Chapter 12: Political Parties
1/14/99

In the 1998 general election, a surprising outcome happened in regard to the party makeup of the House of Representatives. For the first time since 1934, the party of a sitting president gained seats in a non-presidential election year. This was viewed as a major setback for House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who immediately came under attack from disappointed party members who faulted his handling of allegations against President Bill Clinton arising from his affair with Monica Lewinsky. The final tally showed Republicans with 223 seats, down five from 228 in the current Congress. Democrats won 211, up from 206. Immediately prior to the election, most analysts expected Republicans to pick up at least five to 10 seats. In August of 1998, when Clinton admitted that he had an affair with Lewinsky, some experts forecast GOP gains of 20 to 25 seats.

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