It’s been a while – I think it’s time for another one of these, especially with the entry of Mark Begich into the AK-Sen. So you know what to do: Rank the senate races (as far down the list as you wish to go) in order of likelihood of flipping. Have at it!
49 thoughts on “Senate Cattle Call”
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I’m just going to rank the Republican seats:
Will Flip:
Virginia
Likely to Flip:
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Probably will Flip:
Colorado
Minnesota
Tossup:
Alaska
Probably will not Flip:
Mississippi (the Lott seat)
Oregon (I’m being cautious–notice I didn’t say “conservative”)
Maine
Oklahoma
Texas
Unlikely to Flip:
Nebraska
Georgia (If we get stuck with Vernon Jones, this race is lost).
Kentucky
Dole
1. Virginia
–
2. New Mexico
3. New Hampshire
–
4. Colorado
5. Minnesota
6. Alaska
–
7. Oregon
8. Maine
9. Mississippi-B
–
10. Texas
–
11. Oklahoma
12. North Carolina
13. Nebraska
14. Idaho
–
15. Kentucky
–
1. Virginia (open)
2. New Mexico (open)
3. Colorado (open)
4. New Hampshire (Sununu)
5. Minnesota (Coleman)
6. Maine (Collins)
7. Oregon (Smith)
8. Alaska (Stevens)
9. North Carolina (Dole)
10. Texas (Cornyn)
11. Mississippi (Wicker)
12. Nebraska (Open)
13. Kentucky (McConell)
14. Idaho (Open)
15. Oklahoma (Inhofe)
16. Georgia (Chambliss)
17. Tennessee (Lamar!)
18. Wyoming (Barasso)
19. Alabama (Sessions)
20. South Carlolina (Graham)
21. Kansas (Roberts)
22. Mississippi (Cochran)
23. Wyoming (Enzi)
All but certain:
1. Virginia
2. New Mexico
Almost there:
3. New Hampshire
4. Minnesota
5. Colorado
Work to be done:
6. Oregon
7. Maine
I honestly don’t think any other seats will flip, but here we go.
Tough calls:
8. Alaska – Even though he filed, Stevens is likely to resign or lose his primary, and VECO will pick their new Senator.
9. Louisiana – Landrieu is probably safer than Dole and McConnell, but she has a challenger with unified support, and the GOP will pump everything they have into this race.
Wasted opportunities:
10. North Carolina
11. Kentucky
Strong candidates in states too red:
12. Mississippi-B
13. Texas
14. Nebraska
15. Idaho
16. Oklahoma
Will flip:
Virginia (Open/J.Warner) – Mark Warner
New Hampshire (Sununu) – Jeanne Shaheen
New Mexico (Open/Domenici) – Tom Udall
Minnesota (Coleman) – Al Franken
Likely to flip:
Colorado (Open/Allard) – Mark Udall
Alaska (Stevens) – Mark Begich
Could flip w/ Obama coattails:
Texas (Cornyn) – Rick Noriega
Mississippi-B (Open/Lott) – Ronnie Musgrove
Lean R:
Oregon (Smith)
Maine (Collins)
Likely R:
N.Carolina (Dole)
Nebraska (Open/Hagel)
Idaho (Open/Craig)
Oklahoma (Inhofe)
Roberts (Kansas)
Kentucky (McConnell)
Solid R:
Wyoming-B (Barrasso)
Alabama (Sessions)
S. Carolina (Graham)
Georgia (Chambliss)
Tennessee (Alexander)
Wyoming-A (Enzi)
Mississippi-A (Cochran)
D seats:
No losses.
1. Virginia (Mark Warner v. Jim Gilmore)
2. New Mexico (Tom Udall v. Steven Pearce)
3. New Hampshire (Jeanne Shaheen v. John Sununu)
4. Alaska (Mark Begich v. Ted Stevens)
5. Minnesota (Al Franken v. Norm Coleman)
6. Colorado (Mark Udall v. Bob Schaffer)
7. Oregon (Jeff Merkley v. Gordon Smith)
8. Louisiana (Mary Landrieu v. John Kennedy)
9. Mississippi (Ronnie Musgrove v. Roger Wicker)
10. Maine (Tom Allen v. Susan Collins)
11. North Carolina (Kay Hagan v. Elizabeth Dole)
1. Virginia
2. New Mexico
3. New Hampshire
4. Colorado
5. Minnesota
6. Alaska
7. Oregon
8. Maine
9. Louisiana
10. Mississippi
11. Texas
12. North Carolina
1. Virgina
2. New Mexico
3. New Hampshire
4. Colorado
5. Minnesota
6. Alaska(assuming both Begich and Stevens are the nominees)
7. Oregon
8. Maine
9. North Carolina (once it gets going)
10. Texas
Remember how this cycle began? We were already quite optimistic. Colorado was our gimme state and New Hampshire was gonna be close, and then Minnesota, Oregon, and Maine were going to be our heavily spending ones that would come down to the wire. Look at the list now, Maine and Oregon worry me a lot and I think they’ll get lost in the shuffle and won’t get the attention from the DSCC they should. Virginia is done, New Mexico is almost a done deal as well, and New Hampshire. Alaska ranks with Colorado and Minnesota?!
