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==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]], quietly put Senate Republicans in a position to benefit as the national political environment went negative toward Democrats, and was successful in narrowing the Democratic majority. Without losing any of their seats, the Republican Party defeated two incumbents, [[Blanche Lincoln]] (D-[[Arkansas]]) and [[Russ Feingold]] (D-[[Wisconsin]]), and won four Democratic-held open seats: [[Illinois]], [[Indiana]], [[North Dakota]], and [[Pennsylvania]]. Additionally, Republican [[Scott Brown]] was elected to replace the late Senator [[Ted Kennedy]] (D-[[Massachusetts]]) in a January special election.

===Special Election===

===Republican Gains===

*'''Massachusetts'''

*'''Arkansas'''

Republican State Senator [[Scott Brown]] pulled a major upset when he defeated Attorney General [[Martha Coakley]] by a 52%-47% margin.

Moderate Democrat [[Blanche Lincoln]] was defeated by 21 percentage points after Republicans made her one of their 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 opposed to the public option in [[health care]]. She began airing TV ads in March touting her independence from President Obama and national Democrats. Lincoln defeated [[Lieutenant Governor]] [[Bill Halter]] in a close runoff for the Democratic nomination.

Liberal icon [[Ted Kennedy]], the third longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, died in August 2009, marking the end of an era. During the [[2004 Presidential Election]] the Democratic super-majority in the state legislator blocked the right of [[Republican]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]] to appoint an interim senator had [[John Kerry]] been elected President. After changing the law to allow Governor [[Deval Patrick]], a [[Democrat]], the right to appoint a temporary replacement for Kennedy, he choose former Democratic National Committee chairman [[Paul Kirk]]. He did not seek a full term of his own, and a special election was held on January 19, 2010.

Third district Congressman [[John Boozman]] easily won the Republican nomination, defeating State Senator [[Gilbert Baker]] and former State Senator Jim Holt. Boozman comfortably led thoughout the entire campaign.

 

State Attorney General [[Martha Coakley]] won the Democratic primary, defeating businessman Alan Khazei, Representative Mike Capuano, and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca. Charismatic State Senator [[Scott Brown]] was the Republican nominee.<ref> Many high-profile Republicans declined to fight the odds, including former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, former Governor Mitt Romney, former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and former [[Red Sox]] pitcher [[Curt Schilling]], a conservative. See [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203804.html news]</ref>.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Republican Governor [[Charlie Crist]], who once enjoyed high approval ratings, appointed [[George LeMieux]] upon the resignation of Senator [[Mel Martinez]]. LeMieux held the seat temporarily for Governor Crist who decided to run for the Senate. He was the establishment pick for the Republican nomination, but was challenged by conservative Florida House Speaker and Tea Party backed candidate [[Marco Rubio]], who led by 32 points according to Public Policy Polling. <ref>[http://www.rollcall.com/news/43979-1.html Poll Shows Rubio Ahead by 32 Points in Florida, RollCall.com, March 9, 2010]</ref> Crist announced he would drop out of the Republican primary and run as an Independent.

 

Crist alienated conservatives when he campaigned with President Obama in support for the $787 billion economic stimulus package, which was entirely opposed by the Florida Republican federal delegation. Democrats nominated 17th district Congressman Kendrick Meek, who defeated billionaire businessman Jeff Greene. Rubio was elected with a 49% plurality, defeating Crist who received 30% and Meek who received 20%.  

*'''Indiana'''

*'''Indiana'''

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. Kirk defeated Giannoulias by a 48%-46% margin.

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. Kirk defeated Giannoulias by a 48%-46% margin.

*'''Kansas'''

*'''Massachusetts'''

Incumbent Republican [[Sam Brownback]] honored his campaign pledge to serve only two terms. 1st district Congressman Jerry Moran defeated 4th district Congressman Todd Tiahrt for the Republican nomination by a 50%-45% margin, while Democrats nominated Lisa Johnston, an administrator at Baker University. Moran defeated Johnston by a 70%-26% margin.  

Republican State Senator [[Scott Brown]] pulled a major upset when he defeated Attorney General [[Martha Coakley]] by a 52%-47% margin.

Republicans had a victory when unpopular incumbent Senator [[Jim Bunning]] announced he would not seek a third term. Kentucky Secretary of State [[Trey Grayson]] sought the Republican nomination, however was defeated by Tea Party activist [[Rand Paul]], an eye surgeon who is the son of Texas Congressman [[Ron Paul]]. Paul 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) was defeated by Attorney General Jack Conway. Paul defeated Conway by a 56%-44% margin.

