For both parties, the new year is a time to reflect and regroup. For Republicans and NRCC Chair Rep. Greg Walden, that means figuring out how to stay the course and preserve 2014 gains during a more challenging presidential cycle. For Democrats and new DCCC Chair Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, it's more about starting from scratch and bouncing back, even if the 30 seat gain needed for the majority looks far out of reach today. But in this era of never-ending congressional campaigns, the fundraising and recruitment calls have already gone out before the decorations in new members' offices have gone up. And already, both parties face tests. To kick off the year, there's one GOP vacancy in Staten Island's NY-11, and early GOP retirements in suburban Philadelphia's PA-08 and the Hudson Valley's NY-19. All three seats have been won by President Obama at least once. The most immediate race will be the NY-11 special election to fill resigned Rep. Michael Grimm's seat, which has yet to be scheduled, but looks likely to be held in the spring. If Democrats
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