Race for the Senate

[rockymountaindem]

Lots of people here justifiably worry about the five Senate races in the south where Democratic incumbents are retiring. However, these are not the only races. Although we may not win all five of the southern races, we may pick up elsewhere. I know in my own state of Colorado there is a significant chance of vanquishing Ben Nighthorse Campbell (please e-mail Gary Hart and ask him to run!).

Anyway, could you please share whatever information you have on Senate races in your state in which we may make some gains. I think it would be a positive counterbalance to all the gloom-and-doom talk about the south.

P.S.
I know I just mentioned it, but please, PLEASE e-mail Gary Hart and ask him to run for Senate, especially if you live in Colorado.

[Neecy]

1. well....

As far as I know, Brownback (R-KS) is running unopposed this year in Kansas. Given that Kansas has elected a Democratic governor, it seems a shame to cede this race to Brownshirt (who, incidentally, gave a nauseating speech at the pro-life rally yesterday and finished up with a little prayer to Jesus. This, after he votes to cut 8 million people from the overtime pay that puts food on the table and clothes their children. What a hypocrite).

I wish Gephardt would challenge Kit Bond in MO this year. Probably too late to get into the race, but it might be our only chance on this one.

[terrya]

2. The Democrats in Illinois have a VERY good chance of picking up the seat..

currently held by Peter Fitzgerald, who isn't running for re-election this year (Fitzgerald is the one who defeated Carol Mosley Braun in her bid for re-election)

Illinois is a Democratic stronghold right now, and if the Republicans nominate some damn right winger (like Fitzgerald), the seat will go Democratic.

Terry

[Hoosier Democrat]

3. My take on the Senate races:

Let's see, Dems start with a 2 seat deficit (not counting Jim Jeffords as ours):

We can expect to lose the following seats:

North Carolina
South Carolina
Georgia

That puts us five down

We can expect to probably hold

Florida

That puts us five down.

I think we can pick up

Illinois
Alaska (Tony Knowles is WAY more popular than Murkowski's kid)

That puts us three down

Then we have the "Toss-Up" races:

Louisiana
Nevada

Then we have the close, but potential pick-ups:

Colorado (I think Hart could beat Ben Switch-Horse Campbell)
Pennsylvania (Any PA Dems out there with info on how vulnerable
Specter may be)
Oklahoma (yes, its true. With Nickles retiring, this seat is in
play)

So, that puts us anywhere from three seats down to an even tie.

Just my two cents