State Attorney General [[Martha Coakley]] won the Democratic primary, defeating businessman Alan Khazei, Representative Mike Capuano, and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca. Charismatic State Senator [[Scott Brown]] was the Republican nominee.<ref> Many high-profile Republicans declined to fight the odds, including former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, former Governor Mitt Romney, former Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and former [[Red Sox]] pitcher [[Curt Schilling]], a conservative. See [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/22/AR2009092203804.html news]</ref>.

[[File:Sbrown1.jpg|thumb|290px|right|a last minute appeal]]

*'''Missouri'''

It was a safe Democratic seat until January, when Democrats reeled in shock as Coakley lost her 30 point lead and trailed by 5-10 points in the closing hours. Coakley was an ineffective machine-style insider candidate who was unable to reach independents. Brown's main theme was that he would be the 41st senator and would block the Obama health care plan--which Massachusetts did not need, he explained, because it had its own plan in operation. Coakley responded by attacking bankers and bringing in big guns like [[Bill Clinton]], [[John Kerry]] and [[Barack Obama]]. They appealed to regular Democrats and alienated the equally numerous independents, who prefered Brown by more than 2-1.

Incumbent Republican Senator [[Kit Bond]] announced he will not seek fifth term. Former House Majority Whip [[Roy Blunt]] announced his candidacy. Blunt benefited from strong fundraising numbers and President Obama's dismal approval ratings in Missouri. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan won the Democratic nomination. BLunt defeated Carnahan by a 54%-41% margin.

The defeat for Coakley, coming on the heels of the Democrats' loss of Virginia and New Jersey in Nov. 2009, was a major blow to the liberal caused and reinvigorated the Republican party nationally.

*'''New Hampshire'''

*'''North Dakota'''

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]] won the Democratic nomination, while Republicans nominated former New Hampshire Attorney General [[Kelly Ayotte]]. Ayotte defeated Hodes by a 60%-37% margin.

[[Byron Dorgan]], a three-term [[Democrat]] Senator from [[North Dakota]], announced he would not seek reelection. Dorgan's announcement represented an opportunity for [[Republican]]s, after popular Governor [[John Hoeven]] announced his candidacy. <ref>http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/hoeven-makes-senate-run-offici.html</ref> Hoeven defeated State Senator Tracy Potter by a 76%-22% margin, carrying every county.

*'''North Dakota'''

*'''Pennsylvania'''

[[Byron Dorgan]], a three-term [[Democrat]] Senator from [[North Dakota]], announced he would not seek reelection. Dorgan's announcement represented an opportunity for [[Republican]]s, after popular Governor [[John Hoeven]] has announced his candidacy. <ref>http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/eyeon2010/2010/01/hoeven-makes-senate-run-offici.html</ref> Hoeven defeated State Senator Tracy Potter by a 76%-22% margin, carrying every county.

*'''Wisconsin'''

Moderate Republican [[George Voinovich]] announced he would not seek a third term. Lieutenant Governor [[Lee Fisher]] won the Democratic nomination over Ohio Secretary of State [[Jennifer Brunner]] with 55% of the vote, a much closer margin than polls had shown. <ref>http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/dem-primaries/96111-fisher-wins-ohio-dem-senate-primary-will-face-portman</ref>Fisher received the endorsement of Democratic Governor [[Ted Strickland]]. Meanwhile, Republicans rallied behind [[Rob Portman]], former Congressman and Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]. Although polls originally showed a tight race, Portman defeated Fisher by a 57%-39% margin.

===Democratic Holds===

*'''West Virginia'''

*'''California'''

Popular Democratic Governor [[Joe Manchin]] was elected to replace the late Senator [[Robert Byrd]]. Businessman and 2006 nominee John Raese made the race surprisingly close by tieing Manchin to the Obama administration.

Although [[California]] is a solidly Democratic state, conservatives originally saw outspoken liberal Senator [[Barbara Boxer]] as vulnerable. Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], who was term-limited in 2010, announced he would not run. Former Hewlett-Packard Company President [[Carly Fiorina]] defeated former U.S. Rep. [[Tom Campbell]] and Assemblyman [[Chuck DeVore]] in the Republican primary. Boxer defeated Fiorina by ten percentage points.

