Much of the discussion in political circles in recent weeks has centered on the impact of the impeachment proceedings on next year's congressional elections. A more immediate concern, however, is what impact impeachment will have on the political climate this year. For both parties this year, the top two priorities are recruiting solid contenders for 2000 races and making sure candidates have enough money to run competitive campaigns. The parties' success on those fronts will be critical in determining Election Day outcomes in 2000.
The candidates that each side puts on the ballot in an election year come out of a process that typically begins the year before. That's usually when incumbents decide whether to seek re-election, run for higher office, or retire.
When the political climate looks unfavorable for a party in the year before an election, some incumbents are more inclined to retire, and others are more likely to stay put and not seek a higher office. By contrast, when the climate looks good, most incumbents feel comfortable about seeking re-election, and ambitious ones are more inclined to
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