election weeks ago. what is fueling this optimism beyond of course the elections. >> well, you also have a number of republicans who have decided not to run again. house republicans committee chairman such as jeff and bob goodlack who decided they are not going to run again. could be seen as a signal they don't feel the republicans will maintain control of the house. also partially due to the fact republicans have terms limits on committee chairman and they essentially reached that terms limit. after you've been a committee chair. going back to the ranking files is less desirable. you have about 14-15 republicans who decided not to run for re-election. the special elections, the midterm elections, earlier this month, that has fueled talk of potentially a wave in 2018.