Republican Senators up for re-election in 2006

[paineinthearse]

Who is most vunerable? Who are the worthy opponents?

Allen, George - (R - VA) Class I
204 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: allen.senate.gov/index.cfm?c=email

Burns, Conrad - (R - MT) Class I
187 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: burns.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Home.Contact

Chafee, Lincoln - (R - RI) Class I
141A RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: chafee.senate.gov/webform.htm

DeWine, Mike - (R - OH) Class I
140 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: dewine.senate.gov

Ensign, John - (R - NV) Class I
364 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: ensign.senate.gov/forms/email_form.cfm

Frist, Bill - (R - TN) Class I
461 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: frist.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorFrist.ContactForm

Hatch, Orrin - (R - UT) Class I
104 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: hatch.senate.gov/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Offices.Contact

Hutchison, Kay - (R - TX) Class I
284 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: hutchison.senate.gov/e-mail.htm

Kyl, Jon - (R - AZ) Class I
730 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: kyl.senate.gov/contact.cfm

Lott, Trent - (R - MS) Class I
487 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Lugar, Richard - (R - IN) Class I
306 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Santorum, Rick - (R - PA) Class I
511 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: santorum.senate.gov/emailrjs.html

Snowe, Olympia - (R - ME) Class I
154 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Talent, James - (R - MO) Class I
493 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: talent.senate.gov/Contact/default.cfm?pagemode=1

Thomas, Craig - (R - WY) Class I
307 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: thomas.senate.gov/html/contact.html

[paineinthearse]

1. Allen, George - (R - VA)

[Renew Deal]

13. Mark Warner may run.

We would have a show with Warner.

[paineinthearse]

60. See "George Allen, a primer"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1542134

[Debliberal]

87. Kick them out

[paineinthearse]

2. Burns, Conrad - (R - MT) Class I

[bluestateguy]

24. Very beatable

Given the Democratic resurgence in Montana, he can be beat.

[Renew Deal]

31. I don't think so.

Unless there is someone there that can toss him out and he's a mess. It's tough to beat an incumbant.

[dr.strangelove]

58. I wish, but not going to happen

Burns is as popular as a Montana Senator can get. His approval rating is in the mid-60s and he is Deputy whip, which means his cash flow from the RNC is pretty high. I would love to see someone beat him. I think Brian Schweitzer may give it anther go in a few years(he lost to Burns on 2000, but was just elected Gov, the first Dem gov in 20 years). I think Burns is safe, but if a viable candidate comes out, we'll see.

[paineinthearse]

3. Chafee, Lincoln - (R - RI) Class I

[Renew Deal]

This is the most interesting one of all.

The pukes want to primary him hard. Will Chafee switch parties? He should. He would hold the seat if he switched. He would have trouble in a puke primary if the zealots come out.

[Pirate Smile]

22. Switch or challenge him hard. We need all the seats in the blue states

and RI is very blue.

I don't care if he is moderate or very independent. He is a vote for Frist as Majority Leader. He needs to switch or be beaten.

Same for Snowe.

[Renew Deal]

23. I don't know if he is beatable in the GE.

I guess we should root for them to challenge him in a primary. I think he should switch and not deal with that.

[Pirate Smile]

29. We need to try as hard to beat him as we will to beat Santorum.

No more nice guy. Tie Bush around his neck.

Make the election about Republicans keeping control of the Senate so there are no checks on BushCo in his wars, Supreme Court nominations, etc.

[inslee08]

30. IIRC, Snowe is popular in Maine

And she's a moderate, more liberal than a whole lot of DINOs. I believe she voted against the Clinton impeachment. Anyway, un-seating efforts could be better spent in other places.

[Pirate Smile]

34. No, we have to pick up seats in the blue states or we will never win back

the Senate. They are a vote for Frist as Majority Leader and a rubber stamp for Bush in Congress. No investigations of this Administration, etc.

They have to go and we need big name Democrats to challenge them and a huge TV campaign tying them to Bush.

