One theory going around is that winning the House will assure Obama's re-election in 2012 because they will, with their swelled heads, try to lead a charge and come off as arrogant and "business as usual".

Does anyone actually believe the election-day rhetoric of "changing the way Washington works"?

If the GOP leads the charge with "tax cuts for the rich" and "protecting marriage" and other wedge issues, they'll lose in 2012.

If, as an example, they come up with a cogent plan for balancing the budget that involves SHARED SACRIFICE - because Americans WILL sacrifice *if* they believe everyone is being asked to contribute - they'll storm to power in 2012. When they campaign on specifics, like the Contract for America, they can really get that message out in a good manner.