But the rise in Democratic hopes generally is far from reassuring to individual members.

An enthusiastic black turnout is crucial to Democratic hopes there.

In truth, Democratic hopes of winning back the House are somewhat remote.

In a few weeks, he raised $1 million in campaign cash, and with it Democratic hopes.

Democratic hopes for extending a 40-year grip on the Hawaii governor's office have been dealt a major setback.

But Democratic hopes of capitalizing on that success in 1998 are waning fast.

The same groups are crucial to Democratic hopes of winning any closely contested states.

In only four or five other states are Democratic hopes about the Senate as high.

But she faltered in her 2002 race against a more moderate Republican, losing a close, high-profile election that was crucial to Democratic hopes.

But the Democratic hopes are not yet supported by any vote counts.