House Democrats hoping for Obama factor

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With the Democratic presidential nominee locked in, the party now hopes to capitalize on Sen. Barack Obama's popularity in upcoming congressional races.

"I use this word in the most complimentary way: exploit the opportunities that he has opened up for us by his campaign, which has proved to be very attractive," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday.

Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the man in charge of getting Democrats elected to the House, says he's targeting take-overs in 40 districts this fall to expand the Democratic majority.

That includes utilizing Obama's draw, not only to boost the African-American vote but to reach out to independents and young voters.

"The Obama factor is this sense that people now are participating this political process who didn't participate before. People who are thinking now they are going to make a difference in coming out to the polls and casting their votes," Van Hollen said. "I think young people see in Obama an opportunity to really make a break with this past logjam in Washington, a break with the status quo, and move into a new era in American politics.

"Republicans can't plan on a conventional type of election. There's this whole new factor of people who have not been involved before, who are getting involved," he added. "The Republicans can't count on them staying at home this time."

House Republicans acknowledge that they face a tough political landscape in November.

But House Minority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri argues that the John McCain factor is also at play.

He says McCain is the Republicans' best chance to appeal to independents and working-class voters.

"I do think there's a presidential dynamic that's stronger than it normally is. ... I think the presidential dynamic works to our advantage ... and I think it does because of the unique appeal of John McCain to people who don't always vote for Republicans," Blunt said.

Overall, analysts say, the outlook favors Democrats across the board -- with opportunities to pick up seats in Republican districts ranging from New York and Connecticut to New Mexico and Wyoming.

"There are three, four dozen congressional districts that the Democrats are playing in, and the Republicans have only a handful of seats they could possibly take back or take over," said Stu Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report.

He says the current political landscape "favors Democrats across the board."

"The public wants change, and the Democrats still represent that more than does the president. With presidents unpopular, people think the country's off track, that just ... helps the Democratic message of change get some traction," Rothenberg added.

Political analysts, meanwhile, forecast Democratic gains in the Senate as well -- anywhere from two to five seats.

But right now, they say it's still unlikely Democrats will be able to reach a filibuster-proof majority.

"You could see the Democrats getting up to netting seven, eight seats, maybe even nine ... but right now I think that's too much of a long shot to even discuss," Rothenberg said. "They're going to gain seats, they're going to have another big year, and that's pretty impressive after what happened last time."

CNN's Ed Hornick contributed to this report.

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