Stuart Rothenberg takes on the 2004 Senate Race

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Here's the link-http://www.rollcall.com/pub/49_88/rothenberg/4627-1.html

The recent Senate decisions by four Republicans - Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley and former Reps. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and John Thune of South Dakota - have scrambled the Senate outlook for November.

Each party has one strong takeover opportunity (Georgia for the Republicans and Illinois for the Democrats). The Democrats now have three other good targets (Alaska, Oklahoma and Colorado), while the GOP has five equally attractive takeover targets (both Carolinas, Florida, Louisiana and South Dakota).

The Democrats seem to have better long-shot opportunities. But while takeovers are more likely in Missouri, Kentucky and Pennsylvania than in Washington state, California or Wisconsin, they aren't, at this point, close to being likely in any of those states.

Whatever his weaknesses, Campbell was not about to be defeated this year. Without him, the GOP's hold on the seat is uncertain. Gov. Bill Owens would be a formidable candidate, but he has family problems. His interest in the White House also could affect his decision on a Senate run.