1998 was the 6th year of an incumbent administration. Not since President James Monroe had the party of a President in his 6th year won seats in the House and Senate. That was in 1826. President Clinton was at the center of a sex scandal and it was expected that Democrats would lose badly. So, when Republicans turned out to be the losers that year, it was big news.

A good economy and bedroom monitoring by Republicans motivated voters. Democrats gained 5 house seats and broke even in the Senate. Candidates were surprised, pundits were astounded, and Newt Gingrich lost his job. Christmas 1998 was a special celebration for Democrats.

Off years are almost always rough for the party of the President. 2010 looks to be grim. The economy, the suffering, two unpopular wars, and demonstrable untruths believed by large numbers of voters should carry the day. Democrats should lose both houses of the legislative branch, and President Obama should be in serious trouble. That may yet happen.

But some election damage may be mitigated. Democrats have an extraordinary ally known as the Republican Party. Much has been written about the downward spiral of the GOP. Extremists drive out moderates, a process which leaves extremists in stronger control and drives out even more moderates. Membership shrinks. Republican candidates are in a squeeze. The shrinking base demands wild eyed lunacy and is inclined to deny primary victory to those who do not perform. The wider universe of general election voters can be a bit touchy about candidates who are too brazen in their rejection of a minimal degree of sanity.

A half century ago, a group of fanatics accused Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower of being a "dedicated conscious agent of the communist conspiracy." They called themselves the John Birch Society. They were eventually expelled from the GOP and were discredited within the nascent conservative movement. This week, the John Birch Society announced it is co-sponsoring the 2010 Conservative Political Action Conference.

Last month, two candidates were able to thread the needle and woke the next day to find themselves called "Governor". Republicans who ran for Congress could not keep that balance. But not all officeholders are captives. A growing number are enthusiastic participants. Congressional leaders are now on board, pledging to fight against extending COBRA, child tax credits, and unemployment benefits.

A Republican Congressional candidate in Florida put the growing movement this way: "There are three words I hate to hear used. I hate big-tent. I hate inclusiveness. And I hate outreach."

We can pray that his voice is heard by all.