NORTH CAROLINA – The dust may have settled on the Supreme Court fight, but both parties are hopeful it will help their midterm chances this fall.

  • Republicans and Democrats alike have leaned on Kavanaugh to rally their bases
  • Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he believes the drama tied to Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation could drive Republicans to the polls
  • In North Carolina, three House races are considered possible pick-ups for the Democrats: the 2nd, 9th, and 13th

In the days since Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Republicans and Democrats alike have leaned on Kavanaugh to rally their bases. The president, for instance, likened those who protested against the nominee to a “mob” during a recent rally in Kentucky.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) said he believes the drama tied to Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation could drive Republicans to the polls.

“I actually think it awakened a number of people who may not have voted in this cycle, particularly Republicans,” he said.

But will the Supreme Court squabble actually have an impact? Analysts like Kyle Kondik with the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics are not so sure.

“I’m not saying that there won’t be a Kavanaugh-effect, I just feel a little hesitant to suggest confidently that there will be one,” he said.

In fact, regardless of the Kavanaugh news, election-watchers in many ways are standing by what they have been saying for months.

Democrats – already fired up in part because of the President -- have a good shot at taking control in the House, they say. But they stand to lose ground in the Senate, in part because Democratic incumbents in states won by the president face tough odds.

“Democrats are defending so much territory this year, and so much of that territory is on unfavorable turf,” Kondik said.

In North Carolina, three House races are considered possible pick-ups for the Democrats: the 2nd, 9th, and 13th. That includes the 9th district match-up between Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready.

However, Kondik says at the end of the day, Democrats likely have a better chance at success in other states rather than the Tar Heel state.

“These districts are all drawn to elect Republicans, so even in an optimal situation, it may be difficult for Democrats to win some of these seats.

Election day is Tuesday, November 6.