Democrats optimistic, Republicans soften expectations ahead of midterms

With Americans going to the polls tomorrow, neither party is predicting a huge Republican victory.

According to most projections, the Republicans are headed for big gains in both chambers of Congress thanks to the surging Tea Party movement and the Obama administration’s shift towards bigger government. But in a last-ditch effort to influence the electorate, the Republicans making the rounds on Sunday talk shows yesterday said even modest gains would be a sign of success given how badly the party lost the 2008 presidential election. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine conceded that his party will lose seats, but defied pundits’ predictions by saying that the Democrats will retain majorities in the Senate and the House. The Republicans need to win 39 seats to take control of the House, and nine to control the Senate.