The writing has been on the wall for a while, but Republican spokespeople have stated over and again that the party isn’t in that bad of shape; in a down swing sure, just a little, but nothing too serious.

Well, frankly that’s not true and we know it.

Politico sees it:

For the past 18 months, ever since the 2006 elections, congressional Republicans have been like a hospital patient trying to convince visitors that he is not really all that sick: a bit under the weather; actually feel better than I sound; should be up and about any day; thanks for asking.

Suddenly — belatedly — all pretense is gone.

The Republican defeat in Tuesday’s special election in Mississippi, in a deeply conservative district where, in an average year, Democrats cannot even compete, was a clear sign that the GOP has the political equivalent of cancer that has spread throughout the body. Many House GOP operatives are privately predicting that the party could easily lose up to 20 seats this fall.

Like I said, it’s true. Chider’s win in Mississippi is the third of what may become a streak of conservative leaning districts that could be lost to the democrats.

Politico suggest that with the 20 seat loss, coupled with the 30 seats lost in ‘06, there would be a 70 vote difference between the parties, giving the Democrats not just a clear majority but an overwhelming juggernaut that could pass just about anything they wanted.

Two things to watch out for if this comes about: 1. With a Dem. in the White House, how will that affect how quickly things get done? 2. With a Rep. in the White House, how will that affect the powers that have been wielded by President Bush? (Will McCain have the same authority if the House becomes severely Democrat?)