Third district Congressman [[John Boozman]] easily won the Republican nomination, defeating State Senator [[Gilbert Baker]] and former State Senator Jim Holt. Boozman comfortably led thoughout the entire campaign.

30-year Senate veteran [[Chris Dodd]] announced he would not seek a sixth term. Dodd’s approval ratings 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. Popular state Attorney General [[Richard Blumenthal]] won the Democratic nomination, increasing the Democrats' chances of holding the seat. However, his poll numbers dropped after a [[New York Times]] report revealed that he exaggerated his military record.

Although [[California]] is a solidly Democratic state, conservatives originally saw outspoken liberal Senator [[Barbara Boxer]] as vulnerable. Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], who’s term-limited in 2010, announced he would not run. Former Hewlett-Packard Company President [[Carly Fiorina]] defeated former U.S. Rep. [[Tom Campbell]] and Assemblyman [[Chuck DeVore]] in the Republican primary. Boxer defeated Fiorina by ten percentage points.

Republicans nominated World Wrestling Entertainment CEO [[Linda McMahon]], defeating former Congressman [[Rob Simmons]] and libertarian-leaning economist [[Peter Schiff]], a stock broker and adviser to [[Ron Paul]]’s 2008 presidential campaign. Blumenthal won the general election by a 55%-43% margin.

*'''Colorado'''

*'''Delaware'''

Appointed Democratic Senator [[Michael Bennet]] was reelected a competitive campaign. Former Speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives [[Andrew Romanoff]] was defeated in his bid to challenge Bennet for the Democratic nomination, while Weld County District Attorney [[Ken Buck]] defeated former Lieutenant Governor [[Jane Norton]] in the Republican primary.  

[[Joe Biden]] was simultaneously elected to a seventh term in the Senate and Vice President at the same time. Democratic Governor [[Ruth Ann Minner]] appointed a "caretaker" Senator, [[Ted Kaufman]]. Michael Castle, a moderate Republican who also served as Governor and Lieutenant Governor, was heavily favored to win the Republican nomination. However, Tea Party backed insurgent Christine O’Donnell ousted Castle in the primary, improving New Castle County Executive Chris Coons chances in holding the seat for Democrats. The Republican Party had a mixed reaction to O’Donnell’s victory. She had caused controversy regarding her views on creationism and Christian values. Coons defeated O’Donnell by a 57%-40% margin.

*'''Hawaii'''

*'''Hawaii'''

Democratic Senator [[Ron Wyden]] defeated his Republican challenger, Lewis & Clark College law professor Jim Huffman by a 57%-39% margin.  

Democratic Senator [[Ron Wyden]] defeated his Republican challenger, Lewis & Clark College law professor Jim Huffman by a 57%-39% margin.  

*'''Vermont'''

*'''Vermont'''

Polls show that Senator [[Patty Murray]], once considered well positioned for reelection, would face a competitive race against Washington's former state Senator, [[Dino Rossi]]. In November, Murray defeated Rossi by a 52%-48% margin.

Polls show that Senator [[Patty Murray]], once considered well positioned for reelection, would face a competitive race against Washington's former state Senator, [[Dino Rossi]]. In November, Murray defeated Rossi by a 52%-48% margin.

*'''Wisconsin'''

*'''West Virginia'''

Three-term incumbent [[Russ Feingold]] had positioned himself for a comfortable reelection after former governor and Health and Human Services Secretary [[Tommy Thompson]] announced he would not run. However, Tea Party activist and Oshkosh businessman [[Ron Johnson]] defeated Feingold by a 52%-47% margin.

Popular Democratic Governor [[Joe Manchin]] was elected to replace the late Senator [[Robert Byrd]]. Businessman and 2006 nominee John Raese made the race surprisingly close by tieing Manchin to the Obama administration.  

===Republican incumbents===

===Republican Holds===

*'''Alabama'''

*'''Alabama'''

*'''Alaska'''  

*'''Alaska'''  

[[Lisa Murkowski]] won a term for the U.S. Senate in her own right in 2004 by a close 48%-45% margin, however, in 2010 she lost the Primary Election against [[Joe Miller]], who is a [[Conservative]] candidate and [[Tea Party Movement|Tea Party]] favorite. Democrats nominated Sitka, Alaska Mayor Scott McAdams. Murkowski pursued her campaign as a write-in candidate, and was reelected with a 39% plurality, while Miller received 35% and McAdams 23%. She has the distinction of being the first person elected to the Senate via write-in since [[Strom Thurmond]] in 1954.  

