Senate 2006: First Look

+++  Safe Republican +++

Hatch (UT) -- This seat is Hatch's as long as he wants it.  If Hatch retires, the only Utah Dem with a prayer is Rep. Jim Matheson.  But, Utah Republicans have a very deep bench and even Matheson would face an uphill battle.  Safe Republican.

Lugar (IN) --  Lugar is an institution and the Indiana Democratic Party is reeling from the 2004 losses of incumbent Gov. Joe Kernan and incumbent Rep. Baron Hill.  Democrats hold just two of the state's nine House seats.  Safe Republican.

Thomas (WY) -- Wyoming is a very conservative state.  WY Dems only chance: Thomas retires, Repubs nominate a weak candidate like Rep. Barbara Cubin and Dems nominate a strong candidate like Gov. Dave Freudenthal.  Warning: an open seat, a strong Dem and a weak Repub doesn't mean victory in an intensely partisan state.  Just ask Brad Carson (D-OK).  Safe Republican.

+++ Likely Republican +++

Allen (VA) -- Allen is riding high in the national Republican party.  He's fresh off a successful tenure as Chair of the NRSC, a strong potential WH '08 candidate and a popular former Governor in a Republican leaning state.  If popular Gov. Mark Warner (D) runs, downgrade this seat to "Lean Republican," if he doesn't, upgrade it to "Safe Republican."

DeWine (OH) -- The wide open race to replace controversial, term limited Gov. Bob Taft (R) will be the marquee statewide contest in 2006.  Many of Ohio's heavy hitting Dems (like Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, former AG/'98 candidate Lee Fisher, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, former Cincinnati Mayor/Talk Show Host Jerry Springer, and Rep. Ted Strickland) are all eyeing the Governor's mansion.  If a high profile Dem emerges, downgrade this swing state Senate seat to "Lean Republican."

Ensign (NV) -- Nevada's rapid demographic changes narrowly favor the Dems.  But, just like Ohio, many of Nevada's big name Dems are eyeing term limited Gov. Kenny Guinn's job.  Ensign is vulnerable if popular Rep. Shelley Berkley takes the plunge.

Kyl (AZ) -- Rumor has it that Kyl will be challenged by State Democratic Chair Jim Pederson.  If Pederson runs a good campaign, the nation's eyes will be on this swing state on Election Day as Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) will likely be challenged by popular ex-TV sportscaster, Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R).  Don't underestimate the power of incumbency and Arizona's demographics still slightly favor the Republicans.  Likely Republican.

Lott (MS) -- Reports of Lott's demise have been greatly exagerated.  Yes, the gaffe that cost him his leadership position hurt his image.  But, red Mississippi will send him back to the Senate in 2006.  Do racist remarks hurt southern politicians?  Ask Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd.  Likely Republican.

Snowe (ME) -- Despite being a Republican in blue Maine, Moderate GOP Senator Olympia Snowe should be safe.  Gov. John Baldacci (D), Rep. Tom Allen (D) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D) could make the race interesting, but, there's no indication that any of them, or anyone else for that matter, are interested in challenging the popular moderate.  If a strong challenger does emerge, downgrade this blue state seat to Lean Republican.

Talent (MO) -- If the Dems field a strong candidate, Freshman Sen. Jim Talent might be in trouble.  Fortunately for him, 2004 was a good year for Missouri Repubs as Kerry abandoned the state early, Sen. Kit Bond (R) won big in what was expected to be a close race and the Repubs took back the Governor's mansion.  If Ex-Lt. Gov. Joe Maxwell or State Auditor/'04 Gubernatorial Nominee Claire McCaskill run, downgrade to Lean Republican.

+++ Lean Republican +++

Burns (MT) -- Deep red Montana is, ever so slightly, trending blue.  In 2004, Dems won control over the Montana state Senate and Brian Schweitzer (D) was elected Governor.  Gov.-elect Schweitzer gave Burns a run for his money in 2000 and Montana already has one Democratic Senator, Max Baucus.  If the riding high Montana Dems nominate a strong candidate, this race could be close, if they don't, upgrade to Likely Republican.

