Changes

==Senate==

==Senate==

Texas Senator [[John Cornyn]], the head of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]] has quietly put Senate Republicans in position to benefit as the national political environment goes negative on Democrats. Cornyn has recruited serious candidates in Democratic-held seats in Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, North Dakota, California and still maybe Wisconsin, Washington, and New York. With seven open seats to defend, Cornyn understands that he must play offense in a few states if he hopes to position the party to make major gains in the 2012 and 2014 cycles -- both of which, by the numbers, are far more favorable for Republicans.  

 

 

Texas Senator [[John Cornyn]], the head of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]] has quietly put Senate Republicans in position to benefit as the national political environment goes negative on Democrats. Cornyn has recruited serious candidates in Democratic-held seats in Delaware, Illinois, Colorado, Connecticut, North Dakota and still maybe Indiana and New York. With seven open seats to defend, Cornyn understands that he must play offense in a few states if he hopes to position the party to make major gains in the 2012 and 2014 cycles -- both of which, by the numbers, are far more favorable for Republicans.  

===Special Elections===

===Special Elections===

*'''Connecticut'''

*'''Connecticut'''

30-year Senate veteran [[Chris Dodd]] was ranked the most vulnerable Senator in the 2010 election cycle by National Journal. He has announced he will not seek a sixth term.

30-year Senate veteran [[Chris Dodd]] was ranked the most vulnerable Senator in the 2010 election cycle by National Journal. He has announced he will not seek a sixth term. State Attorney General [[Richard Blumenthal]] is seeking the Democratic nomination.  

Dodd’s approval ratings had plummeted after his failed presidential campaign in 2008, his controversial mortgage deal from Countrywide, and revelations about the $165 million bonuses for AIG executives that he attached in an amendment to the economic stimulus package, despite receiving federal bailout money. Former Congressman [[Rob Simmons]] is seeking the Republican nomination and was leading Dodd in public opinion polls. <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1353</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/connecticut/toplines/toplines_connecticut_senate_race_september_10_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/9/10/CT/369/</ref> <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1395</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/connecticut/election_2010_connecticut_senate_race</ref>Financial services executive [[Peter Schiff]] is also running.  

Dodd’s approval ratings had plummeted after his failed presidential campaign in 2008, his controversial mortgage deal from Countrywide, and revelations about the $165 million bonuses for AIG executives that he attached in an amendment to the economic stimulus package, despite receiving federal bailout money. Former Congressman [[Rob Simmons]] is seeking the Republican nomination and was leading Dodd in public opinion polls. <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1353</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/connecticut/toplines/toplines_connecticut_senate_race_september_10_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/9/10/CT/369/</ref> <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1395</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/connecticut/election_2010_connecticut_senate_race</ref>Financial services executive [[Peter Schiff]] is also running.  

Democrat Senator [[Roland Burris]] has been plagued by controversies. Burris was appointed to replace Barack Obama by Governor [[Rod Blagojevich]], who had been arrested on a variety of federal corruption charges (including for trying to "sell" Obama's Senate seat). Burris was then accused of committing perjury after he admitted to not testifying truthfully at a committee investigating Governor Blagojevich. Burris has announced he will not seek a full term in 2010.

Democrat Senator [[Roland Burris]] has been plagued by controversies. Burris was appointed to replace Barack Obama by Governor [[Rod Blagojevich]], who had been arrested on a variety of federal corruption charges (including for trying to "sell" Obama's Senate seat). Burris was then accused of committing perjury after he admitted to not testifying truthfully at a committee investigating Governor Blagojevich. Burris has announced he will not seek a full term in 2010.

Republicans see this as a pickup opportunity. National Journal ranked Illinois the second most likely seat to change party. Moderate-GOP Congressman [[Mark Kirk]], representing a Democratic-leaning district that covers suburban [[Chicago]], has announced his candidacy and is expected to easily win the Republican nomination. Democratic candidates include Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Urban League President Cheryle Jackson, Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman, and attorney Jacob Meister.

Republicans see this as a pickup opportunity. National Journal ranked Illinois the second most likely seat to change party. Moderate-GOP Congressman [[Mark Kirk]], representing a Democratic-leaning district that covers suburban [[Chicago]], easily won the Republican nomination, while Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias defeated Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman in a close primary.