I actually like both of them but that doesn't matter anymore. It is too dangerous to let the Bush Administration not have any checks on them at all.

[Kerrytravelers]

36. Snowe is one of the sensible rethugs...

it's actually better to leave her alone so it won't seem like we're picking on everybody. Going after thr real headcases will take our message further. Snowe would be a mistake.

[Pirate Smile]

38. No, if we don't try to pick up seats in the states where there are more

Democrats, we will never win back the Senate.

We need to stop playing nice. They sure don't.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

62. Right On Pirate Smile!

:kick:

The only Good Rethug is a defeated one!

[Pirate Smile]

70. SOS Matthew Brown running against him.

PROVIDENCE -- Secretary of State Matthew A. Brown announced yesterday that he is seeking the seat held by U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee.

Brown is the first candidate to declare in what could possibly become a crowded field in the 2006 election.

"I've spent 10 years working in communities all across the state and I know the challenges that Rhode Islanders face every day. And I know that the politicians in Washington are not getting the job done for them," Brown said yesterday. "I was raised by parents who taught us if you see something wrong, you do what you can to fix it."

Brown's declaration did not come with all the usual fanfare. There was no news conference, no hoopla and no group of family and friends nearby to show their support. Instead, Brown faxed and e-mailed a release to reporters and then did one-on-one interviews at TV studios, over the phone from his house and at a local coffee shop.

more: http://www.projo.com/news/content/projo_20050204_brown4...

RI forum link http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=176x172

[pauliedee]

76. Is Brown a democrat?

Let's rally behind him....Chafee has to go or switch.

[paineinthearse]

85. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is considering a run

See http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1675487

[paineinthearse]

86. Kennedy, Chafee Senate race would by dynasty duel

Paine's predicition: Chaffee will switch parties by the end of 2005.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2005/03/24/kennedy_chafee_senate_race_would_by_dynasty_duel/

Kennedy, Chafee Senate race would by dynasty duel
By Lolita C. Baldor, Associated Press Writer | March 24, 2005

WASHINGTON --It would be the battle of the dynasties -- a second-generation slugfest that would focus the political eyes of the country on the nation's smallest state. Kennedy versus Chafee. The son of a Democratic icon versus the son of a revered former Republican senator and governor. U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy is reconsidering a run against Sen. Lincoln Chafee for the only Congressional seat held by a Republican in heavily Democratic Rhode Island. And the possibility has set political tongues wagging and meetings in motion, from Warwick to Washington, D.C.

"It would be a great race. The two are very evenly matched," said Brown University professor Darrell West, who penned a biography of Kennedy, 37. "Chafee is a sitting senator and people like him, but he has an "R" next to his name in a "D" state." Not long ago, Kennedy -- a six-term Democrat -- had ruled out such a contest, leaving the door open for his House colleague, Rep. James Langevin. But when Langevin opted out of the race earlier this week, Kennedy's name came up again. And now he's taking a second look.

A Kennedy-Chafee race would turn Rhode Island into a national political playground, with independent groups flooding the airwaves with ads on both sides of the contest. Last year, Republicans gleefully showcased Kennedy's father, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., in ads for GOP Senate candidates -- hoping that the liberal lightening rod would energize their more conservative base. "If Kennedy runs, every group that hates the Kennedys will try to influence the Senate race," said West.

Meanwhile, the Kennedy family's long love affair with organized labor would bring in an equal amount of campaigning from unions and other liberal-leaning organizations. "You have to imagine that Ted Kennedy would solicit special interest group money from every left wing group across the country," said National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Brian Nick. "Ted Kennedy, Howard Dean -- they're good fund-raising fodder." Democrats are equally eager to put the power of the Kennedy family on the Senate ballot in a friendly New England state. Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Schumer of New York has already talked to Patrick Kennedy.

more....
------

On the Net:

http://www.house.gov/kennedy/

http://chafee.senate.gov/

[Joey Liberal]

92. As a Rhode Islander, this is fascinating

I grew up in Rhode Island. It is true that Sen. Chafee's father was very popular - I even met him once. But the latest Chafee will be in big trouble if Kennedy challenges him. The Chafee name is respected in R.I., but the Kennedy's are revered. The republicans think that bringing up Ted Kennedy's name will help Chafee? NOT! That would only play right into the hands of the Democrats in Rhode Island, of which there are many. For a republican (even a Chafee) to face a Kennedy in a very blue, New England state like Rhode Island - well, let's just say the odds would be against Chafee in a big way.