This will probably be one of the best Senate cycles any of us will ever live through! Isn’t that exciting!!!
http://www.swingstateproject.c…
In order of likely hood to flip.
Will Flip
1) Virginia. Warner won this seat by declaring and Gilmore is an ass
2) New Mexico. Bloody GOP primary and Udall’s massive lead in the polls and fundraising all but secure this one.
Very Likely to Flip
3) New Hampshire. Sununu starts from behind, and incumbents that start from behind rarely win. Looks to be this year’s Casey v. Sanctorum
4) Colorado. What was once our best shot has dropped to 4 on the list. However the GOP never has any trouble getting to 45%, it’s that last 5% that they struggle to get. I’m confident in this one.
Likely to Flip
5) Minnesota. Franken looks to be our nominee, and he looks to be starting in a statistical dead heat. Started 10 points back, so trends are very favorable. Incumbents in this kind of position more often then not will lose
Leaning Flip
6) Alaska. Who knew that Alaska would be so competitive? We have the strongest possible candidate in Mayor Begich. Stevens says he is running for reelection, and looks to be starting behind. I would put this in likely flip, but I think that Stevens will wind up getting indited, drop out, or get primaried. If it is Stevens v. Begich, likely flip.
Tossup
7) Louisiana. Landrieu has her work cut out for her. She starts out ahead and Kennedy looks to be a poor campaigner, but her main base in New Orleans is scattered. Those who have returned are more upper-class whites, more Republican then Democratic. She has a huge warchest and this is the only seat where the Dems have to play defense. The NRSC has its hands full with seat protection and has little money compared with Schumer’s massive DSCC warchst. Its gonna be closer then her previous runs, where were close themselves.
Leaning Hold
8) Maine. Incumbents lose when voters want to fire them. Right now Maine voters don’t look to be firing Collins. This still might be the Road Island of 2008, but at the moment Allen has work to do.
9) Oregon. Lackluster recruiting almost killed our chances, but Oregon House Speaker Merkley doesn’t look like an A+ candidate yet. In fact Novick does better in the polls at this point. Both start behind, and Smith is going to blur the hell out of Iraq. Lots of time left, but Merkley has work to do.
Likely Hold
10) Mississippi-B, strong candidate in a deep red state. Probably too red at this point.
11) Texas
12) Oklahoma
13) Nebraska
Everything else looks to be safe for now,
Do you think there is any way Andrew Rice can beat Inhofe in Oklahoma?
Virginia, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and now Alaska are the most likely to switch. And I honestly don’t think that Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon are too far behind, especially when coupled with presidential coattails in what looks like it’s going to be a good year for Democrats.
So that’s seven potential seats there. I also think that Texas, Idaho, Mississippi and North Carolina could swing our way, and while the chances are slim I’m not ruling out longshots in Oklahoma and Nebraska. Everything else I think is safe, except of course for Landreu’s seat which could go either way.
All in all, I think this is going to be a really fun year for us.
Strong Dem:
Virgina
New Mexico
Lean Dem:
New Hampshire
Minnesota
S. Dakota
Tossups:
Alaska
Colorado
Louisiana
Lean R:
Oregon
Likely R:
Maine
Ones to watch:
Massachusetts (I know it’s another Zogby “blind bio” poll,
but Kerry’s not too popular there, it seems).
Mississippi-B: Even with the maneuvering, Musgrove might have a chance.
Maybe a bit “conservative,” but I’m not so sure Obama such a great plus on top of the ticket.
GOP Held seats most likely to flip, in order, with percentage likely to flip:
1) Virginia 65%
2) New Mexico 59%
3) New Hampshire 57%
4) Colorado 55%
5) Minnesota 53%
5) Alaska (assumes Stevens stays in to Nov.) 52%
6) Oregon 48%
7) Maine 46%
8) North Carolina 42%
9) Mississippi B (Lott) 42%
10) Nebraska 40%
11) Oklahoma 39%
12) Idaho 38%
13) Texas 37%
The others are safe. KY is a huge lost opportunity. At least ONE of the seats listed 8-13 WILL flip.
