Silver Lining for Conservatives?

The Prince of Darkness Robert Novak looks on the bright side of Demcorats winning control of the House.

Right gains

The House will be less Republican and perhaps Democratic-controlled because of the Nov. 7 elections, but it may be more conservative. The Republican Study Committee, the conservative caucus, will gain a higher percentage of House Republicans.

Three committee members are leaving the House to run for higher office, while eight more are seriously threatened for re-election, though some may survive. Against that, seven new Republican candidates who are heavily favored to win and five with a good chance are conservatives who probably will join the committee. In addition, several non-committee moderate Republicans may lose, possibly including all three GOP members from Connecticut.