Introductory Questions
How often are representatives up for "re-election"? Does the incumbent have an advantage in a House election? What are some reasons a House member might choose not to run again? How does a party get to be the "majority" party in the House? What are the advantages to being in the majority? Are House members who are in leadership posts or in the majority better able to serve their constituents? When voting, should citizens consider which is the majority party and whether or not the incumbent (if running) has a leadership post? What are some factors that might make a House race very competitive? What can a U.S. representative do for your state? For the whole country? How is a House race different than the race for the Senate? for president? |
| House Overview |
| 1. How many states are having elections for members of the U.S. House?
2. Which party is in control of the House?
3. How many seats would the minority party need to win to gain the control of the House?
4. Find out who has raised the largest amount of money among the candidates for the U.S. House. How much money does the candidate have and as of what date?
5. How many "OPEN" seats are there? How many of these are new districts?
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| House Races to Watch |
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6. Why does Texas have two "new" districts? Summarize the controversy surrounding the process that lead to the new districts.
7. Why is South Dakota's one house seat open?
8. Which former presidential candidate is retiring from the House? Where is his district?
9. Which former chair of a powerful committee is stepping down from his Louisiana seat?
10. In which campaign has a House candidate loaned the most money from his/her own funds?
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| House Race from Your District |
| 11. How many representatives will be elected from your state?
12. Identify your congressional district and name the candidates who are running for the U.S. House.
13. Identify the interest heading of the PAC that made the biggest contribution to your Democratic candidate.
14. Identify the interest heading of the PAC that made the biggest contribution to your Republican candidate.
15. When is the deadline for general election voter registration in your state?
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Use the following questions to explore the House races taking place this year. Students should have a basic understanding of campaigns and elections and the roles of the House and its members. 
Watch House & Senate Race Analysis