Chafee (RI) -- Moderate GOP Sen. Lincoln Chafee could face challenges from the right and the left.  Conservatives are unhappy with Chafee's moderate positions and liberals are smelling blood in this blue state.  On the Democratic side, Secretary of State Matt Brown, Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Rep. James Langevin could pose a formidable challenge to Chafee, especially if he's bruised or defeated in a primary.  If Kennedy, gives up a seat on the Appropriations Committee to run against Chafee, downgrade to Toss Up.

Hutchison (open seat TX) -- The good news is that Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison will likely leave the Senate to challenge Gov. Rick Perry (R). The bad news is that Texas is increasingly Republican and even a well known Democrat will likely have a tough time overcoming this state's partisanship.

Santorum (PA) -- Democrats would love to defeat this right winger in a lean blue swing state.  '04 nominee/ex. Rep. Joe Hoeffel and State Treasurer Barbara Hafer are considered the likely candidates.  There's little doubt that both sides will spend millions and this race will come down to the wire.  But, I give Santorum the edge because he's a tenacious campaigner and the Dems aren't likely to field an all star challenger.

+++ Toss-Up +++

Frist (open seat TN) -- Can Democrats still win in the South?  This race may give us the answer.  With Frist retiring to focus on his run for the White House, the media has anointed Rep. Harold Ford (D) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R) as the very early frontrunners in their likely-to-be-contested primaries.  Will Ford, the moderate DLC poster boy, be able to win in this red state?  We'll see.

+++ Lean Democratic +++

Corzine (open seat NJ) -- Corzine is running for Governor and the field for his Senate seat is wide open.  Look for a Democrat to prevail in this blue state, but, in the wild world of New Jersey politics, anything is possible.

Dayton (MN) -- The national GOP has Freshman Sen. Mark Dayton in their cross hairs.  Popular Rep. Mark Kennedy (R) has proven himself a winner in a lean Dem district and the GOP is priming him for a run against a vulnerable incumbent.  Traditionally blue Minnesota has trended Republican of late, but, remained in Kerry's column in 2004.  Lean Democratic.

Kohl (WI) -- If popular former Governor/former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson enters the race, downgrade to Toss Up.  Otherwise, upgrade to Likely Democratic.  Kohl has the money to drown just about any challenger.

Nelson (NE) -- Veteran Sen. Ben Nelson should thank President Bush.  He tapped his potential 2006 challenger, popular Gov. Mike Johanns, to head the Department of Agriculture.  If Rep. Tom Osborne tosses his hat in the ring, Nelson would likely lose, but, there's no indication that Osborne is interested in the Senate seat.  Potential Nelson challengers include Attorney General Jon Bruning and Rep.-elect Jeff Fortenberry.

Nelson (FL) -- Veteran Sen. and former Astronaut Bill Nelson is likely to face a tough race in 2006, especially if popular Gov. Jeb Bush decides to run.  The Democrats desperately need to keep Florida competitive and would be wise to heavily invest in the Florida Democratic Party. If Nelson loses, and the Democrats lose the open race for Governor, there won't be a single Democrat that holds a statewide office.

Stabenow (MI) -- Word has it that President Bush wants the popular Rep./ex-Sec. of State Candice Miller to challenge Freshman Senator Debbie Stabenow in this swing state.  Miller is the only politician in state history to win all 83 Michigan counties, and with strong support from the White House, has potential to defeat Stabenow.

+++ Likely Democratic +++

Byrd (WV) -- Despite his liberal record, Sen. Robert Byrd is a West Virginia institution and will have his seat as long as he wants it.  If Byrd choses to retire, downgrade this seat to the Toss Up category.

Cantwell (WA) -- Sen. Patti Murray easily won re-election in a sleeper over a formidable opponent.  Republicans thought that it would be easier to defeat Murray than Cantwell.  If Murray can win easily, Cantwell should cruise to re-election.

Clinton (NY) -- HRC should not be underestimated.  She has a top notch campaign team and has been working to improve her reputation amongst even conservative constituents.  If Gov. George Pataki or former NYC Mayor Rudy Guiliani chose to run, downgrade to Lean Democratic.  Otherwise, Hillary will coast to victory, well positioned for her WH '08 bid.

Conrad (ND) -- Fellow Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and at large Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) coasted to re-election this year and there's no indication that Conrad won't do the same in 2006.

Feinstein (CA) -- If Feinstein retires, downgrade to Toss Up.  Otherwise, she should be able to hold the seat.

