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WASHINGTON - The 2010 Midterm elections are just over a year away and more than a third of the Senate will be on the ballot. Sources say several House races are already considered toss-ups.

The president's party traditionally loses seats in the midterm elections. During President Clinton's first term in 1994, the Republicans swept into power.

Campaign watchers say a wave that big isn't likely this time around -- but even Democrats are saying they're going to lose some seats in Congress.

A year out, Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a midterm battle for Congress. "I think we'll see some new faces in 2010 and I think they'll have an R next to their name," said Brent Littlefield, a Republican strategist.

Littlefield says his party's base is energized and issues like federal spending on the stimulus bill and taxes will drive voters to the polls next year.

"Republicans have been talking about limiting spending, lowering the size of government and government's exploded under the Obama administration," said Littlefield. "People are looking for candidates who will go to Congress and cut spending and I think that's what Republican candidates are talking about."

Democratic strategist Maria Cardona says that's what counts. She says passing health care reform will help Congressional Democrats next November.

"I don't think it's going to be doom and gloom for the Democrats," she said. "I think we will maintain majorities in both chambers."

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"The candidates running on the Democratic side will be able to say look, 'This is something that we did that generations have been trying to accomplish and this will ultimately help middle class and working class families and I think that's an important message for them to carry,'" added Cardona.

Democrats hold the majority in both chambers of Congress. In the Senate, Democrats have a 60-vote majority with the two Independents who vote with them. Thirty-eight Senate seats are up in 2010.

Eric Wasserman is an editor at the non-partisan The Cook Political Report. He says Democrats have to worry about voter turnout in 2010 with voters who showed up to support Obama in 2008 choosing to sit things out next year.

Said Wasserman, "2010 is going to be a great year for political outsiders. And Republicans are trying to recruit as many people with non-political backgrounds as possible so they can take advantage of the anger among Independents toward Washington and toward big institutions."

"Angrier voters are more likely to show up and the voters who are angry with Washington right now are the ones who don't like what president Obama and Democrats are proposing," added Wasserman.

House Democrats have built their majority in the house over the last two election cycles. To regain control of the House, Republicans would have to pick up 40 seats.

"I don't think that's likely at this point, but if they're able to field some strong candidates in races and raise a bit of money and continue the momentum that they enjoyed this past August recess into the new year, then I think they could pick up a dozen to two dozen seats," said Wasserman. 

The midterms are still a year away and there's a lot that can happen between now and then. The public will have to wait and see, but health care and the economy will be big factors when voters head to the polls next year.

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