[[Lisa Murkowski]] won a term for the U.S. Senate in her own right in 2004 by a close 48%-45% margin, however, in 2010 she lost the Primary Election against [[Joe Miller]], a [[Conservative]] candidate and [[Tea Party Movement|Tea Party]] favorite. Democrats nominated Sitka, Alaska Mayor Scott McAdams. Murkowski pursued her campaign as a write-in candidate, and was reelected with a 39% plurality, while Miller received 35% and McAdams 23%. She has the distinction of being the first person elected to the Senate via write-in since [[Strom Thurmond]] in 1954.  

*'''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. However, former Congressman [[J. D. Hayworth]] challenged McCain in a primary, but was defeated by a 56%-32% margin. McCain went on to defeat Tucson City Councilor Rodney Glassman by a 59%-35% margin.  

Senior Senator [[John McCain]], the Republicans presidential nominee in 2008, caught a break when Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security. However, former Congressman [[J. D. Hayworth]] challenged McCain in a primary, but was defeated by a 56%-32% margin. McCain went on to defeat Tucson City Councilor Rodney Glassman by a 59%-35% margin.  

*'''Georgia'''

*'''Georgia'''

30-year incumbent [[Charles Grassley]] is one of the most distinguished and influential Republican Senators in Washington (he serves as ranking member of the Finance Committee). He was reelected by a 65%-33% margin against former U.S. Attorney Roxanne Conlin, carrying all but one county.

30-year incumbent [[Charles Grassley]] is one of the most distinguished and influential Republican Senators in Washington (he serves as ranking member of the Finance Committee). He was reelected by a 65%-33% margin against former U.S. Attorney Roxanne Conlin, carrying all but one county.

*'''Louisiana'''

*'''Louisiana'''

[[Louisiana]], a conservative state, was not effected by the national trend for Democrats in 2006 and 2008. Republican [[Bobby Jindal]] was elected Governor by a landslide in 2007, in 2008 John McCain received a larger margin of victory in the state than George W. Bush in 2004, while the GOP gained two House seats from the Democrats. Yet first-term Republican [[David Vitter]] was considered to be vulnerable for his reelection after he confessed in 2007 to seeing an escort service, which has continued to taint his career. Third-district Congressman [[Charlie Melancon]] won the Democratic nomination. Vitter defeated Melancon by a 57%-38% margin.

[[Louisiana]], a conservative state, was not effected by the national trend for Democrats in 2006 and 2008. Republican [[Bobby Jindal]] was elected Governor by a landslide in 2007, in 2008 John McCain received a larger margin of victory in the state than George W. Bush in 2004, while the GOP gained two House seats from the Democrats. Yet first-term Republican [[David Vitter]] was considered to be vulnerable for his reelection after he confessed in 2007 to seeing an escort service, which has tainted his career. Third-district Congressman [[Charlie Melancon]] won the Democratic nomination. Vitter defeated Melancon by a 57%-38% margin.

 

 

 

 

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]] won the Democratic nomination, while Republicans nominated former New Hampshire Attorney General [[Kelly Ayotte]]. Ayotte defeated Hodes by a 60%-37% margin.

*'''North Carolina'''

*'''North Carolina'''

First-term Republican [[Richard Burr]] was considered vulnerable after [[Barack Obama]] won [[North Carolina]]'s 15 electoral votes by a narrow margin, and Democrat [[Kay Hagan]] defeated Republican Senator [[Elizabeth Dole]]. It is also worth noting that no Senator has held this seat for more than one term since 1974. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall defeated former State Senator Cal Cunningham and Attorney Ken Lewis in the Democratic primary. Burr was reelected by a 55%-43% margin.

First-term Republican [[Richard Burr]] was considered vulnerable after [[Barack Obama]] won [[North Carolina]]'s 15 electoral votes by a narrow margin, and Democrat [[Kay Hagan]] defeated Republican Senator [[Elizabeth Dole]]. It is also worth noting that no Senator has held this seat for more than one term since 1974. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall defeated former State Senator Cal Cunningham and Attorney Ken Lewis in the Democratic primary. Burr was reelected by a 55%-43% margin.

*'''South Carolina'''

*'''South Carolina'''