We have been so caught up in the 2008 Presidential race that we haven't taken a look at the other races happening in 2008.
Here are some contested races in 2008:
U.S. Senate:
Arkansas U.S. Senate:
Senator Mark Pryor may face a tough challenge, but its not likely. Ex-US Attorney Chuck Banks is looking to be his GOP challenger, however if Former Governor Mike Huckabee ever leaves the 2008 presidential race early he could easily unseat Pryor.
Our Rating: Leaning Democratic Hold
Colorado U.S. Senate:
2 term incumbant U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R) stood to his owrd of only serving 2 terms and announced he wont seek a 3rd term. That leaves this seat as a possible pick-up for the Democrats. Democratic Congressman Mark Udall is seen as the wide favorite to become Allard's successor. Former Congressman and State Board of Education Member Bob Schaffer will likely challenge Udall in the General Election.
Our Rating: Leaning Democratic pick-up
Georgia U.S. Senate:
Senator Saxby Chambliss remains popular and looks to be safe but he faces alot of Democratic challengers. Attorney General Thurbert Baker and Ex Governor Roy Barnes are considering a run and both could but a decent fight against the Senator.
Our Rating Leaning Republican Hold
Illionis U.S. Senate:
Sen. Dick Durbin has become less popular, but Illionis voters are liekly to give him another term. State Senator Bill Brady is his likely challenger and he wont go far.
Our Rating: Safe Democratic Hold
Iowa U.S. Senate:
Tom Harkin is facing some challengers, but his popularity should cruise him to an easy re-election. Congressman Steve King is his only challenge.
Our Rating: Safe Democratic Hold
Louisiana U.S. Senate:
With the likely Governor mansion pick-up in 2007 the GOP hope that momentum will surge to win a Senate seat as well. Incumbant Mary Landrieu barely won her 2002 election and the GOP sees her as very vulrenable. GOP Congressman Richard Baker and State Treasurer John Kennedy are looking to unseat Landrieu. State Secretary of State Jay Dardenne is also expected to run.
Our Rating: Leaning Republican pick-up
Maine U.S. Senate:
Incumbent U.S. Senator Susan Collins faces a tough re-election challenge this year and the Democrats see another possible pick-up to increase their control in the Senate. Collins remains popular in her state, but her party isn't. Former Sen. Lincoln Chafee was just like this when he lost his seat. However early polls and fundraising numbers prove that Collins holds the advantage of Democratic Congressman Tom Allen.
Our Rating: Leaning Republican Hold
Massachusetts U.S. Senate:
Sen. John Kerry is seen as verey unpopular in his state but not a strong enough candidate will run against. The only way I see this Democratic leader losing is Fmr. MA Governor Mitt Romney running, but he now actaully has a shot at the White House so I dont see that happening.
Our Rating: Safe Democratic Hold
Minnesota U.S. Senate:
1st term U.S. Senator Norm Coleman was looking to be a possible unseater, but the Democrats cant pick a strong enough candidate to beat Coleman. Coleman currently leads Comedian Al Franken and Mike Ciersi by double digits. He may just sneak by again with luck.
Our Rating: Leaning Republican Hold
Montana U.S. Senate:
The state has turned very Democratic and doesn't look likely to change, but if Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg ran Senator Max Baucus might be in trouble.
Our Rating: Safe Democratic Hold
New Hampshire U.S. Senate:
Sen. John Sununu is probably #1 on the Democrats hit list in 2008. Sununu barely was elected and his old opponent Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen is looking to be a serious challenger. Even popular Governor Lynch is considering a possible run against Sununu. Either candidate will likely defeat Sununu.
Our Rating: Leaning Democratic pick-up
North Carolina U.S. Senate:
U.S. Senate Elizabeth Dole is looking to steam right past a challenge and cruise to an easy re-election. Democratic Congressman Brad Miller decided not to seek the U.S. Senate next year and there goes any thought that Dole would be unseated.
Our Rating: Safe Republican Hold
Oregon U.S. Senate:
Sen. Gordon Smith is seen as vulrenable in 2008, but his approval remains high and no strong Democratic Candidate has put forward his name for consideration. Smith is a moderate in a Democratic state, but without a strong challenger Smith should glide to an easy re-election. However Legislature big wigs could take him on and make this a close race so we cant say this seat is completely safe.
Our Rating: Leaning Republican Hold
South Dakota U.S. Senate:
Sen. Tim Johnson has just started recovering from his stroke that nearly killed him and he faces a tough election year. If Governor Mike Rounds runs Johnson might be out of a job, but that really so far is he only challenge. The GOP faces an injured Senator with high approvals. Sp far we have to give this seat a Democratic lean, but that could change if Rounds runs in 2008.
Our Rating: Leans Democratic Hold
Wyoming U.S. Senate Special Election:
Newly Sworn-in U.S. Senator John Barrasso already faces an election. Barrasso faces possible challenges from within his party, such as Former State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis and Former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead, but he should survive those challenges and since the state is so heavily Republican the Democrats shouldn't be able to defeat Barrasso. Gary Trauner who narrowly lost to Rep. Barbara Cubin for here seat may very likely be Barrasso's challenger. State Senator Mike Massie has also stated interest in 2008. Paul Hickey an attorney and son of a former governor may also throw his hat into the ring. Governor Dave Freudenthal has stated little interest and will likely not run and finish his term as governor.
Our Rating: Safe Republican Hold
Senate Projection for 2008
Democrats 50
Republicans 48
Independents 2
Governor Contested Races
Delaware Governor:
State Lt. Governor John Carney is widely seen as Ruth Minner's successor, but the 5 GOP candidates may give him a slight challenge. State Treasurer Jack Markell may also run as a Democratic.
Our Rating: Leans Democratic Hold.
Missouri Governor:
Governor Matt Blunt, who narrowly won re-election and currently has low approval numbers could be in danger. Democrats hope State Attorney General Jay Nixon can win back the Governor's mansion and he just might do that. It looks as if he will, with Blunt's numbers falling. State Treasurer Sarah Steelman hopes to defeat Blunt in the GOP Primary and save the Governorship from Democratic hands.
Our Rating: Leans Democratic pick-up
Montana Governor:
Governor Brian Schweitzer will likely stay in the Governors mansion with his high approval numbers. Schweitzer faces little challenge from Fmr. State Senate Minority Leader Bob Keenan. Businessman Steve Daines might also run.
Our Rating: Safe Democratic Hold
North Carolina Governor:
This seat is up for grabs by any party. State Treasurer Richard Moors and Lt. Governor Bev Perdue are vying for the Democratic Nomination and the GOP struggles to find a strong candidate. State House Speaker Richard Morgan may run, and Attorney Bill Graham and State Senator Fred Smith and Ex. State Supreme Court Member Bob Orr are currently the only GOP candidate running.
Our Rating: Leans Democratic Hold
Washington Governor: Christine Gregoire narrowly and I mean narrowly won in 2004. She won by only 130 votes. Her old opponent Former State Senator Dino Rossi is widely seen as a candidate. Rossi leads Gregoire by double digits in early polls, but this could still be a close race.
Our Rating: Leans Republican pick-up.
Governor Prediction for 2008:
Democrats 28
Republicans 22.
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