2008 U.S. Senate Races

[cnlst8]

2008 U.S. Senate Races (my ranking)

This is very early to discuss, but if you interested to see the possible 2008 Senate races, here is my ranking of the most vulnerable Senate seat.

Note that the parties chosen representative for president will have a lot of influence in these races. Since it’s way too early to determine who is the parties presidential representative, I’ll ignore the “Coat-tails” effect.

12 Dem Senate seats are up for office.
21 Rep Senate seats are up for office.

(**) Senator may retire
Dem
1. Frank Lautenberg of NJ (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-39%,Unfavorable-51%) **
2. Mary Landrieu of LA (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-53%, Unfavorable-42%)
3. Carl Levin of MI (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-48%, Unfavorable-42%) **
4. Tom Harkin of IA (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-51%, Unfavorable-44%)
5. Mark Pryor of AR (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-58%, Unfavorable-33%)
6. Dick Durbin of IL (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-51%, Unfavorable-38%)

The top 2 are far more vulnerable than the rest.

Rep
1. Wayne Allard of CO (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-42%, Unfavorable-46%) **
2. Lamar Alexander of TN (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-46%, Unfavorable-42%)
3. Norm Coleman of MN (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-49%, Unfavorable-44%)
4. Gordon Smith of OR (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-50%, Unfavorable-38%)
5. John Sununu of NH (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-52%, Unfavorable-41%)
6. John Cornyn of TX (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-40%, Unfavorable-43%)
7. Jim Inhofe of OK (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-40%, Unfavorable-49%) **
8. Lindsey Graham of SC (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-50%, Unfavorable-40%)
9. Mitch McConnell of KY (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-52%, Unfavorable-40%)
10. Pat Roberts of KS (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-47%, Unfavorable-42%) **
11. Saxby Chambliss of GA (10/24 SUSA poll: Favorable-47%, Unfavorable-40%)

Other possible races, if these Senator decides to retire:
John Warner (R) of VA
Elizabeth Dole (R) of NC
Pete Domenici (R) of NM

I could explain why I choosed these seats as vulnerable, but here is an excellent review by wikipedia of all the Senate races in 2008, which details a better reasoning of my selection.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate_elections%2C_2008
In the review, they list which Senator may or may not retire and the most vulnerable senate races, including possible challengers.

[Demeter]

1. 20 Perfect Losers There

The Senate sure needs new blood. Trick is:where to find new blood?

[CanonRay]

2. Look for Mark Udall to run against Allard in Colorado

[cnlst8]

3. It pretty much given that Udall will run for senator of CO.

[NJ Democrats]

5. I think Udall already annouced he was running

That's a win. Oh, and Lautenberg or if he retires HOlt or Adnrews will not loose, see NJ: 2002, 04, 05 and 06

[Thrill]

4. Dole is in big trouble

Our Governor is eyeing that spot. And he's very popular

[Bucky]

6. Lautenberg won't run for reelection; he only came in in '02 b/c of a scandal.

[gratuitous]

7. Out of 33 seats being contested

22 of them are currently in Republican hands. We hold our own, win just 9 of those 22, and Democrats would hold 60 seats in the Senate.

Permanent minority my sweet Aunt Fanny.