*'''Kansas'''

*'''Kansas'''

*'''Kentucky'''

*'''Kentucky'''

Republicans had a victory when unpopular incumbent Senator [[Jim Bunning]] announced he would not seek a third term. Kentucky Secretary of State [[Trey Grayson]] is seeking the Republican nomination, however is being challenged by [[Libertarian Republican]] [[Rand Paul]], an eye surgeon who is the son of Texas Congressman [[Ron Paul]]. On the Democratic side, Lieutenant Governor [[Daniel Mongiardo]] (who lost to Bunning in 2004) and state Attorney General Jack Conway are running. Public Opinion Polls show both Grayson and Paul leading Conway and Mongiardo. <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_KY_1223.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/kentucky/election_2010_kentucky_senate</ref>

Republicans had a victory when unpopular incumbent Senator [[Jim Bunning]] announced he would not seek a third term. Kentucky Secretary of State [[Trey Grayson]] is seeking the Republican nomination, however is being challenged by [[Libertarian Republican]] [[Rand Paul]], an eye surgeon who is the son of Texas Congressman [[Ron Paul]]. Paul has received the endorsment of former [[Alaska]] Governor [[Sarah Palin]]. <ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-palin-ky-senate-race,0,6228585.story</ref>

 

On the Democratic side, Lieutenant Governor [[Daniel Mongiardo]] (who lost to Bunning in 2004) and state Attorney General Jack Conway are running. Public Opinion Polls show both Grayson and Paul leading Conway and Mongiardo. <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_KY_1223.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/kentucky/election_2010_kentucky_senate</ref>

*'''Missouri'''

*'''Missouri'''

Incumbent Republican Senator [[Kit Bond]] has announced he will not seek fifth term. Former House Majority Whip [[Roy Blunt]] has announced his candidacy. Blunt benefits from raising a strong $1.44 million in the second quarter and as of now has no serious primary challenger. Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is seeking the Democratic nomination. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll has Blunt leading Carnahan 49% to 43%. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/missouri/election_2010_missouri_senate</ref>  

Incumbent Republican Senator [[Kit Bond]] has announced he will not seek fifth term. Former House Majority Whip [[Roy Blunt]] has announced his candidacy. Blunt benefits from strong fundraising numbers and has no serious primary challenger. Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan is seeking the Democratic nomination. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll has Blunt leading Carnahan 49% to 43%. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/missouri/election_2010_missouri_senate</ref>  

*'''New Hampshire'''

*'''New Hampshire'''

Senior Republican Senator [[Judd Gregg]], after withdrawing from a position in the [[Obama administration]], announced he will not seek a fourth term. 2nd district Congressman Paul Hodes is seeking the Democratic nomination, while Republicans are behind former New Hampshire Attorney General [[Kelly Ayotte]]. Public opinion polls show Ayotte ahead by 2-9 points. <ref>http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/news/pdf/gsp2009_summer_congapp70209.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/7/15/NH/319/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/new_hampshire/toplines/toplines_new_hampshire_senate_september_14_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/nhpoll/senate10/</ref> <ref>http://www.wmur.com/download/2009/1005/21207993.pdf</ref> <ref>http://americanresearchgroup.com/nhpoll/senate10/</ref><ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/new_hampshire/election_2010_new_hampshire_senate</ref>

Senior Republican Senator [[Judd Gregg]], after withdrawing from a position in the [[Obama administration]], announced he will not seek a fourth term. 2nd district Congressman [[Paul Hodes]] is seeking the Democratic nomination, while Republicans are behind former New Hampshire Attorney General [[Kelly Ayotte]]. Public opinion polls show Ayotte ahead by 2-9 points. <ref>http://www.unh.edu/survey-center/news/pdf/gsp2009_summer_congapp70209.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/7/15/NH/319/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/new_hampshire/toplines/toplines_new_hampshire_senate_september_14_2009/</ref> <ref>http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/nhpoll/senate10/</ref> <ref>http://www.wmur.com/download/2009/1005/21207993.pdf</ref> <ref>http://americanresearchgroup.com/nhpoll/senate10/</ref><ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/new_hampshire/election_2010_new_hampshire_senate</ref>

*'''North Dakota'''

*'''North Dakota'''

*'''Ohio'''

*'''Ohio'''

Moderate Republican [[George Voinovich]] has announced he will not seek a third term. The Democratic field includes Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Fisher has received the endorsement of Democratic Governor [[Ted Strickland]]. Meanwhile, Republicans have rallied behind [[Rob Portman]], former Congressman and Director of the Office of Management and Budget. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the election cycle. A September 2009 Rasmussen poll has Portman leading Fisher and Brunner by a narrow margin. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/ohio/election_2010_ohio_senate_race</ref>

Moderate Republican [[George Voinovich]] has announced he will not seek a third term. The Democratic field includes Lieutenant Governor [[Lee Fisher]] and Ohio Secretary of State [[Jennifer Brunner]]. Fisher has received the endorsement of Democratic Governor [[Ted Strickland]]. Meanwhile, Republicans have rallied behind [[Rob Portman]], former Congressman and Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the election cycle. A September 2009 Rasmussen poll has Portman leading Fisher and Brunner by a narrow margin. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/ohio/election_2010_ohio_senate_race</ref>

===Democratic incumbents===

===Democratic incumbents===

*'''Arkansas'''

*'''Arkansas'''

