Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, stated Tuesday that he believes any predictions about future elections are still premature, but expressed optimism over his party's ability to maintain control of the Senate.

"We are still fourteen months away from an election...and that's an eternity," Menendez said in a pen and pad session with reporters.

However, Menendez believes that Democrats are still better positioned for the long-term, noting that Republicans have done nothing to put the U.S. in better economic shape. According to him, health care reform is a strong asset for Democrats because Republicans' strategy is for the elimination of the public option.

"Republican strategy is short-sided...they have forfeited the two biggest issues: the economy and health care," Menendez said.