Lieberman (CT) -- Neither the right or the left love Lieberman, but, he's a Connecticut institution.  He should be able to fend off any primary challenge and will easily defeat whoever the Republicans nominate in this blue state.  If he choses to retire, or join President Bush's cabinet, this seat will be in play.

Sarbanes (MD) -- If Sarbanes retires, downgrade to Lean Democratic.  If he doesn't retire, he should coast to re-election, if he does, the Maryland Democratic Party has a deep bench and are likely to field a candidate that will hold the seat for the Dems.

+++ Safe Democratic +++

Akaka (HI) -- This seat is Akaka's as long as he wants it.  And, he wants it.

Bingaman (NM) -- The Republicans have two politicians capable of winning this seat: Reps. Heather Wilson & Steve Pearce.  Both are waiting for either Sen. Bingaman or Sen. Dominici to retire.  There's no indication that Bingaman will retire, but, if he does and Wilson/Pearce chose to run, downgrade this seat to Toss Up.

Carper (DE) -- Tom Carper will coast to re-election.

Kennedy (MA) -- If Ted Kennedy wants this Senate seat, it's his.  If he doesn't, the Massachusetts Democrats will field a strong candidate to keep this seat blue.

+++ Safe Independent +++

Jeffords (VT) -- Democrats like Jeffords. Jeffords could face opposition from angry Republicans that think he betrayed the party by switching to independent and caucusing with the Democrats, but, in a deep blue state that elected at large socialist Rep. Bernie Sanders (I), he shouldn't worry too much.

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Comments

25 Comments

NY
If Rudy runs downgrade it to toss up to Lean R. If Pataki runs downgrade it to Lean Dem.

Lugar might retire in Indiana. If so, Baron Hill could make run a for it. But a lot of it would depend on Bayh making a full court press.

by jiacinto 2004-12-14 12:15PM | 0 recs
Re: NY
I agree with your Pataki/Giuliani analysis.

As for Lugar, if he retires, I don't think Hill would win the seat.  If IN-Sen is an open seat, I'd rate it Lean Republican.  If a strong Repub emerges and the Dems fail to field a quality candidate, the Indiana race will quickly fall to Likely Republican.  I think Texas will end up Likely Republican as well.  

by senate2006 2004-12-14 02:09PM | 0 recs
Maryland
Sarbanes should be in the safe Democratic column. even if he retires, it would still be likely Democratic. the Republicans just don't have anyone to field. they have two House members: Roscoe Bartlett will be 80 in '06, and Wayne Gilchrest is likely not enough of a winger for the GOPers taste. just this year he had a primary challenger who took 38% of the primary vote. meanwhile, we have six Reps, including the House Minority Whip, no less. their representation in the General Assembly is also quite thin. I mean, look who they put up against Barbara Mikulski: E.J. Pipkin, a first-term State Senator who looks like a composite of Republican cliches: a rich, fat, bald, white male.

Ehrlich was just a lucky break coupled with a bad Dem candidate. we're not trending red anytime soon. we promise!

by johnny longtorso 2004-12-14 12:34PM | 0 recs
Re: Maryland
I agree.  I rated this seat Likely Republican because I could conceive of the following unlikely scenario: Sarbanes could be challenged by another Dem in the primary.  This might weaken him and create an opening for a very strong Repub.  I don't think this is going to happen, and, I think this seat will move to the "Safe" column very soon.  
by senate2006 2004-12-14 02:12PM | 0 recs
Tennessee
Wamp looks like he's going to weasle out of his term limits promise and shoot for a House leadership position. On the R side, I'd look for Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker (Senate candidate and primary loser in 1994), who is not running for re-election as mayor and looks to be in for sure, and 2002 Senate primary loser Ed Bryant. Former GOP rep and failed 2002 gubernatorial candidate Van Hillary could give it a shot, too. But I'd count Wamp as out. He represents the Chattanooga area and has as much as said he won't challenge Corker.
On the D side, it's Ford all the way. Rep. Tanner could give it a shot, but I'd bet on Ford.
by SouthernStar 2004-12-14 01:26PM | 0 recs
Re: Tennessee
I've heard that Corker would be tough to beat.
by Jerome Armstrong 2004-12-14 02:55PM | 0 recs
Re: Tennessee
Thanks for the info regarding Corker.  I think the big question remains: will Ford's DLC approach work to take this seat back?
by senate2006 2004-12-14 03:05PM | 0 recs
Re: Tennessee
It remains to be seen whether Ford can make inroads into GOP areas with his DLC connections. I'd like to think he can, but he's also got to spend some time now working the eastern part of the state where it's pretty solid red. If he can peel some weak GOP supporters away in the east, take a majority of the rural Democrats in Middle and West Tennessee and clean house in Memphis and minority urban areas statewide, he's got a shot. He's going to have to run as a centrist, and he's got a record to back that up. He's still a Memphis Democrat, which doesn't play too well in other parts of the state.

