If they're lucky, the Republicans might have one less open House seat to deal with. Roll Call reports that Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN), who announced his retirement in September, is reconsidering his decision. The swing seat is seen as a major pick-up opportunity for the Democrats, but only if Ramstad were to leave it open.

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), a friend of Ramstad's and a collaborator on proposed mental health parity legislation, said that the possibility of the legislation passing next year would be a big influence for Ramstad — which means that if the Democratic leadership could speed it through early in the year, Kennedy argues, Ramstad would be more comfortable with his decision to retire.