[Ken Burch]

93. Patrick Kennedy is out of the race as of today

due to the troubles with his mother Joan.
The AP was reporting that he'll seek a permanent guardianship
over her.

After everything else those folks have been through, you'd think the Big Kahuna would finally cut 'em a break.

[paineinthearse]

94. Whitehouse to challange

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1706467#1707182

[stray cat]

4. Thanks for the democrat and republican information.

It is a great resource.

[paineinthearse]

5. DeWine, Mike - (R - OH)

[paineinthearse]

47. See discussion in the Ohio forum.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=172x5301

[paineinthearse]

69. Another anti-DeWine thread in Ohio forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=172x5301

[paineinthearse]

6. Ensign, John - (R - NV)

[bluestateguy]

25. I'm not optimistic here

I would rather the Democrats put their eggs into winnin the governorship.

[Zynx]

7. Talent and Santorum are vulnerable.

Frist's seat is vunlerable since he will likely be retiring.

[Renew Deal]

20. What's the deal with Talent?

Why is he vulnerable?

[xmas74]

44. Jim Talent...

is an idiot. Unfortunately, he is also my senator.

[dr.strangelove]

59. Its tough to be Santorum when so many dems vote for him.

If he does act hard on bush's judicial nominees, I think he is unbeatible, unless the GOP unseats him in a primary. I hope not, but PA moderates in both parties love him.

[paineinthearse]

8. Frist, Bill - (R - TN)

[Renew Deal]

19. Almost certainly an open seat.

But who will run for this?

[mattclearing]

48. I wonder if Al Gore wants his seat back. n/t

[paineinthearse]

50. Why not?

And don't tell me it would be below him.

After being President, Taft went on to be a supreme court justice and Adams to a seat in the House.

[mattclearing]

52. It would beat the hell out of his current gig, which is...? n/t

[paineinthearse]

73. Rep. Ford will run for Frist's seat

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Campaign/021605_ford.html

[paineinthearse]

83. Frist makes medical diagnosis via videotape!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1324444

[paineinthearse]

98. Rep. Ford has announced

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3727195&mesg_id=3727195

[paineinthearse]

9. Hatch, Orrin - (R - UT)

[UrbScotty]

64. I bet he will retire

He's 70, he's been a Senator for 28 years, and he's no longer the Judiciary Chairman.

[paineinthearse]

66. Are there any Democrats who could win the seat?

[Hippo_Tron]

79. Democratic Senator, Utah? You're kidding me, right?

PERHAPS the Dem congressman there might have a shot but he isn't even safe in his own district.

[paineinthearse]

10. Hutchison, Kay - (R - TX)

[bluestateguy]

26. Forget it

Even in a open seat situation, the Democrats have no bench of people with statewide name recognition.

[paineinthearse]

61. How about Ann Richards, Molly Ivans, Willie Nelson or Jim Hightower?

[Ken Burch]

81. Willie for Senate! That would rock!

If he does ads about foreign policy, they can play "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" in the background.

[Mr_King]

74. There Are Some Dems With Famous Names In Texas

The Bentsens, Richards and Connallys (even though they still might be Republicans).

-Ken Bentsen the former Congressman and nephew of Lloyd Bentsen might run

-Ann Richards' daughter Cecile Richards is a possibilty but she might be too liberal for Texas and if she got the nomination Bush and Rove would be very active in that race.

-I don't know if any of John Connally's children are Democrats or even in a position to run for office but here is another name in Texas politics.

