by James Oliphant
Twelve Senate races are considered to be close this Election Day. The outcome could have a significant impact on the balance of power on the Hill. Democrats are chasing a 60-vote majority, which would allow them to break a Republican filibuster on any key piece of legislation.
Will they get to 60? Probably not. But the Democrats could grab enough seats to make filibusters difficult on anything that isn't a straight party-line vote.
Right now, the Senate is divided 49-49. Two senators, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, are independents who largely vote with the Democrats.
Here's a viewing guide for tonight, which may let you know how aggressively the blue tide is rolling.
EASTERN TIME
Georgia: The Republicans are counting on this. Incumbent Saxby Chambliss has been holding off a challenge from Jim Martin. But a large African-American turnout could result in an upset.
New Hampshire: Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D) is leading Sen. John Sununu in the polls. Republicans still have some hope for this race, but it is fleeting.
North Carolina: This is a big one. The incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole is looking up at state Sen. Kay Hagan in the pre-election polls. Dole unveiled an ad last week accusing Hagan of being "godless" that may have backfired. If Dole loses, it could be rough night for the GOP.
Virginia: Democrat Mark Warner, the former governor, looks like he will have no problem dispatching old guard Republican Jim Gilmore in a bid to replace retiring GOP Sen. John Warner. Warner could hit 60 percent. Again, the extent of Warner's victory could be an indicator of turnout, which could aid Barack Obama.
Kentucky: The future of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is on the line. Once expected to have no problem with Democratic challenger Bruce Lunsford, the race has tightened considerably. If McConnell loses, it's a Republican bloodbath.
CENTRAL TIME
Louisiana. Republicans had high hopes for this race, looking to unseat incumbent Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu. State Treasurer John Kennedy had the backing of popular Gov. Bobby Jindal. But Landrieu appears to be in control.
Minnesota. This is the race everyone is watching, as ex-comedian and author Al Franken is hoping to oust incumbent Republican Norm Coleman. Polls have had this one neck-and-neck.
Mississippi: Incumbent Roger Wicker is holding off Democrat Ronnie Musgrove in a battle to serve out the remainder of Sen. Trett Lott's term.
MOUNTAIN TIME
Colorado. Democratic Rep. Mark Udall appears poised to knock off former Rep. Bob Shaffer in a contest to replace retiring GOP Sen. Wayne Allard.
New Mexico: Rep. Tom Udall (Mark's cousin), a Democrat, is expected to have little trouble dispatching Republican Steve Pearce.
PACIFIC TIME
Alaska: Convicted Sen. Ted Stevens is defending his seat against Democrat Mark Begich, the mayor of Anchorage. Even if Stevens wins, he likely will be forced to resign.
Oregon: Polls show Democrat state Rep. Jeff Merkley leading incumbent Republican Gordon Smith.
Comments
"The success of an Obama presidency depends on his being unable to implement his warped economic agenda. And to do that he must be lucky enough to lose a filibuster-proof Senate. Let there be 60 or more Democrats in the Senate and our battered Republicans can do nothing to prevent Obama and the Democrats from wielding a wrecking ball of New Deal proportions to our economic system."
http://www.forbes.com/opinions/2008/11/03/senate-republicans-obama-oped-cx_re_1104epstein.html
Posted by: Save Obama from the Unions | November 4, 2008 5:40 PM