Republicans respond to election "wake-up call"

By Thomas Ferraro

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, stung by a third election defeat in as many months, scrambled on Wednesday to regain the confidence of voters as well as some of their own members.

Gathered on the steps of the Capitol building, they showcased a package of largely old proposals to reach out to families, including ones to cut the rising price of gas, make health care more affordable and crack down on street gangs.

"Our members are concerned but they are ready for the message we are rolling out this week," said Roy Blunt of Missouri, the Republican whip in the House.

Democrats mocked a new Republican slogan -- "Change you deserve" -- by noting the phrase is used to market an antidepressant.

"Democrats, not drugs, is what the American people need," said Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the majority leader in the House.

With opinion polls showing voters favor Democrats on a host of issues, the party is expected to further swell its ranks in Congress in November, when Americans vote for a new president as well as all 435 seats in the House and a third of the 100-member Senate.

Last week, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warned fellow Republicans that they must "chart a bold course of real change or they are going to suffer decisive losses" in November.

Democrats picked up another House seat on Tuesday when they won a conservative district in Mississippi previously held by Republicans.