The NLBMDA’s pre-election scoreboard

With Congressional elections on the calendar for Tuesday and the power of the Senate at a possible tipping point, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association offered its take on political matchups here at the 2014 ProDealer Industry Summit.

Ben Gann, the NLBMDA’s VP legislative and political affairs, pointed to top lumberyard industry issues for 2015 and spelled out where the various elections stand.

In the Senate, currently controlled by the Democratic Party with 53 senators (and two independents), there are 10 races that are too close to call. For the Republicans to gain control of the Senate, they need to pick up at least six seats, Gann said. And at least 10 races are “too close to call,” he said.

Among the 10 tight races, there are several extra tight. Based on the latest forecasts in Kansa, the Independent candidate Greg Orman has a one-point lead over the Republican Pat Roberts.

In Louisiana, Democrat Mary Landrieu has a one-point lead over her Republican opponents -- a race this is likely heading to a runoff in December. And in New Hampshire, Democratic incumbent Jeanne Shaheen is ahead of Republican challenger Scott Brown by 2 points.

In the House of Representatives, there are 233 Republicans and 183 Democrats, and by all accounts very little chance the election will alter the current balance of partisan power there.

Gann also described the five key legislative priorities for the incoming Congress, whoever they are. The NLBMDA will look to push legislation, including the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act, the Marketplace Fairness Act and reform of the EPA Lead Rule.

Legislation affecting the mortgage interest deduction may also enter the conversation. "There is a lot of talk about reform of Fanny and Freddy,” Gann said. “We haven't taken a position on specific legislation, but generally we would support that the 30-year fixed rate mortgages will continue to be available."