Event Summary
On Thursday, October 31, a panel of Brookings scholars will analyze and discuss the upcoming congressional and gubernatorial elections. Democrats are battling to hold on to control of the Senate and win a majority in the House of Representatives, while Republicans are fighting to retain control of the House and reclaim the Senate. A relatively small number of hotly contested races in both chambers will determine the outcome as well as the legislative agenda for the next two years.
Which issues resonate with voters will likely be an important factor in who wins. Will voters focus on the war on terrorism and the Bush administration's declared policy of disarming Saddam Hussein's Iraq? Or will the state of the economy, prescription drugs for Medicare patients, and proposals to reform Social Security be the prime issues on the minds of voters?
The death of Sen. Paul Wellstone, a Democrat from Minnesota, adds a last-minute uncertainty to the already intense competition for control of the Senate.
The panel will offer their assessments, debate among themselves, and answer questions from the audience.
PLEASE NOTE: A post-election briefing and analysis will take place at Brookings on Friday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m.