He'll have to hit the road and stay in the rural areas and Middle and East Tennessee. If I were advising him, I'd tell him to let his organization keep Memphis in line until the last month. The GOP ain't gonna win Memphis anyhow. He can come in and fire the home folks up at the end for GOTV, but prior to that hammer the GOP on their turf and get as many votes as you can from their weak supporters.

Corker will be tough to beat, should he get the nod. He's a popular mayor and prior to that he made a U.S. senate bid in 1994 and served as the state Commissioner of Finance and Administration in the mid 1990s, so he has some statewide name recognition -- although that's been awhile and folks outside of Southeast Tennessee may not recall him as well. But he's still a very formidable candidate, and I'd be wary of him. Now, if Corker doesn't get the nomination, which is possible if there's a crowded field as Tennessee is not a runoff state, then things look better for Ford.

Van Hillary has the most name recognition, according to a poll by the Nashville and Chattanooga papers from September, which is to be expected, since he ran for governor in 2002. This is great news in my opinion. He was a super-weak candidate.  Came accross as having no ideas, no maturity and very unstatesmanlike. 2002 was a big year for the GOP nationwide, it was an open seat for governor in Tennessee and Phil Bredesen without really breaking a sweat. Hillary would be a dream opponent for Ford.

Bryant got spanked by Alexander in 2002, and didn't perform very well, in my opinion. I don't see him getting it. If he does, it's advantage Ford.

One other possible GOP candidate I didn't mention is state Rep. Beth Harwell of Nashville. She's got some work to do to build her name recognition, but she's also the state GOP chair, so she knows party leaders statewide, which will help her.

That's how I see things from here in the Volunteer state.

by SouthernStar 2004-12-15 09:18AM | 0 recs
what I hear in PA
Is that Bob Casey, Jr may run for Senate after all, especially if he is asked in a very public way.  Casey, despite his loss to Rendell, would be a very good candidate.  He is probably the only person in PA with as much name recognition as Santorum.

Obviously, the fact that he is pro-life is a turn-off to many.  But I will tell you that from everything I have seen, he is a fundamentally good man, and I think would make a good Senator.

by DanielUA 2004-12-14 01:45PM | 0 recs
Re: what I hear in PA
I think it would be tough for a pro-life Dem to make it through a contested primary.  If Casey can clear the field, he would be our best chance to defeat Santorum.
by senate2006 2004-12-14 02:14PM | 0 recs
hasta la vista, Joementum
Defeating Lieberman should be a Dem priority.

Lieberman's top priority is helping Israel take Palestinian land. This is contrary to the U.S. national interests and contrary the the Democratic Party's interests.

To ensure Lieberman and Beltway Dems get the message two candidates should be drafted to run against him. The first will challenge him in the primary and an indepdendent candidate should be waiting to challenge him in the general election if Lieberman prevails in the primary.

by Carl Nyberg 2004-12-14 01:58PM | 0 recs
Dumb, Dumb, Dumb
I completely disagree with this analysis.

  1. It's a huge waste of resources.  Progressive and moderate Dems shouldn't waste millions of dollars and countless man hours fighting each other.  I think we'd be better off spending that money fighting Republicans.

  2. Party rift.  There's nothing the Republicans and the media would love more than exploiting  any "rift" in the Democratic Party personified by your proposition.  This kind of infighting is not conducive to rebuilding the message and image of the Democratic Party.

  3. Give the seat to the Republicans.  Your "draft an independent for the general" analysis would put a Republican in the seat.  I'd rather have a Blue Dog Democrat than a moderate Republican in Congress.  

