62 Democratic senators

[LSK]

62 Democratic senators
By Brent Budowsky
September 13, 2007

The resounding Democratic victory in the 2006 Senate campaign creates a historic anomaly in which the Senate Democratic Caucus could increase to more than 60 senators, with historic implications for American politics and all three branches of government.

The media are simply focusing on the 22 Senate Republican seats at stake in 2008. But the Republican senators considering whether to retire, and the smart K Street money, are homed in on the 2010 elections as well, where another 19 Republican Senate seats are at stake.

Do the math. Locked into the fate of one of America’s most unpopular presidents in history, with the national mood favoring a tidal wave of change, with Republicans plagued by endless scandals, and with a president pushing a disastrous war onto the desk of his successor, 41 Senate Republican seats are in jeopardy in 2008 and 2010.

Of course, many of the most distinguished Republican senators choose to retire, fearing they will spend in the rest of their careers in a shrinking Republican minority.

http://thehill.com/op-eds/62-democratic-senators-2007-09-13.html

[sharp_stick]

1. As long as the Democrats in the majority

don't let the power go to their heads like the repukes did I think they have an excellent chance at a continuing increase in both Senate and Congressional numbers.

The republics came in with all these great promises of a better government and quickly became the most corrupted Congress in history. That along with a megalomaniacal executive has brought us to our best chance of handing them their hats in the next several election cycles.

I really want to see a lot more republics out of politics and into jail cells where they belong.

on edit: fixed typos

[LSK]

2. there is sure to be some bad apples in those numbers BUT

The numbers (especially 60+) give good people like Barbara Boxer and Russ Feingold much more power.

[Parche]

3. Senators

I figure we have Virginia locked up with Mark Warner, Nebraska locked up if Bob Kerrey
decides to run again, Minnesota will be a fight, but I know Al Franken can pull it out, because after all, dog gone it, everyone likes him.
New Hampshire is in play, with Shahean running a strong campaign
Susan Collins is in jeopardy now.

The one I am worried about is here in Oregon, we dont have anyone well known to take on
Gordon Smith...............

:hi:

[sandnsea]

4. Merkley will be fine

He's got a good team, he's right on top of national events, building online support. He's helped get great legislation through, knows how to work under difficult circumstances. As long as we don't let Smith bullshit people into thinking he's a moderate, Merkley will be in with no problem.

[Parche]

5. Merkely

As he might have put thru good legislation, he is not well known here, and we need someone
with a familiar name, someone like Kitzhaber.........:hi:

[cali]

6. I disagree.

In VA, Warner is the overwhelming favorite. NE will be a battle even if Kerrey runs. NH is on par with VA if Shaheen runs, and probably lost to the rethugs anyway. MN we have a good chance to win. In ME, it's a bit dicey. Don't know enough about OR- what about DeFazio?

[LSK]

8. n/m

[TwilightGardener]

7. Nebraska is NOT a lock--former Gov and Sec of Ag Mike Johanns

will be a formidable opponent for Kerrey. We're lucky that it's competetive.

[cooolandrew]

9. That's an optimistic outlook with that many dems America is bound to get decent leislation, at last

[LSK]

10. kick