What we (Dems) need in Texas is a Richard J. Daley type of Democrat to run the party down there. Somebody who can run the party from the "back room" and can be as dirty as Karl Rove and Tom DeLay if not dirtier.

[flaminbats]

99. What about Charlie Stenholm? No longer in Congress..so what could he lose?

even if Hutchison ran again..couldn't Stenholm win?

[NoPasaran]

11. Hutchison may not run again

She's rumored to want to run for governor.

[mandyky]

46. We need to run someone in TX

They've been talking a lot lately about her running for TX Gov.

[Sooner75]

100. a slender hope

Yeah, I've also heard that Kay may be running for governor. The fun part is that apparently Rick Perry would like to get re-elected, and his friends have been very hostile to Kay's gubernatorial aspirations. So, the good news is that the Texas GOP will be disarray.

The bad news, as someone noted, is the Democratic bench. Don't see a big enough Democrat to run and WIN that Senate seat. It'd be a major Cinderella story if a Democrat pulled it off.

Reminds me of the OLD days back when the Texan Republican Party had no real hope of winning a governor's race or a US Senate seat. The guy they ran in the 70s to be the sacrificial lamb, the guy that the Democrat would soundly defeat, was a former Houston congressman named George Bush. He ran for governor a least a couple of times, and he ran for the Senate at least a couple of times. Never made it, but George was persistent and patient. He found a way to make it to the big time without depending solely on Texas voters.

Now, Texas Democrats are in ones in the wilderness, but the tide just might turn a bit in their favor in 2006. Stay tuned.

[paineinthearse]

12. Kyl, Jon - (R - AZ)

[NoodleBoy]

51. just posted this elsewhere, here's some discussion us in the AZ forum had:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=139x1322

[paineinthearse]

14. Lugar, Richard - (R - IN)

[paineinthearse]

57. Lugar opponent challenger thread in the Indiana forum.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=151x1486

[paineinthearse]

15. Santorum, Rick - (R - PA)

[Renew Deal]

This is the one we need to win.

Blue state, right wing nut. #2 in puke leadership IIRC. He is probably too republican for that state.

[Pirate Smile]

35. We need to pick up 6 and hold all we have.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

40. "He is probably too republican for that state."---You got that right

He MUST go in 06 and as a resident of PA I pledge to work/vote for whichever Dem runs against him. We need a state-wide name recognition Dem with lots of money behind him/her to take that big elephant down but it must happen.

[bluestateguy]

28. Beatable

But he has beaten back tough challenges before and he knows how to win votes from white working class Democrats.

I hate him and his politics, but I respect his campaign skills.

[Renew Deal]

33. Can this be won in Philly?

Does he have union support? I didn't think so.

[bluestateguy]

41. In the past he has had union support

At least from the rank and file. Coming from Pittsburgh, he can have a protectionist strain to his ideology. He voted against NAFTA.

[Zynx]

53. If Bob Casey Jr. runs against him, his ass is grass.

What social conservative arguments could he possibly use against Casey? The pro-choice voters would line up with Casey over other issues and Casey would peal off a huge chunk of those with moderate to conservative views on abortion.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

54. Any other choices? Chris Heinz maybe?

Why would the social conservatives bother to change horses from a powerful Senator with clout to a new freshman Senator? The social liberals and moderates wouldn't have much incentive to vote at all leaving the Pennsyl-tucky middle of the state to keep Santorum. Just my opinion...hope there's a polar opposite choice in 06 with a fiscally conservative/socially liberal-moderate stance.