  4. Joe won't be around forever.  Why not just wait until Joe retires and then run a progressive?  Seems like a more cogent long term strategy than to try to beat an entrenched, Connecticut institution.

  5. Joe isn't that bad!  According to Project Vote Smart, Joe voted with his Democratic colleagues 95% of the time in 2003, 85% in 2002 and 93% in 2001.  For a full list of independent group ratings:

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=S0141103
by senate2006 2004-12-14 02:29PM | 0 recs
missing the big picture
Democrats need to have a security message that makes sense.

Part of this message needs to be a just and lasting peace for Israel-Palestine.

Lieberman would rather see the Dems lose than Israel cede land to Palestinians.

Lieberman is more than an annoyance he can and will singlehandedly keep the Democratic Party from doing what it needs to do to win.

by Carl Nyberg 2004-12-14 02:32PM | 0 recs
The Real Big Picture
No viable, national political party will ever exist wherein all its members agree with and/or espouse the entirety of the message.  And, guess what, you don't need everyone to agree to win!  Want an example?  Hagel & McCain.  These guys are bad mouthing the Bush security message left and right.  Republicans are still winning elections.

Sorry, but, I just don't think that Lieberman's pro-Israel stance is the reason that Democrats lose elections.

by senate2006 2004-12-14 02:52PM | 0 recs
what is Dem message on security?
Lieberman isn't pro-Israel he's pro-land grab.

Do you think Dems can win without a coherent message on security?

by Carl Nyberg 2004-12-14 03:01PM | 0 recs
Can Repubs win without a coherent message on...

Can Repubs win without a coherent message on abortion?

Ask Arlen Specter.

Can Repubs win without a coherent message on security?

Ask Chuck Hagel & John McCain.

Can Repubs win without a coherent message on gay rights?

Ask Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Do I need to continue?

Look, the point is that one's personal ideology doesn't always fit into neat little packages labeled R and D.  Will there be disagreement in every national political party?  Yes.  Is discourse and disagreement healthy for democracy?  Yes.  Did Joe Lieberman's "pro-land grab" message lose the election for John Kerry and the Democrats?  No.  

by senate2006 2004-12-14 03:13PM | 0 recs
if Kerry had more toughness he might have won
If Kerry would have had a message that "laid down the law" on Israel, maybe people wouldn't have considered him too wimpy to be conmmand-in-chief.
by Carl Nyberg 2004-12-14 03:16PM | 0 recs
Re: if Kerry had more toughness he might have won
That is quite simply bullshit.  Not a single poll showed that the issue had any salience.  Wishful thinking on your part about this issue won't change anything, nor will your sad invoking of the dual loyalty slur.  It's so nice to be amongst "progressives" here.
by therob 2004-12-16 03:47PM | 0 recs
Lugar
I predict Lugar is a retirement possibility after being snubbed by Bush for Sec of State. Lugar might persuade himself to stick around out of duty to keep Bush from screwing up worse than necessary. But Bush doesn't listen anyway, so there's not much point.

Ironically, Dems might be better off with Lugar than with his Republican successor.

by Carl Nyberg 2004-12-14 02:02PM | 0 recs
cantwell
I think you should push Cantwell into the toss-up column.  Murray isn't the right analogy for Cantwell--Christine Gregoire's Governor battle is more apt.

The Republicans really wanted to paint Murray as weak (their favorite line is to call her a "dim bulb")--but, she's very well liked by the party base and she's been very prominent in working on Boeing (W WA) and Hanford (E WA) issues.

In contrast, Cantwell is loathed by party activists and has stayed well below the radar on state and national issues.  She may have a lot of trouble motivating the party base--which can be deadly, as Gregoire's campaign showed very well.

Cantwell's chances depend a lot on her opponent.  Nethercutt may be done now, but he could probably have pulled out a win if he had been running against Cantwell instead of Murray this time.  If Dino Rossi loses the governor's race in the end, he may make a shot at Cantwell--if he does, she'll have to run a good campaign to win.  There are also possible wild card R candidates in new AG Rob McKenna and Rep. Doc Hastings from Eastern WA--McKenna probably wouldn't give up his first statewide position after just two years and Doc may not feel he can garner enough support in W WA.

by benchcoat 2004-12-14 03:27PM | 0 recs
Re: cantwell
Hmm, thanks for the additional analysis.  Hopefully, Gregoire will make like Cantwell in 2000 and win on the latest recount!  This new info would probably push Cantwell into the "Lean Democratic" column.  It's still really hard to beat an incumbent, especially in a Democratic state.