Dem held seats most likely to flip
1) Louisiana 52%
The others are safe.
We have some REALLY REALLY old readers here who lived through the 1930’s and the string of amazing Democratic years (30, 32, 34, and 36)
Rankings for from most favored to flip to least…it’s more likely that the GOP will gain control of the US House (NOT) than more than 10 senators’ seats would flip! So the end of this list is pushing the envelope. All in all I say it’s DEM +5 to make it 56-44, but could be as few as DEM+3 to as high as DEM+8 (I’m too hesitant to put DEM+9, that means 60 Senators and no filibuster!).
Favored to Flip…
1. Virginia (no words are needed)
2. New Mexico – Rep. Tom Udall has this in the bag!
Leaning Flip…
3. New Hampshire – Shaheen will win this rematch given NH’s change to purple status and anti-Bush sentiment.
4. Colorado – It’s a family affair, and this will be close, but Rep. Mark Udall joins his cousin(s) in the Upper Chamber.
Toss-Ups…
5. Alaska – Begich is in, and this race depends on if Stevens stays in, if Stevens gets indicted, and so much else. Really an unknown toss-up if there is one.
6. Minnesota – Incumbent Coleman tied to Bush, GOP convention, independent state, DEM nonimation for challeger not settled, lead in polls changes and within margin. DEM wave pushes this to take-over.
Leans Retention…
7. Louisiana – I’m not convinced that Louisiana won’t keep their senior member in the Congress given all the other vacanies. She has the $, name recognition, her brother won statewide as Lt. Gov, and Kennedy doesn’t seem to be the strongest challenger (yet).
8. Oregon – Sometimes it’s hard not to see the Udall’s cousin Sen. Gorden Smith as a democrat too! DEM candidates are in primary and this won’t tighten (if it does) until 2-3 months before the election.
9. Maine – I continue to wonder why Rep. Allen would leave his safe House seat he has won for six terms given the high approvals of Sen. Collins. I guess he figured he could pull a Chafee a la Rhode Island in 2006. I’m just not seeing it.
10. Mississippi – It’s MISSISSIPPI! But hey, it’s Wicker and it’s Musgrove, and Musgrove has won statewide (and lost statewide) for Governor. This would have been easier for takeover had it been an election in March as required under state law.
was a few months ago, but showed Allen down over 20 points. I think many polling outfits have pretty much given up on this
Collins 47/ Allen 42
That makes it pretty competitive in my book
Strong third party or independent candidate, a moderate, appears to be hurting the Dem more than Republican incumbent Smith. This could seriously hurt the D’s chances in Oregon.
Dennis Kucinich will become president before he loses this race:
1. Virginia (open)
Likely Democrat:
2. New Mexico (open)
3. Colorado (open)
4. New Hampshire (Sununu)
5. Minnesota (Coleman)
Lean Democrat:
6. Alaska (Stevens)
7. Oregon (Smith)
Toss up/Lean Dem:
8. Maine (Collins)
9. Mississippi (Wicker)
Toss up/Lean Rep:
10.Nebraska (Open)
11.Texas (Cornyn)
Lean/Likely Rep:
12. Kentucky (McConell)
13. North Carolina (Dole)
14. Idaho (Open)
15. Oklahoma (Inhofe)
Not happening here:
16. Tennessee (Lamar!)
17. Georgia (Chambliss)
18. Wyoming (Barasso)
19. Alabama (Sessions)
20. South Carlolina (Graham)
21. Kansas (Roberts)
22. Mississippi (Cochran)
23. Wyoming (Enzi)
Put that up there just beneath Alaska.
“9. Louisiana – Landrieu is probably safer than Dole and McConnell, but she has a challenger with unified support, and the GOP will pump everything they have into this race.”
If the GOP puts $10 million into this race, they could buy a victory here. However, if they sink $10 million in this race, they could lose in three or four states that would otherwise be safe Republican wins. (Basically all the states you rated as, “Strong candidates in states too red” would be in greater danger of flipping.)
