The ingredients are there for Democrats to make a comeback in Senate

[BigBearJohn]

With just under 18 months to go until Election Day 2006, things continue to look up for Senate Democrats. The ingredients -- violence in Iraq, the uneven economy and partisan tension -- are there for the party to make a comeback after two cycles of GOP dominance.

Iraq, the number one issue for voters, is devouring the Republican Party. And with no new moment to look for that doesn't have the word "withdrawal" in it, it's hard to see how the situation improves before next November. We've caught Saddam Hussein, we've turned over power, we've held elections and the level of violence appears to be the same to the lay voter. We've been writing for months that at some point, Iraq was going to hurt the Republicans as much as it helped them in 2002. They lucked out in 2004, but 2006 is a whole new ballgame.

With at least six legitimate targets for the Democrats, the Senate is officially in play for the first time this cycle. We're not naïve. Minnesota and Maryland won't be easy for the party to defend. Add North Dakota and Democrats have their work cut out for them. But on the plus side, Republicans haven't found A-list recruits in places like Nebraska, Washington and Florida. While those three seats won't be easy for the Democrats to defend, things could be much worse.

http://nationaljournal.com/todd.htm

[Patiod]

1. We are SO getting rid of Santorum

We'll be doin' our part in the Keystone State
:hi:

[DaveinMD]

2. I think Maryland

may turn out to be an easy defend, especially the way Cardin seems to be locking things up.

[swag]

3. I think Montanans will get rid of that jackass Conrad Burns.

Whether they replace him with John Morrison or Jon Tester remains to be seen.

[dogday]

4. With all these fluff laws they are passing, someone is going

to pay for not getting some decent laws passed.....

[Al-CIAda]

5. Rigged machines and pussy party panzies will screw this up.