- They win control of either the House or Senate.
- They win the governorships of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.
- The Senate Democratic freshman class is empty.
- GOP makes inroads in Pacific Coast states of Washington, Oregon and California
- Seats lost in 2006 and 2008 are regained.
- Party infrastructure begins to match the Democrats’ Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts.
- Exit polls show that working women voted for the GOP.
- At least two women win Senate seats.
- Senator Harry Reid is defeated.
- Speaker Pelosi takes a look at the results and resigns as the Democratic leader.
- The Senate retirements are in states that the GOP has an advantage.
- Appointed Senators have no incumbent benefits to protect them.
- Tea party enthusiasts decided to back Republican candidates instead of going the independent route.
- The money and infrastructure are adequate enough to support the scope of races in play.
- The public mood has been open to GOP messages.
- The Democrat-controlled Congress has not satisfied the policy base of the Democratic Party creating low enthusiasm.
- Night-time TV comics made it possible to criticize the President.
- Democratic House members retired in McCain districts.
- Union households affected by the economic downturn are willing to flirt with Republican candidates.