Moderate Democrat [[Blanche Lincoln]] will be one of Republicans top targets in 2010. In the [[2008 Presidential Election]], Arkansas was one of the few states where [[John McCain]] exceeded [[George W. Bush]]’s margin, despite the national trend favoring Democrats. In an attempt to appeal to her conservative constituents Lincoln voted against the [[Employee Free Choice Act]] (card check) and has stated opposition to the public option in [[health care]]. Lincoln may face a primary challenge from state Senate president pro tempore Bob Johnson, who say's he's openly considering running. Announced Republican candidates include State Senator [[Gilbert Baker]] (considered the front-runner for the nomination) Arkansas Senate Minority Leader [[Kim Hendren]], Retired army colonel Conrad Reynolds, and Tom Cox, Founder of the Arkansas Tea Party. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll showed every Republican challenger leading Blanche Lincoln. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/arkansas/election_2010_arkansas_senate_race</ref> The National Republican Senatorial Committee has withheld from endorsing a candidate. Third district Congressman [[John Boozman]] is considering running.<ref>http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/01/boozman_making.php</ref> A February 2010 Public Policy Polling survey has Boozman leading Lincoln by a 56%-33% margin, and Lincoln's approval rating is just 27%. <ref>http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/02/blanche-lincoln-poll.html</ref>  

Moderate Democrat [[Blanche Lincoln]] will be one of Republicans top targets in 2010. In the [[2008 Presidential Election]], Arkansas was one of the few states where [[John McCain]] exceeded [[George W. Bush]]’s margin, despite the national trend favoring Democrats. In an attempt to appeal to her conservative constituents Lincoln voted against the [[Employee Free Choice Act]] (card check) and has stated opposition to the public option in [[health care]].  

 

Announced Republican candidates include State Senator [[Gilbert Baker]] (considered the front-runner for the nomination) Arkansas Senate Minority Leader [[Kim Hendren]], Retired army colonel Conrad Reynolds, and Tom Cox, Founder of the Arkansas Tea Party. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll showed every Republican challenger leading Blanche Lincoln. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/arkansas/election_2010_arkansas_senate_race</ref> Third district Congressman [[John Boozman]] is considering running.<ref>http://hotlineoncall.nationaljournal.com/archives/2010/01/boozman_making.php</ref> A February 2010 Public Policy Polling survey has Boozman leading Lincoln by a 56%-33% margin, with Lincoln's approval rating at just 27%. <ref>http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/02/blanche-lincoln-poll.html</ref>  

*'''California'''

*'''California'''

*'''Indiana'''

*'''Indiana'''

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman [[John Cornyn]] has said that two-term Senator [[Evan Bayh]] is not a priority target for 2010, although he could be vulnerable with a strong Republican opponent. Former six-term Congressman [[John Hostettler]] is seeking the Republican nomination. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll has Bayh leading Hostettler by a narrow 3-points. Other announced candidates include State Senator Marlin Stutzman and businessman Don Bates Jr. Conservative Congressman [[Mike Pence]] considered running, but is instead seeking reelection in the House.  

Two-term Senator [[Evan Bayh]] may be vulnerable after his vote for the [[economic stimulus package]] and government-run health care. Former U.S. Senator [[Dan Coats]], who predeced Bayh after retiring in 1998, is expected to run for his old Senate seat. Former six-term Congressman [[John Hostettler]] is also seeking the Republican nomination. A January 2010 Rasmussen poll has Bayh leading Hostettler by a narrow 3-points. Other announced candidates include State Senator [[Marlin Stutzman]] and businessman Don Bates Jr.  

 

Conservative Congressman [[Mike Pence]] considered running, but is instead seeking reelection in the House.  

*'''Maryland'''

*'''Maryland'''

*'''New York-Special Election'''

*'''New York-Special Election'''

Democrat [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] was appointed by Governor [[David Patterson]] to replace [[Hillary Clinton]] after much confusion on his part. Patterson mishandled the proposed appointment of [[Caroline Kennedy]], gaining ridicule for both of them.  Gillibrand’s moderate views alienated the left wing of the Democratic Party. She has proven a remarkably successful fundraiser, and primary challengers have dropped away. Nine-term Congressman [[Peter King]] has declined to run. Republicans are trying to recruit former Governor [[George Pataki]], who runs ahead in the polls with Gillibrand. When asked about the speculation, Pataki said that "you never say never." <ref>http://race42008.com/2009/09/22/to-further-complicate-matters-pataki/</ref> Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] has declined to seek the Senate seat. <ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/12/21/2009-12-21_rudy_giuliani_will_not_run.html</ref>

Democrat [[Kirsten Gillibrand]] was appointed by Governor [[David Patterson]] to replace [[Hillary Clinton]] after much confusion on his part. Patterson mishandled the proposed appointment of [[Caroline Kennedy]], gaining ridicule for both of them.  Gillibrand’s moderate views alienated the left wing of the Democratic Party. She may face a primary challenge from former Tennessee Congressman [[Harold Ford]].  

