In the summer of 1991, a moment captured the essence of baseball’s spirit when legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully announced that Cubs outfielder Andre Dawson was sidelined with a bruised knee. His words, “He is listed as day-to-day,” were followed by a poignant reflection: “Then again, aren’t we all?” That phrase resonates beyond the realm of sports, diving into the heart of life itself, as underscored by recent events in the political landscape.
The loss of Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., at just 65 years old during emergency surgery brings this reflection back to light. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed the weight of this loss, stating, “It really shook us.” LaMalfa was not only a colleague but a cherished figure known for his kindness. Rep. Tom McClintock remarked, “the kindest man I ever knew.” This sentiment encapsulates a common thread shared by members of both parties: the impact of personal relationships in the tumult of political life.
LaMalfa’s death marks a significant shift in the Republican majority in the House, reducing their numbers and creating a precarious margin. With the loss of LaMalfa and the resignation of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the GOP’s seat count shrinks to a slender 218-213 out of a full 431 members. The stakes have risen alarmingly as they possess only a slim margin to pass legislation without Democratic support, highlighting the fragility of their hold on power.
With seven House members lost since April 2024—six of whom were Democrats—LaMalfa’s passing underscores a trend that could threaten Republican viability in the House. The recent resignation of Greene adds further strain, leaving party leadership grappling with the math of their slim majority. Should either of the Democrats, Christian Menefee or Amanda Edwards, win the upcoming special election in Texas, the GOP’s position could become even more vulnerable, teetering towards a 218-214 scenario.
Rep. Tim Burchett echoed the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are one flu season away from losing the majority.” With the nation facing a severe flu season, compounded by the presence of a new variant, the health of lawmakers becomes more pressing than ever. It’s a reminder that a single illness could further tip the balance of power.
The Constitution prohibits governors from appointing replacements in the House, meaning vacant seats cannot be quickly filled. Historical precedent suggests that the House has never flipped control in the middle of a Congress, with special elections often requiring months to resolve. As Speaker Johnson noted, they have “been working with a razor-thin majority” during his tenure, emphasizing the precariousness of their current situation.
However, even at the prospect of a 218-214 division, the GOP’s majority remains intact, given that losing three members would still leave them with a slim edge. Prior to any special elections, the balance of power must shift noticeably, which typically takes time. Meanwhile, the echoes of history linger. The midterms of 1930 found Republicans clinging to a narrow majority amid tumultuous circumstances, ultimately losing their grip due to the election of new representatives in special elections during the long interregnum.
The sad passing of LaMalfa reverberates through the House. Known for bipartisan respect, LaMalfa was admired on both sides, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remembering him as a “great Member of Congress.” This sense of loss unites a chamber often marked by partisanship, reminding all that the political arena is anchored in human relationships and the profound impacts of each departure.
In light of the recent upheavals, the risks to House Republican power loom larger, resembling the uncertainty of a player listed as day-to-day with an injury. The resilience of the House majority is tested continually, while the historical tendency for control to remain stable during sessions offers some continuity amid change.
As the nation witnesses transitions within Congress, the truth remains: like in baseball and life, “Aren’t we all?” The days ahead are uncertain, and every vote could tip the scales of control. Just as Vin Scully celebrated the daily journey of a player enduring a minor setback, the members of Congress will navigate their own day-to-day challenges in the face of loss and uncertainty.
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