Overall, I don't think the picture looks too good for the Dems in 2006.  It looks like we'll be playing a fair amount of defense (Corzine, Dayton, Nelson, Nelson, Stabenow and Cantwell) and not much offense (Frist, Santorum, Chafee).  Anyone have any GOOD news?

by senate2006 2004-12-14 03:35PM | 0 recs
Re: cantwell
I think your ratings are too pessimistic, that's why it looks bleak.

New Jersey isn't "Lean Democratic", it's "Likely". The Democratic candidate is likely to be either Frank Pallone or Bob Menendez. Not some Joe Schmo from Newark. Sure, Pallone and Menendez aren't Corzine, but I can't imagine a humongous chunk of the Corzine voters switching. Plus, Corzine will surely stump for whomever wins the nomination. I'd say the seat in New Jersey is about as likely to flip as the seat in, say, Mississippi.

Wisconsin isn't "Lean Democratic", it's "Likely". Even Thompson would have an uphill climb against Kohl because of incumbency. Plus, Thompson is more interested in the private sector. This one's about as likely to flip as Montana (which I think is fairly unlikely).

I think basically this is the game:

DEMOCRATIC - top defense

Minnesota
Nebraska
Florida

DEMOCRATIC - keep an eye out

Michigan
Washington
New Jersey
Wisconsin
North Dakota

REPUBLICAN - top offense

Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Virginia
Missouri

REPUBLICAN - second-priority offense

Ohio
Maine
Mississippi
Nevada
Texas

by raginillinoian 2004-12-14 04:43PM | 0 recs
Re: cantwell
Whoa..  I think your analysis is way off...

  1. Virginia is a top target???  Who is going to defeat Allen?  Only one man has a prayer: Mark Warner.  I don't think he'd want to spend the political capital going after that seat.  Warner would be wise to wait for John Warner to retire and try to take his seat.  Allen is a proven statewide vote getter.  Other than Mark Warner, who could and would be interested in defeating Allen?  I'd venture to say that this seat is safe.

  2. See my Missouri analysis.  2004 was a tough year for the Dems in Missouri.  I think we could make it competitive in 2006, but, it would be an uphill battle.

  3. If Miller runs in Michigan, it will be a top priority defense.  Bush/Rove are going to put a lot of effort into that one - it's part of their offensive national strategy.  Stabenow is more vulnerable than you think.

  4. Their top pickup opportunities - Minnesota, Nebraska and Florida - are a heckuva lot easier for them than Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Tennessee are for us!  

I think you're dilluting yourself to believe that 2006 is shaping up to be a good year for us.  That is, unless things that are out of our control (news) changes the political climate.
by senate2006 2004-12-15 05:19AM | 0 recs
Re: cantwell
You may be completely right, but we can't let 2006 be a bad year for us. We need to make every year a good year for us. We can't just say, well, it'll be tough so let's not get our hopes up.  

If we take only Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maine (going on the assumption that Snowe retires, since that is the gossip), and Tennessee, we'll be right back to where we were before this election. And I think we can also gain seats like Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and Ohio...Virginia, Mississippi, and Texas are even doable, albeit harder (then again, who would have thought Mongiardo could get 49% of the vote?).

If we fight hard and work the way Dean is suggesting, I can see us having a year like 1986. After all, the Republicans weren't exactly poised to sweep in 1994 just by looking at what seats were up - for example, the open seats were in states like Maine, Michigan, and Ohio. Yet, the Republicans won every single open seat. 2006 has the potential to be our payback for 1994.

1986 was similar for our side. We gained four southern seats (Shelby, Graham, Sanford, and Fowler), as well as the two in the Dakotas (Conrad and Daschle). Not exactly friendly territory, but we did it.

In 2006, we just need to play it right. Remember that almost all of the competitive races in 2004 were in red states: Alaska, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Dakota, and North Carolina. In 2006, only a few of the forecasted competitive races are in red states. I think we could pull a huge upset just as the GOP did in '94, if we fight for every seat.

by raginillinoian 2004-12-15 01:33PM | 0 recs
by videoporno 2006-12-18 07:37AM | 0 recs

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