WASHINGTON (AP) -- After a decade in the political wilderness, Democrats are beginning to predict confidently if quietly that they will win control of the House in next week's elections, and
possibly emerge with a relatively robust majority.

The optimism coincides with a Republican retreat Tuesday in three costly, highly competitive races in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Ohio, as well as polls showing continued public dissatisfaction with President Bush and the war in Iraq.

In addition, fundraising is running significantly stronger than two years ago, $104.5 million through Oct. 18. That represents an increase of more than 30 percent, and has allowed Democrats to launch late-campaign television advertising in several districts in recent days in an attempt to maximize their gains on Election Day.

For CNN's coverage of the midterm elections, check out America Votes 2006