2008 U.S. Senate Races Very Tight
Handful of Seats Could Give Democrats Significant New Influence
Oct 7, 2008
By Bob Kemper
American voters are focused on a feisty presidential campaign, but a series of less-noticed 2008 U.S. Senate elections that could change the course in Washington regardless of whether Democratic Sen. Barack Obama or Republican Sen. John McCain wins the White House.
Democrats Seek Veto-Proof Majority
Democrats hope to achieve a 60-seat majority in the election, enough votes to override any presidential veto. The 100-member Senate is now divided among 49 Republicans and 49 Democrats with two independents – Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Saunders of Vermont - usually siding with the Democrats.
A veto-proof majority would make Senate Democrats players on budgets, domestic policy and presidential nominations, including any to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republicans at Disadvantage
Republicans are at an unusually steep disadvantage this year. They are defending 23 of the 35 open seats and badly lagging behind Democrats in fundraising. Five of this year’s open Senate seats were created by the retirements of some of the Republican Party’s most senior senators, and Democrats are competitive in three of those states: Virginia, New Mexico and Colorado.
Senate Races to Watch
As the Nov. 4 Election Day approaches, here’s how some of the closest U.S. Senate races are shaping up in states with open seats.
Colorado
-To replace Republican Sen. Wayne Allard
-Democratic Congressman Mark Udall maintains a modest lead over former Republican Congressman Bob Schaffer, but Udall’s lead has been on the decline since June.
New Mexico
-To replace Republican Sen. Pete Domenici
-Democratic Congressman Tom Udall has steadily maintained a double-digit lead over Republican Steve Pearce in state and national polls. Democrats expect to take the seat away from Republicans.
Virginia
-To replace Republican Sen. John Warner
-Former Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat, (and no relation to John Warner) enjoys a steady double-digit lead over Former Gov. Jim Gilmore, a Republican. A recent poll by Rasmussen Reports showed Warner leading Gilmore 60 percent to 34 percent. Democrats are already claiming victory in Virginia.
GOP incumbents face tough re-election fights in these states:
Alaska
Sen. Ted Stevens, the state’s longtime Senator and benefactor, is now on trial on corruption charges and trailing Democratic Mayor Mark Begich in recent polls. Though still strong politically, Stevens is hovering below the 50 percent mark in the polls, a danger zone for incumbents.
Mississippi
Former Congressman Roger Wicker, a Republican, was picked to replace Sen. Trent Lott last year after Lott abruptly resigned. Now in a special election, Wicker has seen his lead diminish against former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, a Democrat.
Minnesota
Sen. Norm Coleman, seeking his second six-year term, is still running neck and neck with Democrat Al Franken, the comedian, writer and Democratic activist. They’ve been in a virtual tie since August.
New Hampshire
Sen. John Sununu, seeking a second term, is once again trailing his Democratic challenger, former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, in the polls. Sununu has led the race only once, in August, according to some polls.
North Carolina
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a one-time Republican presidential hopeful with a long resume of Washington accomplishments, is barely keeping pace with her Democratic challenger, Kay Hagan.
Oregon
Democrat Jeff Merkly is running even with incumbent Republican Sen. Gordon Smith.
(Not so) Vulnerable Democrats
Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana was considered the only vulnerable Democrat in this year’s election, but she retains a double-digit lead over her Republican challenger, John Kennedy.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey hasn’t topped the 50-percent mark in the polls, normally a sign of trouble for incumbents. But Lautenberg continues to out-perform Republican challenger Dick Zimmer.
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