[Zynx]

55. The experience with Bob Casey the elder says otherwise.

Also, the idea that suddenly all of the pro-choicers would just stay home is one of the most ill-informed political observations I have ever heard. Socially liberal stances scare the crap out of a huge portion of the electorate. I know this first hand here in Wisconsin where you can never drive the Republican vote much below 43-44% regardless of the candidate because those voters simply will not vote for our social positions.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

56. But

The dynamics of PA have changed since Casey Sr was around...the steel industry and unions have much smaller numbers, yet PA has voted Dem for President since 1992. These votes are coming from somewhere and it isn't just the Dems. The counties around Phila and Allegheny county have Rockefeller Republicans who vote in large numbers for President but need proded to vote in off cycles. Maybe Wisconsin has some different dynamics but PA isn't blue just because of Dem votes. Catholic Dems in this state are not a guaranteed vote for Casey Jr when they can keep a Senator with seniority who basically keeps the same agenda. It's like kicking out Daeschle (?sp) for Thune in SD...everyone asks 'why lose a senior Senator for your state?'

[john doe jersey]

91. I agree

There is a strong moderate base in PA that would really swing toward Casey if he ran. His socially conservative views would also help swing those conservative leaning moderates that may be uncomfortable with the ultra-conservative Santorum. A dem victory in this race would be a real slap in the face for the GOP and some nice payback for Daschle.

[On Par]

71. Santorum Is In Trouble With His Own Supporters....

...even in strongholds like Lancaster county (that went 2 to 1 for Bush,) Santorum supported moderate Specter in the '04 PA primary, instead of right winger Toomey, has his supporters wrankled. Add this to Santorum having Penn Hills School District in Pittsburgh pay for his 5 children's "Cyber School" tuition, skirting resident requirements when he doesn't reside in Penn Hills, but only owns a small home there, and Ricky got a lot of 'splaining to do.

If Kerry would have won, no doubt, Chris Heinz would have opposed Santorum. I doubt he has a taste for it now. Casey has great name recognition in our state, is a good possibility. My personal choice is Governor Ed Rendell. Rendell would carry the Philly and surrounding areas by a 400,000 vote plurality, easily taking 90% of that vote, which would be far too great for Santorum to overcome from the sparsely populated center of the state that traditionally votes Republican.

BTW, don't be surprised if Right Winger Toomey, who makes Santorum look like a liberal, rises up once again, and challenges Santorum in the primary, the way he did against Specter.

OP... Who will be working against Santorum, and for the democratic candidate.

[paineinthearse]

72. Casey strongest Democrat against Santorum, poll shows

http://www.postgazette.com/pg/05047/458337.stm

By Peter Jackson, The Associated Press

HARRISBURG -- Twenty-one months before U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum stands for re-election, state Treasurer Robert P. Casey Jr. is the strongest challenger among several Democrats who are considering whether to take him on, according to an independent poll released this morning.

Casey held an apparent lead over Santorum of 46 percent to 41 percent, with 11 percent of the state's voters undecided, in the Quinnipiac University poll.

Santorum, a Republican who is finishing his second six-year term, enjoys clear leads over three other Democrats who have said they may run -- former U.S. Rep. Joe Hoeffel, former state Treasurer Barbara Hafer and state Rep. T.J. Rooney.

"This could shape up as the best Senate race in the country" next year, said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the university's polling institute. "Count on Democrats to pour in millions of dollars to try to oust a key conservative member of the Republican leadership, and the big GOP money-givers won't be shy in donating to keep Sen. Santorum in office."

<more>

[Ken Burch]

75. Here's a wild card thought...how about TERESA?

She has the name familiarity, she damn sure has the money.
And she takes shit off of nobody.

[Deaniac20]

77. I see a better candidate

well I see a guy named Chuck Penacchio, who is not GOP-lite. If Democrats truly want power, then we need not GOP-lite people, but full on liberal Democrats. his website is www.chuck2006.com He's a professor, but we do no need an anti-choice senator in a blue state. If conservative GOPers can make it in NY like Al D'Amato, we need a liberal in Penn.

[Mummyman]

107. I agree -- Chuck Pennacchio is the man!

One of the main complaints with the Democrats among voters is that they don't stand up for things. And I'm afraid that is what what will be perceived with Bob Casey Jr. I truly think that Chuck Pennacchio gives us the best chance to be successful next November against Santorum.

