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Nov
The Daily Midtermer NOV 14
Lets, let’s start off generally. Real Clear Politics did a landscape look at the 2010 US Senate races and the Democrats. It is pretty telling about the GOP incumbents.
A number of other Republicans, including Iowa’s Chuck Grassley, Utah’s Bob Bennett, Pennsylvania’s Arlen Specter, Kentucky’s Jim Bunning and Richard Shelby of Alabama, will be more than 75 years old, though all have made initial moves toward running again. Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye is the only Democrat up in two years who is over 75.
Democrats face no easy task in expanding their Senate majority in two years. But with the party hovering so close to 60 seats necessary to cut off filibusters already — a result that won’t be known until recounts are finished in Alaska and Minnesota and a runoff is completed in Georgia — they will spare no expense in trying. For the third cycle in a row, Democrats will find themselves on offense more than defense.
You bet. Cash is going to be a huge player in 2010 and given the total Democratic control of Washington, the Democrats will have plenty of it. As Reid points out, beyond Ken Salazar (who I think will be pretty safe), the GOP is going to be hard pressed to find DEM seats to play with, much like 2008. You would think Senate Majority leader Harry Reid will surely be a target and maybe Byron Dorgan in South Dakota, simply because it is South Dakota.
H e mentioned the DEM targets being Kentucky and Florida. I agree. But, add on North Carolina (Burr), Pennsylvania (Specter) and Ohio (Voinovich). Ohio and Florida will be battlegrounds, no questions asked. Pennsylvania could be interesting simply because of the4 trend that the state is getting bluer and bluer and the increase and influx of new Democratic voters and younger voters.
Chris Cizzilla from the Washington Post also provide a landscape type article. Chris mentioned the Barbara Boxer seat in California. If I am the DEMs, if that is a seat the GOP targets, I am pretty pleased. Boxer will be fine. Florida’s me Martinez will likely be thee DEMs biggest target and Chris says that US Rep. Ron Klein (D) may be targeting that race. Kansas can become an interesting look for the DEMs. So far, it is the only seat where the incumbent GOP member, Sam, Brownback, has stated he is not seeking reelection. Popular Gov. Kathleen Sebelius could be a DEM that could make this seat real interesting.
Chris mentions the other obvious seats, PA (Specter-R), OH (Coinovich -R), NV (Reid-D), SD (Dorgan-D) and NH (Gregg-R)
On to the regular midterm report …
UNITED STATES SENATE:
Florida … Speaking of Florida being a top tier seat in 2010, here is the third article of the day talking about Mel Martinez facing big problems in 2010.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, state House Minority Leader Dan Gelber and Rep. Ron Klein of Boca Raton are among Democrats whose names have been floated as potential candidates.
Imagine the money that is going to be spent in the Sunshine state. Status: Sen. Mel Martinez (Incumbent) Our Rating: * * * * *
Krolicki to seek Reid’s seat in Nevada … GOP Lt. Governor Brian Krolick says he is strongly thinking of becoming a candidate to try and unseat DEM Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Status: Incumbent, Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid Our Rating: * *
STATE GOVERNORS:
Troy University Chancellor to run? Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor for Troy University in Alabama, is considering a possible run for Governor for the GOP nomination. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is term limited. Status: Open Seat, Gov. Riley is term limited
Otter fund raising … He may not say he is running for reelection yet, but Gov. Butch Otter (R) is acting like he is. Otter is hosting one of three upcoming fundraisers. Status: Incumbent, Gov. Butch Otter (R)
Hoekstra running in Michigan?: Not that businessman Dick Devos has stated his intention not to run on the GOP side, several will jump in. Rep. Peter Hoekstra might be one of those. He has not confirmed that he is a candidate, but has a stated interest. Status: Open Seat, Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D), term limited
South Carolina … Lt. Gov. Mark Bauer has not made a decision whether he will seek to take over for term limited Gov, Mark Sanford. No words on DEMs, but this is and remains a deeply red state. Status: Open Seat, Gov. Mark Sanford, term limited
