What do Republican pit bull Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato of New York and controversial Democratic Senator Carol Moseley-Braun of Illinois have in common? With the economy robust and the electorate content, you'd think these incumbents would be cruising toward reelection this fall. Instead, they are two of the most endangered politicians on Capitol Hill. But they're not alone. At least a half-dozen senators and about 40 House members are girding for tough races in '98, a surprisingly large number for what had been billed, as the Year of the Incumbent. Why? Some—such as D'Amato and Moseley-Braun—are shoot-from-the-lip personalities who have ticked off a lot of voters. But the main reason is shifting political winds that make officeholders seem out of step with constituents. And with half as many congressional retirements this year as in recent elections, more incumbent necks are on the line. Admits a top Democratic strategist: "There are potentially a lot of losers out there."
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