I don't think we should go by polls this early. I know they show Casey killing Santorum, but I saw the same polls last year with Kerry. That didn't work out so well.

Anyway, check out Chuck's website for more information:

http://www.chuck2006.com/

Your pal,
Eric

[safi0]

108. Find me one

Nationwide poll that showed Bush down 18 to Kerry.

[paineinthearse]

82. 3/18 poll - Santorum down by 5.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1670317

[NewJeffCT]

90. Unfortunately, the RW slime machine hasn't even geared up yet

I'm sure we'll get the equivalent of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth in PA, as I think it would be an embarrassment to Republicans nationally if Santorum lost.

[paineinthearse]

95. www.santorumwatch.org

Site has areas that cover:

GOP Platform
Contributors
News in Brief
Challengers
Voting Record
March News
February News
January News
2000 Election
Links
etc

[paineinthearse]

16. Snowe, Olympia - (R - ME)

[MaineDem]

32. What are you saying? (nt)

[Pirate Smile]

39. Who could run against her and win?

[paineinthearse]

42. What's Cohen doing these days? Or Mitchell?

[Deaniac20]

78. Ted Kennedy's son

Ted Kennedy has a son that is a Representative there. He could win.

[MaineDem]

84. I think Kennedy's son is in RI (nt)

[paineinthearse]

97. Jean Hay Bright has decided to seek the Democratic nomination!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1808203

From an email:

Jean Hay Bright
Democrat for U.S. Senate 2006
4262 Kennebec Road, Dixmont ME 04932
phone [phone] www. jeanhaybright.us

Hello!

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I have decided to seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2006. I'm convinced that Maine is ready to have a progressive Democrat run for, and win, the seat now held by Olympia Snowe.

It’s not a matter of running against Olympia Snowe. I am running FOR U.S. Senate.

I am running to end the war in Iraq. It was wrong to invade a sovereign country which had not attacked us and had no means or desire to attack us. And it is wrong to stay there. Our presence there is escalating the violence against our military men and women and against the Iraqi people, violence emanating from an "enemy" that we cannot recognize nor fight. The war has drained our coffers here at home to the point that essential services, including homeland security, are under-funded and are putting our own citizens at great risk. And our status in the world community is in shambles.

I’m running to stop the financially destructive Republican policies, like the tax cuts for the wealthy, which, along with the hundreds of billions in tax dollars diverted to fund the War in Iraq, have resulted in our astonishing federal deficit and astronomical national debt. That fiscal irresponsibility is also severely impacting state budgets, including Maine’s.

I’m running to protect social security, and other programs that reflect a government that recognizes its responsibility to its citizens -- its elderly, its disabled, its orphans -- and to its veterans.

I’m running because it’s long past time we had national health care.

I’m running to protect what jobs we have left in this country and restore the ones we’ve lost, by repealing devastating trade agreements such as NAFTA and refusing the allow new ones such as CAFTA.

I’m running to make our nation more secure by ensuring food independence. True homeland security requires the regional ability to feed ourselves. With the continuing high cost of fuel, we need to promote dispersed, diversified farms and their support industries such as processing facilities. A decentralized agriculture also diminishes the possibility or impact of deliberate sabotage.

I'm running to ensure a healthy environment -- clean air, clean water, clean land -- essential for the preservation of the planet and all living things on it. We must also recognize the threats to our natural environment, and to the sustainability and viability of our diverse seed banks, posed by genetically-modified crops.

I’m running to promote the concept of energy self-sufficiency through renewable resources such as wind, solar and bio-diesel, along with research into advanced technologies to make the best and most efficient use of the world’s dwindling oil reserves.

I’m running to save human rights and civil rights from assaults such as the Patriot Act, and an Attorney General who thinks the Geneva Conventions are "quaint."

I’m running to protect the federal judicial system from extremist right-wing judges who are dedicated to decimating Constitutional protections and the Bill of Rights. I will fight the confirmation of such judges to all levels of the federal court system, through use of the filibuster if necessary.

