Republicans throughout the nation grew optimistic over two straws in the political wind:
> In its customary biennial preview election, Maine, as expected, went Republican. What pleased GOPoliticos was the margin of victory—67% in the races for Governor and U.S. Senator—biggest since the 1928 G.O.P. landslide. In the past when Maine's Republican margin has been more than 65% the nation has usually gone Republican.
> The Gallup poll, which as late as mid-August had reported probable Democratic gains in the House in November, indicated that, on the basis of present sentiment, Republicans would gain 21 seats, mostly in Eastern and Midwest...