"the baltimore sun" labeled chris van hollen as a rising star. it was 2002 that he was elected to congress, beating some powerful democratic competitors. in the last two cycles, he helped democrats gain 50 seats. congressman van hollen is at the center of the storm. if democrats retain control of the house, he will reap much of the credit, and if they do not, well -- following his presentation, the floor will be open to questions. this is a traditional news conference, but we will give to each questioner -- when you have the microphone, please see your name, organization, and your question. many thanks to those who have --anized to the's event today's events. we also want to thank the national press club president and newsmaker committee chairman for jumping through many hoops for making sure to date's event has happened. also, richard is doing the microphones is an enormous help. the national press club this honor to present congressman chris van hollen. >> thank you very much, and it is great be with all of you. thank you for say -- for taking s

. >> at the national press club friday, congressman chris van hollen said that the democrats would maintain their majority in the house in november elections, and the recent reports of the democrats demise were "exaggerated." the congressman talks about his party's overall agenda an election strategy and also responded to minority leader criticisms.'s this is about 25 minutes. >> it is great debate with all of you. thanks for taking some time off. thank you, bob, and the national press club for the invitation. we're here to discuss the upcoming elections which are 67 days from today. 67 days from today, millions of americans going to the polls to vote in the 2010 midterm elections, an election which we all agree was shaped the national decisionmaking for years to come. congressional republicans inside the beltway are already talking -- popping champagne bottles, saying that they're going to seize control of the united states congress. it is an agreement for celebration. i can assure you that the summer washington political chatter, the reports of the democrats designs -- demise are greatly

"the baltimore sun" labeled chris van hollen as a rising star. it was 2002 that he was elected to congress, beating some powerful democratic competitors. in the last two cycles, he helped democrats gain 50 seats. congressman van hollen is at the center of the storm. if democrats retain control of the house, he will reap much of the credit, and if they do not, well -- following his presentation, the floor will be open to questions. this is a traditional news conference, but we will give to each questioner -- when you have the microphone, please see your name, organization, and your question. many thanks to those who have --anized to the's event today's events. we also want to thank the national press club president and newsmaker committee chairman for jumping through many hoops for making sure to date's event has happened. also, richard is doing the microphones is an enormous help. the national press club this honor to present congressman chris van hollen. >> thank you very much, and it is great be with all of you. thank you for say -- for taking

"the baltore sun" labeled chris van hollen as a rising star. it was 2002 that he was elected to congress, beating some powerful democratic competitors. in the last two cycles, he helped democrats gain 50 seats. congressman van hollen is at the center of the storm. if democrats retain control of the house, he will reap much of the credit, and if they do not, well -- following his presentation, the floor will be open to questions. this is a traditional news conference, but we will give to each questioner -- when you have the microphone, please see your name, organization, and your question. many thanks to those who have --anized to the's event today's events. we also want to thank the naonal press club president and newsmaker committee chairman for jumping through many hoops for making sure to date's event has happened. also, richard is doing the microphones is an enormous help. the national press club this honor to present congressman chris van hollen. >> thank you very much, and it is great be with all of you. thank you for say -- for taking som