I’m running to rescind the un-American and unconstitutional denial of jailed "enemy combatants" access to lawyers or courts by our Justice Department, based solely on the unsupported declaration of the Bush administration that they are threats to our national security.

I’m running to preserve reproductive rights and the individual liberties and responsibilities which are laid out so eloquently in Roe v. Wade.

I’m running to provide all of our children an opportunity for a quality public education through college.

This is the vision I have for America. It is a vision I believe most Mainers share. It is also a vision that is under attack by the Bush Administration and the right-wing Republicans who now control both houses of Congress. The only way we can take back our America is by voting for candidates who shares those visions and values. I am such a candidate.

As you may know, federal law severely restricted the amount of money I could raise or spend before I declared my candidacy. But now the campaign fundraising must begin. We need everything from better calling cards to brochures to campaign software, bumper stickers, lawn signs, etc. Donations of any size would be greatly appreciated. Credit card donations (Visa and Mastercard only) can be made on-line from our web page, or we can process them here at the office. Checks are great too, but cannot be made out on business accounts.

The campaign will also need people -- lots of people. If you have particular talents you want to volunteer, let us know (www.jeanhaybright.us/volunteer.html ). Paid staff are in the long-range plan. (I've already been getting some resumes.)

I also appreciate the suggestions I have been given the past several months. They have been very helpful in honing my message. Keep them coming.


With your help, we in Maine can send our shared vision to the floor of the U.S. Senate in 2006.

Jean Hay Bright
Dixmont Maine
www.jeanhaybright.us

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paid for and authorized by JeanHayBright.US Senate 2006, David Bright treasurer

[paineinthearse]

17. Talent, James - (R - MO)

[xmas74]

45. I swore a year ago...

that I will work on the "Anyone running against Talent in '06" campaign. He just gets on my nerves (he looks like the classic nerd who was beaten up in school and now has a little power).

[paineinthearse]

18. Thomas, Craig - (R - WY)

[paineinthearse]

21. Lott, Trent - (R - MS)

[bluestateguy]

27. In an open seat situation it could be won

Mike Moore or Gene Taylor could win in an open seat situation, and the Republicans best candidate would be Chip Pickering.

[Renew Deal]

37. Is Lott leaving?

[Hippo_Tron]

80. I know little about Gene Taylor other than that he has a good head of hair

But given that it would be a midterm election and no GOP coattails, we definately could have a shot.

[Streetdoc270]

43. 'Liz Dole (R-NC)

Don't know who will run aginst her, we have been kicking around some names in the NC forum.

[paineinthearse]

49. Dole is class 2 (2008)?

The source for this class 1 list is http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm?Class=1

Is the senate site in error?

Never too early to start, though!!!

[DaCheat]

63. Jim Demint- (R-SC)

Lets not forget the man who opposes homosexuals and single moms teaching in schools.

[paineinthearse]

65. Demint is class 3 (2011)

The focus is class 1 (2007).

[amjucsc]

67. Lincoln Chafee...

About the last Republican Senator in a strongly Democratic State. Olympia Snowe of Maine has also expressed scepticism about private accounts, and she's from a state state.

[amjucsc]

68. Here's a list of all the Republican Senators from swing or Blue states

Those up for re-election in 2006 are marked.

Wayne Allard (CO)
Mel Martinez (FL)
Chuck Grasley (IA)
Susan Collins (ME)
Olympia Snowe (ME)’ 06
Norm Coleman (MN)

Christopher Bond (MO)
James Talent (MO) ‘06

Judd Greg (NH)
John Sununu (NH)

Pete Deominici (NM)

John Ensign (NV) ‘06

Mike DeWine (OH) ‘06
George Voinovich (OH)

Gordon Smith (OR)

Arlen Specter (PA)
Rick Santorum (PA) ‘06

Lincoln Chafee (RI) ‘06

[Robert Oak]

88. gordon smith, up 2008

and I think he should be targeted...he's a corporate crony
in a very strong blue state. Constantly votes for corporations
does little for Oregon also.

