate, just because of what it means for the party's strength in campaigning. It wouldn't be bad for her if Harry Reid stays on as Senate majority leader, and the party picks up one of the potentially competitive Southern Seats and holds on to Alaska and North Carolina.

It may end up being a wash.

If congressional Republicans do well, that may make President Obama more popular. This is good for Clinton.

If things go badly, President Obama can blame congressional Republicans. This is good for Clinton.

The worse scenario for Clinton is congressional Republicans passing moderately popular legislation that Obama vetoes, but that requires fairly good organization for a party that hasn't done well in that category.

If the Repub Senate is as big government as her of course.

I don't get it, are you calling her fat or something?

He seems to be talking about the size of government rather than Hillary Clinton's size.

[Mister Mets]

Arguably, a Republican House could be good, but I think Hillary would be best off having Democrats in control of the Senate so she could at least get people appointed. Having to deal with a GOP majority would be a nightmare. She might literally be unable to fill her cabinet.

The question is about whether a GOP controlled Senate in 2015 and 2016 would be good for Clinton's campaign.

There is an argument that Democrats are favored to make gains in the Senate in the 2016 elections as the group that came in with the tea party wave faces a friendlier (to the Democrats) electorate, as Republicans are expected to defend 24 seats compared to ten for Democrats.

Pick-up opportunities for Democrats include Arizona (if McCain retires or loses a primary), Florida, Illinois, Iowa (Grassley's popular but in his eighties), New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Republicans might hope for competitive elections in Colorado and Nevada.