 

Nine-term Congressman [[Peter King]] has declined to run. Republicans are trying to recruit former Governor [[George Pataki]], who runs ahead in the polls with Gillibrand. When asked about the speculation, Pataki said that "you never say never." <ref>http://race42008.com/2009/09/22/to-further-complicate-matters-pataki/</ref> Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] has declined to seek the Senate seat. <ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/12/21/2009-12-21_rudy_giuliani_will_not_run.html</ref>

*'''Oregon'''

*'''Oregon'''

Democrat [[Ron Wyden]] is heavily favored to win reelection. However, Republicans can make a comeback if former Senator [[Gordon Smith]], who was defeated for reelection by a narrow margin in 2008, runs again.

Democrat [[Ron Wyden]] is heavily favored to win reelection.

*'''Pennsylvania'''

*'''Pennsylvania'''

After polls showed him losing the Republican primary by as much as 20 points, [[Arlen Specter]] simply changed party affiliation and is now a Democrat. Now Specter faces two heavyweight opponents, 7th-district Congressman [[Joe Sestak]] in the Democratic primary, and former 15th district Congressman and [[Club for Growth]] President [[Pat Toomey]] in the general election.  

After polls showed him losing the Republican primary by as much as 20 points, [[Arlen Specter]] simply changed party affiliation and is now a Democrat. Now Specter faces two heavyweight opponents, 7th-district Congressman [[Joe Sestak]] in the Democratic primary, and former 15th district Congressman and [[Club for Growth]] President [[Pat Toomey]] in the general election. Recent polls have shown Toomey leading both Specter and Sestak. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_senate_elections/pennsylvania/2010_senate_election/election_2010_pennsylvania_senate/</ref><ref>http://media.economist.com/images/pdf/StatesTables20100121.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/01/27/toomey-surges-specter-poll-fundraising-shows-strong-fourth-quarter-draw/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+foxnews%252Fpolitics+%2528Text+-+Politics%2529&utm_content=My+Yahoo</ref>

*'''Vermont'''

*'''Vermont'''

*'''Washington'''

*'''Washington'''

Senior Senator [[Patty Murray]] is well positioned for reelection in 2010. Although if 8th district Congressman Dave Reichert runs the race could become competitive.  

Senior Senator [[Patty Murray]] is well positioned for reelection in 2010. Although if 8th district Congressman [[Dave Reichert]] runs the race could become competitive.  

*'''Wisconsin'''

*'''Wisconsin'''

*'''Arizona'''

*'''Arizona'''

Senior Senator [[John McCain]], the Republicans presidential nominee in 2008, caught a break when Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, making it highly unlikely for her to challenge him for his Senate seat in 2010. Chris Simcox, a founder of the [[Minuteman group]], is challenging McCain in a primary.

Senior Senator [[John McCain]], the Republicans presidential nominee in 2008, caught a break when Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, making it highly unlikely for her to challenge him for his Senate seat in 2010. Former Congressman [[J. D. Hayworth]] is challenging McCain in a primary.

*'''Georgia'''

*'''Georgia'''

*'''Minnesota'''

*'''Minnesota'''

Two-term Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] has announced he will not seek another term and has become a potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate. Upon his announcement, several Republican jumped in the race, including State House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, former Minnesota State Auditor Patricia Anderson, State Representatives Paul Kohls and Tom Emmer, State Senator Mike Jungbauer, Minnesota Senate Minority Whip David Hann, and former State Representative Bill Haas. Former U.S. Senator [[Norm Coleman]] may run. Announced [[Democratic-Farmer-Labor-Party]] (DFL) candidates include Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Margaret Anderson Kelliher, former State House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, State Senators Tom Bakk and John Marty, and State Representatives Paul Thissen and Tom Rukavina. Former United States Senator Mark Dayton, who left office as one of the most unpopular Senators in the nation, is also seeking the Democratic nomination.

Two-term Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] has announced he will not seek another term and has become a potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate. Upon his announcement, several Republican jumped in the race, including State House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, former Minnesota State Auditor Patricia Anderson, State Representatives Paul Kohls and Tom Emmer, State Senator Mike Jungbauer, Minnesota Senate Minority Whip David Hann, and former State Representative Bill Haas. Announced [[Democratic-Farmer-Labor-Party]] (DFL) candidates include Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Margaret Anderson Kelliher, former State House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, State Senators Tom Bakk and John Marty, and State Representatives Paul Thissen and Tom Rukavina. Former United States Senator Mark Dayton, who left office as one of the most unpopular Senators in the nation, is also seeking the Democratic nomination.

*'''Nebraska'''

*'''Nebraska'''