[safi0]

89. I think Snowe

Can be beaten but it would take a lot for Dems to beat her. I think it would be quite difficult because in 2000 in a state Al Gore won she got nearly 70%. I think there's only one way we could win, and that's by running a Northeast strategy. All of this stuff also applies to Chafee I just think it'd be easier to beat him. If the election is Snowe vs her opponent we won't win. The Northeast strategy is like you can imagine the opposite of the Southern strategy. We start linking a moderate like Snowe with the likes of Trent Lott, Tom Delay and Dick Cheney. If Maine Democrats can do this successfully there's a slight chance Snowe could be defeated.

[paineinthearse]

96. See Chaffee thread above

Mods, can this sub-thread be cut and pasted into the Chaffee area?

[paineinthearse]

101. 2006 SENATE RACES MAP

[inthebrain]

102. Here's who I see going.....

Santorum, Rick - (R - PA)

This guy is way too far to the right for a state like PA. This loss is seen as a long time coming and Dean a proclaimed he has eyes on this seat. The Dems would be foolish to run a moderate for this seat.

It's ripe for a progressive voice.

Snowe, Olympia - (R - ME) Class I
Dems might be better off running a moderate but this is a strange state. It runs red and blue but progressive are starting to pop up out of the wood work. Maybe someone slightly left of center would fit here.

I'd say it's 50/50 at this point.

Chafee, Lincoln - (R - RI) Class I

This one is in the bag for obvious reasons. The big one being Democratic backlash against the the re election of Bush. New England aint happy and this guy is going to have the axe fall on his neck.

DeWine, Mike - (R - OH)

Kucinich seems to win in this state. I see no reason why a progressive cant take this seat. If the Dems run a guy too close to the middle they are going to have problems.

They need to run a guy with labor issues to close to is heart. Ohio has been hit hard by NAFTA and the WTO. Running a guy who's hooked on the Corporate crack will be a HUGE mistake.


Other than those mentioned above I dont see the Dems making huge in roads in the other states. They still have a ways to go in order wo win hearts and minds in those states. Running Republicrats will only make things worse.

For the most part this election should well re enforce the blue states. There are going to be crushing defeats by some all star Republicans in gubernatorial elections as well.

Look no further than NY and MA.

Start the campaign today!!!!!

[Akno21]

103. Kucinich doesn't win in the whole state

He wins in a liberal district within the state. Kerry couldn't win statewide here, so someone more liberal can't either.

[paineinthearse]

104. Vermont - empty seat

See article on Rich Tarrant -http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1993915&mesg_id=1993915

"Republican U.S. Senate hopeful Rich Tarrant filed his personal financial disclosure forms with the U.S. Senate last Friday afternoon and also released copies to the press..."

[Ken Burch]

105. Bernie Sanders is running as an independent

so we shouldn't even nominate a Democratic candidate there.

Bernie will organize with us, as he did in the House, so this isn't actually a sacrifice for us to stay out of it.

[Lefty48197]

109. Bernie is actually running for the Senate? Wow.

An admitted Socialist in the Senate. I love it.

[ladylibertee]

106. Good looks like Wisconsin is safe.

[NJ Democrats]

110. The vunerable are

Chafee (RI)
Burns (WY)
Santorum (PA)
DeWine (OH)
First's open seat (TN)
Ensign (IF Oscar Goodman runs!!!) (NV)
Talent (MO)

[TimBinh]

111. Almost every one is beatable

All the Democratic candidate would have to do is support HR4437, which penalizes employers who hire illegal aliens, and reject any type of amnesty for illegal aliens as not only being bad for American workers and taxpayers, but also amnesty is racism.

Amnesty is racism? Yes, it would greatly increase Hispanic immigration, while at the same time indirectly decrease non-Hispanic immigration.

[thatsrightimirish]

112. IT'S KIND OF INTERESTING

Looking back at the post that were made one year ago and to see how much has changed. 1 year ago it was said that we had no chance of beating burns now we do. the same with Talent.