Experts call it “The Iron Law”: The sitting president’s party almost always loses House seats during the midterm election. But that tendency can be exacerbated — or blunted — by a key factor: gas prices.
As Republicans scramble to defend their House majority in November, gas prices are becoming a major concern — both for voters and for the GOP lawmakers trying to hold onto their seats.
A recent Politico analysis found that incumbents tend to pay a more significant electoral price during midterm elections when costs at the pump are higher, with the president’s party losing 32 House seats on average since 1978 when gas costs more, and only shedding six seats when prices are down.
But for Republicans, that history is taking on new significance for a simple reason. This is a preview of a column by Lillie Boudreaux. Read the full column here. |