U.S. Senate candidate Rand Knight (D-GA) is the only current democratic contender who is going around the state campaigning for the nomination to take on chambliss. He picked up a key endorsement today from a powerful union in Georgia. Josh Lanier (D-GA) said a couple weeks ago that he will run for the nomination to take on Chanbliss in the General Election. But no one has heard anything from him since he made the statement before the feb. 5 primaries. He would be the strongest challenger to chambliss in a head to head matchup followed by Knight. I still thinK that Jim Marshall (D-GA) should run against Chambliss because if Macon Mayor C.Jack Ellis officially jumps into the race, I think especially Obama the nominee, Ellis might beat Marshall in the Dems primaries in July. The 8th district had a record turnout among black voters on feb. 5 so it would be in my opinion the best thing for marshall to leave that seat & run for the U.S. Senate. Chambliss approval rating in Georgia at last checked is 38% so if a top-tier candidate emerges to take him on, it could be had by the democrats.
If we have no hope, the probability is always zero. But if we try, the probability is never zero.
And isn’t Inhofe not that popular in Oklahoma anyway?
As of now Louisiana leans D.
The GOP held seats are much more interesting. My rankings are as follows (in order of vulnerability in each section):
Favored D
Virginia
Leans D
New Mexico
New Hampshire
Colorado
Leans R
Minnesota
Alaska
Oregon
Mississippi
Maine
Favored R
North Carolina
Texas
Kentucky
Nebraska
Idaho
Oklahoma
Georgia
Safe R
South Carolina
Mississippi
Kansas
Alabama
Tennessee
Wyoming x2
Great chance
1. Virginia
Good chance
2. New Mexico
3. New Hampshire
4. Colorado
Even chance
5. Minnesota
Tough
6. Oregon
7. Maine
8. Louissiana
A little harder
9. Alaska
Uphill
10. Mississippi
11. Texas
12. North Carolina
1. Virginia- open R
2. New Mexico- open R
3. New Hampshire – Sununu R
4. Louisiana – Landrieu D
5. Colorado – open R
6. Minnesota – Coleman R
7. Alaska – Stevens R
8. Maine – Collins R
9. Oregon – Smith R
10. New Jersey – Lautenberg D
11. North Carolina – Dole R
12. Mississippi B – Wicker R
13. Kentucky – McConnell R
14. Nebraska – open R
15. Georgia – Chambliss R
16. Oklahoma – Inhofe R
17. Texas – Cornyn R
18. Idaho – open R
19. Montana – Baucus – D
20. Alabama – Sessions – R
21. Kansas – Roberts – R
22. South Dakota – Johnson D
23. Wyoming – Barrasso R
24. South Carolina – Graham R
25. Tennessee- Alexander R
26. Iowa – Harkin D
27. Illinois – Durbin D
28. Mississippi – Cochran R
29. Wyoming – Enzi R
30. Arkansas – Pryor D
31. Michigan – Levin D
32. West Virginia – Rockefeller D
33. Massachusetts – Kerry D
34. Delaware – Biden D
35. Rhode Island – Reed D
NM and VA – 90% chance of flipping
NH and CO – 80% chance
MN 60% chance
OR 50% chance
AK 40% chance
ME and LA 30% chance
TX and KY 20% chance
others with less
I know this might sound funny and off topic but…
We all know that more women vote than men. I honestly think that Scott Kleeb could get a lot of the female vote just on his looks alone! 🙂
1) VA
2) NM
3) NH
4) CO
5) MS B
6) AK (looking like Stevens will not be primary dumped)
7) KY ( back to back polls are neck and neck)
8) OR
9) NC
10)KS (Slattery in single digits now)
11)ME
12)MN (Al has some work to do)
13)TX
14)ID
15)NE
16)LA
WY A&B, MS A, SC, NC, TN, AL, GA (no traction at all yet)
The remaining 11 Dems – Faughgetaboutit!!!
Here’s my ranking for all the races — although I don’t think anything is even remotely possible once you get down to around 20
1. Virginia
2. New Mexico
3. New Hampshire
4. Colorado
5. Alaska
6. Oregom
7. Mississippi (Wicker)
8. Minnesota
9. Louisiana (D held seat)
10. Maine
11. North Carolina
12. Kentucky
13. New Jersey (D held seat)
14. Texas
15. Oklahoma
16. Nebraska
17. Kansas
18. Georgia
19. Idaho
20. South Carolina
21. Tennessee
22. Alabama
23. Mississippi (Cochran)
24. South Dakota (D)
26. Michigan (D)
27. West Virginia (D)
28. Iowa (D)
29. Delaware (D)
30. Illinois (D)
31. Wyoming (Barasso)
32: tie (impossible)
Wyoming (Enzi)
Massaschusetts (D)
Rhode Island (D)
Montana (D)
Arkansas (D)